Please see the below for answers to our most commonly received questions. If you don’t find the answer you are looking for, please get in touch through our Contact form and we will be happy to assist you.

Registration

What time does Ai-Kon open and close each day?

Ai-Kon will begin at 12:00 pm on Friday, and end at 5:00pm on Sunday. The convention runs without closure during this time.

Where can I purchase tickets?

Tickets can be purchased online, or on-site during the convention weekend.

Can I buy tickets at the door?

Yes, the RBC Convention Centre Box Office will be open throughout the duration of Ai-Kon for ticket purchases. You can see the Box Office hours on this page.

I do not have a credit card, can I buy my tickets with cash?

Yes, the Box Office on-site at will accept cash, credit and debit cards.

I’m a parent and my child wants to go to Ai-Kon, but I’m not interested in attending.  How will this work?

If your child is 12 years or under, they are required to be accompanied by a paying adult. Under Manitoba law, children 12 and under must be with their guardian at all times.

Your child does not require a guardian if they are 13 years or older. Do be aware that the RBC Convention Centre does not have a venue-wide paging system; please have a system in place to contact your child at all times, such as a cell phone.

Can I let my friend or significant other pick up my badge for me?

Ai-Kon highly recommends picking up your own badge to avoid issues with entering the convention, as each Ai-Kon ticket may only be scanned once. If absolutely necessary, you may arrange for someone else to pick up your badge on your behalf. Please ensure that you make careful arrangements with the person picking up your badge to avoid loss of the badge and entry into the convention.

Showing Schedule

When will the showing schedule be available?

The full schedule will be posted 1-2 weeks prior to the event. Once available, it can be accessed on our website. A copy of the full schedule will also be included in the physical guidebook, and on the Guidebook app during the convention.

Marketplace: Artists

Are there any more art tables available?

Availability will be advertised on the Artist page. Contact our Artist Coordinator for specific inquiries.

May I tape or pin my artwork to the wall behind my booth to showcase it?

The RBC Convention Centre regulations state that it is not permitted to attach anything to the collapsible segment walls. Ai-Kon recommends buying display boards/science fair displays to help show off your work on your table.

Marketplace: Vendors

I have a bunch of secondhand stuff I’d like to sell, but I’m not a vendor.  Can I come to Ai-Kon and sell them?

Only confirmed vendors may sell merchandise at the convention on RBC Convention Centre grounds.

Bag Check

May I leave items in the Bag Check overnight?

No, items left in the Bag Check must be collected at the end of every night.  Any items left in the Bag Check after this time will be turned over to the RBC Convention Centre Lost and Found.

Bag Check Hours:

• Friday: Noon – Midnight
• Saturday: 9 am – 3am
• Sunday: 9am – 6pm

Cosplay

My registration badge won’t work with my costume, is there another way for me to attend Ai-Kon?

Your badge must be viewable at all times in order to access attendee-exclusive spaces.

I bought a metal replica katana/weapon for my costume, can I bring it into the convention?

No, please review our Weapons Policy at this link.

Events

Do any of the events/panels/game/dance shows cost money to participate in?

All convention-hosted events are included in your registration fee, with the exception of the Maid Cafe and food-related panels.

Are there limits on how many people can attend a panel or event?

Some panels have a limit due to the availability of supplies and room capacity. Where noted, some panels may require pre-registration or wristbands to attend.

The Maid Cafe can only be attended by ticket holders. Please see this page for further information on attending the Maid Cafe.

I would like to host a panel/event, how do I do this?

Ai-Kon encourages our fans to take part in our convention programming. Attendees can put on panels in their area interest of expertise. See the Events and Panels page for more information on how to host a panel at Ai-Kon.

Volunteering

If I volunteer, do I get free admission?

Returning volunteers from the prior summer Ai-Kon receive free admission. New volunteers, or volunteers from prior to the previous summer’s Ai-Kon, receive tickets at a discounted price.

Contact our Volunteer Coordinator for information on how you can become a volunteer at volunteers@ai-kon.org.

When will I know my volunteer schedule?

Our Volunteer Coordinator will provide your schedule to you approximately 1-2 weeks prior to the convention. They will send the schedule and related information via email.

Miscellaneous

Are there areas that I am not allowed to photograph or video record?

All areas are allowable for photography with the exceptions of the Marketplace and 18+ panels.  Remember: Cosplay is not consent, always ask for permission before taking a photo of an attendee.
Photography or video recordings are not permitted in showing rooms or during panels, including guest panels. This is a zero tolerance policy; offenders may be ejected from the convention and charges can be laid.

I have a problem, where can I go to find assistance?

Please proceed to the Registration Desk where you received your badge, or to the Convention Operations room (1st floor, North building, room 16). You can talk to any on-site volunteers and staff at any time, and they will direct you to correct person. We’re here to help, so please do not hesitate to reach out for assistance!