Gamehole Con 2025 Exhibitor Instructions

Thank you for joining us this fall for Gamehole Con 2025!

The Con is again being held in the Exhibition Hall at the Alliant Energy Center, located at 1919 Alliant Energy Center Way, Madison, Wisconsin 53713.

The Con will run October 16-19, 2025. The full calendar of events starts at 8 a.m. on Thursday. It ends at 6 p.m. on Sunday.


Exhibition Hall hours are:

  • 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. Thursday, Friday, and Saturday;
  • 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Sunday (You are expected to stay until 4:00 p.m. on Sunday – it is unfair to Sunday-only attendees if the full Dealer Hall is not available.)

Before the Con — Shipping Materials

If you are sending any materials to the Exhibition Hall prior to the conference, use the following mailing address:


Gamehole Con

[Your company name, booth number]

1919 Alliant Energy Center Way

Madison, WI 53713

All shipments must have:

1. A Bill of Lading or shipping label including the number of pieces and weigh

2. Event name

3. Exhibitor name

4. Booth number

To arrange for the Alliant Energy Center to receive your materials, please visit https://www.alliantenergycenter.com/exhibitors and select "Order booth furnishings ." Select "Go to Store "next to Gamehole Con on the next page, and then you will need to create or sign in to your Alliant Energy Center account. Enter your booth number, which can be found on the Gamehole Con Exhibitors page, and then click "Ok."
 

Click "freight handling "from the next list and enter a description and total weight for your materials. You should be able to save and check out from there. Your materials will be stored near the exhibition area and delivered to your booth on the 15th.
 

Full instructions for inbound and outbound freight are available here; just click the link for "Shipping Instructions" on that page. For any additional questions regarding shipping and related costs, please contact the AEC at Service@alliantenergycenter.com.

Set up

Set-up time will begin at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, October 15th, and last until 8pm. Limited time is available for setup on Thursday morning, so we encourage you to take advantage of the setup time on Wednesday.

  • Enter the Exhibition Hall from Rimrock Road. You will then be on Fairgrounds Drive. Proceed straight down Fairgrounds Drive and take your first left after the Exhibition Hall and Administration Building, and follow that lane to the loading dock.
  • The exhibitor and artist area will be held in “Hall A ”. Please only use the rear entrance loading area – do not park in front of the Exhibition Hall entrance.
  • Your assigned exhibition space will be marked, and your badges will be located there.
  • Please move your vehicle to the parking lot immediately after unloading.
  • After setting up, please break down any unwanted boxes and hand them to a volunteer for recycling. Empty boxes may be stored in the storage room for later use, but please do not leave any materials in storage after the conference.

Exhibitor and Crafter's Corner Booth Furnishings

  • Each booth will only include pipe and drape. If you require tables or any other furnishing you can either bring them in or order them from the facility. These can all be requested using the same Exhibitor page listed for freight above, just select "booth furnishings,"then "Furniture."(Please note this does not apply to demo row or artist/author tables.)
  • Wireless internet access is available throughout the Exhibition Hall, but the free tier is not compatible with many payment processing devices. Dedicated wired connections and premium wireless access must be purchased separately using the previously referenced Exhibitor page on the Alliant Energy site.
  • Power drops are also available through the AEC Exhibitor page.

Parking

After unloading, you may park in the Exhibition Hall parking lot. Do not park in the front entrance to unload.

Meals

Food will be available from several concession areas within the Exhibition Hall. There are dozens of restaurants within a 1-2 mile radius of the Exhibition Hall, and food carts will be available immediately outside the north entrance to the Exhibition Hall. 

After the Conference – Packing Up

The dealer's hall closes at 4 p.m. on Sunday at which time you can begin packing up. 

  • If you would like the Exhibition Hall to ship your boxes after the Con, please make sure to provide prepaid shipping labels for their return and schedule the pickup from the facility. You will leave your taped and labeled boxes ready for shipping in the Exhibition Hall.
  • Please break down any unwanted boxes and hand them to event staff or volunteers for recycling. PLEASE dispose of all trash and do not leave any materials in the exhibit area or storage room.

Booth Space Assignment

All space is assigned solely by Gamehole LLC and Exhibition Hall Management. Gamehole LLC's decisions about exhibitor space assignments are final and binding.

Exhibitor Badges

  • Exhibitors are allotted four complimentary exhibitor badges per dealer hall booth.
  • Crafter's Corner and Demo Row are allotted two complimentary exhibitor badges.
  • Artist and Author tables are allotted one complimentary exhibitor badge.
  • Badges will be available at your designated booth or table by 10 a.m. on Wednesday, October 15th.
  • Requests for badges beyond the complimentary allotment must be submitted through the Gamehole Con exhibitor portal and will be granted within reason. However, they may incur a charge at the standard rate if deemed excessive.

Security

Security personnel will be present during all hours of the show and after hours; however, Gamehole LLC is not responsible for property loss, so please arrange your exhibit to discourage shoplifting. Show Management strongly encourages all exhibitors to take reasonable precautions to prevent theft and damages. If an incident occurs, please inform security staff immediately.
 

General Rules and Regulations

  • Handbill distribution is permitted only within the exhibiting company's booth or at exhibitor-sponsored events. No material may be posted on convention walls, fixtures, or furniture. Violators are responsible for all fees and damages incurred from the removal of such postings.
  • Adhesive stickers are prohibited in the Convention Center. Exhibitors are liable for all costs and expenses associated with sticker removal.
  • Absolutely no selling, soliciting, or handbill distribution is allowed outside of rented booth spaces.
  • Exhibitors must comply with, and be bound by, all laws, ordinances, and regulations of the country, state, county, city, facility, and, whenever applicable, police and fire departments.
  • Authorized company representatives must staff exhibits during all exhibit hall hours.
  • No exhibitor or member of an exhibit may promote, display, or behave in a manner considered offensive to decency or good taste as determined by Show Management.
  • Demonstrations and all other activities must be confined to the limits of exhibitors' booths. Aisles may not be obstructed at any time.
  • Exhibitors may not conduct activities of any kind that lead to congestion of aisle traffic.
  • Music may not be played without the proper license of copyrighted music. Volume must be appropriate as determined by Show Management.
  • Attendees and exhibitors are expressly prohibited from carrying weapons and/or weapon replicas. Weapons on display must be secured to tables or display for safety. Weapons purchased in the Exhibit Hall must be safely contained or packaged by the seller in such a manner that all edges are covered securely, and the purchaser must remove purchased weapons from the convention site to a safe location (hotel room or vehicle) at his or her earliest opportunity.
  • No one will be allowed into the Exhibit Hall during closed hours. All needed items and valuables must be taken with the exhibitor before the Exhibit Hall closes each evening. Exhibitors will be allowed into the hall one hour before Exhibit Hall opens and may stay up to one hour after it closes.
  • Gamehole LLC prohibits the sale and/or use of games of chance. Games of chance are defined as games in which a fee is paid specifically for the opportunity to receive an item of interest or value. Games of chance are permitted only as a free promotion or giveaway.
  • Drug paraphernalia, consisting of equipment, product, or material that is manufactured or modified for making, using, or concealing illegal drugs, is prohibited at Gamehole Con and may result in removal from the convention.
  • The removal of exhibits and materials prior to the official close of the Exhibit Hall will not be permitted. Exhibitors must remain present and open until closing on the final day.

Banner and Display Standards

  • All exhibit decorations must meet fireproof standards and city fire ordinances. Applicable certification must be presented upon request.
  • Electrical equipment and wiring must conform to national and local electrical codes.
  • For any company whose booth includes constructed elements of greater than eight feet of elevation, the company must submit plan view (top-down view) and elevation view (view from the front, showing height) designs.

Behavior Standards for Gamehole Con

  • Profanity — The gratuitous use of profanity and symbols considered vulgar by contemporary standards of a product's target market is not acceptable unless integral to a character or story. At the sole discretion of Show Management, such material may not be advertised, displayed, or sold at Gamehole Con.
  • Violence and Gore — Products depicting lurid scenes of excessive bloodshed, gory or gruesome crimes, depravity, lust, filth, sadism, or masochism, presented editorially or graphically, are unacceptable. Products featuring depictions of unnecessary violence, brutality, physical agony, and gore, including but not limited to, extreme graphic or descriptive scenes presenting cannibalism, decapitation, evisceration, amputation, or other gory injuries, may not be advertised, displayed, or sold.
  • Sexual Themes — Displays containing items and/or sexual themes are not permitted. Products depicting rape and graphic lust may not be advertised or sold.
  • Products featuring sexual perversion and/or sexual abnormalities are unacceptable for advertising, display, or sale.
  • Nudity — Displays or advertising containing nudity are not acceptable. Degrading or salacious displays are unacceptable. Explicit depictions or facsimiles of reproductive organs are not permitted.
  • Affliction — Advertising or selling items containing disparaging graphic or editorial references to physical afflictions, handicaps, or deformities are not permitted.
  • Supremacy — Advertising or selling products that depict minority and/or nationalities as inferior to other races is not permitted.
  • Religion and Mythology — Actual, current religions are not to be depicted, ridiculed, or attacked in any way that promotes disrespect. Ancient or mythological religions, such as those prevalent in ancient Greek, Roman, and Norse societies, may be portrayed in their historic roles. Satanic symbols, rituals, and phrases are not permitted in any advertisements or displays.
  • Addictions — Addictions of any kind should not be presented as glamorous or entertaining. Addiction or the encouragement of addiction should be shown as a dangerous habit with harmful effects.
  • Wearing and Selling Costumes or Weapons — Advertising, wearing, and selling costumes is permitted if they are in good taste and do not present a hazard to others, such as sharp edges or protrusions (measured by contemporary standards/values). All twentieth-century costumes or uniforms are prohibited from the convention. Uniforms of those currently on active duty in the military are exempt, assuming they are properly attired. No one may carry weapons or weapon replicas. Weapons for sale must be inoperable and/or locked and/or encased and/or have a limited range of motion so that customers do not have access to them.
  • Video reproductions — you must be officially licensed to sell videos. Sales of reproductions (bootlegs) will not be tolerated.
  • Compliance — All exhibitors and advertisers are obligated to comply with these standards. Failure to comply will result in the refusal of advertising materials, alteration or removal of unacceptable products/activities, or closure of exhibits/displays found to be in noncompliance. In this case, no refunds will be issued for exhibit space or badges.

Security and Liability

  • Exhibitors are solely responsible for paying all applicable city, county, state, and federal taxes on sales and promotional activities at Gamehole Con.
  • Gamehole LLC will arrange for personnel to control access to the Exhibit Hall but is not responsible for any injury to exhibitors' agents, servants, employees, or damage to or theft of property from any cause prior to, during, or subsequent to Gamehole Con. Exhibitors hereby expressly agree to indemnify and hold harmless Gamehole LLC against any and all claims for such loss, damage, or injury.
  • Exhibitors are required to insure their own exhibits, display materials, merchandise, and personnel. Exhibitors agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless Gamehole LLC against any and all claims for loss, damage, or injury associated with exhibitors' vehicles, property, personnel, events, and general conduct at the event. In the event that Gamehole LLC or the owners of the convention site are held liable for reasons caused or aggravated by the exhibitor's action or failure to act in any manner whatsoever, said exhibitors shall reimburse Gamehole LLC and/or the convention-site owners for all costs incurred.
  • Exhibitors are fully responsible for any loss, damage, or injury to the convention-site owners or personnel resulting from exhibitors' displays or actions.
  • Exhibitors are fully responsible for any loss, damage, or injury to Gamehole attendees resulting from exhibitors' displays or actions.
  • Exhibitors are liable to the convention services firm for any and all damage, from whatever cause, to rented or leased booth equipment and shall indemnify, defend, or hold harmless Gamehole LLC against any and all claims or suits for such damage.
  • Gamehole LLC reserves the right to cancel arrangements or contracts or close an exhibit whenever it is deemed necessary for the safety or comfort of those attending Gamehole Con whenever the exhibit, activity, or material sold is objectionable or offensive to the average person attending Gamehole Con, whenever legal conditions, convention policies, or requirements of the convention site so dictate, or whenever portions of the convention site are destroyed or damaged.
  • Likewise, Gamehole Con LLC reserves the right to cancel arrangements, contracts, or exhibits if Gamehole Con fails to take place as scheduled, is interrupted and/or discontinued, or access to the premises is prevented or interfered with by reason of any strike, lock out, act of war, act of God, emergency declared by a government agency or Gamehole LLC Management, or for any other reason that terminates this contract.
  • Exhibitors will comply with all laws of the United States as well as all applicable state or local ordinances, rules, and requirements of police and fire departments or other authorities of such jurisdictions, will obtain all necessary permits and licenses with respect to their activities, and will not do or suffer to be done anything during the term of this agreement in violation of any such laws, ordinances, rules, or regulations. If the attention of said exhibitors is called to any such violation committed by said exhibitors, or committed by any person employed by or admitted to the premises by said exhibitors, said exhibitors will immediately desist and correct, or cause to be corrected, such violation. Exhibitors agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless Gamehole LLC from any and all costs, suits, and legal proceedings alleging violations of any such law or regulation.
  • Use of any product by any exhibitor, employee, or agent thereof containing the Gamehole Con trademark, the Gamehole Con logotype, or other trademarks owned by Gamehole LLC is prohibited without the express written permission of Gamehole LLC. Exhibitors agree that if any materials making such unauthorized use appear at the convention, Gamehole LLC shall have the right to take possession of and destroy all such materials, as well as to pursue other available legal remedies.
  • All matters and questions not covered by this application and these terms are subject to the decision of Gamehole LLC Management.
  • Exhibitors agree to abide by and conform to all additional rules and regulations from time to time adopted or prescribed by Gamehole LLC for the management of Gamehole Con and the exhibit areas.
  • Exhibitors acknowledge that they have read the preceding terms and conditions, expressly agree to comply with them, and authorize Gamehole LLC to enforce them.

COVID-19 Policy

As we have always done, we will continue to follow the guidelines and policies set forth by Public Health Dane County. The expectation is that we will not require either masks or proof of vaccination, consistent with current Public Health Madison & Dane County recommendations, but should circumstances change, we will continue to adhere to the county guidance as the convention is held in a county-owned facility. If you are not feeling well at the time of the show, please stay home and do not attend Gamehole Con. If you become ill in the week the show starts, please notify us by sending us an email at marketing@gameholecon.com.


If you are planning on attending the show, you will need to follow all of the rules and conditions set forth in our policies. Thank you.

Contact Us/Questions

Please email questions to Sean Riley and Andrew Hitchcock at marketing@gameholecon.com. Additional information about the con is available on our exhibitor website.
 

We look forward to seeing you soon. We are thrilled to have you all join us for Gamehole Con 2025!