Digital buyer journeys
What digital buyer journeys means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Event overview
Overview
Designer Con is an annual art and design convention that brings together collectible toys, customs, plush, designer apparel, and more with urban, underground, and pop art. This year's event will take place from November 13-15, 2026, at The Expo at World Market Center in Las Vegas, showcasing the creativity of over 700 vendors and 350 artists.
Designer Con takes place in Las Vegas, US. Venue: The Expo at World Market Center.
TL;DR
- 1Dates and Venue: Designer Con 2026 runs from November 13-15 at The Expo at World Market Center, Las Vegas.
- 2Scale and Focus: The event features over 700 vendors and 350 artists showcasing collectibles, designer toys, and urban art.
- 3Organiser: Designer Con is organized by a team dedicated to celebrating all aspects of design.
- 4Buyer Authority: Attendees include artists, designers, manufacturers, and collectors from various creative sectors.
- 5Entry / Access: Tickets are available online, with VIP options providing early access and exclusive perks.
Why visit
Attendees will have the opportunity to meet their favorite artists and designers, discover exclusive merchandise, and participate in live demonstrations. Attendees include artists, designers, manufacturers, and collectors from various creative sectors. Programme highlight: Exclusives and portfolio showcases. Programme highlight: Designer toy and art portfolio exhibitors.
Why exhibit
Exhibitors gain access to a diverse audience of collectors and fans, providing a platform to showcase their work and connect with potential buyers. The event offers unique opportunities for networking and collaboration within the creative community. Meet qualified buyers and partners including Toy manufacturers and designers, Apparel brands specializing in designer fashion, Artists showcasing custom art pieces. Position your offer across collectible toys and figures,.
Attendees, exhibitors & solutions
Who this event is for
Visitor profile
Typical attendee groups you can expect to meet.
Artists and designers looking to showcase their work
Collectors of designer toys and collectibles
Manufacturers and distributors in the art sector
Fans of urban and pop art
Retailers seeking unique products for their stores
Creative professionals from various industries
Exhibitor profile
Main supplier and exhibitor segments present at the show.
Toy manufacturers and designers
Apparel brands specializing in designer fashion
Artists showcasing custom art pieces
Vendors selling collectibles and limited editions
Printmakers and illustrators
Companies involved in urban and underground art
Product categories
Key solution areas showcased across the event.
Collectible toys and figures
Designer apparel and accessories
Custom art and prints
Plush toys and merchandise
Urban art installations
Limited edition collectibles
Location & Facilities
Venue
The Expo at World Market Center
435 S Grand Central Pkwy, Las Vegas, NV 89106
Facilities
Parking
The Expo at World Market Center in Las Vegas typically provides on-site or adjacent visitor parking during major trade fairs; confirm daily rates, payment methods and hall access on the organiser or venue website before travel.
Food options
On-site catering
On-site diningParking: The Expo at World Market Center in Las Vegas typically provides on-site or adjacent visitor parking during major trade fairs; confirm daily rates, payment methods and hall access on the organiser or venue website before travel.
Gate: Follow organiser signage to the main visitor entrance at The Expo at World Market Center for badge collection; allow extra time for security screening during peak morning arrival.
Attend
Entry & tickets
Event days & opening times
DayOpening hours
: VIP Night on November 13 from5:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Saturday from10:00 AM to 7:00 PM
Sunday from10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
1-Day Pass
36Weekend Pass
64VIP Pass
120
How the last edition performed
Previous edition
New this edition
- 1
—
DesignerCon maintains an exclusives section on its official site where releases tied to recent editions have been listed, giving collectors a single pre-show checklist instead of hunting through individual studio posts.
- 2
—
The official Select Your City page organizes DesignerCon's city editions with links to each one, so exhibitors and travelling collectors can see which regional edition fits their calendar.
- 3
—
A dedicated schedule page carries the programme grid and door information for the edition, making it the first stop for planning around signings, drops and panel times.
Intelligence
Market context
Key market insights, trends, news and related events to help you understand the bigger picture.
Las Vegas, US
Why it matters
On 2026-11-13 to 2026-11-15, Designer Con in Las Vegas covering Collectible toys and figures, Designer apparel and accessories, Custom art and prints, Plush toys and merchandise, Urban gives energy buyers a single calendar window to compare suppliers, validate specs on the stand, and book follow-ups before the next buying cycle - especially when your roadmap matches the published exhibitor profile.
Industry trends
Key trends shaping this market and its wider industry.
Sustainability in procurement
What sustainability in procurement means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Automation and labour efficiency
What automation and labour efficiency means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Regional supply-chain resilience
What regional supply-chain resilience means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Hybrid engagement models
What hybrid engagement models means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Plan your trip
Travel & logistics
Local currency · USD
Arrival airports
Choose from the following airports, with convenient access to the event and venue.
Harry Reid International
Harry Reid International is the main gateway; rideshare pickup zones are signed at each terminal.
~8 mi (13 km)
to venue
15–25 min off-peak
by car
Hotel tiers
A range of accommodation options near the venue and across key areas.
Plaza Hotel & Casino
Downtown Las Vegas~1 mi to venue
USD 60–140 / night
Walkable or a short rideshare to the World Market Center; good base for collectors planning to queue early on day one.
Downtown Grand Hotel & Casino
Downtown Las Vegas~1 mi to venue
USD 70–160 / night
Mid-tier downtown rooms within easy reach of the venue and Fremont Street dining.
The STRAT Hotel, Casino & Tower
North Strip~1.5 mi to venue
USD 60–150 / night
Budget-friendly north Strip base; use rideshare or RTC routes rather than walking in the heat.
Golden Nugget Las Vegas
Downtown Las Vegas~1.2 mi to venue
USD 80–180 / night
Downtown resort with a range of room types; practical for exhibitors who need easy evening access to the venue.
The D Las Vegas
Downtown Las Vegas~1.3 mi to venue
USD 70–150 / night
Compact Fremont Street hotel, often one of the lower-priced options for the show weekend.
Circa Resort & Casino
Downtown Las Vegas~1.3 mi to venue
USD 130–260 / night
Newer downtown property with a higher room band; good for teams that want a full-service base near the venue.
Holiday Inn Express Las Vegas - Stadium Area
Stadium Area~2 mi to venue
USD 110–190 / night
Limited-service hotel with parking and breakfast; a short drive to the World Market Center.
Flamingo Las Vegas
Las Vegas Strip~3 mi to venue
USD 90–200 / night
Strip base with more evening options, but budget daily transfer time to the venue during peak traffic.
Local transport
Get around the city with these convenient transport options.
rideshare / taxi
Estimated costUSD 25-45 (taxi/rideshare estimate)
Best forHarry Reid International (LAS) to The Expo at World Market Center
Rideshare pickup zones are signed at each LAS terminal. Allow extra time during convention weeks and Strip congestion.
bus (RTC)
Estimated costApprox. USD 6 for a 2-hour pass; USD 8 for a 24-hour pass; confirm current fares
Best forRTC routes from the Strip and downtown to the World Market Center area
RTC of Southern Nevada publishes schedules and maps; the Deuce runs the Strip corridor and connects with downtown routes serving Symphony Park.
monorail
Estimated costApprox. USD 5-6 per single ride; multi-day passes cost more; confirm at station
Best forLas Vegas Monorail along the east side of the Strip
The monorail does not reach the World Market Center directly; combine it with a short rideshare or bus from the nearest station.
rideshare (short hop)
Estimated costUSD 35–75 taxi or rideshare to the venue district
Best forDowntown or north Strip hotel to The Expo at World Market Center
Useful when carrying prints and boxed figures; walking distances between downtown hotels and the venue vary by block.
parking (venue)
Estimated costApprox. USD 10-20 per day; confirm the venue rate and event parking plan
Best forThe Expo at World Market Center on-site parking
On-site parking is available at the venue; arriving before the morning rush improves your options on show days.
walking
Estimated costNo fare; allow 15-30 min on foot depending on hotel
Best forDowntown Las Vegas hotels to The Expo at World Market Center
Sidewalks and crossings vary along the route; carry water and plan shade, even in November daytime sun.
Weather
Mid-November in Las Vegas is dry and mild by day with a sharp overnight drop: expect highs near 21 C (70 F) and lows near 9 C (48 F). Rain is uncommon but a passing shower is possible, and the show halls are strongly air-conditioned, so a light layer helps. Check the National Weather Service forecast for Las Vegas in the final week before travel rather than relying on a long-range outlook.
Plan for the climate
Check temperatures and pack accordingly
Venue connectivity
Confirm mobile roaming or a local SIM for business visitors to the United States.
Ride-hailing
Taxis
Public transit
Car rentals
Cultural notes
Useful information to help you have a smooth and respectful visit.
Dress and show-floor scene
DesignerCon crowds mix streetwear, sneakers and casual-smart layers rather than formal business dress. Wear shoes you can stand in for hours and bring a light layer for air-conditioned halls.
Tipping in Las Vegas
Service norms follow US practice: 15-20% at sit-down restaurants, a dollar or two per drink at bars and a small daily tip for housekeeping. Check whether a service charge is already on the bill.
Payments and sales tax
Cards are widely accepted, but some independent artists and small studios prefer cash. Nevada sales tax is added at checkout rather than included in the displayed price, so budget slightly above the sticker.
Artist booth etiquette
Ask before photographing a booth, artwork or artist. Respect posted per-person purchase limits and lottery rules for show exclusives, and keep queue space clear for neighbouring booths.
Queues and exclusive drops
Day-one queues form early for show exclusives, but release times and limits are set booth by booth. Confirm each studio's schedule instead of assuming a single show-wide drop time.
Venue and city rules
Bag checks, outside food and smoking rules follow venue policy. Read the organiser FAQ before you travel, and ask the venue in advance about accessibility routes and seating if you need them.
Practical guides
Visitor & Exhibitor Essentials
Everything needed to arrive prepared, navigate the event, and make the visit productive.
Flights
Destination: LAS
Book flights to LAS (Las Vegas) when possible for the shortest transfer to the venue.
Transport
Get to the venue and around the city with these options.
Airport → venue: Primary gateways: Harry Reid International (LAS): 15–25 min off-peak. Allow road or rail time to The Expo at World Market Center; on-site parking is usually available at major exhibition venues.
Hotel → venue: Precinct hotels near The Expo at World Market Center: Downtown Las Vegas: Plaza Hotel & Casino; Downtown Las Vegas: Downtown Grand Hotel & Casino; North Strip: The STRAT Hotel, Casino & Tower.
Ride-hail: Ride-hailing apps are commonly used in Las Vegas; confirm local availability before travel.
Public transit: RTC of Southern Nevada operates the regional bus network, including the Deuce service along the Las Vegas Strip. Check RTC schedules and maps for the route closest to your hotel and the venue; allow extra time during convention weeks.
Parking: On-site parking is available at The Expo at World Market Center; confirm daily rates and hall access on the organiser or venue site.
Weather
Plan and pack for the event climate.
Month: November 2026
Temperature: November days in Las Vegas typically reach about 19-23 C (66-73 F), with overnight lows near 7-11 C (45-52 F). The desert swing is wide, so pack a light jacket for evenings and air-conditioned halls.
Seasonality: November is one of the driest months of the year in Las Vegas, with rain uncommon and humidity low. Expect clear skies, cool evenings and occasional gusty wind; confirm the forecast in the week before travel.
Packing: November days in Las Vegas typically reach about 19-23 C (66-73 F), with overnight lows near 7-11 C (45-52 F). The desert swing is wide, so pack a light jacket for evenings and air-conditioned halls. November is one of the driest months of the year in Las Vegas, with rain uncommon and humidity low.
Plan your trip
Planning
Best day to visit: Day 2 (mid-show)
Mid-show days at Designer Con usually combine full exhibitor attendance with scheduled B2B meetings, before early pack-down on the final day.
T-1
Confirm dates, hall and door times — Check designercon.com/schedule for the 13-15 November 2026 grid and any last-minute programme changes.
T-2
Buy your pass — Published tiers are USD 36 for a 1-Day Pass, USD 64 for a Weekend Pass and USD 120 for a VIP Pass; confirm inclusions before buying.
T-3
Lock in a hotel close to the World Market Center — Downtown and Symphony Park area hotels shorten the morning commute; convention-week rates climb, so book early and check cancellation terms.
T-4
Book flights into Harry Reid International (LAS) — Compare a Thursday arrival against a Friday arrival; LAS is about 8 mi (13 km) from the venue with a 15-25 minute off-peak drive.
T-5
Plan the airport transfer — Rideshare or taxi runs about USD 25-45 one way; RTC buses use 2-hour and 24-hour passes if you prefer transit.
T-6
Build a booth-by-booth exclusives list — Note release times and per-person limits from the official exclusives section and exhibitor social posts; do not assume one show-wide drop time.
T-7
Check the desert weather pattern — Mid-November days sit near 21 C (70 F) with overnight lows near 9 C (48 F); pack a light layer for air-conditioned halls and cool evenings.
T-8
Sort payments and carry gear — Cards are widely accepted, but some independent artists prefer cash. Bring a tote or poster tube for prints and boxed figures.
T-9
Read the official FAQ and venue rules — Check the organiser FAQ for bag policy, re-entry rules and accessibility routes before you pack.
T-10
Pre-load maps and screenshots — Download the venue map and your shortlist of booth numbers; mobile data can be slow inside a packed hall.
T-11
Charge and pack devices — Power bank, spare camera batteries and a compact tripod or phone grip help if you are documenting artist booths.
T-12
Confirm your route and arrive early on day one — Day-one queues for show exclusives form before doors; confirm parking or transit timing the night before.
Sample visitor itinerary
Route-optimised day
Day 1 · morning
Registration and hall orientation at The Expo at World Market Center
Day 2 · core sessions
Supplier meetings and product demos
Day 3 · wrap-up
Final negotiations and follow-up
Networking spots
2Designer Con registration concourse
The Expo at World Market Center
Central meeting point before and between hall appointments during show days.
Organiser B2B lounge (if offered)
The Expo at World Market Center
Hosted matchmaking and buyer programmes when published by the organiser.
Budget
Costs & budget
Build your working budget
Adjust the inputs below to create a directional event budget.
Estimated budget
Live estimate
- Hotel × 2 nights$258.00
- Per diem × 2$150.00
Estimated total$408.00
This is a directional estimate. Please verify live rates before booking.
Cost reference
Official cost items and estimated ranges for exhibitors.
visitor_ticket
visitor · 1-Day Pass
USD 36 / per person
organiser_published
visitor_ticket
visitor · Weekend Pass
USD 64 / per person
organiser_published
visitor_ticket
visitor · VIP Pass
USD 120 / per person
organiser_published
| Item | For | Tier | Estimated range | Status | As of |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| visitor_ticket | visitor | 1-Day Pass | USD 36 / per person | organiser_published | |
| visitor_ticket | visitor | Weekend Pass | USD 64 / per person | organiser_published | |
| visitor_ticket | visitor | VIP Pass | USD 120 / per person | organiser_published |
Decision
Visit, exhibit, or skip?
Should you go?
Use this quick check to decide whether Designer Con fits your visit, exhibit or skip plan.
QUESTION 1 OF 6
For Designer Con, what is your primary role on the show floor?
Decision matrix
Compare participation options side by side to choose the best fit for your objectives.
visit
Your category focus and target suppliers align with the official exhibitor profile.
Best for
Buyers, engineers, and delegates sourcing Collectible toys and figures and Designer apparel and accessories solutions and benchmarking suppliers at Designer Con in Las Vegas.
Min. budget
$790.00
Timeline
4-8 weeks before opening day for registration, hotels, and travel.
Risks
Session times and ticket tiers may change - confirm the official agenda before booking.
exhibit
You have a defined lead-generation or distributor recruitment goal for this market.
Best for
Brands and manufacturers launching Collectible toys and figures and Designer apparel and accessories products who need qualified meetings with the event's trade audience.
Min. budget
$3,555.00
Timeline
3-6 months for stand booking, freight, staffing, and pre-show marketing.
Risks
Booth pricing and corner premiums vary by hall - confirm with the organiser sales team.
skip
Audience, geography, or commercial goals do not justify travel and stand costs this cycle.
Best for
Teams with weak category fit, budget constraints, or overlapping commitments during the Las Vegas show week.
Timeline
N/A
Risks
Skipping may mean missing buyer meetings if competitors exhibit or attend the same week.
Gallery
Photos
FAQs & glossary
Answers
Frequently asked
When is DesignerCon Las Vegas in 2026?
The Las Vegas edition runs 13-15 November 2026. Check designercon.com/schedule for door times, hall opening hours and any programme changes before you travel.
Where is DesignerCon held in Las Vegas?
The Las Vegas edition is staged at The Expo at World Market Center in the Symphony Park district, a short ride from downtown and the north Strip. Confirm the hall and entrance on the official schedule page.
What ticket tiers are published for DesignerCon?
Published tiers are a 1-Day Pass at USD 36, a Weekend Pass at USD 64 and a VIP Pass at USD 120 per person. Confirm current pricing and what each tier includes on the official ticketing page before buying.
What is actually sold at DesignerCon?
Expect designer toys, vinyl and sofubi figures, resin casts, custom and one-off pieces, blind-box series, art prints, apparel, zines and small-press art books from independent studios and individual artists.
Are there show exclusives at DesignerCon?
Yes. DesignerCon maintains an exclusives section on its official site where releases tied to the show are listed. Each exhibitor sets its own rules, so check booth signage for per-person limits, lottery times and release windows.
Which airport should I fly into for DesignerCon?
Harry Reid International (LAS) is the commercial gateway for Las Vegas, roughly 8 mi (13 km) from The Expo at World Market Center, with a typical off-peak drive of 15-25 minutes.
How do I get from LAS to the venue without a car?
Rideshare and taxi runs from LAS to the World Market Center area are commonly around USD 25-45 one way. RTC of Southern Nevada buses, including the Deuce on the Strip, connect with downtown routes using 2-hour and 24-hour passes. Confirm live fares before travel.
Is parking available at The Expo at World Market Center?
On-site parking is available at the venue. Confirm the daily rate and the event parking plan with the venue or organiser, and arrive before the morning rush if you are driving in for a day-one exclusive.
Can I meet artists and get pieces signed at DesignerCon?
Many exhibiting artists staff their own booths, and signing or sketch policies are set booth by booth. Ask before photographing artwork or a display, and respect posted purchase limits.
Is DesignerCon only for collectors, or do trade buyers attend?
It is a consumer-facing art and collectibles convention with a strong collector base; independent retailers, gallery buyers and brand and licensing teams also walk the floor to meet studios, artists and small manufacturers.
Are there other DesignerCon city editions?
DesignerCon runs city-specific editions, and the official Select Your City page lists the current editions and links to each one so you can match the show to your travel plans.
Where is the official DesignerCon FAQ and show notes page?
DesignerCon publishes an FAQ and notes page on its official domain covering attendee questions. Read it before travelling for the latest policies on bags, entry and show floor rules.
Glossary
- Art toy
- A collectible figure or small sculpture produced as a limited artistic object rather than a mass-market toy, usually numbered or otherwise editioned by the artist or studio.
- Vinyl figure
- A collectible figure cast in vinyl, either rotocast or injection molded; the core format of the designer toy market shown across DesignerCon booths.
- Blind box
- A sealed box holding one randomly assorted figure from a series, so the buyer does not know which design is inside until it is opened.
- Chase
- A scarce variant inside a blind-box or figure series, produced in lower numbers and usually distinguished by a different colorway or finish.
- Sofubi
- Japanese soft vinyl, a rotocast production tradition used for kaiju, monster and designer figures; sofubi booths are a recurring feature of the designer toy circuit.
- Resin cast
- A figure or art multiple produced by pouring resin into a silicone mold, common for small runs, garage kits and custom pieces.
- Custom
- A one-off or very small run figure painted, sculpted or reworked by an artist from a blank or existing base figure.
- Blank platform figure
- An unpainted base figure sold for artists and collectors to customize; platform shapes are often shared across an entire artist series.
- Grail
- Collector slang for a long-sought, hard-to-find piece that anchors a collection and rarely appears on the secondary market.
- Show exclusive
- A release made specifically for a convention, often limited and sold only at that event or through a booth lottery.
- Artist proof (AP)
- A small number of prints or pieces kept by the artist outside the numbered edition, usually marked AP on the piece or certificate.
- GID
- Glow-in-the-dark treatment applied to a figure, print or accessory; glow variants are frequently used as chase editions.
- Kaiju
- The Japanese monster genre; in this scene it refers to sofubi and resin figures inspired by classic tokusatsu creature design.
- Commission
- A paid custom request in which a collector asks an artist to create a specific piece, often arranged at the booth or through the artist's list.
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Also known as
Alternate names and search phrases for this event.
- Designer Con 2026
- Las Vegas art convention
- Designer Con tickets
- Designer Con vendors
- Designer Con schedule
- Designer Con Las Vegas 2026
- Las Vegas US
- Art & Design Convention Las Vegas 2026
- Collectible toys and figures
- Designer apparel and accessories
3 more alternate names hidden
Trust footer
Sources
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References
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Publishers
0
Date checked
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Designer Con
- event_website
- event_social
- event_social
Digital business cards for the show floor
Display a free company card at your booth, or share your professional card on the show floor.