Digital buyer journeys
What digital buyer journeys means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Event overview
Overview
TrotCon 2026 is an online convention dedicated to the My Little Pony fandom, scheduled for December 12-13, 2026. This event aims to bring together fans, creators, and industry professionals for a weekend of engaging panels, community interaction, and fun activities.
Participants can expect a variety of content tailored to the interests of the fandom, all from the comfort of their homes. TrotCon takes place in Columbus, United States.
Venue: Crowne Plaza Columbus North - Worthington.
TL;DR
- 1Dates and Venue: TrotCon 2026 will be held online from December 12-13, 2026.
- 2Scale and Focus: This event focuses on the My Little Pony fandom and community engagement.
- 3Organiser: TrotCon is organized by a dedicated team passionate about the fandom.
- 4Buyer Authority: Attendees include fans, creators, and industry professionals from the My Little Pony community.
- 5Entry: Registration is available online, with various participation options.
Why visit
Attendees will enjoy a diverse range of panels and activities focused on the My Little Pony community. This is a unique opportunity to connect with fellow fans and engage with creators in a welcoming environment. The online format allows for participation without travel, making it accessible to everyone.
Why exhibit
Exhibitors will gain visibility within the My Little Pony fandom, reaching a dedicated audience passionate about the brand. This is a chance to showcase products, connect with fans, and participate in a vibrant community event. Meet qualified buyers and partners including Merchandise vendors related to My Little Pony, Artists and creators showcasing their work, Publishers and media companies in animation. Position your offer across my little pony merchandise.
Attendees, exhibitors & solutions
Who this event is for
Visitor profile
Typical attendee groups you can expect to meet.
My Little Pony toy collectors hunting G1 through G5 ponies, playsets, blind bags and accessory lots across the dealer room
Custom pony makers and repaint artists sourcing baits, synthetic hair, paint and sculpting supplies
Fan artists and illustrators coming for the artist alley, sketch commissions and original pieces
Plush makers and sewists looking for patterns, fabric, finished plushies and commission slots
Cosplayers and costume makers shopping wigs, wings, ears, horns and prop pieces for pony builds
Fanfiction writers, podcasters and community moderators meeting readers and listeners in person
Brony and Pegasister meetup groups travelling from Ohio and the wider Midwest for the weekend
Families with children who want a two-day, single-hotel fandom weekend in north Columbus
Exhibitor profile
Main supplier and exhibitor segments present at the show.
Artist alley illustrators selling MLP fan prints, acrylic charms and commission slots
Toy dealers and resellers with loose and boxed G1-G5 ponies, playsets and original accessories
Custom pony and restoration specialists offering repaints, rehairs and bait stock
Plush and textile makers with handmade pony plushies, patterns and sewing supplies
Pin, sticker and stationery vendors producing enamel pins, washi tape, lanyards and journals
Indie comics, zine and fanbook publishers with short print runs and digital codes
Cosplay and costume suppliers with wigs, wings, ears, hooves and made-to-order props
Fandom media, podcasts and community platforms recruiting contributors and members on the floor
Product categories
Key solution areas showcased across the event.
G1 to G5 ponies, playsets and accessory lots, loose and boxed
Custom ponies, repaints, rehairs and prepared bait stock
Handmade plushies, pillows and sewn fandom accessories
Fan art prints, originals, sketch commissions and acrylic charms
Enamel pins, patches, stickers, lanyards and badge holders
Fan comics, zines, art books and printed fanfiction
Apparel, hoodies and everyday cosplay accessories
Cosplay wigs, wings, ears, horns and prop pieces
Blind bags, trading cards and collectible mini-figures
Craft supplies: synthetic hair, acrylic paint, sculpting compound and fabric
Stationery, journals and desk goods carrying pony artwork
Charity auction and raffle items donated by artists and dealers
Location & Facilities
Venue
Halls & areas
1Grand Ballroom
Crowne Plaza Columbus North - Worthington
Crowne Plaza Columbus North - Worthington, 6500 Doubletree Ave, Columbus, OH 43229, United States
Facilities
Parking
Crowne Plaza Columbus North - Worthington in Columbus 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: Crowne Plaza Columbus North - Worthington in Columbus 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 Crowne Plaza Columbus North - Worthington for badge collection; allow extra time for security screening during peak morning arrival.
Attend
Entry & tickets
General admission
Badge with Lanyard
25General admission
The Informant Box
150General admission
The Private Eye Box
400General admission
TrotCon Pride Box
1000
Who runs the show
Organisers
RiffPonies!
Organiser
Intelligence
Market context
Key market insights, trends, news and related events to help you understand the bigger picture.
Columbus, United States
Why it matters
On 2026-12-12 to 2026-12-13, TrotCon in Columbus covering My Little Pony merchandise and collectibles, Fan art and prints, Books and comics related to the franchise, Toys and gam gives trade 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
Hotel tiers
A range of accommodation options near the venue and across key areas.
Crowne Plaza Columbus North - Worthington
on-site host hotel
North Columbus / Worthington, 6500 Doubletree AveUSD 175–236 / night
sourceHilton Columbus/Polaris
upper midscale, full service
Polaris / north Columbus, roughly 5 miles north of the venueUSD 140–210 / night
Hyatt Place Columbus/Worthington
midscale, limited service
Worthington / north ColumbusUSD 120–180 / night
Sheraton Suites Columbus
upscale all-suite
Worthington area, close to the I-270 / Worthington exitUSD 150–220 / night
Local transport
Get around the city with these convenient transport options.
Rideshare / taxi
Estimated costApprox. USD 25-40 one-way for a standard rideshare or taxi; confirm the live quote in the app before booking
Best forJohn Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH) to Crowne Plaza Columbus North - Worthington
Public bus (COTA)
Estimated costApprox. USD 2.00 single ride; an all-day pass is roughly USD 6.00 - confirm current COTA fares
Best forCOTA local network, north Columbus / Worthington corridor
Public bus (COTA, airport connection with transfer)
Estimated costApprox. USD 2.00-4.00 per trip depending on transfers; slower than a car by a wide margin
Best forCMH terminal to downtown Columbus, then transfer north toward Worthington
Car / self-parking
Estimated costApprox. USD 0-12 per night self-parking; confirm the current rate with the hotel front desk
Best forOn-site surface parking at the Crowne Plaza Columbus North - Worthington
Rideshare / taxi
Estimated costApprox. USD 18-30 one-way for an evening trip into the city; confirm in-app pricing
Best forCrowne Plaza Columbus North - Worthington to Short North / downtown Columbus
Walking (on site)
Estimated costUSD 0 - everything is in one building
Best forGuest rooms, dealer room, artist alley and panel space within the Crowne Plaza complex
taxi
Estimated costUSD 2.50-6 single metro/light-rail journey (contactless)
Best forCleveland Hopkins International Airport (CLE) to Crowne Plaza Columbus North - Worthington
taxi
Estimated costUSD 2.50-6 single metro/light-rail journey (contactless)
Best forDayton International Airport (DAY) to Crowne Plaza Columbus North - Worthington
Weather
December in Columbus is cold and changeable; check forecasts close to travel and expect possible winter-weather disruption to Midwest connections.
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.
Ask before you photograph
Cosplay is central to a pony convention, and many attendees build full costume pieces. Ask first, accept a no without pushback, and be extra careful around minors, who attend family-friendly fandom weekends with parents.
Cash in the artist alley
Individual artists selling prints, charms and commissions often prefer cash or a simple card reader. Carry small USD bills, and expect ATM queues in the hotel lobby on Saturday morning.
Generation talk is normal
Fans sort themselves by generation, so a G1 toy collector and a G4 cosplayer may want completely different things from the same table. Mentioning which generation you collect is a standard opener, not a strange question.
Hotel-floor etiquette
This is a single-hotel event, so hallway noise carries into sleeping rooms. Keep meetups in lobby or function space, respect quiet hours, and check the hotel's rules on gatherings in guest rooms.
Tipping and restaurant customs
US restaurant service expects a 15-20% tip, added separately from the bill in Columbus. Card readers at bars and cafes commonly prompt for a tip percentage before payment.
Dress for an Ohio December
Outside the function space it is genuinely cold, roughly 2-7 C by day with below-freezing nights. Bring a coat that fits over wings or a wig, plus gloves you can remove for card payments and photos.
Fandom names and pronouns
Attendees often introduce themselves by ponysona or OC name rather than a legal name, and pronouns are commonly shared at panels and meetups. Use what someone gives you.
Practical guides
Visitor & Exhibitor Essentials
Everything needed to arrive prepared, navigate the event, and make the visit productive.
Flights
No nonstop service from Europe, Asia or Australia into CMH; long-haul travellers connect through East or West Coast US hubs. Book early for the 12-13 Dec 2026 weekend and allow a buffer day for winter-weather delays in the Midwest.
Transport
Get to the venue and around the city with these options.
Airport → venue: Use the nearest international airport serving Columbus; Metro, train or taxi links are typically available to the venue district.
Hotel → venue: Precinct hotels near Crowne Plaza Columbus North - Worthington: North Columbus / Worthington, 6500 Doubletree Ave: Crowne Plaza Columbus North - Worthington; Polaris / north Columbus, roughly 5 miles north of the venue: Hilton Columbus/Polaris; Worthington / north Columbus: Hyatt Place Columbus/Worthington.
Ride-hail: Ride-hailing apps are commonly used in Columbus; confirm local availability before travel.
Public transit: Check local bus/metro options for routes to Crowne Plaza Columbus North - Worthington.
Parking: On-site parking is available at Crowne Plaza Columbus North - Worthington; confirm daily rates and hall access on the organiser or venue site.
Weather
Plan and pack for the event climate.
Month: December 2026
Temperature: December in Columbus: daytime highs typically 2-7 C (36-45 F) and overnight lows around -4 to 0 C (25-32 F). Rain or snow showers are possible, and winter weather can disrupt Midwest flight connections - check the forecast in the final 72 hours and pack layers for the walk between car park and hotel entrance.
Seasonality: Mid-December falls in the Ohio winter, with a real chance of snow, sleet or freezing rain rather than warm-season thunderstorms.
Packing: Pack a warm coat, layers, gloves and waterproof footwear; indoor convention space can be warm, so dress in removable layers.
Plan your trip
Planning
Best day to visit: Day 2 (mid-show)
Mid-show days at TrotCon usually combine full exhibitor attendance with scheduled B2B meetings, before early pack-down on the final day.
T-1
Lock in your badge tier
T-2
Secure a room at the host hotel
T-3
Decide your airport transfer
T-4
Check the mid-December forecast
T-5
Queue up commission plans
T-6
Budget the dealer room
T-7
Finish and test the cosplay
T-8
Withdraw small bills
T-9
Plan the on-site walk
T-10
Build your panel shortlist
T-11
Pack the haul kit
T-12
Travel day and check-in
T-13
Arrive at opening
Sample visitor itinerary
Route-optimised day
Day 1 · morning
Registration and hall orientation at Crowne Plaza Columbus North - Worthington
Day 2 · core sessions
Supplier meetings and product demos
Day 3 · wrap-up
Final negotiations and follow-up
Networking spots
2TrotCon registration concourse
Crowne Plaza Columbus North - Worthington
Central meeting point before and between hall appointments during show days.
Organiser B2B lounge (if offered)
Crowne Plaza Columbus North - Worthington
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$230.00
- Per diem × 2$150.00
Estimated total$380.00
This is a directional estimate. Please verify live rates before booking.
Cost reference
Official cost items and estimated ranges for exhibitors.
visitor_ticket
visitor · General admission
USD 25 / per person
organiser_published
| Item | For | Tier | Estimated range | Status | As of |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| visitor_ticket | visitor | General admission | USD 25 / per person | organiser_published |
Decision
Visit, exhibit, or skip?
Should you go?
Use this quick check to decide whether TrotCon fits your visit, exhibit or skip plan.
QUESTION 1 OF 6
For TrotCon, 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 My Little Pony merchandise and collectibles and Fan art and prints solutions and benchmarking suppliers at TrotCon in Columbus.
Min. budget
$1,622.00
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 My Little Pony merchandise and collectibles and Fan art and prints products who need qualified meetings with the event's trade audience.
Min. budget
$7,299.00
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 Columbus 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 and where is TrotCon 2026 taking place?
TrotCon 2026 runs 12-13 December 2026 at the Crowne Plaza Columbus North - Worthington, 6500 Doubletree Ave, Columbus, Ohio. Because the sleeping rooms, dealer room and panel space sit in the same complex, attendees can stay on site and skip a daily commute.
How much does a TrotCon badge cost?
The listing shows a general badge with lanyard at USD 25 per person. Premium packages are listed at USD 150 (The Informant Box), USD 400 (The Private Eye Box) and USD 1,000 (TrotCon Pride Box). Confirm what each tier includes on trotcon.net before buying.
What is there to buy on the TrotCon show floor?
Expect G1-G5 ponies and playsets, custom and rehaired figures, handmade plushies, fan prints and sketch commissions, enamel pins and charms, zines and fanbooks, apparel, cosplay wigs and props, blind bags, trading cards and craft supplies such as synthetic hair and paint.
Which airport should I fly into for TrotCon?
John Glenn Columbus International (CMH) is the primary gateway, roughly 12-14 miles and 20-25 minutes by car from the Worthington venue. Cleveland Hopkins (CLE) and Dayton International (DAY) are long-drive alternates, not convenient same-day transfers.
How do I get from Columbus airport to the Crowne Plaza?
A rideshare or taxi from CMH to the Crowne Plaza Columbus North - Worthington is approximately USD 25-40 one way for a standard car; confirm the live quote in your app. COTA buses cost about USD 2.00 per single ride but usually need a transfer downtown, which is slow with luggage.
Is parking available at the venue?
The Crowne Plaza Columbus North is a suburban convention hotel with on-site self-parking, typically in the region of USD 0-12 per night. Rates and lot access are set by the hotel, so confirm at check-in or by phone before you travel.
Do I need to book a hotel room early?
Yes, book as soon as your badge is confirmed. The two-day event sits in one hotel, so the host property sells out first. Nearby Polaris and Worthington hotels are a short drive away if the Crowne Plaza block is full.
What is the December weather like in Columbus?
Cold and changeable: daytime highs usually sit around 2-7 C (36-45 F) with overnight lows of about -4 to 0 C (25-32 F), and rain or snow showers are possible. Pack layers, and allow slack in Midwest flight connections.
Is TrotCon suitable for children and families?
The event is built around My Little Pony, a franchise with a large all-ages audience, and families regularly attend pony conventions. Age rules for specific panels, the dealer room and any 18+ programming are set by the organiser, so check the published schedule and event policies rather than assuming.
Can I cosplay at TrotCon?
Cosplay is a core part of pony fandom events, and costume builds are visible across the weekend. Practically, December in Columbus means planning for cold loading areas, so bring a cover-up and a repair kit. Ask before photographing anyone, especially younger attendees.
How do I find the panel timetable?
The organiser publishes the running order at trotcon.net/schedule. Because it is a two-day hotel show with a compact room block, build your plan around a handful of must-see panels, then leave slack for the dealer room and artist alley.
Glossary
- Brony / Pegasister
- Self-describing terms used by adult fans of My Little Pony, including the G4 era that built the modern convention circuit. You will hear both used casually at TrotCon panels and meetups.
- G1 to G5
- The pony generations: G1 is the 1980s toy line, G4 is the Friendship Is Magic era, and G5 covers the current generation. Dealer tables are usually sorted by generation because collectors buy within one era.
- OC (original character)
- A fan-created pony character, often drawn or customised as a physical figure. Artists in the alley take OC commissions and vendors sell OC-friendly accessories.
- Ponysona
- A personal pony avatar a fan uses online and in cosplay. Asking about someone's ponysona is a normal icebreaker at a pony convention.
- Custom / bait
- A custom is a repainted or rehaired pony; bait is the donor figure used as raw material. Customisers buy bait bodies and hair in bulk from dealer tables.
- Rehair
- Replacing a pony's original mane and tail with new synthetic hair. Rehair supplies and finished rehairs are a standard dealer-room category.
- Blind bag
- A sealed foil or boxed pony figure sold without knowing which character is inside. Blind bag trading and trading-card swaps are common floor activities.
- Cutie mark
- The flank symbol that identifies a pony's special talent in the fiction. It is also the standard motif on pins, patches and printed merchandise.
- Artist alley
- The section of the show floor where individual illustrators, crafters and writers sell prints, charms, zines and commissions, as opposed to dealers selling licensed or vintage stock.
- Dealer room / vendor hall
- The retail area with toy dealers, craft suppliers, apparel and accessory sellers. TrotCon runs both retail and artist tables, so check which list a seller is on before budgeting.
- Panel
- A scheduled talk, workshop or fan discussion, typically in a meeting room rather than on the show floor. TrotCon publishes its schedule at trotcon.net/schedule.
- Commission
- A paid custom drawing, badge or handmade item ordered from an artist, often completed after the convention. Artists usually take a limited queue, so order early on day one.
- Meetup / room party
- An informal fan gathering, sometimes hosted in a private hotel room. Guest-floor quiet hours still apply, and organisers expect attendees to respect hotel rules.
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Also known as
Alternate names and search phrases for this event.
- TrotCon 2026
- TrotCon Columbus 2026
- Columbus United States
- Convention Columbus 2026
- My Little Pony merchandise and collectibles
- Fan art and prints
- Books and comics related to the franchise
- Toys and games inspired by My Little Pony
- Convention Online Convention Columbus
- digital transformation expo
1 more alternate names hidden
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Sources
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References
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Publishers
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Date checked
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TrotCon
- event_website
Digital business cards for the show floor
Display a free company card at your booth, or share your professional card on the show floor.