Artists will have the option to select their table during the time of purchasing the Artist Alley Table Package.

SPJA reserves the absolute right to change the floor plan or to move an artist to another location prior to or during the event.

Artist Alley Table Package

• Artist Alley Table Package purchases will receive a 50% refund for any cancellations received by the cancellation deadline, as stated in the Artist Alley Terms & Conditions. Cancellations made after this deadline will not receive a refund.
• Artists may only purchase one (1) Table Package. Duplicate orders will be canceled immediately. Artist Alley Table Packages are non-transferable to other artists or attendees. Tables are non-transferable to subsequent years.
• SPJA reserves the right to resell or reassign canceled tables in the event of either a full or partial cancellation of an Artist Alley Table Package.

Additional Artist Alley Badges

• Artist Alley badges are non-refundable and non-transferable to other shows.
• One (1) badge for the artist and one (1) badge for a helper are included in the Artist Alley Table Package. An additional badge for a second helper can be ordered, for an additional fee, at the time of purchasing the Table Package.
• Artist Alley participants that will need to exchange a previously purchased general attendee badge for an Artist Alley badge can contact artistalley@anime-expo.org for assistance.

A valid California Seller’s Permit must be submitted to artistalley@anime-expo.org in order to conduct sales onsite at the Anime Expo.

By law, any individual selling items in the state of California must have a California Seller’s Permit. The permit is free and easy to obtain! Visit the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration website or refer to the Artist Alley Packet for more information.

IMPORTANT REQUIREMENTS

• Seller’s Permits must be active during Anime Expo 2026 show dates.
• In accordance with state policy, All Artists must keep either a physical or digital copy of the California Seller’s Permit at their table.
• All individuals selling items in Artist Alley are required to obtain their own Seller’s Permit. NO permits with 'et al' will be accepted.

Anime Expo Artist Alley exists to promote and celebrate original artworks by fans of Japanese animation and pop culture. We enjoy seeing artists produce new and exciting material every year! Below are guidelines and restrictions on what may and may not be sold in Artist Alley.

Please note: Artists attracting a large crowd that is impeding traffic may be subject to having their table shut down until traffic flow improves or relocation if the crowding continues.

INFRINGEMENT POLICY

SPJA has zero-tolerance for infringing content at any of our events. Reproduced artwork that is traced, vectorized, copied, or otherwise altered from another artist, whether as a part or the whole of a work, is not permitted. This includes but is not limited to:

• Official logos
• Symbols
• Background art
• Pre-existing artwork / images

Selling infringing content is a violation of civil and criminal law. SPJA encourages anyone who sees infringing content to report it, whether you are the content owner, an artist, or an attendee who notices that something is wrong. To submit a report, please contact artistalley@anime-expo.org or visit Artist Alley HQ in Kentia Hall during the event.

BOOTLEG MERCHANDISE, GREY MARKET GOODS, AND PSEUDO-MERCHANDISE

The sale of bootleg merchandise, grey market goods, and pseudo-merchandise is not permitted in Artist Alley.

• Bootleg / counterfeit merchandise is defined as items made without the trademark holder’s authorization.
• Grey market goods, are defined as items manufactured abroad and imported into the US without the consent of the trademark holder.
• Pseudo-merchandise are items that, intentionally or not, directly compete with licensed merchandise available in the Exhibit Hall or elsewhere.

Artists found to be selling bootleg merchandise, grey market goods, or pseudo-merchandise will be issued a warning and asked to remove the item(s) from the table for the remainder of the convention. Continued breach of contract will lead to immediate expulsion from Artist Alley and a possible disqualification from participating in future events.

SPJA is not liable for any infringing content, or failure to discover or remove the infringing content; we do our best to keep infringing content out of our show and cooperate with rights holders and law enforcement. SPJA is not responsible for policing or enforcing intellectual property.

REPRODUCED ARTWORK

Do NOT under any circumstances use artwork that is not your own. Do not trace, vectorize, copy, or otherwise alter and/or reproduce artwork that is not your own, whether as a part or the whole of a work. This includes official logos, symbols, background art, and any other pre-existing artwork or images that are not yours.

ADULT MATERIAL

Sexually explicit or provocative material will not be permitted for sales or display in Artist Alley. This includes nudity, gore, and sexually suggestive material. SPJA will determine what may be sold and displayed at its sole discretion. If you are unsure whether your work would be allowed in Artist Alley, send an email to artistalley@anime-expo.org with examples.

MASS PRODUCTION

Selling items that are mass-produced is prohibited in Artist Alley. Artist Alley is a venue for amateur and professional artists to promote and sell their original artwork—it is not a cheaper alternative to an Exhibit Hall space, nor is it an easy way to make money off intellectual property that is not your own. Mass production and sale of items by artists in the Artist Alley could damage the integrity and threaten the continued existence of the Artist Alley at Anime Expo.

Artists found to be (a) producing and selling items in numbers rivaling those of Exhibit Hall vendors, and/or (b) utilizing the Artist Alley in a manner that could potentially damage the integrity and spirit of the Artist Alley, may face immediate expulsion from any SPJA events.

PROXY SELLING

Proxy selling (i.e. selling the works of a person who is not present and a registered artist in Anime Expo Artist Alley) is strictly prohibited. Collaborative works, such as anthologies, would be an exception to this rule.

PROP/REPLICA WEAPONS

Sales of weapons and prop/replica weapons are prohibited in Artist Alley.

BODY ART, HENNA TATTOOS, AND SERVICE TYPE BUSINESS

Henna tattoos, face painting, and others work expressing art on a person’s body are prohibited in Artist Alley.

ARTIST ALLEY OR EXHIBIT HALL

Artists may only participate in one area. Artists will not be allowed to participate in both Artist Alley and Exhibit Hall.

PAY-TO-PLAY

Artists are prohibited from any pay-to-play activities. Artists must provide goods and/or services in exchange for any payments made. Examples of pay-to-play activities are:

• Carnival Games
• Raffles
• Gambling

In the case of harassment or conflict, please notify Artist Alley staff immediately. You may visit Artist Alley HQ in Kentia Hall to file a claim form and officially report an issue. If you would like to report a potential copyright issue or art theft onsite during Anime Expo, please notify the Artist Alley staff.

We kindly request all Artist Alley participants to be mindful about their surroundings. Please respect the space around your table, your neighboring artists, the Artist Alley aisles, and walkways in between tables.

Each Artist Alley Table Package includes:

• One (1) 6’x2’ table
• Two (2) chairs
• One (1) table sign (includes artist name and table number)

TABLE NAME AND NUMBER VISIBILITY

• Your table name and number must be visible at all times.
• Table signage is provided for you but if you do not use it or cover it, you must replace it with your own.

WHERE AND HOW TO PLACE YOUR GOODS

• All sale items, goods, and supplies must fit on or under your table. You must keep your own items on your table and must not impede onto the table/area next to you.
• Items may NOT be stored on the floor behind your chair.
  • The walkway behind tables must be kept completely clear. Staff and artists must be able to walk behind you to get to the end of the aisles unimpeded. Additional supplies or merchandise must be kept under the table.
• Objects and items that will obstruct the flow of traffic in the aisles: Objects included are chairs, easels, boxes, clothes racks, table coverings, etc. Table coverings that drape into aisles should be tucked in. No items may be on the floor in front of your table.

NO MORE THAN 2 PARTICIPANTS BEHIND A TABLE AT A TIME

• Additional chairs may NOT be placed behind the table at any time. Do not take chairs from other tables.
• All participants behind the table MUST be wearing an Artist Alley badge. Individuals caught violating badge policy are subject to being escorted off the premises and having their badge(s) confiscated.

SIGNAGE AND DISPLAY LIMITATIONS

• All signage and displays must be less than 7’ 6” inches from the ground.
• Overhead displays that are determined to be unsteady by Artist Alley staff must be corrected or taken down. Please make sure that your overhead displays are secure BEFORE you bring them and set them up at the event. If it sways with a gust of wind or a knock to the table, it is likely not safe.
• You must have, at minimum, a 2 sq. ft. opening in your table display. This is to ensure you are visible to Artist Alley staff and attendees.
• Stands and displays cannot extend beyond the confines of your table. Tripods and displays must not extend beyond the bounds of your table, meaning you cannot display items behind your table. Use of table clamps to secure signage is permitted under the discretion of SPJA.
  • Tables at the end of aisles may utilize the side of the table (not impeding on another artist’s table) as additional display space. Displays on the sides of tables must NOT exceed past the confines of the table. Stands, tripods, or other display items that spill into the walkway or aisles are not permitted.

PROHIBITED ITEMS

• Weapons: Swords, guns, or projectile items are prohibited.
• Lighted candles or incense: Do not make your table a fire hazard.
• Industrial Machines and Volatile/Flammable Liquids: Do not bring industrial machines, aerosol cans, airbrushes, or any other supplies or equipment that could be potentially harmful, dangerous, or noisy.
• X-rated materials: Adult material will not be permitted to be sold in Artist Alley. Any items showing pornography and/or nudity or gore will not be allowed to be displayed or sold.
• Music: Not everyone likes the same music. Please be respectful of the staff, attendees, and your fellow artists by not playing music or other audio through speakers or with instruments.
• Helium Balloons: Helium balloons are prohibited inside the convention center.
• Wheels: The LA Convention Center requires that all items being brought into the Artist Alley during set up be carried in bags or boxes in your arms or on your back.
• Gridwalls of any size are prohibited. However, wire cube displays are permitted.

Effective Date:  June 15, 2017

Anime Expo® and the SPJA reserve the right to modify and/or update this FAQ at any time in their sole discretion and without prior notice.  This FAQ does not constitute legal advice.  Artists coming into the United States to participate in other fan conventions have been stopped at the U.S./Canada border.  This FAQ is provided to you merely as a courtesy.  If you need legal advice about your needs and situation, you should contact an immigration lawyer.*

WHAT DO YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT SHORT-TERM TRAVEL TO THE U.S. – FAQS

Q: What type of visa do I need if I want to visit the United States for a short time?

A: Unless you qualify for entry under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP), you will need a visitor visa if you’re a citizen of a foreign country who wants to temporarily visit the US.

Q: Does every country belong to the Visa Waiver Program?

A: Only 38 countries participate in the program.  NOTE: The following categories are no longer eligible to travel or be admitted to the U.S. under the VWP: 

– Nationals of VWP countries who have traveled to or been present in Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, or Yemen on or after March 1, 2011 (with limited exceptions for travel for diplomatic or military purposes in the service of a VWP country); and

– Nationals of VWP countries who are also nationals of Iran, Iraq, Sudan, or Syria.

Q: Does it matter if my temporary visit to the US is for business or for pleasure?

A: You need a B-1 visa if you’re visiting for business reasons. You need a B-2 visa if you’re visiting for pleasure. Typically you will receive a combined B-1/B-2 visa.  You will be expected to explain the nature of your travel when you apply for the visa and when you enter the U.S.

Q: What activities are permitted under a B-1 visa? 

A: With a B-1 visa, you may:  consult with business associate; attend a scientific, educational, professional, or business convention or conference; settle an estate; or negotiate a contract. 

Q. What activities are permitted under a B-2 visa?

A. With a B-2 visa, the following activities are permitted:  tourism; vacation; visit with friends or relatives; medical treatment; participation in social events hosted by fraternal, social or service organizations; participation by amateurs in musical, sports, or similar events or contests, if not being paid for participating; enrollment in short recreational course of study, not for credit toward a degree (for example, a two-day cooking class while you are on vacation.)

Q: I am an artist – can I create work in the U.S. if I enter in B-1 or B-2 status?

A. Yes, but only if you are not under contract with a U.S. employer and do not intend to sell your work in the U.S.

Q. If I plan to enter the U.S. and sell art work I created outside the U.S., can I do this with a B-1 visa?

A. No. This is considered extending your business into the U.S. with the U.S. becoming a profit center, and is not permitted under a B-1 or B-2 visa.

Q: If I plan to run a business in the US, can I just get a B-1 visa? 

A: No, you’ll need a working visa and not a visitor visa.

Q: Do I need a working visa if I am conducting interviews and hiring employees?

A: No, a B-1 visitor visa or entry under the Visa Waiver Program is usually enough.

Q: Once I receive my visitor visa, am I guaranteed entrance into the US?

A: Your visa only allows you to visit the US port-of-entry. It doesn’t guarantee you’ll be granted admission to the U.S.  An immigration inspector for the Department of Homeland Security U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) decides whether you can enter into the U.S.  Aliens seeking to lawfully enter into the United States must establish their admissibility to the satisfaction of the CBP officer. This is done as part of the inspection process. The reasons that a traveler who is applying for admission into the United States could be inadmissible are found in INA § 212(a).  The Inspecting Officer must be convinced that your stated purpose for entering the U.S., and all surrounding circumstances, are consistent with the activities permitted under your visa classification.  For instance, if you have no ties (bank accounts, property, lease obligation, etc.) in your home country, and are traveling with significant luggage or property, the Officer may conclude that you do not intend to enter as a visitor, and that you intend to remain in the U.S.  In that case, regardless of having a B-1 visa, your entry would be denied. 

NOTE:  CBP Officers may check cell phones and social media as part of their inspection prior to making a decision whether or not you are eligible for entry/admission to the U.S.

Q: Where do I apply for a visitor visa?

A: You should apply for a visitor visa at the US Embassy or Consulate that has authority over where you permanently live.

Q: Will I have an interview as part of my visa application process?

A: In most cases, an interview is required before a visa will be issued.

Q: How long will I have to wait for my interview appointment or for my visa to be processed?

A: The US Department of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs (CA), provides the wait times for interviews and visa processing on its website.

Q: What documentation and forms do I need to apply for a visitor visa?

A: You will need a photograph, a valid passport and a completed DS-160, Nonimmigrant Visa Electronic Application form. Check your US Embassy or Consulate to find out if there’s additional documentation that’s required.

Q: Does it cost money to apply for a visitor visa?

A: You must pay a processing fee to apply for a visa. You may also have to pay an issuance fee once the visa is issued. The issuance fee is based on what your country charges US citizens for the same type of visa.

Q: I only need to travel to the US for 30 days. Is there any way to waive the visitor visa requirement?

A: You may be able to travel to the US without obtaining a visa through the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). The stay must be for 90 days or less and be for tourism or business reasons; you must have an e-Passport; and you must have Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) approval prior to travel.

*This FAQ was drafted by the respected immigration firm of Chronis & Kreher LLP, San Francisco, CA www.chronisandkreher.com.  If you need a U.S. immigration lawyer, they may be available for hire to advise you.

Please refer to the Artist Alley Packet for more information (when available).

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