Vendor Applications
Guidelines and FAQs
What kind of work is SLICE looking for?
Comics, zines, chapbooks, literary magazines, poetry, small press, indie publishers, tabletop games, and other print culture. These should be the main focus, but you are welcome to sell merchandise like stickers and apparel as well!
Work samples should show a unique voice; you are welcome to sell fan art at the expo, but we want to see original creations in your application.
I don’t make comics, can I still apply?
Yes! SLICE celebrates zines, chapbooks, literary magazines, poetry, small press, indie publishers, comics, and other print culture!
What is SLICE’s stance on AI-generated content?
SLICE expressly prohibits the sale of AI-generated content, and vendors must own the rights to the work they exhibit at the expo or have obtained permission from the rights holder. Violators of this rule will be removed from the expo and banned from all future SLICE events. No refunds will be offered to vendors removed from the expo.
What file types should my work samples be?
Any file type works, as long as they are viewable! SLICE gets many links that are locked or password-protected. Make sure that all your samples are viewable by anyone with the link you submit. (Try testing the link in private mode.)
Please help us out by sharing curated work samples at reasonable file sizes (under 15MB). For instance, it’s more efficient for us to review 4-6 of the best pages from your graphic novel rather than a full 100MB PDF.
What are tables sizes/costs?
Full tables are 6ft wide and cost $70. Full tables will be provided two chairs.
Half tables are 3ft wide and cost $35. Half tables will be provided one chair.
In order to give as many exhibitors as possible the opportunity to participate in SLICE, there are a limited number of full table allocations. If accepted, you may be offered a half table even if you requested a full table.
Can I share a table with another exhibitor?
Once you’ve been accepted into SLICE, you will have the opportunity to request a tablemate!
Did you receive my application?
You should receive an emailed copy of your application after submitting. If you’re concerned your application didn’t go through, please don’t hesitate to email us at info@slicexpo.org.
When will I hear if I was accepted?
Late July/Early August 2025
Can I be added to a waitlist?
When we review applications, our exhibitor selection process includes inviting applicants to be on the waitlist. We will reach out to you if this is the case.
I missed the application deadline, can I still apply?
Unfortunately, we are unable to accept applications after the final deadline. We look forward to seeing your application for next year’s expo!
If an extra table opens up at the expo, can I have it?
If a table becomes available, we will reach out to the next person on our waitlist.
Expo Day Terms and Conditions
Exhibitor applications will be accepted based on application quality, uniqueness, and available space, and will be chosen by members of the SLICE team. One table per applicant. SLICE reserves the right to deny any table application if the applicant does not meet the SLICE safe space policy terms and/or the applicant is showing items they do not have a right to sell.
AI Policy
SLICE expressly prohibits the sale of AI-generated content, and vendors must own the rights to the work they exhibit at the expo or have obtained permission from the rights holder. Violators of this rule will be removed from the expo and banned from all future SLICE events. No refunds will be offered to vendors removed from the expo.
Waiting List
If not initially accepted, applicants may be placed on a waiting list. These applicants will be contacted about said waiting list.
No Call / No Show Policy
Exhibitors are expected to arrive at the expo venue within one (1) hour (11amCST) of the expo start time. If you are running late or cannot make it, you must call (phone number will be provided in your acceptance materials) or send an email to info@slicexpo.org before the expo start time to inform SLICE staff. Exhibitors who do not contact SLICE and do not show will have their tables pulled from the expo hall and will be barred from exhibiting at SLICE for the next two (2) years.
Lost Items
Exhibitor agrees not to hold SLICE and The Sheldon responsible for any lost, stolen, or damaged merchandise.
Safe Space Policy
SLICE will not tolerate any actions or merchandise that are considered hateful towards a particular race, gender, sexuality, class, or disability or that make any attendee, staff member, or exhibitor feel unsafe. If content or actions are considered unacceptable by a party, a resolution will be mediated by SLICE organizers and the concerned parties.
Permissions
SLICE reserves the right to request more information about the materials you intend to show. No table space is reserved until you receive confirmation from SLICE. Exhibitors’ contact information will be kept private. SLICE will not sell, trade, rent, or give away exhibitor contact information to a third party. Exhibitors give SLICE permission to use the information provided in their application in the SLICE program, on slicexpo.org, and in promotional materials for the expo, as well as data provided in grant applications. Exhibitors also give SLICE and The Sheldon permission to use any photos taken on the day of the event for promotional purposes.