Thought Bubble Comic Convention is unique: a two-day convention dedicated to comic artists, writers, and comic publishers. An event where industry veterans hang out with fresh talent in an environment that’s rich with a supportive and friendly atmosphere. Thought Bubble is a weekend for catching up with your creative pals whilst networking with editors, publishers and printers. And most importantly; showcasing your amazing work to our comic-loving audience!
Our past exhibitors said:
“Best time of my life, if this is the only time I’ll get to exhibit, it’s been the best!”
“Excellent - I can't speak highly enough of it and have been telling everyone that!“
“Tbubs continues to be one of the most amazing events every year, and I look forward to seeing you next year!“
Information about Exhibiting
THE APPLICATION PROCESS
Application for Thought Bubble Comic Convention generally opens for a couple of weeks at the start of each year. The application form is online, where we will ask for details about yourself and your work. Thought Bubble Comic Convention applications are curated; this means that once applications close Team Thought Bubble will read through each one and select successful exhibitors. Please note that completing an application does not guarantee that you’ll get a table.
All applicants will receive an email notification once curation has been completed to let you know if it has been successful or not. With successful applicants, you’ll also receive an invoice for your table and any extras you requested. Payments must be received within 5 working days of the email being sent.
If your application has not been successful you will be automatically added to our reserves list, this means that if spaces become free during the year, we’ll contact you to offer you the space.
Find answers to some common questions, as well as a blog post to help you make the most of your application below:
2024 Exhibitor Prices
Creators
(including Writer, Artist, Colourist, Letterer and Small Press)
Full table - £185
Half table - £90
Retailers And Publishers
Full table - £250
BOOTHS
Standard Booth - 3m x 2m - £700 (limited)
Custom and larger spaces are available, please email us for details at: exhibitors@thoughtbubblefestival.com
Extras
Extra Pass - £25
Backing Board Hire - £45
Electricity - £80
Adverts
Website banner - £100
Information
The convention is open to the public from Saturday 10am - 6pm, and Sunday 10am - 5pm.
Full tables are 6ft x 2.5ft and include 2 exhibitor passes. We recommend no more than 3 people per full table.
Half tables are 3ft x 2.5ft and include 1 exhibitor pass. We recommend no more than 2 people per half table.
Standard booths are 3 metres wide x 2 metres deep, three walled with electricity supply and lighting.
Exhibitor passes: A full table comes with 2 exhibitor passes; half tables come with 1 pass. Every table after the first comes with 1 exhibitor pass (eg: 2 tables = 3 passes, 3 tables = 4 passes)
Backing Boards are 1 metre wide x 2 metres high and covered in Velcro friendly material. 1 board will fit behind a full table.
Electricity must be pre-booked if required and will be provided via a drop from the ceiling, drops will be shared between exhibitors.
Website banners are displayed on a rotating basis in the footer of and other various points on this website; from the date of collection until the following year’s application period closes.
Terms and Conditions 2024
Below are Thought Bubble Exhibitor terms and conditions, please ensure you read and understand them in full. We'll email you a copy when you've completed your application, please keep a copy for your own reference. If you need clarification on any part of it, or have any questions at all, please email: exhibitors@thoughtbubblefestival.com
APPLICATION
Please take care completing your application form. Submitting an application form does not guarantee space at the convention. Once you submit your application you will receive a confirmation email, please take this as confirmation it has been received safely. You will be contacted regarding the outcome of your application and, if successful, you will receive confirmation of table space and your invoice. Unsuccessful applicants will be automatically added to the reserves list for the convention and contacted should a space become available at a later date.
Thought Bubble is curated, so only exhibitors who have applied and been accepted may table at the convention. Table sharing with non applicants or applicants who were not accepted without the express permission of Thought Bubble is prohibited.
Exhibitors must be 16 years of age or older, those under this age wishing to exhibit must be accompanied by a guardian, verified by Thought Bubble.
Exhibitors are required to attend the comic convention for the entirety of both Saturday and Sunday.
PAYMENT
If you are successful, you’ll receive an invoice which should be paid within 5 working days of receipt. We can accept payments via PayPal or electronic bank transfer. Bank transfer is our preferred method of payment. If you wish to amend your invoice, or have any queries, please email us as soon as you can. If payment is not received within the 5 working days, we hold to the right to pass your table space onto the next applicant.
TABLE DETAILS
Full tables are 6ft x 2.5ft. Half tables are 3ft x 2.5ft.
CREATORS (including Writer, Artist, Colourist, Letterer and Small Press) - Full table - £185. Half table - £90
RETAILERS AND PUBLISHERS - Full table - £250
Half a table purchase includes 1 exhibitor pass and 1 chair. One full table purchased includes 2 exhibitor passes and 2 chairs. Every additional table purchased will come with 1 extra exhibitor pass.
The maximum number of people behind a single table is four (two per half table), but we suggest two to three at any one time due to space restrictions.
BOOTHS
Standard booths are 3 metres wide x 2 metres deep, three-walled with electricity supply. Booth bookings come with 4 exhibitor passes. These spaces are limited.
STANDARD BOOTH - 3m x 2m - £700
Custom and larger spaces are available, please email us for details at: exhibitors@thoughtbubblefestival.com
JOINT APPLICATIONS
Creators can apply as joint applicants. Please make sure you fill in the table application with all the relevant details for all who wish to exhibit. Only the primary contact will receive correspondence from Thought Bubble. The primary contact is then responsible for distributing information to all other applicants.
ADDITIONAL EXHIBITOR PASSES
Additional exhibitor passes can be purchased up until October 1st. After that date, you will need to purchase standard weekend/day tickets, which will be available for collection from the ticket office at the convention centre.
BACKING BOARDS
You are not able to attach signs, pictures, or any kind of poster to the walls of the venues. If you require a backing board (1 metre wide by 2 metres tall), these can be hired for an additional cost, available within the application form. Backing boards are velcro compatible, no pins or blu-tac can be used.
ELECTRICITY
All electronic items using mains power supply must be PAT tested, and proof of this testing must accompany the item (in either sticker or certificate form). Electricity points are available at an extra cost, available within your application form.
SET-UP AND TAKE-DOWN SAFETY
All exhibitors must wear hi-vis jackets during the set-up and take-down. Please purchase your own ahead of the convention weekend where possible. We will have some available at the convention centre to buy.
Anyone under the age of 16 will not be allowed to enter the building during set-up and take-down.
Exhibitors cannot begin take-down until after 17:00 on Sunday, all members of the public must have left the convention centre before take-down begins; this includes bringing in trolleys. If you pick up your trolley before the public have left the building, security will not allow you to re-enter until the building is clear of visitors.
SET-UP TIMES, TAKE-DOWN TIMES AND ACCESS
Specific set-up times will be confirmed to all exhibitors via email closer to the convention weekend dates. This will include the option for a Friday set up, and a Saturday morning set up. The convention is open to the public on Saturday 16 November from 10:00 - 18:00, and Sunday 17 November from 10:00 - 17:00. Exhibitors must attend both days of the convention.
SPACE PRESENTATION
We like to keep Thought Bubble a tidy, well-presented convention. We do not provide tablecloths, and we recommend you bring one to give your table a professional appearance. If you are displaying products in boxes, please ensure that they are tidy and clean. Do not block aisles, fire exits, or other people's tables. Ensure your table display is safe and secure at all times. Please be conscious of your table neighbours and do not encroach on their exhibiting space.
ADULT CONTENT
Thought Bubble is a family friendly event, no adult material is allowed on display. You are permitted to keep sensitive items out of sight, eg. under your table.
AI GENERATED MATERIAL
AI generated artwork has no place at Thought Bubble. Should an exhibitor be found to be using AI in their work, we hold the right to cancel their appearance at any stage.
EXHIBITOR CONDUCT
Exhibitors should not approach customers from in front of the table. No ‘hard sales’ tactics are to be used.
Exhibitors are asked to remember that Thought Bubble is an all ages, inclusive comic convention that is open to everyone. Any kind of discrimination, bullying or harassment will be dealt with on a zero tolerance basis; Thought Bubble reserves the right to ask exhibitors and ticket holders to leave should we deem these rules breached. We ask you, as an exhibitor, to help us keep Thought Bubble a friendly, safe place and to please inform a volunteer or staff member if you feel these rules are broken by anyone.
CANCELLATION
Exhibitors have the right to a full refund up to 1 September 2024. Please email us to notify us of your cancellation as soon as possible at exhibitors@thoughtbubblefestival.com.
You will be emailed a copy of these terms and conditions upon submitting your application.