KNOW MORE
ABOUT OUR PASADENA EVENT
DesignerCon started in Pasadena in 2005. After growing the show and moving it to it’s new “flagship” location of Las Vegas, the DesignerCon team has decided to go back to it’s origins and have a smaller expansion show in our birthplace of Pasadena.
WHAT WE DO?
DesignerCon produces independent art and designer toy conventions that connect artists, collectors, and fans in a shared physical space. It gives independent creators a platform to sell directly to their audience — while giving collectors access to limited, one-of-a-kind work they can't find anywhere else.
WHAT WE ARE?
DesignerCon is a celebration of independent art culture. It's equal parts art show, marketplace, and community gathering — where the lines between creator and collector blur. It's the kind of place where you walk in looking for one thing and leave having discovered ten artists you didn't know existed yesterday.
OUR AIM & MISSION
To champion independent artists by creating accessible, welcoming spaces where creativity is bought, sold, and celebrated. DesignerCon believes art shouldn't live only in galleries — it belongs in the hands of the people who love it most.
ABOUT DESIGNERCON
What started as a small gathering of vinyl toy enthusiasts has grown into the world's largest art and collectibles convention.
DesignerCon was founded under the name Vinyl Toy Network, created to bring together artists, manufacturers, distributors, and retailers in the vinyl toy and collectible figures market. The very first show was held in an 1,100 sq. ft. meeting room at the Pasadena Convention Center.
The show began as a one-day bi-annual event, then became a one-day annual show in 2009 — the same year it was renamed from Vinyl Toy Network to DesignerCon. By 2013, demand had grown enough to expand to a two-day annual show.
As the community grew, so did the vision. The "vinyl toy" name became too restrictive — the show had expanded to include companies from all aspects of design and art, including clothing, printing, plush, and more. DesignerCon became the name that matched the movement.
The show moved to Anaheim in 2018 and eventually landed in Las Vegas, cementing its status as a national destination event. Through it all, Pasadena remained the spiritual home of DCon.
In 2026, DesignerCon returned to its origins — back at the Pasadena Convention Center, celebrating the community where it all began.
Today, DesignerCon draws tens of thousands of creatives and their families every year, and remains the biggest holiday art event in the world, with a digital reach spanning 178 million+ followers of DCon talent on Instagram alone.
Past collaborators and guests have included the Backstreet Boys, Jack Black, Shepard Fairey, Steve Aoki, Kevin Durant, Sony Animation, MEDICOM TOY, Def Jam Records, and many more.
From 1,100 square feet to over 300,000 — DCon is proof that great art finds its audience.
What is DesignerCon all About?
Having fun and meeting all your favorite artists, designers, manufacturers, and vendors!
The show was created to bring together artists, manufacturers, distributors, and retailers in the vinyl toy/collectible figures market. DesignerCon now incorporates everything in the world of design including apparel, plush, printing, sculpture, designer toys, and art ranging from fine to urban.
The show was founded and still run by companies who are also vendors which is why we strive to provide a fun, safe, comfortable environment for fans, artists, and vendors to meet! We look forward even bigger and better shows every year through the continued support of our amazing vendors and attendees. Without you, this show would not be possible, so from all of us at DesignerCon, thank you!
When is DesignerCon Pasadena?
DesignerCon 2026 is a two day event on Saturday, June 20th and Sunday, June 21st . Show hours on Saturday are 10am to 7pm and Sunday 10am to 5pm.
When is DesignerCon Las Vegas?
DesignerCon Las Vegas is our main event of the year that is 3 days long – Friday, November 13th, Saturday, November 14th & Sunday, November 15th, 2026. Show hours on Saturday are 10am to 7pm and Sunday 10am to 5pm. VIP ticket holders will be able to enter the show at 9am instead of 10am on Saturday and Friday the 15th is strictly for VIP ticket holders. Hours for the Friday VIP-only night are 5pm – 9pm.
How much are tickets?
Single Day Tickets are $20 Weekend Tickets are $35. Buy the ticket, here.
How can I become a Vendor?
Vendor Applications have closed for DesignerCon Pasadena 2026. We sold out of Vendor Tables in record time. Applications for Las Vegas will be opening in April 2026.
Where should I stay during DesignerCon?
We have room blocks at the Hotel Dena and Hyatt Place Pasadena. Both are a short walk from the Pasadena Convention Center.
How can I become a Sponsor for DesignerCon?
Interested in becoming a sponsor. Email us: Info@designercon.com or use our Contact Form on the website.
What artists will be at DesignerCon?
Full List of Artists will be announced early April 2026.
We will have a Vendor List and Map updated on our website leading up to the event with bios of the artists vending.