Info/FAQ – Des Moines Con | Iowa Comic Con | Cosplay

Information and Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

WHAT IS DES MOINES CON?

Des Moines Con is a celebration of comics, toys, TV, film, art, cosplay, games, and all things nerdy. If you're a fan of Batman, the Avengers, Doctor Who, Star Wars, LEGO, Disney, Star Trek, the Walking Dead, Power Rangers, Game of Thrones, etc., you'll probably fit right in at DMC!!

WHEN IS DES MOINES CON?

DMC is May 29 - May 31, 2026.

Our hours are:

Exhibit Hall Hours
Friday, May 29 | 12:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Saturday, May 30 | 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Sunday, May 31 | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Programming Hours
Friday, May 29 | 1:00 PM – 12:00 AM
Saturday, May 30 | 10:00 AM – 12:00 AM
Sunday, May 31 | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Registration Hours
Friday, May 29 | 10:30 AM – 7:00 PM
Saturday, May 30 | 8:30 AM – 6:00 PM
Sunday, May 31 | 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

WHERE IS DES MOINES CON?

DMC takes place at the Iowa Events Center, in Des Moines, IA!

WHO IS BEHIND DES MOINES CON?

DMC is produced by Nerd Street Events (est. 2011), which is also behind Twin Cities Con, Central Florida Comic Con, Annapolis Comic-Con, Southern Maryland Comic-Con, Sugoi Expo, Madison Comic & Pop Culture Expo, and co-produces Alaska ComiCon.

WHO IS COMING TO DES MOINES CON?

Please check out our Guests Page for the latest guest list. Follow our Facebook Page or our Instagram (@desmoinescon) to get updates when they happen!

WILL A CELEBRITY GUEST SIGN MY (TOY, POP, DVD, POSTER, ETC)?

In general, our celebrity guests are happy to sign items that you bring from home. There may be an additional charge for certain items, and there may be specific items that some celebs are not willing to sign at all. Please do not bring any weapons for them to sign that would violate our prop weapon policy.

I HAVE A QUESTION ABOUT GUEST PRICING, AUTOGRAPHS AND/OR PHOTO OPS...

PHOTO OP/AUTOGRAPH FAQ

Q: Do I need to bring something for the guest to sign?

A: You do not need to. Most guests have prints available at their table that they will sign.

Q: Do I need to pay with cash or card?

A: Most guests will accept both but there may be some that accept cash only. They will be indicated by an asterisk (*) on the Guest Pricing sheet, also at the top of this page.

Q: Can I bring my own prints/items for a guest to sign?

A: Yes, most guests are willing to sign prints/items that you bring unless stated otherwise (ex. Sting will not sign bats)

Q: What does it mean if a price is not included on the pricing sheet?

A: That service is not one the guest is currently offering at our show.

Q: How do I purchase autographs or other at-table services (selfies, recordings, etc)?

A: Some guests may offer pre-purchase through our photo-ops link but for most guests, you will purchase these services at their table during the convention.

Q: How do I purchase professional photo-ops?

A: Follow the link at the top of the guest page for professional photo-ops through Epic Photo-Ops. You will be able to pre-purchase any professional photo-op options offered and redeem it at the convention during the time Epic Photo-Ops issues you once that schedule is set, typically about a week or two out from the event.

Q: If I have questions about autographs or photo-ops, what do I do?

A: Please check the Epic site and check under Info. They have an entire FAQ and support email that can assist you with anything related to the professional photo-ops and pre-purchased autographs.

Q: How many people can be in a photo-op?

A: You are welcome to have up to 4 individuals* per Photo Op ticket (this limit does not apply to the talent or children 3 years and younger) unless otherwise noted on the talent sales page. Please check the Epic Info page, found on the photo-op link for further similar questions.

HOW CAN I GO TO DES MOINES CON?

You can purchase tickets to DMC from our ticketing website.

WHAT ABOUT KIDS TICKETS?

Kids tickets only cost $10 and are good all weekend! But there are a lot of discount codes that make them FREE!

Kids tickets are for ages 2-13. Kids and infants under 2 are welcome at the event, but do not need a ticket.

Kids 13 and under MUST be accompanied by an adult at the event.

DOES MY KID NEED AN ADULT TO ATTEND WITH THEM?

We recommend those under 18 years of age attend with an adult. But all minors 13 years old and younger are required to have a trusted adult accompany them to the event.

I'M A MEMBER OF PRESS; HOW CAN I GET ACCESS TO DES MOINES CON?

Please fill out our Press/Media Request Form HERE

DO YOU HAVE A QUIET ROOM TO DECOMPRESS IN?

Yes, we do. Our quiet room is located in room 311. There will be a sign outside indicating the room.

I REQUIRE ADDITIONAL ASSISTANCE AT THE SHOW, WHAT SHOULD I DO?

If you require additional assistance due to a disability, please request an accessibility wristband at registration when you pick up your badge.

DO YOU HAVE ACCESSIBLE SEATING IN PANEL ROOMS/MAIN STAGE?

Yes, but it is limited and is available on a first come first served basis. You are also not required to sit in them if you don’t want to.

I HAVE AN ACCESSIBILITY WRISTBAND AND THE ROOM WAS CLEARED, WHAT DO I DO?

You will need to clear the room along with everyone else. If you have an accessibility wristband and are planning to attend the next panel, please speak to a Volunteer or Staff member about where the accessibility line has formed.

IS THERE A BAG POLICY?

There is no official Des Moines Con bag policy but all bags are subject to security search and must abide by all other Des Moines Con policies including our Prop/Weapons policy.

CAN I BRING OUTSIDE FOOD AND DRINK?

Empty water bottles that can be filled inside the Iowa Events Center are allowed but outside food and drinks are not allowed (unless necessary for dietary restrictions).

Important Info & Policies

ANTI-HARASSMENT POLICY

Nerd Street Events/Des Moines Con is committed to fostering a safe, inclusive, and rewarding atmosphere. Our events are meant to be an inclusive space for fans, with a zero-tolerance policy against harassment, groping, stalking, and inappropriate photography. Gender-based harassment is unacceptable at Des Moines Con.

Harassment includes, but is not limited to, verbal comments that reinforce social structures of domination related to gender, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size, race, age, religion; deliberate intimidation; stalking; following; harassing photography or recording; sustained disruption of talks or other events; inappropriate physical contact; and unwelcome sexual attention. Harassment of any kind is unwelcome at DMC and will not be tolerated.

COSPLAY & COSTUME WEAPONS POLICY

Any weapon that could seriously hurt somebody is not allowed at DMC. Specifically, but not limited to:

Functional firearms – that includes paintball, airsoft, bb guns, cap guns, any gun that shoots a real projectile or causes a real explosion.
Realistic firearms – any gun that could be confused for a real gun. If it looks like a real gun, it is not allowed. Realistic prop guns with brightly-colored caps are not allowed.
Prop weapons made of a hard material such as metal, wood, or glass
Functional projectile weapons – any weapon (crossbow, slingshot, etc) that discharges a projectile
Metal-bladed weapons
Whips
Explosives
Blunt weapons like bats, clubs, or hockey sticks
Loud props such as whistles, horns, etc.

Prop weapons are allowed, as long as they meet the following criteria:

They are composed of cardboard, foam, or something light.
Prop firearms are allowed only if they cannot be mistaken for real weapons.
Prop bows will be allowed providing all arrows have soft tips and will not be shot.
Prop weapons will be allowed at the discretion of staff and uniformed security personnel.

Safety is paramount, we will always err on the side of caution. There will be no place to store prohibited weapons on-site. If you have a weapon that is prohibited, you will be escorted from the building and not allowed back in with the weapon.

Hateful symbols aren’t welcome at Des Moines Con. Historical costumes can be great, but reminders of unspeakable atrocities are not appropriate, ever. This includes any sort of “ironic” or satirical costumes that re-appropriate Nazi paraphernalia or gear. Swastikas of any kind are not allowed at DMC.

Des Moines Con Accessibility Policy

Des Moines Con Accessibility and Companion Wristbands

Des Moines Con is dedicated to treating all attendees with respect and dignity. Accessibility wristbands are available to attendees with disabilities and one companion. [Both the attendee and the companion must have a badge to attend the event. The wristband does not serve as a replacement for a Des Moines Con Badge.] Wristbands are for individuals with mobility, vision, hearing, or other difficulties. Accessibility wristbands do not provide early access to the exhibit hall, nor does it guarantee seating at panels or events, nor priority access to autograph lines, or photo ops.

To receive an accessibility and companion wristband, please request one at registration when you pick up your badge.

Panel Rooms

Panel rooms will have designated accessible seating in various parts of the room. Please note that this seating is limited and is available on a first come first served basis. Seating may not be available if you arrive at a panel after it has begun. While the seats are made available, you are not required to sit in those seats if you do not wish to do so. If you need assistance finding accessible seating, please ask a Volunteer or Staff member.

Most panel rooms at the event are not cleared, however, some spaces may be cleared after certain events. Clearing will be noted on the schedule and will be communicated verbally by Volunteers or Staff in the room. If rooms have been cleared, lines for the next event will be formed outside of the room. Please ask a Volunteer or Staff member about where the accessibility line has formed. If you have trouble standing in line for long periods of time, please speak to a Volunteer or Staff member about having your companion wait in line for both of you.

Note: While staff will always do their best to make accommodations, once “General Loading” begins, accessibility seating cannot be guaranteed. Qualification for services does not guarantee the availability of seating.

Celebrity Autographs

Those with Accessibility wristbands are permitted to use the VIP line, but they are not permitted to jump in front of any VIP attendee. If you’re someone who has ADA-related difficulties standing in lines for long periods or have trouble navigating lines, please speak to a Volunteer or Staff member about your companion holding your place in line. If you have ADA-related difficulties standing in line for long periods of time and do not have a companion with you, please speak to a Staff member and they will assist you. NOTE: Priority line access is reserved for individuals who purchased a VIP Badge.

Quiet Room

We have a Quiet Room located in Room 311.

Iowa Center Accessibility Information

Below is some helpful information taken from the Iowa Events Center’s website regarding accessibility at the Iowa Events Center. For more information about accessibility at the Iowa Events Center, please visit their website.

Service Animals:

Animals or pets of any kind are not permitted into Iowa Events Center facilities with the exception of trained service animals and service animals in training for guests with disabilities. Service animals must be leashed at all times unless performing a necessary task for their handler which requires the leash be removed. Handlers are responsible for cleaning up after their service animal and for any damages caused by the service animal. A guest whose service animal poses a threat to the safety of other guests and/or employees may be asked to escort the animal off the premises.

Handicap Parking:

Accessible parking is available in all of the parking lots surrounding the Iowa Events Center. To park in the spaces reserved for disabled guests, the vehicle must have a state issued handicapped window pass, sticker, or license plate. Any customer may drop off a disabled patron at the front of the Iowa Events Center, then park the car in one of the lots and meet that person inside the Iowa Events Center.

Elevators:

There are two elevators located in the Iowa Events Center on the east side of EMC Expo Center and on the south side of Community Choice Convention Center.