Prepare your trip/travels well and well in advance (if possible). This allows you to get everything in order, book ✈️ flights cheaper and have plenty of options available for 🏨 lodging. It will also help you avoid any unnecessary last-minute issues/stress, so you can focus fully on the Expo.
Plan out your days at the Expo (but be flexible). 🤔 With all that amazing stuff going on in just 3 days, you want to make sure to prioritize the things you want to attend the most! Make a 📜 list or 🗓️ schedule that safeguards those priorities (maybe use our new app that we're developing this year!). And if things don't go as planned or if there's any space left in your schedule, make sure to be flexible and try new things! We often learn a lot when we least expect it. 🤯
Don't be afraid to socialize and network with fellow attendees/artists (you got this!). 💪 Most artists (even the pros) are just as shy as you! Be patient, polite and genuine, but don't hesitate to spark up a conversation. 🗣️ After all, meeting other artists is what this event is all about! 🙌
Get your merch on day one (if you can). If you don't want to miss out on merch from any of your 🧑🎨 favorite artists, make sure to get there first! 🏃 Same goes with the LBX show store. Otherwise, you might risk missing out on something very cool!
If you are coming for portfolio reviews and aren't bringing a physical portfolio, please make sure to download your images onto whatever device you're bringing (phone, tablet, laptop, etc). There is not always a reliable WiFi connection and the last thing you want is to take up some of your review time trying to actually download your portfolio.
On the day, make sure to bring…
🧃 drinks
🍎 snacks
🖌️ art supplies (don't overdo it! 😉)
📝 a way to make notes (notepad + pen, phone, etc.)
🔋 an extra battery charger and/or power-bank for your phone
🔌 a universal power plug travel converter (for international visitors)
📒 your portfolio (printed or digital)
🪪 plenty of business cards (for networking!)
🎒 a backpack to hold it all
👟 comfy shoes
👕 comfy, yet presentable clothes
Above all: be kind! 🤗 And have fun! 🥳
October 23-25, 2026
In case you want to plan WAY far ahead, our 2027 dates are October 22-24, 2027!
Unfortunately, no, exhibitor applications were open in March of 2026 and we are now sold out.
You can sign up for our newsletter to be notified when we open for exhibitor applications for 2027.
Unfortunately, no, programming submissions were open in March of 2026 and we are no longer accepting new submissions.
You can sign up for our newsletter to be notified when we open again for 2027.
LightBox Expo is committed to supporting and showcasing the work of human creatives and is strictly against the use of AI tools in art. To support that mission, creative content generated using AI tools are not permitted for display or sale at the event.
You can pick up your tickets in the Exhibit Hall & Ballroom Building during these hours:
Thursday 10/22 - 2:00pm-6:00pm
Friday 10/23 - 9:00am-6:00pm
Saturday 10/24 - 9:00am-6:00pm
Sunday 10/25 - 9:00am-5:00pm
No, LBX does not offer professional passes as most everyone who attends is a student or creative professional
We do not accept volunteers, but we have paid crew that works the event (we call them Fireflies). Applications were open in July and are now closed.
There is a main concession stand located in the Exhibit Hall, and multiple smaller kiosks with snacks and drinks throughout the Conference Center building, plus there is also a Starbucks on-site.
In addition, across the street from the Pasadena Convention Center there is a plaza with numerous restaurants.
We invite you to check out the transportation and parking information page on the Convention Center page of the Visit Pasadena website.
Southwest Airlines is pleased to offer LightBox Expo attendees discounted fares. To utilize the discount, book via SWABIZ® using the link below. Discount valid for travel 10/20/2026 to 10/28/2026.
No, there is not. You may check with the Hotel Dena (which is attached to the convention center) about storing your package(s) or luggage(s) there if they offer that service, but please know that if they do, there may be a fee associated with that service.
Yes! The team at Visit Pasadena has joined forces with an app called Bandwango in order to manage all restaurants and discounts, check out their Show Your Badge program below to receive discounts throughout Pasadena when you show your LBX badge!
Leap Events is the ticket seller for LightBox Expo, so if you have any ticket issues, you can contact Leap Customer Care to assist you.
CONTACT US
Please make sure your question wasn't addressed above, due to the high volume of emails, we can't answer questions that have already been answered. If you didn't find an answer above, drop us a note using this contact form! We'll get back to you as soon as we can.
