Art toys, collectibles, and the creators behind them: DesignerCon is inviting you back for its 21st year of interactive experiences and innovative artwork.
The convention, produced by the owners of 3DRetro, will feature more than 700 vendors and 350 artists celebrating art and toys in all their forms. From Nov. 13-15 in Las Vegas, fans can enjoy three days of hunting for new art toys, discovering prints, finding new ‘fits, meeting new friends, and more at The Expo at World Market Center.
Once you step on the show floor, you’ll find licensed merch from beloved franchises like Ultraman, as well as brands focusing on original, underground characters. This year, DesignerCon will serve as the sole U.S. stop for Toei Art Fes — attendees will have the opportunity to collect limited-edition Kamen Rider figures that are typically exclusive to Japanese markets.
Ahead of the show, The Pop Insider spoke with Ben Goretsky, founder and CEO of DesignerCon, to learn more about the art-forward event’s unique offerings, what vendors to expect, ticket options, and how to prep with purpose.
How does DesignerCon set itself apart from other pop culture- and art-based conventions? What additional experiences are integrated into the convention?
Beyond the shopping, DesignerCon is primarily about discovery. We’re proud of being the place where artists are discovered by big brands, form friendships and collaborations, and where collectors discover their new favorite creators.
From a launchpad for global releases to the single North American stop for many brands and independent artists, our show’s main strength is that if you want to meet these artists in person without traveling outside the U.S., we’re often the best (and sometimes only) stop.
How does the leadership team curate the vendor list, and what kinds of artists will attendees see next month?
We focus less on their [the vendors] years of experience or follower count and more on the quality and relevance of their work, especially if it resonates with us and our audience.
Our diverse community offers something exciting for everyone, whether you’re into limited monster sofubi, plush blind boxes, resin arts, silkscreened posters, diecast collectibles, or trading cards.
There is no way I could list them all, but just a selection of highlights includes Broke Piggy, MEDICOM TOY, Mondo, tokidoki, Creature Bazaar, CarTuned, Punk Drunkers, Saturday Morning Cards, MISHKA, How2Work, and Rokimoto. I could go on for hours.
DesignerCon is led by companies that are also vendors. What advantage does this give the team when creating the show each year?
Given that our core team comes from our community, our main advantage is the diverse vendor experience we offer. We frequently engage with multinational brands, collectors, brick-and-mortar store owners, and emerging independent artists.
This community-centered approach ensures we consider every aspect of our community and aim to create a positive experience for all. We don’t always get it right; what’s great for one person isn’t always great for another. We strive to balance different perspectives and develop an experience that most people will find exciting.
Any tips for attendees?
The most important advice is not to get caught up trying to get convention exclusives or chasing the hype … explore, walk the floor, talk to artists, pick up items that truly speak to you.
That said, if you do want a shot at securing something specific, here’s what to know: ask how many the artist has available. Most items are limited, and some may not even be displayed after the first hour or two of preview night. To see everything, get a VIP ticket.
What are the main differences between the general admission tickets and a VIP ticket?
The main difference between weekend and VIP tickets is access to the preview night on Friday, when most of the hottest exclusives and drops sell out quickly. VIP holders also receive a bag from our VIP bag sponsor, tokidoki, which includes a variety of extra goodies and an exclusive 100% BE@RBRICK. Additionally, VIPs can enter the show an hour early on Saturday and attend our panels, now held on Friday during the day at the AC Hotel Las Vegas Symphony Park across the street.
Is there anything you can tell us about the 2026 exclusives?
I can say we’ll have something special for the 30th anniversary of MEDICOM TOY, as well as officially licensed convention exclusives celebrating the anniversaries of Ultraman and Kamen Rider. Additionally, we’ve seen some really cool exclusives from Ron English, Luis De Guzman, Matt Gondek, CarTuned, PureArts, Mondo, and more.
3DRetro is hosting DesignerCon again. Why is 3DRetro a perfect partner for the
convention?
As the owner of both, I oversee DesignerCon as the event itself, while 3DRetro handles production and collectible retail. Additionally, 3DRetro provides valuable insights into collector trends, helping us curate a more engaging experience for DesignerCon attendees.
On the show floor, 3DRetro will be offering our own DesignerCon exclusives, so be sure to check us out.
If you can’t make it to the Neon City next month, there’ll be several chances to appreciate the art (and pick some products) virtually. Fans can follow DesignerCon’s account on PalmStreet, as well as the vendors and attendees that frequently stream from the show, including Toys on Tap, Plastic Pizza, and more. Check out 3DRetro’s profile while you’re scrolling — the team goes live numerous times throughout the week, so it’ll feel like you’re really there.
Tickets to the art and design convention can range from $45-$150. To purchase tickets, visit designercon.com. For vintage DesignerCon merch (and so, so much more) post-event, fans can head to the 3DRetro storefront in Las Vegas, Tuesday-Sunday. Visitors should note that the 3DRetro storefront will be closed Wednesday, Nov. 11-15 for the show. It will open Tuesday-Sunday after the event.
