Dealers Den Furry Conference: What It Is + How to Participate in 2026

If you’re part of the furry fandom – whether as a fursuit maker, artist, badge creator, tail maker, or just a fan who loves browsing the dealers’ room at cons – you’ve probably heard of Dealers Den.

Most people know Dealers Den as the popular online marketplace for furry art, commissions, fursuits, and supplies. But did you know they also run (or co-host) real-life events? The Dealers Den Furry Conference (sometimes called Dealers Den Con or DDC) is a smaller, focused furry event that brings the online marketplace experience into the real world.

In this complete 2026 guide, we’ll explain exactly what the Dealers Den Furry Conference is, why it’s different from big cons like Anthrocon, how to participate (as a dealer, artist, or attendee), expected dates & location, and tips to make the most of it.

What Is Dealers Den Furry Conference?

Dealers Den Furry Conference is a specialized, dealer- and artist-focused furry event organized by (or in close partnership with) the Dealers Den team.

Unlike giant conventions like Anthrocon (15,000+ people) or Midwest FurFest, DDC is much smaller and more intimate – usually 500–1,500 attendees. The entire focus is on the marketplace experience:

• Huge emphasis on dealer tables and artist alley
• Fursuit makers, suit parts sellers, badge artists, tail makers, print sellers, and commission booths everywhere
• Lots of direct interaction between buyers and creators
• Opportunity for on-the-spot commissions, custom orders, and portfolio reviews
• Often includes fursuit lounges, small parades or suit walks, panels on making/selling, and networking events

It’s designed for people who love the “dealers’ room” part of big cons the most – the place where you can talk face-to-face with makers, see suits up close, negotiate prices, and place orders in person.

Think of it as “the ultimate furry marketplace convention” rather than a full general fandom con.

Key Differences from Regular Furry Conventions

Feature	Big Cons (Anthrocon, FurFest)	Dealers Den Furry Conference
Attendance	10,000–18,000+	500–1,500
Main Focus	Panels, dances, parades	Dealer tables & artist alley
Fursuit Parade	Large public outdoor parade	Smaller indoor/outdoor walk
Dealers’ Room Size	Very large but crowded	Smaller but more focused
Commission Opportunities	Good, but makers are busy	Excellent – direct talks
Vibe	High-energy party	Relaxed, business-oriented

It’s perfect if you want to commission a suit, buy parts, or network with makers without the massive crowds of the big cons.

When and Where Is Dealers Den Furry Conference 2026?

Exact dates and location for 2026 are usually announced in late 2025 (November–December). Based on past patterns:

• Likely dates: Spring or Fall 2026 (March–May or September–November)
• Typical location: United States (often Midwest or East Coast – previous years included cities like Columbus OH, Baltimore MD, or near Chicago)
• Venue: Mid-size hotel with large ballroom for dealers (similar to a smaller con hotel setup)

How to stay updated:

• Follow @DealersDen on X (Twitter)
• Check dealersden.com regularly
• Join the Dealers Den Discord (they post announcements there first)
• Watch r/furry and r/fursuit on Reddit for posts

Registration usually opens 4–6 months before the event. Dealer tables and artist alley spots sell out very quickly – apply early if you’re a maker.

How to Participate in Dealers Den Furry Conference 2026

There are three main ways to take part:

1. As an Attendee (Visitor)

• Buy a general admission badge (usually $40–$80 depending on early/late registration)
• Walk the dealers’ room, talk to makers, place commissions, buy art/gear
• Attend any small panels or fursuit meetups
• Tip: Bring your ref sheet or photos if you’re looking to commission a suit – many makers take slots on-site.

2. As a Dealer (Table Holder)

• Apply for a dealer table (costs $150–$400+ depending on size and location)
• Sell fursuits, heads, partials, tails, paws, badges, prints, etc.
• Requirements: Portfolio, proof of work, good reviews, no prohibited items
• Benefits: Direct sales, new clients, networking with other makers
• Tip: Have business cards, QR codes to your site (like fursuitcommissions.com), and clear pricing sheets.

3. As an Artist in Artist Alley

• Smaller tables or shared spaces ($50–$150)
• Sell badges, prints, stickers, digital commissions
• Great for new artists to get noticed
• Tip: Bring a tablet or sketchbook for quick on-site commissions.

What to Expect at Dealers Den Furry Conference 2026

• Dealers’ Room Hours: Usually 10 AM – 7 PM Friday/Saturday, shorter Sunday
• Fursuit Support: Lounge with fans, water, seating (not as large as big cons, but functional)
• Events: Small fursuit walk/parade (indoor or nearby outdoor), maker panels (“How to Price Your Suits”, “Best Materials 2026”), networking mixers
• Atmosphere: Relaxed and professional – lots of business cards exchanged, quiet conversations about commissions, less loud music than big dances
• Charity: Many Dealers Den events support animal shelters or fandom causes – expect a charity auction or raffle.

Tips for Success at Dealers Den Furry Conference 2026

For Attendees:

• Bring cash + card – some makers prefer cash for quick sales
• Have a budget and list of what you want (head, tail, paws, etc.)
• Ask makers about wait times – some book months in advance
• Take photos (with permission) – great for inspiration

For Makers/Dealers:

• Bring portfolio book or tablet with past work
• Have clear pricing, waitlist info, and ToS printed
• Be friendly and approachable – lots of new clients come here
• Network with other tables – collaborations happen often

Why Dealers Den Furry Conference Is Worth Attending in 2026

If you want to:

• Commission a custom fursuit or parts in person
• Buy from trusted makers without big-con crowds
• Network with the business side of the fandom
• See real suits up close and talk directly to creators

…then Dealers Den Furry Conference is one of the best events of the year.

Planning to attend or table at Dealers Den 2026? Let us know in the comments or DM us on X!

Ready to get your fursuit or accessories ready for the event? We create high-quality custom suits, heads, partials, tails, and more – perfect for selling or wearing at Dealers Den and other cons.