Thank you for your interest in vending at Kinky Kollege. This page contains important information regarding vendor participation, requirements, and policies. Please read it in full before applying.

If you have a question that is not addressed here, feel free to reach out. We’re happy to help and will update this page as needed.

Apply to be a vendor

To apply to become a vendor at Kinky Kollege, please complete the vendor application linked at the bottom of the page.

We curate our Vendor Marketplace to offer attendees a wide variety of merchandise. To avoid duplication, acceptance and waitlist placement may be adjusted based on what you sell.

Vendor Fees & Booth Details

• Booth size: Approximately 8′ x 10′
• Cost: $300
• Included:
  • One 6′ skirted table
  • Two chairs

In addition to the booth fee, we ask that each vendor donate at least one item to our Silent Auction, which benefits the Leather SINS “WE CARE” charities.

Vendor Marketplace Location

The Vendor Marketplace is located inside an upscale four-star host hotel, within the convention center, adjacent to the classrooms and down the hall from the play space.

Marketplace Hours

Vendor booths much remain open for all posted hours.

Move-In & Tear-Down

• Move-in and Tear-Down hours are as listed above.
• All booths must be fully set up and aisles cleared by 1:45pm on Friday.
• All booths must be fully down and loaded out by 4:00pm on Sunday.
• You must bring your own dolly for moving merchandise. We cannot guarantee one will be available for you.

If you require assistance from hotel staff, tipping is expected. We value our relationship with the venue, and would like to continue being invited back.

Badges & Access

• Event badges must be worn at all times.
• Vendors will not be admitted to convention areas, classrooms, or play spaces without a badge.
• Vendor rooms are locked after posted hours and reopen 30 minutes before opening.
• For security reasons, vendor rooms will not be reopened outside of posted times; no exceptions. Please don’t forget your event badge, room key, car keys, or slave in the vending room.

Leather SINS and the host hotel are not responsible for lost or stolen items.

Merchandise Policies

• All merchandise must be preapproved by event management
• Unapproved items may not be sold
• Merchandise must comply with Illinois state law
• The following are strictly prohibited:
  • Illegal items
  • Drug paraphernalia
  • Firearms

Electricity, Lighting & Internet

• Vendor rooms are well-lit, but you may bring your own display lighting
• Electrical outlets are limited and primarily located along walls
• Vendors requiring power should bring three-prong grounded extension cords.
• Additional electrical service must be ordered in advance through the hotel. The cost is set by the hotel, and is subject to change.

The host hotel provides high-speed wireless internet in most areas. Vendors should bring their own wireless-capable devices. Note, some internet does require a secondary login if you are using the free version and is not compatible with Square / Stripe readers.

Shipping & Storage

Inbound Shipping:
Vendors may ship merchandise directly to the host hotel. Packages will be held in the Lobby Baggage Room.
Please email [email protected] for shipping instructions and a contact name.

Outbound Shipping:
Packages may be left in the Lobby Baggage Room for Monday pickup by UPS, FedEx, or another carrier.

• Packages must be clearly labeled
• Shipping must be prepaid

Storage:
Limited storage space is available for shipping crates or excess merchandise.

Please remember to tip hotel staff for any shipping or handling assistance.

Program Book & On-Site Advertising

A great way to advertise your company and continue to get your message to our attendees long after the event has ended is to take out an ad in our Program Book. We will make your flyer, catalog or brochure available at our registration desk where each guest registers for a small fee. Other Sponsorship opportunities are also available. We appreciate your support.

Advertising Options & Rates:

Silent Auction Donation

We ask that each vendor make a donation to the Silent Auction. The donation can be of any item or items, whether you sell them in your business or not.

The Silent Auction will be on display on Friday and Saturday and close at Midnight after the Play Party on Saturday night. The Silent Auctions have raised thousands of dollars for the Leather SINS “WE CARE” Charities.

We will list your donation on the website. Please provide a description of your auction donations including their retail value for inclusion when you register. Auction donation items may be sent in advance (preferred) or delivered during Vendor Check In.

Vendor Staff Registrations

• Each vendor (not booth) receives two complimentary weekend registrations
• Additional staff badges are available in limited quantities for $75 per person
• Discounted registrations are strictly for booth staff only; misuse will not be tolerated

Space Assignments & Sharing

• Booth locations are assigned by the Vendor Committee Chair based on availability.
• Booth sharing is not permitted.
• Only the vendor listed on the Kinky Kollege website & Program Book may vend from the purchased space.

Meals

We strongly recommend dining at the host hotel due to:

• Limited meal breaks
• Few nearby restaurants
• Excellent food and service
• Reasonable pricing

Supporting the host hotel helps keep event costs manageable and strengthens our partnership for future years.

Parking

Discounted parking rates are available for attendees.
Vendors with trailers or mobile units must park at the back of the lot and ensure no entrances or aisles are blocked.

Compliance & Conduct

Vendors must comply with all policies listed on this page. Vendors who remain in good standing are welcome to apply for future Leather SINS events.

Failure to comply may result in removal from the Marketplace and disqualification from future events.

Refund Policy

Vendor spaces are held and guaranteed upon payment.
All vendor fees are non-refundable.

Questions or Special Requirements?

For all vendor-related inquiries, please contact:

📧 [email protected]

Do not contact the host hotel directly.
All arrangements, including special requirements, must go through the Vendor Coordinator.

Disclaimer

By submitting payment and accepting a vendor space, you acknowledge that:

• Leather SINS is not responsible for loss, theft, or damage
• You have read and understand all information on this page
• Fees, rules, hours, and space details are subject to change without notice
• Vendor fees are non-refundable