A cosplay meetup is a scheduled, unofficial group photoshoot that is open to cosplayers and fans of specific fandoms or series. Otafest provides the space and time, you host the meetup.
Bring your favorite fandoms to life by hosting a cosplay meetup and connecting with fellow fans!
A cosplay meetup is a scheduled, unofficial group photoshoot that is open to cosplayers and fans of specific fandoms or series. We provide the space and time so you can focus on hosting the meetup.
Cosplay Meetups must be appropriate for all ages and abide by all of Otafest’s policies. Coarse language, violence, nudity, sexual actions, and other 18+ actions are not acceptable.
Check in with the Cosplay Meetups Coordinator at the designated Cosplay Meetup location 10 minutes prior to the start of your meetup. The location will be communicated to you via email.
Cosplay Meetups are scheduled in 60 minute blocks. You may choose to end a meetup after 45 minutes, but no earlier. Otafest will assign you a time slot between 10am - 8pm Fri/Sat or 10am - 6pm Sun, depending on availability and number of submissions.
Neither you nor your assistant host may consume alcohol during your meetup. You are responsible for the actions of your assistant host and anyone else involved in the meetup.
Notify the Cosplay Meetups Coordinator at meetups@otafest.com.
Cancellations must be received before April 15, 2025.
Otafest photographer staff may not be available, so have your own dedicated photographer (e.g. family, friend, hired, not hired) scheduled. Remember that they will need Otafest admission, and remember to tell people where they can find their photos after the meetup.
Make a prompt list prior to your meetup. That way, no meetup time is wasted thinking about ideas for prompts! You can also open the floor for prompt ideas after the original prompt list is done.
A prompt list includes: group shot at beginning of meetup, specific character, duos, character(s) vs. character(s), groups of characters, group shot near end of meetup, etc.
Characters in non-canon outfits can be included in their respective character prompts unless a prompt specifies a certain canon outfit.
If a cosplayer has to leave early, make sure to do prompts related to their character first.
Make sure everyone is included in at least one photo. They've taken time out of their day to participate and have fun, nobody likes to be left on the sidelines.
Selections will be made by the end of March. We will notify all applicants as to whether they've been accepted or waitlisted at that time. If this timeline changes we will notify you via email.
Otafest
May 16 – 18, 2025
Calgary Telus Convention Centre
120 9 Ave SE
Calgary, AB T2G 0P3
May 16 – 18, 2025
