Come aboard for the most unique pop culture convention on the Bay!

Are you a fan of cosplay? Anime? Comics? Games? Then prepare for a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity as the USS Hornet Sea, Air and Space Museum is proud to present CarrierCon! a convention celebrating cosplay, tabletop gaming, and Western and Japanese media. CarrierCon is an opportunity for people of all ages to share their love of cosplay and pop culture media while supporting a local museum.

The USS Hornet Sea, Air and Space Museum is a 501(c)3 nonprofit that utilizes the historic aircraft carrier USS Hornet and the collections, exhibitions, and educational programming to promote awareness and understanding of history, science, technology, and service. All proceeds made from CarrierCon go to support the USS Hornet Sea, Air and Space Museum.

CarrierCon is a special event where the Museum engages with new audiences and broaden awareness of the Museum and its mission of education and preservation of history and science. We welcome all fandoms to not only enjoy one of the most unique conventions in the United States but to discover the USS Hornet in a way entirely unique to them!

Welcome aboard for Carrier Con 2024

Follow us on Instagram @carrierconbayarea

Cosplay Contest

All cosplayers who come aboard for CarrierCon are invited to sign up for our Cosplay Contest! It will be held between our Hangar Bay 3 Stage. The winner of the cosplay contest will win $300 and the two runner ups $100 each!

Photo Track

Our Photo Track is available to all CarrierCon attendees! Photo Tracks are routes we open throughout the day that take you into areas the public doesn’t usually have access to. These routes include the ship’s most photogenic spaces such as the Captain’s Bridge, Combat Information Center, the ship’s jail, a Bomb Assembly area, and even unrestored and creepy passageways! Everyone in cosplay (or anyone else!) should check it out and use the Photo Tracks for opportunities to take some one-of-a-kind photoshoots!

Artist Alley (Hangar Deck)

We have a stellar list of artists this year: Sanshee, Animon Life, Forged by Fancy, The Clover Artist, MeariiGoRound, Kitagiannu, Midori Chan, RinaRinaDraws, AiTsuki Art, WrathOfBom, Usaminii, Nenaco, Yojambo, Sneaky Bunnies, Muffinxmilk, Unicorn Without Training Wheels, Mewchao, VinoBurrito, Katie’s Dragon Child, CitronArt, PanzSan, SugoidereDraws, Kelsiekishidraws, AhLaToad, Starry Droplets, Cloverleafpie, Penny D’s Apothecary, Tsumomoca, Cheekytweethart, EV Illustration, YUNLIN, Colorspinner Crafts, Fabucastle, mtp_arts, HAETAE, Nick Pino Illustration, Laughingbear, Vcvdemie, Lamont Robinson Art, Square Bear Art, Kleine, Nyaomikyu, ICTB Studios, Aqualily.art and fiery phoenix, Asplenia Studios, phd in soup, geniski66, Art of Mai Van, Redteapanda Art, Thread Heaven, Klyree, Cosmic Kitty Creations, Meatbun_33, Feisty_Vee, Sparkle Stache Cosplay, Anna Lynn Cosplay, WoWoKo, Steven Yu Design Studio, KIIPIO, and C Racks

Panels (Hangar Bay 3 Stage/Wardroom/Ready Room)

Note additional panel not listed on regular schedule: The Royal Manticoran Navy will be presenting in Ready Room 4 on the 2nd deck at 1 pm.

Click here for: CarrierCon 2024 Panel Descriptions

Tabletop Gaming (3rd Deck)

Our Tabletop Gaming lineup is still being determined. If you want to run a game let us know-we still have tables available! Come back for more information later! So far we have Starfinder RPG and Flames of War Tabletop Miniatures.

Visit the Museum Exhibits!

What other convention is hosted at a museum? Take some time to explore the ship’s exhibits and open, restored spaces! Photos are allowed throughout the museum and you can learn what it would have been like to live, work, and serve aboard this historic city at sea!

Special Guests

We have a great lineup this year!
1. World of Warships (as CarrierCon’s major sponsor) will be on hand with a large booth, computers to play their game, a big team and at least 1 special guest to be announced and some well known Cosplayers.
2. Azur Lane will also be on hand with a large booth, their team and some Cosplayers.
3. Special Guests Wendy and Richard Pini, the creators of ElfQuest will have a booth and will be meeting and greeting their fans!
4. The local Star Wars costume clubs will be out in force (see what I did there?!)
5. The Royal Manticoran Navy will have a booth
6. The Cosplay Wresting Federation will be on hand with their usual entertaining show
7. The Society of Creative Anachronism will be on the Flight Deck (weather permitting) showing some fighting and dancing moves
8. Dreamscape will be on the Pier with some amazing cars and booths for you to see as you are entering and leaving the ship.

9. VFLEET will be on hand with a booth and will be holding a panel.

Food and Drinks

Concessions will be available on the Museum’s main deck in multiple stations with a variety of food options including Boba, Bento, & more!

Hotel Block

Traveling from afar? No problem! As part of this year’s event, Executive Inn & Suites: Embarcadero Cove and Best Western Plus: Bayside Hotel are offering a special rate for all Carrier Con 2024 Attendees!
CLICK HERE!

Parking

Parking is free throughout Alameda Point. The Museum’s parking lot is adjacent to her pier (pier parking is reserved for Museum staff, volunteers, and Accessible Parking). CLICK HERE for further information about Driving Directions and Parking information.

Restrooms

The Museum has Accessible bathrooms on the Hangar Deck. Restrooms, or heads, are also available on the next deck below, though they are authentic Navy accommodations (smaller stalls with curtains).

Accessibility?

The Museum is a National and State Historic Landmark, and as such retains its original steep stairs and occasional narrow passage throughout the ship. Visitors who are mobility impaired will only have access to the main Hangar Deck though they can access the Flight Deck if they are able to stand upright for a short time and climb 3-4 stairs(going up and down an escalator). For more information on our Accessibility, please CLICK HERE.

Historic, WWII aircraft carrier USS Hornet is a National and State Historic Landmark and a fickle mistress when it comes to what can or can’t work on board. As such, we ask that all attendees adhere to the following rules in addition to our General Code of Conduct.

BAGS

All functioning bags (regardless if part of a cosplay or not) must meet bag size restrictions of 12”x 8”x 12”. This is to help you fit through hatches.

DRESS CODE

All clothing and costumes must be appropriate under Alameda County and California public decency laws and all private parts must be covered. There should be no chance of slippage or gaps. Additionally:

  1. Shoes must be worn at all times. Closed-toed, comfortable shoes are recommended as staircases can be steep and the ship is large, requiring a lot of walking. It may be difficult to walk in heels!
  2. Undergarments of any kind (bras, panties, boxers, etc.) should not be visible.
  3. Skirts/shorts should completely cover the derriere.
  4. Tops should not be so low cut as to reveal undergarments or excessive décolletage.
  5. Bare midriff is allowed as long as the rest of the outfit conforms to all other listed requirements.
  6. Topless or open shirt cosplay is not permissible.
  7. Cosplay involving one-piece Japanese bathing suits (sukumizu) may be worn under other clothing and revealed for photos only.
  8. While military uniforms and costumes inspired by the military – both the U.S. and abroad – are welcome, anyone wearing swastikas or other Nazi party regalia or costuming of any other hate group will be immediately ejected.

PROPS

  1. All props must be under 6’4” in height and 36” in width. Non-functioning bags (cannot be opened or used to store items) are considered props and must meet these requirements as well. Exceptions may be made for modular props which can be taken apart and put back together.
  2. All props must be examined by CarrierCon staff for safety and tagged at the Peace Bonding station. Real weapons, props that are too realistic, or props that are deemed dangerous may not be permitted.
  3. Props must be carried carefully and in a neutral position, especially in crowded areas. Long or tall props are to be carried vertically and swords or guns should be holstered or otherwise secured.
  4. Misuse of any prop will result in immediate revocation of privileges. Props are not to be used in a threatening manner towards any person.

RESTRICTED ITEMS

  1. Functional weapons are not allowed. Weapon props created out of plastic, cardboard, foam, or other such materials are permissible provided they are not too realistic in appearance or dangerous. Projectile guns (even if non-functional), replica guns, swords with metal and other weapons that have metal components are not allowed. Please note all props must conform to the aforementioned height/width dimensions.

CarrierCon 2024 Attendee

General Attendee $35 (Pre-Registration $30)*

Youth $25 (Pre-Registration $20)*

(Youth are ages 17 and Under, anyone under 14 must have an attending Adult Chaperone)

A Day Pass to CarrierCon includes:

  • Admission to the Museum (allows you to go on any available guided tours and everywhere Museum guests have access–areas that are lit and open), including the Flight Deck
  • Access to our Photo Track
  • Access to all convention amenities

*Museum Members get $5 off convention admission. Be sure to check your Member emails for the discount code or contact membership@uss-hornet.org.

 

Overnight Add-On

General Attendee $75

(Overnight participants must be 7 years and older all minors must be accompanied by an adult or legal guardian) Stay Saturday night in one of our historic ship’s many bunks! Accommodations are similar to a hostel with group sleeping quarters and toilets down the hall with plenty of space to stow gear (cosplay or otherwise). The overnight includes dinner and either a historic or ghost tour of the ship. This overnight experience is available for pre-registration only.

Artist Alley Tables $50 (SOLD OUT)

Artist Alley Tables are in our Hangar Deck alongside the Museum’s collection of historic aircraft, helicopters, and NASA artifacts.

Each space is approximately 6′x 5′ and includes one 6′ x 3′ table, two chairs, and two CarrierCon passes. Set-Up will be from 8 – 10 AM, Tear-Down from 5 PM – 6 PM. Artist Alley hours will be 10 AM – 5 PM. A lift will be available to bring your goods from the pier to the Hangar Deck.

All Artist Alley Table Registration will include:

  • 2 Artist Passes (may purchase a third Artist Pass for additional $20)
    • Acts as standard admission plus early/late access to the Artist Alley area
  • 1 6 ft. table and 2 chairs

Artist Alley submissions have been received. We’re a little behind on sending out confirmation replies, but everyone who submitted an application should be hearing from us soon!

PANELIST APPLICATION INFORMATION [CLOSED]

Submit your idea for a panel or workshop! The head panelist and co-panelist (if applicable) will each receive an Admission pass to CarrierCon.

PANELIST POLICIES

1. Head Panelist must be at least 18 years old.
2. Panelists must not charge a separate admission/workshop fee and may not sell anything.
3. Any items necessary for the panel (e.g. laptop, pencils, etc.) must be brought in by the panelist unless agreed upon in advance by the Museum. All requests for materials must be submitted with the panel application.
5. Panels must be suitable for all ages – e.g. no adult language or visuals, etc.
6. Panels that are found to contain inappropriate content (e.g. 18+ material in a general panel, content disparaging or otherwise offensive to con attendees) may be immediately terminated and the presenter(s) ejected from the convention.
7. Panelists who are “no-shows” and/or abuse the panelist perks will have subsequent panel applications rejected for a period of at least one year.
8. Panelists who do not check-in to the Information Desk at least 10 minutes prior to their panel will be presumed as “no-shows.” Panelists must also arrive to the panel area within 5 minutes of panel start time or be declared a “no-show.”
9. Panels must end according to the panel schedule and immediately vacate the panel area to allow the next panelist to set up.
10. CarrierCon may change panel location or other panel information with little or no notice to presenter if needed. Head Panelist will receive schedule confirmation upon check-in to the Information Desk.

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