What is CrimeCon?
ABOUT CRIMECONCrimeCon is an immersive, weekend-long event dedicated to all things true crime. You can read our mission statement below.
When and where is the next CrimeCon?
UPCOMING EVENTSSee our Events page below for all the latest event information!
What happens at CrimeCon?
More than we can say here, but the idea is to completely immerse ourselves in the genre--so that means everything from educational sessions on topics like wrongful convictions, DNA and forensics, cold cases, etc. to unique experiences that help us all better understand the difference between what we see in movies/TV vs. real life. (For example, we've had a "Jury Experience" where fans witnessed a live reenactment of a murder case and were then broken into juries to deliberate. We also had an "Eyewitness Experience" that revealed some key issues with eyewitness testimony).
Did people who go to CrimeCon actually like it?
Umm, no, they LOVE it! We survey attendees after each event and ask them to rank their experience on a 0-10 scale. The average over multiple years is 8.8 and 2/3 of attendees rank it a 9 or 10 as "One of the best weekends of my life!"
What is the dress code? Is “cosplay” allowed?
The dress code for the CrimeCon is respectful casual. (Evening events may have different dress codes as indicated on the registration pages for those events.)
Our event is attended by a diverse range of people, including industry professionals, law enforcement, consumers, and victims (as well as their friends and families). As you consider what to wear, think carefully about being respectful and "when in doubt, leave it out." One thought experiment: if you are alone in an elevator with the victim of a violent crime, would you feel awkward about what you’re wearing?
Cosplay (or dressing up in theme or as a character) is strictly prohibited.
CrimeCon organizers are the sole decision-makers on whether something crosses a line. If you have any questions on what may or may not be allowed inside the space please email us to discuss. Thank you in advance for helping us create an environment of support, love, and respect.
Does CrimeCon have an age limit? Are infants allowed?
Due to the nature of the content and experiences, all registrants must be 18 or older by the first day of the event. We are sorry that we can not make exceptions to this policy. Infants are not allowed into the ballrooms or to any evening events. Note that some sessions may be labeled 21+ due to the nature of the content.
CrimeCon is too cheap/expensive, too close/far, or too short/long.
We hear you!
We understand that when many people hear "convention" they think about tens of thousands of people walking around gigantic exhibit halls, but that's not CrimeCon.
This is a far more immersive and individualized program that is more about creating an authentic experience than it is about walking through miles of exhibit halls.
Most importantly, unlike a lot of events where you pay to get in and then pay extra for sessions or signings or other add-ons, CC is built as an 'all inclusive' content experience during regular programming hours (we do sometimes offer optional add-on events outside of regular hours).
What should I bring to CrimeCon?
In order to pick up your badge, please bring a copy of a valid photo ID.
We also suggest you pack comfortable shoes, a sweatshirt or sweater, snacks that don’t crunch (food can be hard to come by during the weekend and the schedule is packed), a notebook, and a reusable water bottle. While eating is permitted in the ballrooms, we highly encourage you to only eat during session breaks so that everyone can focus on the presenter(s).
Do I have to stay at the host hotel?
We try to offer a main hotel as well as a variety of satellite hotels at different price points. The perks of staying at the host hotel are the ease of getting to the event and the unplanned moments that often happen in the hallways, bars, and restaurants—but the most important thing is that you secure lodging in your price range and get to CrimeCon!
Note that our main hotel(s) often sell out well in advance of the event, so we encourage you to book early and hold a room at a satellite hotel if the host hotel is sold out. As the event nears it’s common that a previously sold-out hotel has rooms open up.
How much does parking cost?
More information coming soon.
Will there be recorded videos of CC sessions available to watch after the Con?
JOIN CRIMEHQYes! All session videos will be posted at crimeHQ after the Con. Join now to access over 300 hours of videos from CrimeCon 2017-2024.
Do you offer any accessibility programs at CrimeCon?
Our CrimeCon 2025 Accessibility Guide will be available closer to the event. For a look at our previous Access Program, please see CrimeCon 2024 Accessibility Guide.
If you have any accessibility questions, please contact us contact us at access@crimecon.com
What is the difference between the STANDARD package and the GOLD VIP package?
BADGE GUIDESTANDARD badges get you access to all sessions except for VIP sessions. Unlike a typical "Con" there are no fees for additional experiences during the event (other than evening acitivities). Things like meet & greets, book signings, etc. are all included.
The only things that a STANDARD badge will not get you in to are VIP-only events. This includes most food and beverage based sessions, like the Saturday night cocktail party and CLUE Awards, plus some programming. You can read more about the features of the GOLD and PLATINUM VIP packages and see our badge guide below.
I have a bunch of friends or colleagues who all want to go, do you offer any group discounts?
GROUP INFORMATIONCrimeCon is better with friends, so please let us know if you have a group of 10+ for special pricing.
Can I cancel a badge or obtain a refund?
Cash refunds are not permitted under any circumstance, but if you can no longer attend you have two options: 1) Sell your badge to another person (see instructions below); or 2) Receive a Voucher for 100% of the amount you paid. This Voucher can be used toward any CrimeCon event (hotel events taking place in the United States) badge within five years after it was issued.
ALL BADGE CHANGES, INCLUDING TRANSFERS, NAME CHANGES, AND VOUCHER REQUESTS, MUST BE REQUESTED AT LEAST 72 HOURS BEFORE THE START OF THE EVENT (E.G., AN EVENT STARTING AT 12P ET ON FRIDAY WOULD REQUIRE NOTIFICATION TO US BY 12P ET ON TUESDAY).
WE ARE UNABLE TO MAKE ANY EXCEPTIONS TO THIS POLICY.
To sell a badge and change the name: Once you sell a badge you can change the name on it to another person by emailing us with the new badge holder cc'd on the email. With your authorization, we will collect the information we need from the new badge holder and change it in our registration system. There is no fee for this name change however if there is any money due you will need to collect it privately.
Please read our full Terms & Conditions agreed to by all registrants for the details.
To request a Voucher: Email us from your registered account, subject: Voucher, and let us know that you authorize the cancellation of your registration and the issuance of a voucher. This is not reversible once completed. A Voucher code will be sent to your registered email address and will be valid for 5 years toward any U.S. hotel-based CrimeCon event. Note that a Voucher is created for one-time use. If you do not use the full value of your Voucher you will need to email us to request a new Voucher for the difference.
Do you offer any discounts for education, law enforcement, healthcare, or military personnel?
DISCOUNT FORMWe do offer discounts on Standard tickets (no VIP) for groups, students, teachers, healthcare workers, law enforcement & military personnel. Please fill out the form below if you qualify for more information. You may be asked to provide appropriate credentials upon badge pick-up on site. Note that the On Site and Early Bird tiers of tickets do not qualify for discounts.
Do you offer single day passes?
Based on capacity and demand for weekend badge sales we consider a possible release of single day passes about a month prior to each event. If day passes become available they will be listed for sale on the event registration page.
Does the ticket price include accommodations and meals?
With the exception of VIP tickets, which include a full happy hour and plated dinner on Saturday night, no meals or accommodations are including in the badge prices.
When will I receive my badge(s)?
Badges are picked up onsite during registration and will NOT be mailed out prior. To pick up your badge, please bring a copy of a valid photo ID. A printout of your confirmation email is also great, but is not required. The name on your badge must match the name on your ID and you may not pick up credentials for those who are not physically present.
Full details on badge pick-up hours and location will be posted in the “Know Before You Go” on our website at least two weeks prior to the event.
I lost my badge and lanyard during CrimeCon, can I get a replacement?
Badges and lanyards that are lost, stolen or damaged cannot be replaced. Please be careful with your badge—it is your only valid entry into CC and must be visible at all times. We are sorry that we cannot make any exceptions to this policy. A substitute badge, if available, can be purchased at current pricing at the Help Desk.
Will there be Livestream tickets available?
The last full livestream that we offered was in 2022. For each event we’ll consider the costs, demand, and availability of tickets and make a determination on any livestream options. If a livestream becomes available we’ll post purchase information on our website.
When do you announce speakers and podcasts?
We start making speaker and creator announcements a few months prior to each event and then release new additions in batches all the way up to the start. We like to ensure there's a little mystery and that we don't overwhelm everyone with 150+ names at all once!
The good news is that you can look at our complete guest rosters from all past Cons. You can also find all previous event schedules at the same link. You should be confident that the schedule will be amazing however, we always caution potential-attendees against buying a badge hoping for any specific speaker or creator as we work hard to present a diversified group each year.
When do you announce the full weekend schedule?
Usually about a month prior to the event. We'll blast out an email and update the event page when it's ready!
Do I need to register for sessions that I want to attend?
With very few exceptions, NO! Our format is first come, first served and you will map out your own adventure through the weekend. The only exceptions to this are things where we clearly indicate on the schedule that pre-registration is required. That is pretty rare and usually only applies to VIP or food and beverage related events like the CLUE Awards, which does have a hard RSVP deadline.
For the sake of booking travel, what time can I expect CrimeCon to start and end?
The convention will officially begin around 12p MT on Friday, September 5th, and end around 2 or 3p MT on Sunday, September 7th.
It is likely that our second ForTech (Forensic Technology in Criminal Investigations) conference will be on Thursday September 4th.
Separately ticketed events often occur on Thursday evening and/or after the end time on Sunday. We encourage you to add time on both sides of your trip to get the full experience!
How much are photographs and autographs? How do meet & greets work?
There is no charge to meet a guest or creator. If they’ve agreed to a meet & greet this session will appear in the official schedule and all are welcome to attend. One important caveat to note: In a typical 60-minute meet & greet, a speaker can only interact with around 70-90 people. This is a very small number when compared to the overall attendance (there were nearly 6,000 at CrimeCon 2024). While our team will do its best to keep things moving, we suggest that if there’s someone you really want to meet you should arrive well before the scheduled start time.
We also ask for all attendees’ help in making meet & greets fun for everyone by limiting your time with the guest to a quick hello and a photo OR autograph. We apologize in advance if our team must interrupt a conversation or limit photographs in an effort to accommodate as many guests as possible.
Can I volunteer?
VOLUNTEER APPLICATIONCrimeCon wouldn't be possible without our volunteers! If you want a less expensive way in, this is it. We'll trade work for badges. See our Volunteer Application form below.
Prerequisites before applying: Be hardworking. Be kind. Love this community.
I'd like to have a table/booth in your exhibit hall.
We have a limited number of opportunities available for products, brands, and content creators who'd like to have an on-site presence at CrimeCon. Please see our Exhibitors or contact us for options.
I'd like to sponsor CrimeCon.
CrimeCon would not be possible without the incredible group of sponsors we’ve worked with over the years. We work with all budget sizes and encourage you to contact us for the most recent sponsorship deck
Do you offer media credentials?
MEDIA FORMYes, please fill out our media form below to have a member of our media team contact you. Note that the credentialing process typically starts 45-60 days prior to each event.
I'm a true crime content creator (podcaster, YouTuber, blogger, writer, or filmmaker) and I'd like to be at CrimeCon.
CREATOR INQUIRY FORMPart of our mission is to help this community discover new content creators to add to their watching, listening, and reading lists. Please fill out our content creator form below to tell us more about what you do and why you’d be a great fit for a future CrimeCon.
Can I be a speaker at CrimeCon?
SPEAKER INQUIRY FORMWe’d love to learn more about you and your experience. We are always looking for experts who are passionate about a topic (niche topics are fine!) or who have direct, first-hand experience with a case. Please fill out our speaker inquiry form so our team can review. While we regret that we can only reply if the production team is interested in further exploring your appearance we do keep inquiries on file and read through every year as it’s often a matter of simply finding the right timing.