Programming FAQs

In an effort to assist with commonly asked questions, please utilize this Programming FAQ to better understand what your programming experience at Play! Pokémon Events may include.

What is programming?

- Programming is a word that encapsulates panels, spectacles, workshops, and other experiences that happen on stage and in designated areas at Play! Pokémon Events.

- Some programming is scheduled, and some programming happens in an open-ended manner throughout the event.

- Please note that the main tournament and Side Events are not considered Programming.

Where can I find the programming schedule?

The programming schedule, featuring all events taking place throughout the duration of this event, will be available soon. Check back for more details!

Do I need a badge to participate in any programming?

Yes. All attendees need a valid badge to participate in Programming. Attendees are responsible for acquiring their own badge.

Panels

What is a Panel?

- Panels are a key feature of the Programming Stage at Play! Pokémon Events, providing fans with the opportunity to connect with Special Guests and professionals that contribute to the Pokémon legacy.

- Held during regular event hours, panels typically focus on explorative, educational, and fun Pokémon topics, and usually last for an hour.

- Panels come in various formats, including keynote presentations, fireside chats, artist spotlights, and more. While this is the majority of panels you will see, some specialty panels may include gameshow, cosplay showcases, unboxings, and more.

- Each panel features at least one speaker who is well-versed in their field and eager to share their experience and their passion for Pokémon with you.

How early can I take a seat in the audience to watch a panel?

Attendees are welcome to take a seat as soon as Hall C, where the Programming Stage is located, opens for the day.

Will the audience be cleared after a panel ends?

No, the audience will not be cleared after a panel ends. You are welcome to enjoy as many panels in a row as you like!

Do I need to sign up in advance to attend a panel?

No advance sign-up is required. All panels are open seating, so you can take a seat in the audience at any time for any panel.

Can I take photos or record videos during panels?

We do not permit attendees to photograph or record panels. Photography and videography equipment may only be used by approved individuals.

Are there age restrictions for attending panels?

All panels are open to attendees of any age.

Can I bring food and drink with me during a panel?

You are welcome to have food and drink with you while watching a panel. Please be mindful of keeping the area clean and respecting others around you.

Where can I watch a panel?

All panels will be held on the Programming Stage. The location of the Programming Stage can be found on the official event map, which will be available soon.

Will there be designated ADA seating?

Yes, we will have designated ADA seating.

Do panels cost money to attend?

All panels and events on the Programming Stage are free to attend for those with a valid badge.

Autograph Room

Do I need a badge to access the Autograph Room?

Yes. A valid event badge is required to access the Autograph room.

Some autograph sessions may require additional credentials, such as a wristband. For more information on how to acquire these, please check back soon!

Where is the Autograph Room located?

At Pokémon World Championships 2025, the Autograph Room will be in Hall C. The location of the Autograph Room can be found on the official event map, which will be available soon!

Can I bring my own items for a Special Guest to sign?

Pokémon VIPs and Artists will only be signing a provided art print.

Our Pokémon Partners and Notable Trainers may sign any official Pokémon related items including but not limited to Pokémon Cards, posters purchased from Pokémon Center, or Pokémon related gaming accessories such as play mats.

Are there limits on the number of autographs I can get from a Special Guest?

Yes, each attendee may only receive one (1) personalized autograph per Special Guest autograph session.

Will there be opportunities to take photos with the Special Guests?

Yes, attendees can have their photo taken on their own device during the autograph session. There will be staff members who can help take your photo if you would like.

Can I get autographs from multiple Special Guests in the Autograph Room during the event?

In the Autograph Room, attendees are limited to one Special Guest signing per day. If you're eligible for signings on both days, you can meet a different Special Guest each day.

What should I do if I miss the autograph session?

Most Special Guests will have one session per weekend in the Autograph Room. Due to these limited windows of time, if you miss your autograph session, we are unfortunately not able to rebook you for a different one. If you are unable to attend, please notify a staff member at the Autograph Room or contact events-team@pokemon.com as soon as possible. They may have a waitlist or can offer your spot to someone else.

How early should I arrive for my session in the Autograph Room?

Please plan to arrive 15 minutes prior to the start of the session.

How long do these autograph sessions typically last?

A typical autograph session lasts for 60-90 minutes, depending on the schedule and the number of attendees.

Can I bring gifts for a Special Guest?

VIPs and Pokémon Artists will not be able to accept any gifts.

While most Creators will accept small non-ingestible gifts, such as a friendship bracelet, not all will accept larger gifts. Please always be respectful to a Creator if they do not accept a gift.

What should I do if I am selected for an autograph session, and have special needs or require assistance?

Please note that the Autograph Room will have a designated ADA line and basic accommodation. If you have additional needs, such as ADA seating, please submit a Customer Service ticket so we can do our best to ensure you have a great time.

Are there any rules about interacting with Special Guests in the Autograph Room?

- Please be respectful while interacting with all Special Guests while at all Play! Pokémon Events.

- Always ask before taking a photo or video with someone, and respect that sometimes they may say no.

- If Event Staff determines your behavior is causing an impact to the flow of the event or the enjoyment of others, they may ask you to leave the Autograph Room. Please respect the space and time of our guests.

Creator Zone

What is the Creator Zone?

From meet and greets to hangouts and beyond, the Creator Zone is an exclusive opportunity for fans to interact with their favorite Pokémon Partners and Notable Trainers.

Which Pokémon Partners and Notable Trainers will be there, and when?

To see the schedule for official Meet and Greets, please check back soon!

Please note that there are Pokémon Partners and Notable Trainers who are attending the show that may not have a dedicated Meet and Greet time. To see a list of all Special Guests, please check back soon!

Are there any rules about interacting with Pokémon Partners and Notable Trainers?

- Please be respectful while interacting with all Pokémon Partners and Notable Trainers while at all Play! Pokémon Events.

- Always ask before taking a photo or video with someone and respect that sometimes they may say no.

- Be mindful of others: if someone is sitting for a break or having something to eat, it may not be the best time to ask for a photo or autograph.

- If staff determine that loitering or inappropriate behavior is occurring in this area, especially if used to circumvent formal meet-and-greet systems, they may ask you to leave the zone. Please respect the space and time of our guests.

Will there be opportunities to take photos with the Pokémon Partners or Notable Trainers?

Photo opportunities may be available during their time in the Creator Zone.

In the Creator Zone, am I allowed to get an autograph from more than one Creator?

In the Creator Zone, you’re welcome to get autographs from as many Creators as you’d like!

Can I request specific accommodation?

If you have additional needs, such as ADA seating, please submit a Customer Service ticket so we can do our best to ensure you have a great time.

What is the location of the Creator Zone?

The Creator Zone at Pokémon World Championships 2025 will be in Hall C. The location of the Creator Zone can be found on the official event map, which will be available soon!

Fan Workshop Zone

What is the Fan Workshop Zone?

The Fan Workshop Zone is a place for fans to gather and create together during hands-on sessions.

Do I get to keep what I make?

For many of our workshops, yes! Items you create are yours to take home with you.

Some of our workshops are conducted in collaboration with our partners. The items created during these specific workshops will not go home with the attendee who created it, and will instead benefit the communities served by these partner organizations.

How much do workshops cost?

At Pokémon World Championships 2025, all workshops are free to all attendees.

How long do workshops typically last?

All workshops have a one-hour time slot. Some workshops may take the full hour, but some may not.

Do I need to reserve a spot in advance?

While many workshops are open seating, some workshops require reservations due to limited space. Check back soon for more details.

What are the rules for participating in workshops?

Common rules include arriving on time, respecting the instructor and other participants, and following any specific guidelines provided for the workshop. If you become disruptive, you may be asked to leave the Workshop Zone and your badge may be confiscated.

Can I bring my own materials to the workshop?

All materials needed to complete the workshop will be provided.

Are workshops suitable for all ages?

All workshops are suitable for all ages.

What should I do if I am unable to attend a workshop I made a reservation for?

If you can't attend, please notify a staff member at the Workshop Zone or contact events-team@pokemon.com as soon as possible. They may have a waitlist or can offer your spot to someone else.

Will there be opportunities to ask questions during the workshop?

- While most workshops include time for questions and interaction with the instructor, some may be a quicker pace that does not yield time for questions.

- Please remember that all questions should be relevant to the workshop.

Can I get an autograph from the Special Guest who is leading the workshop?

Autographs will not be available during workshops. Instead, if you would like an autograph from the Special Guest leading your workshop, please refer to the Special Guests & Autograph Room FAQ to learn how to get an autograph from them.

Are there any special requirements for participating in workshops?

All workshops are suitable for anybody to enjoy without prior experience.

Can I sign up for multiple workshops at the event?

Yes, you can sign up for multiple workshops, but be mindful of the schedule to avoid conflicts.

Can I request specific accomodation?

If you have additional needs, such as ADA seating, please submit a Customer Service ticket so we can do our best to ensure you have a great time.

What is the location of the Fan Workshop Zone?

The Fan Workshop Zone at Pokémon World Championships 2025 will be in Hall C. The location of the Fan Workshop Zone can be found on the official event map, which will be available soon!

Collect & Trade

What is the Collect & Trade Corner?

The Collect & Trade Corner is a dedicated area where Pokémon Trainers can showcase and trade their Pokémon items with others. You can sign up for a designated spot to display your Pokémon items for trade. If you would prefer to browse and trade, you can explore the various collections of trainers that have selected designated spots to showcase their items.

What items can I trade?

- In the Collect & Trade Corner, you can trade any official Pokémon items. Trades may include Pokémon Trading Card Game Singles, Pokémon Center items, and accessories like sleeves, play mats, or deck boxes.

- Please note, Play! Pokémon Prize Packs are not eligible for trade at the Collect and Trade Corner.

Am I allowed to bring in a bag full of items I want to trade?

- Large luggage (e.g., oversized suitcases) is not permitted in the Collect & Trade Corner. Attendees may bring items in standard-size backpacks or baggage smaller than that.

- Please reference our Baggage and Personal Items Policy here.

Does it cost money to trade items?

- All trades are free and must be consensual. There is a zero-tolerance policy for financial transactions or coordination of offsite sales at all Play! Pokémon events.

- You should trade items that are similar in value, and not exploit other trainers.

- If Event Staff determine that a monetary exchange has occurred, or that an agreement was made to complete a sale elsewhere, your badge will be confiscated and you will be removed from the venue. Event staff will document and report all removals. If you are a vendor or Professor, your program status may also be reviewed following the event.

How many items am I allowed to trade?

You are welcome to trade as many items as you would like. All trades must be agreed upon by both parties.

How long am I allowed to be in the Collect & Trade Corner?

- For those signing up as traders: you may stay for the duration of the allocated trading slot. If there aren’t other guests in line to sign up as traders, you may extend your trading slot at the discretion of on-site staff.

- For those coming to explore: while there is no time limit to how long you can be in the Collect & Trade Corner, please be mindful of others trying to enter the space. If there is a line to enter the Collect & Trade Corner and you have been in the area for some time, you may be asked to come back at a later time to allow other traders a chance to participate.

What is the location of the Collect & Trade corner?

The Collect and Trade Corner at Pokémon World Championships 2025 will be in Hall C. The location of the Collect & Trade Corner can be found on the official event map, which will be available soon!

Can I trade my cards in Pokémon Trading Card Game Pocket?

Yes! There will be dedicated tables for trading cards in Pokemon Trading Card Game Pocket in the Collect & Trade Corner.

What happens if I am asked to leave the Collect & Trade Corner?

Failure to follow the rules and guidelines of the Collect & Trade Corner may result in a member of Event Staff or Security removing you from the area. Depending on the severity of the violation, you may not be allowed to re-enter the Collect & Trade Corner, or you may be required to relinquish your badge. You must comply with staff instructions; failure to do so may result in additional action.

Pin Trading

What is the Pin Trading Area?

A place for fans to interact and trade Pins! Open and casual, fans can browse or take a seat to dive deeper into their collections.

Do I have to trade a pin is somebody asks?

No, you do not have to trade a pin if you do not wish to.

Can I trade pins with the event staff?
Yes, you can trade with the event staff.

Does it cost money to trade pins?

- All trades are free and must be consensual. There is a zero-tolerance policy for financial transactions or coordination of offsite sales at all Play! Pokémon events.

What is the location of the Pin Trading area?

The Pin Trading Area at Pokémon Worlds 2025 will be in Hall C. The location of the Pin Trading area can be found on the official event map, which will be available soon!

Cosplay Showcase

How do I sign up to participate?

The application form can be found here. Submissions must be received by the deadline indicated on the application to be eligible for inclusion.

Is there an age-limit for participants?
All ages are welcome! Please note that parents will need to fill out the application on behalf of attendees under eighteen (18) years of age who intend to participate in the Cosplay Showcase.

How much of my cosplay has to be handmade?
While we encourage you to handcraft as much of your cosplay as possible, we are open to cosplays of all skill levels.

Are there any prizes or awards?

As this is a cosplay showcase, no awards or prizes will be given out to participants.

Can I have a handler with me backstage?

Due to space limitations, we are not able to let everyone bring a handler to the backstage area. Participants with a Youth Badge may bring one (1) parent or guardian backstage with them. Additionally, participants who require ADA support backstage for accessibility reasons may bring one (1) handler backstage with them.

Do I need to have a badege for the event in order to participate in the Cosplay Showcase?

Yes, all attendees participating in the Cosplay Showcase must secure their own badge.

Can I request specific accomodation?

If you have additional needs, such as ADA seating, please submit a Customer Service ticket so we can do our best to ensure you have a great time.

What is the location of the Cosplay Showcase?

- For those who would like to watch the Cosplay Showcase, it will be held on the Programming Stage. The location of the Programming Stage can be found on the official event map, which will be available soon!

- You are welcome to take breaks, but frequent or suspicious movement in and out of the area (e.g., repeated bathroom trips) may be flagged by staff, especially if suspected to be connected to unauthorized trading or sales. Please respect event guidelines.