
Activities FAQs
To assist with commonly asked questions, please utilize this FAQs to better understand your Activities experience at PokémonXP & 2026 World Championships.
Activities | Panels | Autograph Room | Creator Zone | Fan Workshop Zone | Collect & Trade | Pin Trading | Cosplay Showcase
Activities
What are Activities?
Activities is a word that encapsulates panels, spectacles, workshops, and other experiences that happen on stage and in designated areas at PokémonXP & 2026 World Championships. Some Activities are scheduled, and some Activities happen in an open-ended manner throughout the event.
Please note that the main tournament and Side Events are not considered Activities.
Where can I find the Activities schedule?
The Activities schedule, featuring all events taking place throughout the duration of this event, can be found [here].
Where can I find the different types of Activities?
Activities will be taking place in all areas of PokémonXP & 2026 World Championships. This includes Moscone Center North and South, Yerba Buena Gardens, and Howard Street.
Do I need a badge to participate in any Activities?
Yes. All attendees need a valid badge to participate in Activities. Attendees are responsible for acquiring their own badge.
Panels
What is a Panel?
Panels are a key feature of the PokémonXP Stage at the PokémonXP & 2026 World Championships, providing fans with the opportunity to connect with Special Guests that contribute to the Pokémon legacy. Held during regular event hours, panels typically focus on explorative and fun Pokémon topics, and usually last for an hour.
Panels come in various formats, including keynote presentations, artist spotlights, and more. Some specialty panels may include a gameshow, cosplay showcases, unboxings, and more. Our panels feature participants who are 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 the PokémonXP Stage 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 PokémonXP Stage. The location of the PokémonXP 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 PokémonXP 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.
All Autograph Room sessions will utilize the Interest List. For more information on the Interest List, please check out the Interest List page found here.
Where is the Autograph Room located?
At PokémonXP & 2026 World Championships, the Autograph Room will be in the Esplanade. 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?
For all official sessions, our Special Guests, Artists, Pokémon Partners and Notable Trainers will only be signing a provided art print.
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.
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?
All sessions in the Autograph Room are scheduled for 90 minutes.
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?
At PokémonXP & 2026 World Championships, the Creator Zone is a place for guests to meet some of 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?
We do ask you to keep the following in mind when interacting with any of our Special Guests:
- - Please be respectful while interacting with all Pokémon Partners and Notable Trainers.
- - 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 inappropriate behavior, they may ask you to leave the area.
Will there be opportunities to take photos with the Pokémon Partners or Notable Trainers?
Some of our Pokémon Partners and Notable Trainers will be having Meet & Greet sessions in the Creator Zone.
In the Creator Zone, am I allowed to get an autograph from more than one Creator?
Yes! We will be providing a print for our Pokémon Partners and Notable Trainers to sign-in this area.
Can I request specific accommodation?
If you have additional needs, please submit a Customer Service ticket.
What is the location of the Creator Zone?
The Creator Zone is located in Moscone Center North.
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?
Yes! The items you create in these workshops are yours to take home.
How much do workshops cost?
All workshops are free to guests with a valid badge.
How long do workshops typically last?
Fan Workshops range from 50 minutes to 90 minutes.
Do I need to reserve a spot in advance?
Yes, all Fan Workshops will use the Interest List.
What is the location of the Fan Workshop Zone?
The Fan Workshop Zone will be in Moscone Center South.
Collect & Trade
What is the Collect & Trade Corner?
Collect & Trade is a dedicated area where Pokémon Trainers can showcase and trade their Pokémon items with others.
What items can I trade?
At Collect & Trade, you can trade any official Pokémon items.
How many items am I allowed to trade?
You are welcome to trade as many items as you would like.
Where is Collect & Trade located?
Collect & Trade will be located in Moscone Center South on the Second Floor.
Pin Trading
What is Pin Trading?
A place for fans to interact and trade Pins!
Do I have to trade a pin if 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.
Cosplay Showcase
What is the Cosplay Showcase?
The Pokémon Cosplay Showcase is a laid-back, walk-the-stage style event where PokémonXP badge holders can show off their amazing cosplays in front of a live audience!
It’s not a competition—just a celebration of creativity, fandom, and all things Pokémon. That means no judging, no stress, and no prizes—just good vibes and great costumes.
How do I sign up to participate?
Ready to shine? Just fill out the official application form.
A couple quick things to know:
- - Applications are open until August 3, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. PT
- - You’ll need to upload at least 3 photos (front, back, and a reference image—you can include up to 5 total!)
- - Your cosplay should be at least 40% complete when you apply
- - The Cosplay Showcase is only open to registered attendees. Be sure to login to the application using the same email you used to register for PokémonXP.
Selected participants will be notified by August 17 and must confirm by August 20.
Is there an age limit for participants?
Nope—all ages are welcome!
If you’re under 13, just make sure you have an adult with you in the stage area during the Showcase.
How much of my cosplay must be handmade?
Great news: all skill levels are welcome!
You don’t have to make everything from scratch—but there are a few guidelines:
- - You can use store-bought items like wigs, shoes, glasses, and base clothing
- - You can collaborate with family or commission a costume (with creator permission)
- - Fully pre-made, store-bought costumes aren’t allowed
Basically, bring your creativity and your personal touch!
Are there any prizes or awards?
Nope! This is a showcase, not a contest, so there are no awards or rankings. It’s all about celebrating your cosplay and having fun on stage.
What is the date and location of the Cosplay Showcase?
The Showcase will take place:
- - Sunday, August 30, 2026
- - On the PokémonXP Stage
Exact timing will be shared with selected participants ahead of the event.
Anything else I should know before applying?
Glad you asked! Here are a few quick highlights:
- - You’ll need a valid PokémonXP badge for Sunday to participate
- - Costumes must be based on human characters from official Pokémon media (like Ash, Liko, Iono, etc.)
- - Costumes must be safe and manageable (no taller than 8 ft and no assistance needed to move)
- - No skits—this is a walk-on showcase, and music will be provided
- - Keep it family-friendly, respectful, and inclusive
And of course: cosplay is for everyone—so come as you are and have fun with it!
