Miami Tattoo Expo 2009

Frequently Asked Questions

Below is a list of Frequently Asked Questions and their applicable answers for all Artists, Vendors and Attendees.

Tattoo Information

Q: Do people get tattoos at Tattoo Conventions?

A: YES, live tattooing is one of the biggest parts of the Tattoo Expo. Such an event gives visitors an opportunity to see the work of many artists from all over the world, as well as having the chance to receive a tattoo on-site during the event.

Q: How much do tattoos cost?

A: Prices are set by individual artists and can either be by the hour or priced for an entire piece. You should discuss pricing with your tattoo artist prior to beginning any work. Keep in mind that it is also customary to tip your tattoo artist. Miami Tattoo Expo, LLC has nothing to do with pricing of tattoos by individual artists.

Q: I want to get a tattoo by one of your artists- how do I arrange that?

A: Many artists are fully-booked for the entire Tattoo Expo prior to the event, so if you are interested in having a tattoo done by one of our exhibiting artists, it is best to research their work and make an appointment prior to the event. You must contact the shop/artist directly to make an appointment and handle any deposits. Miami Tattoo Expo, LLC is not involved in arranging appointments. Please see our artist & vendor section for a full list of our exhibiting artists and their contact information.

Q: Is there an age minimum to receive a tattoo?

A: No one under the age of 18 is permitted to have a tattoo performed at the Tattoo Expo- NO EXCEPTIONS. Prior to beginning any work, artists are required to obtain a copy of proof of the client’s age as well as a signed consent form.

Q: Is it safe to get a tattoo in a convention hall environment?

A: Yes, all exhibiting shops are licensed Body Art Establishments and are required to adhere to strict health & sterilization requirements. The Miami-Dade County Health Department will be on site at all times monitoring artists to ensure proper health & sterilization requirements are being met.

Event Information

Q: Can I bring my family to the event?

A: Yes- while we do not advertise this show as a ‘family’ event, we do not restrict attendees based on age. Each attendee must purchase a ticket and be wearing a wristband at all times. Please note that no tattoos will be given to anyone under the age of 18, regardless of parental consent.

Q: Do I have to purchase tickets in advance?

A: Tickets will be available at the Miami Beach Convention Center Box office the day of the event. If you purchase your tickets in advance, you can avoid waiting in line at the Box Office and proceed immediately to the door to obtain your wristband.

Q: Do I need to purchase a separate ticket for the bands/entertainment?

A: No, the ticket price for the event includes general admission for all bands & entertainment occurring that day.

Q: Where do I park?

A: Parking for all vehicles (artists, vendors, attendees, media, etc.) is available at the municipal lot on Convention Center Drive and currently costs $15 per day. There is also a parking garage located on 17th Street, one block from the Facility (this garage is the cheapest option- currently $1 per hour up to 4 hours). Valet parking is also available at the front of Hall D, and is currently $15.

Parking is also available on-street throughout all of Miami Beach.

Vendors & artists should note that there is no overnight parking permitted at the Miami Beach Convention Center.

Q: Will there be food & beverages available at the event?

A: Yes, concession services (including alcohol sales) will be provided by the Miami Beach Convention Center at various locations both inside the exhibit hall and at other locations within the Convention Center.

Q: Can I bring a camera/take pictures?

A: Pictures are permitted ONLY IF you are taking pictures for yourself (not for profit or for a publication) with a non-professional camera AND receive permission from the artist and/or tattoo owner. Only those who have received specific permission from Miami Tattoo Expo, LLC and have obtained a press pass are permitted to use professional, SLR-type cameras and/or take pictures for any publication, website or otherwise for profit. The use of video cameras & camcorders is also restricted only to designated members of the press.

Q: I am a member of the press- how do I get a press pass?

A: All press requests must be made in advance by contacting Miami Tattoo Expo, LLC and will be granted to news organizations at our discretion. In general, press passes will only be granted to official members of the press able to produce official press credentials. We do not accept press pass requests from website/blog owners or contributors, online-only publications or broadcasts, or independent videographers/filmmakers. Those who are approved for a press pass will be on a list at the door, and can only be picked up by the person whose name is listed after displaying proper press credentials.

Artist & Vendor Information

Q: After I pay the registration fees, are there any other payments I need to make?

A: No. Miami Tattoo Expo, LLC does not require any additional payments, such as per-artist fees, licensing fees, electricity fees or any percentage of your event sales. Miami Tattoo Expo, LLC does retain the right to bill any artist or vendor if their actions or those of their guest(s) or client(s) result in any charges or fines.

Q: Where will my booth be located?

A: Once we receive your registration and your payment clears, we will be in contact with an exhibit hall layout so that you can choose your space. This occurs on a first-come, first-served basis.

Q: When can I load in?

A: Load-in and set up is scheduled for both Thursday, January 8, 2009 between 3pm and 10pm (highly recommended), and Friday, January 9, 2009 between 8am and 12 noon. Both times will be made available to all Artists/Vendors and may be utilized at their discretion. No load-in and set up will be permitted after the opening of the show, and loading docks will be closed once the show begins.

Q: Where can I make copies?

A: Miami Tattoo Expo, LLC will make available an artist copy station. A copy machine and thermal fax will be available for artists to use at no cost. To ensure that there are facilities & supplies for all artists to last the whole weekend, please note this area is provided for tattooing purposes only, and any abuse will not be tolerated.

Q: Is internet access available?

A: While internet access is available, this is arranged separately through the Miami Beach Convention Center and does require additional fees. Please click here to download & print the telecom services ordering form, and submit directly to the convention center (with payment) for processing. This can also be handled when you load in on Thursday/Friday.

Q: I’d like to show my bike(s) and/or car(s) at the event- how do I do that?

A: Please contact us for more information on cars & bikes, and please let us know how many you would be exhibiting. We will then be in touch to let you know if space is available and pricing information. Please note that all vehicles must be loaded into the Exhibit Hall by the end of the day on Thursday, January 8th, 2009 and MUST load out on Sunday, January 11th, 2009 after 6pm. Loading docks will be closed for the duration of the show and no movement of vehicles is permitted until the close of the event on Sunday.

 

Q: I’m an artist/vendor and I want to bring my family/friends to the event. Can I get passes for them?

A: Each booth is provided with an allotment of laminated passes based on the size booth purchased. Please see the registration form for information on how to order additional laminated passes (please note- laminated passes are for artists & vendors only, and we will not honor orders for laminates from someone who has not purchased booth space). We cannot guarantee pricing & availability of additional passes if they are not purchased in advance.

 

Please contact Miami Tattoo Expo, LLC, with any additional questions that you may have regarding this event.