Lets talk about why Cosplay Guest should get paid

Why Cosplayers Should Get Paid as Guests

1. Attraction & Marketing
   
   • Cosplayers draw attendees. Guests in full costume are walking, interactive advertising for the convention.
     
   • Their images are often used in con promo materials, which is essentially free marketing if they’re not compensated.
     
2. Content Creation & Engagement
   
   • Many cosplayers produce panels, workshops, and photo ops. That’s labor, planning, and expertise.
     
   • They also promote the con to their fanbase, extending its reach.
     
3. Professional Costs
   
   • High-quality cosplay requires materials, wigs, props, travel, and upkeep. A guest isn’t just showing up—they’re presenting their craft.
     
4. Industry Parity
   
   • Voice actors, authors, and artists are paid for appearances. Cosplayers are also creators with valuable IP and performance skills.
     

How Much Should Cosplayers Get Paid?This depends on their reach, role, and the size of the convention:
🔹 Small Local Con (under 5,000 attendees)

• Cover travel + hotel.
  
• Provide a per diem for food ($30–$50/day).
  
• $200–$500 appearance fee.
  

🔹 Mid-Sized Con (5,000–20,000 attendees)

• Travel + hotel fully covered.
  
• Per diem.
  
• $500–$1,500 appearance fee, depending on schedule (panels, judging contests, etc.).
  

🔹 Large Con (20,000+ attendees)

• Travel + hotel (often business class for international).
  
• Per diem.
  
• $1,500–$5,000+ appearance fee, scaling with audience reach, guest responsibilities, and promotional work.
  

🔹 Extras

• If the con asks cosplayers to host panels, judge contests, or do photo ops/autographs, that should come with additional compensation.
  
• Merch tables (prints, props, autographs) can be offered as an extra revenue stream, not the only one.
  

✅ Bottom line: Cosplayers aren’t just “dressing up”—they’re skilled entertainers, creators, and promoters. If a con wants them as a guest, they need to treat them like one.