Hello from TCAF and welcome to the TCAF 2025 Exhibitor Newsletter #7
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TCAF 2025 - our first edition of ‘TCAF on Ice’ at the TMU Mattamy Athletic Centre - is just 2 weeks away!
This week’s exhibitor highlights and news…..
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Tables maps and numbers update
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Cross Border Travel Information Session
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Shipping & Selling Reminders - Square Reader Program
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Load In & Registration
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Special Events
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Support TCAF
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A Chance to be Interviewed at the festival
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TCAF Conduct & Harassment Policy
Table Maps & Numbers
We are STILL working hard to get this info out as soon as we can. We are working through many logistics with this new space, and we want to accommodate everyone’s table requests as best we can. We understand that waiting on your table numbers can be frustrating, and we thank you for your continued patience. More to come, and soon!
Recording of Cross Border Travel Information Session
Attorney Catherine Glazer’s YouTube recording of the session is HERE. We have also added a section to our exhibitor portal with a link to this recording and resources.
Shipping & Selling Reminders and Updates
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As we are getting closer to the festival, remember that our recommended deadline for shipping to TCAF from both the USA and from within Canada has now passed. We **strongly** suggest consulting our Best Practices guides below and / or contacting our comic shop super friends at the Beguiling for assistance.
Best Practices for >>> Shipping from the United States
Best Practices for >>> Shipping from within Canada
Best Practices for >>> Shipping to TCAF from outside Canada or the United States
Exhibiting at TCAF - How to take Payment at your Table!
Payment Reminders >>>
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For Canadian exhibitors - we recommend using e-transfers, cash, Square,, or having a QR code with your online store or Paypal account easily linked
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For Non-Canadian exhibitors - if this is your first time (or first time for awhile) travelling to TCAF please note that *your American or International Square will NOT work in Canada*; Square is country specific and does not support cross border payments. Also, please note that e-transfer methods such as Venmo or Zelle are NOT supported in Canada. However, there are some cross border options and suggestions that are easier than you might think including:
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PayPal! - your PayPal wallet works across multiple countries and currencies! Yes, we know PayPal has its pros and cons but it is a very easy option well supported across countries and currencies. An easy exhibitor option would be to have a QR code with a link to your PayPal account or online store prominently displayed on your table.
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Cash - always a good option!
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TCAF Square Reader Rentals….read more below….!
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TCAF Square Reader Rentals
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TCAF has a number of Square readers available to *international exhibitors* to rent out for a small fee. As there are a finite amount of readers, please sign up here as soon as you know you need one. Please be aware that our Square Reader Rentals are subject to a fee of $30, + 5% of transactions. This fee helps us cover rental and set up costs. It will be deducted from your total earnings made on the reader, after the festival, at which point we will contact you with an invoice to discuss payment options.
PLEASE NOTE >>> We strongly encourage first-time attendees of TCAF to use a Paypal QR code, rather than rent a reader, to expedite your table setup process and receipt of payments. Please contact mandytcaf@gmail.com regarding any questions about this.
Load In & Registration
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Friday, June 6th at 2pm(ish)-probably closer to 3/3:30pm - As everyone knows, TCAF is moving for th-e first time in 15 years! And - as with any move - there are anticipated and unanticipated hurdles! We originally thought via our communication with our new venue that load in could start at 2pm; however, a more realistic time for Exhibitor Load-in will be closer to 3/3:30pm. We will keep you posted on the specifics!
We will have a separate check-in table for both the Ice Rink and the Basketball Court. When our table plan is finalized, we will provide you with a time block.
Early check-in (but not load-in) will be available 6-8pm on Thursday, June 5th at the Courtyard Downtown Toronto.
Last minute check-in will also be available Saturday, June 7th, 8-10am.
TCAF Conduct & Harassment Policy
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Exhibitor set up, check in, and general con prep (not to mention this current geopolitical moment) creates stress, Reminder to be kind to your table neighbors, TCAF volunteers, and TCAF staff. If you feel uncomfortable with something or someone, please alert us by contacting TCAF staff or volunteers.
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Before you arrive to TCAF please review our Conduct and Harassment Policy (fully readable on our website). Note that TCAF reserves the right to revoke current and future tabling privileges for any exhibitors who create an unsafe space physically or digitally for people (including fellow exhibitors, attendees, TCAF volunteers, and TCAF staff) at the festival.
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This moment is A LOT right now. Let’s lean into taking a pause, taking a breath, and not taking our stress out on others.
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If you are local to the GTA, or are arriving in Toronto earlier in the TCAF week - please join us! And, if you can’t join our special events before the main festival weekend, please share!
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Bookmark our Special Events page (*more to be added soon!):
Interview Opportunities
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If you are interested in being interviewed by Fairchild TV, please contact marcotang@fairchildtv.com for details.
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“As a media outlet committed to promoting diverse cultural events, we’re excited about the opportunity to highlight TCAF’s celebration of comic arts, creativity, and storytelling. Our coverage would include capturing B-roll footage of the festival and, if possible, conducting brief interviews with featured artists, exhibitors, or organizers.” - Marco Tang, Research Writer | Fairchild Television Ltd.
Stay well comics friends!
Be sure to follow TCAF on Instagram, Bluesky, Facebook, LinkedIn, and YouTube to stay up to date on our latest public announcements. And don’t forget to sign up for our Public Newsletter.
Looking forward to seeing you in Toronto soon-ish!
All our best,
Amie, Mandy, and the rest of Team TCAF