What LVL UP EXPO does

LVL UP EXPO, operated by LVL UP EXPO Management LLC, is a privately held live-event company that produces an annual three-day immersive gaming and pop culture convention in Las Vegas, Nevada, founded in 2012 and operating with a lean team of 22 employees. The 2027 edition is scheduled for April 23-25 at the Las Vegas Convention Center South Hall, with prior editions drawing 150,000+ attendees, 300+ special guests (voice actors, YouTubers, Twitch stars), and 250+ exhibitors and vendors over the three-day window. The core offering centres on the main convention badge across four tiers — 3-Day ($75-$100), VIP ($250), Squad Pack of four 3-Day badges ($250-$300), and Single-Day ($40-$65) — distributed primarily through Tixr, the company's core ticketing platform partner, with on-site walk-up sales where inventory permits.

The company monetises across four revenue streams: ticket sales (the primary stream), after-party events at KAOS inside Palms Casino Resort (21+) and The Portal inside AREA 15 (18+), exhibitor and Artist Alley booth rentals, and special-guest autograph and photo operations with per-guest pricing. Complementary programs include a separate Industry Badge ($50) for verified professionals in Esports, Anime, Comics, and Technologies; a three-tier Creator Program for influencers and streamers; and complimentary Media Badges. Event activity surfaces include esports tournaments, Main Stage and Hall Cosplay Contests with up to $5,000 in Best in Show prize money, K-pop dance battles, pro wrestling, and a free scavenger-hunt Side Quest. Sponsorship is a meaningful secondary stream, with a portfolio spanning AMD, RIG Gaming, Netflix, US Army, Blacklyte, and Zenni.

LVL UP EXPO's go-to-market is direct-to-consumer: digital marketing through its website, Facebook, Instagram, X/Twitter, YouTube, and email newsletter, plus community-driven amplification via the Creator Program and guest social followings. There is no app, no proprietary technology stack, and no API; core systems are limited to the Tixr ticketing integration and JotForm-based exhibitor applications. The company is headquartered in Las Vegas with no disclosed geographic expansion beyond Nevada and no funding rounds on record.

Name

LVL UP EXPO

Legal name

LVL UP EXPO Management LLC

Website

https://lvlupexpo.com

Company type

Private

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

LVL UP EXPO is a Las Vegas-based live event company producing an annual three-day gaming and pop culture convention, monetising consumer ticket tiers, after-party events, exhibitor booth fees, and special-guest autograph and photo operations for a multi-fandom audience.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Live Events & Fan Conventions

NAICS

Promoters of Performing Arts, Sports, and Similar Events without Facilities (711320), Promoters of Performing Arts, Sports, and Similar Events with Facilities (711310)

SIC

Services-Amusement & Recreation Services (7900), Services-Miscellaneous Amusement & Recreation (7990)

akta.pro primary industry

Beauty, Fashion & Pop-Culture Conventions (MPAGAFAG)

akta.pro secondary industries

Collectibles & Hobby Shows (MPAGAFAN), Retail, Consumer Goods & Lifestyle Shows Organizers (THAHABAJ)

Keywords

• Gaming conventions
• Pop culture events
• Esports tournaments
• Cosplay contests
• Fan conventions

Headquarters

HQ city

Las Vegas

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others, Technology or R&D

Revenue model

1. Event Badge/Ticket Sales: Primary revenue stream from selling event badges (3-Day, VIP, Squad Pack, Single-Day) at tiered pricing with early-bird discounts. Current 3-Day badges start at $75, VIP at $250, Single-Day at $40-52. Prices increase at scheduled deadlines leading up to the event.
2. After Party Tickets: Revenue from after party ticket sales including general admission ($45-55) and table purchases with complimentary admission, expedited entry, and drink tickets. Friday and Saturday night events at KAOS (Palms Casino Resort) and The Portal (AREA 15).
3. Exhibitor and Artist Booth Fees: Revenue from exhibitors, artists in Artist Alley, and indie game developers renting booth space. Applications open July 15 with approval sent November 1. Booth fees likely vary by booth type and size.
4. Guest Autograph and Photo Operations: Revenue from special guest autograph signings and photo opportunities. Individual pricing varies by guest (e.g., Brandon Rogers: Autograph $50, Selfie $45, Combo $80; Vivienne Medrano: 8x10 Print $50, 11x17 $60, Collectibles $60).

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

LVL UP EXPO organizes and operates an annual three-day immersive gaming and pop culture convention held at the Las Vegas Convention Center (South Hall), featuring esports tournaments, cosplay contests, special guest appearances, an exhibit hall with 250+ exhibitors, artist alley, after parties, and ticketed badge-based admission. The event brings together gamers, anime fans, cosplayers, and pop culture enthusiasts through tiered admission products (3-Day, VIP, Squad Pack, 1-Day) and specialized badges for industry professionals, media, and content creators.

Product overview

LVL UP EXPO is a three-day immersive gaming and pop culture convention held annually in Las Vegas. The core offering consists of the main convention event featuring multiple ticket tiers (3-Day Badge, VIP Badge, Squad Pack, 1-Day Badge) as well as specialized badges for Industry professionals and Media/Press. Supporting programs include the Creator Program for influencers and content creators, and the After Party for nighttime entertainment. Event activities span cosplay contests (Main Stage and Hall Costume), K-pop dance battles, pro wrestling, and scavenger hunts. The Exhibit Hall showcases artists, vendors, and indie game developers across Artist Alley and exhibitor booths. Special Guests appearances include voice actors, streamers, and performers with purchasable autograph and photo opportunities.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• LVL UP EXPO 2027 Main Convention A three-day immersive gaming and pop culture convention held April 23-25, 2027 at the Las Vegas Convention Center, South Hall, celebrating fans through esports tournaments, cosplay, art, and live entertainment. Event hours: Friday 12PM-8PM, Saturday 11AM-8PM, Sunday 11AM-6PM.
• 3-Day Badge General admission badge providing access to all three days of the exhibit hall, panels, main events, and tournaments. Pricing tiered from $75 (current) to $100 at door, with children 10 and under free with registered adult and military/first responders discount at door only.
• VIP Badge Premium admission badge priced at $250 (limited quantity, not available at door) including one hour early access on all three days, exclusive hat and lanyard, swag bag, discount on all merchandise, separate line entry at Guest Signings, and separate line entry for Main Events Room.
• Squad Pack Bundle of four 3-Day Badges available for pre-registration only at tiered pricing from $250 to $300. Only available during pre-registration period; not available at door.
• 1-Day Badge Single-day admission badge for Friday, Saturday, or Sunday, priced at $40-52 depending on day and pricing period. Provides exhibit hall and event access for the selected day only.
• Industry Badge Specialized badge priced at $50 (plus fees) for professionals actively working in esports, anime, comics, or technology industries, providing networking, business development, and talent/partner discovery opportunities. Must be 18+ and demonstrate active involvement in qualifying industries.
• Media & Press Badge Complimentary badge program for journalists, photographers, videographers, broadcasters, and editorial content creators affiliated with recognized media outlets, providing press access for event coverage at LVL UP EXPO 2027.
• Creator Program Three-tier program for influencers, streamers, podcasters, cosplayers, and digital creatives providing complimentary Creator Badge, Creator Lounge access, and sponsor/partner networking opportunities at LVL UP EXPO 2027.
• Official After Party Ticketed nightlife entertainment events including Saturday's 21+ Official After Party at KAOS nightclub inside Palms Casino Resort with general admission ($45-55) and table purchases (complimentary admission, expedited entry, drink tickets), and Friday's 18+ Senpai Squad's Anime Rave at The Portal inside AREA 15. Tickets sold exclusively online; no door sales.
• Special Guests Autograph & Photo Program Paid autograph signings and photo opportunities with special guests (voice actors, YouTubers, Twitch stars, performers). Pricing varies by guest (e.g., Brandon Rogers: Autograph $50, Selfie $45, Combo $80; Vivienne Medrano: 8x10 Print $50, 11x17 $60, Collectibles $60).
• Exhibit Hall (Exhibitor/Artist/Indie Game Booth Rentals) Exhibition space at the convention featuring Artist Alley, Exhibitor booths, and Indie Game Developer booths where artists, vendors, and indie developers rent booth space to sell merchandise, collectibles, and games. Applications open July 15 and due by October 1, with approval sent November 1.
• Main Stage Cosplay Contest Live showcase of cosplay creativity and performance featuring categories including Novice, Journeyman, Craftsman, and Youth, with prize money up to $5,000 for Best in Show at LVL UP EXPO 2027.
• Hall Costume Contest Costume judging event focused on craftsmanship with a panel of expert judges providing feedback, featuring Best in Show prize of $1,000 at LVL UP EXPO 2027.
• Esports Tournaments Esports tournaments and gaming competitions across various games and skill levels held during LVL UP EXPO 2027.

Quantifiable outcome

• 150,000+ attendees in 2026 over 3 days
• +3 more outcomes

Segments7 records

Ideal customer profiles7 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

Nine partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.

• AMDminorGTM or Marketing PartnerAMD is featured as a sponsor on the LVL UP EXPO website. Logo displayed on main page indicating marketing/sponsorship partnership.
• RIG GamingminorGTM or Marketing PartnerRIG Gaming is featured as a sponsor on the LVL UP EXPO website. Logo displayed on main page indicating marketing/sponsorship partnership.
• NetflixminorGTM or Marketing PartnerNetflix is featured as a sponsor on the LVL UP EXPO website. Logo displayed on main page indicating marketing/sponsorship partnership.
• US ArmyminorGTM or Marketing PartnerUS Army is featured as a sponsor on the LVL UP EXPO website with military recruitment/marketing partnership. Logo displayed with trackable link (goarmy.com).
• BlacklyteminorGTM or Marketing PartnerBlacklyte is featured as a sponsor on the LVL UP EXPO website. Logo displayed on main page indicating marketing/sponsorship partnership.
• ZenniminorGTM or Marketing PartnerZenni is featured as a sponsor on the LVL UP EXPO website. Logo displayed on main page indicating marketing/sponsorship partnership.
• Palms Casino ResortcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerVenue partner for Saturday Official After Party (KAOS nightclub). Provides exclusive venue access for 21+ after party event with complimentary admission, expedited entry, and drink tickets for table purchasers.
• AREA 15 Las VegascoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerVenue partner for Friday Senpai Squad's Anime Rave (The Portal venue). Provides exclusive venue access for 18+ after party event.
• TixrcoreTechnology or IntegrationPrimary ticketing platform partner for online badge sales, after party tickets, and Squad Pack purchases. Handles online registration and ticket management.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Dragon Con: Large multi-genre pop-culture convention in Atlanta covering sci-fi, fantasy, anime, and gaming. Comparable on track-based programming, special guests, badge tiers, and broad fandom segmentation.
• MomoCon: Atlanta-based anime, gaming, and pop-culture convention. Comparable on multi-fandom programming, cosplay contests, voice actor guests, and badge-tier revenue model, though at a smaller scale.
• New York Comic Con (ReedPop): ReedPop's flagship pop-culture convention. Closely comparable on multi-segment fan audience (anime, gaming, cosplay, comics), badge tiering, and exhibitor/sponsor revenue model, though with East Coast geographic skew.
• TwitchCon: Twitch's annual convention centered on streamers, esports, and gaming culture. Direct overlap on streaming/gaming fan base, creator/influencer programming, and badge-tier monetization model.
• PAX (Penny Arcade Expo): Premier U.S. gaming convention series (West, East, South, Unplugged). Directly comparable on esports tournaments, gaming panels, exhibitor halls, and badge-tier revenue model targeting gamers and pop-culture fans.
• DreamHack: Global esports and gaming festival series. Closely comparable on esports tournaments, LAN gaming, creator content, and gaming-focused attendee demographics, though with stronger international footprint.
• Anime Expo: Largest anime convention in North America held annually in Los Angeles. Direct overlap in anime fans, cosplay, voice actor guests, and exhibitor/Artist Alley monetization model targeting the same Western U.S. fan segments.
• Fan Expo: Multi-city pop-culture convention series (Toronto, Dallas, San Francisco, etc.). Overlaps directly on comics/anime/gaming fans, celebrity guests, exhibitor halls, and tiered badge pricing structure.
• RTX (Rooster Teeth Expo): Gaming, anime, and online video convention focused on creator-driven fan communities. Direct overlap on streamer/guest programming, cosplay contests, and gaming-fandom attendee base.

Broad incumbents

• San Diego Comic-Con: The flagship U.S. pop-culture convention and category-defining incumbent. Overlaps on cosplay, special guests, exhibitor halls, and badge-based monetization but operates at a much larger scale and broader entertainment scope.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/LVLUPEXPO
• YouTubeyoutube.com/user/LVLUPEXPO
• Facebookfacebook.com/lvlupexpo
• Instagraminstagram.com/lvlupexpo
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/lvl-up-expo

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about LVL UP EXPO