Ink The
Island
One of the Midwest's largest tattoo conventions. Over 500 artists, a 55-category tattoo competition with over $40K in cash prizes, three days of artist seminars, fire, aerial and suspension shows, vendors and sideshows, all under one roof at the Big Iron Events Center in Grand Island, Nebraska.
Get in the door
Sold exclusively through Ticketmaster. Taxes and fees not included. Be cautious of third-party sellers. $5 from every ticket goes to Heartland CASA to support children and families in our community.
Everything included with each pass →Friday, Saturday or Sunday. Full access to artists, vendors, shows and that day's competitions.
Buy single dayAll three days, every show, every round of judging. Save $15 over three single days.
Buy 3-day pass$25 a day or $75 for the weekend at the door with valid ID. Active and retired military and first responders, and current college students.
Door only · Kids 12 & under freeOver $40K on the line
Cash prizes just doubled. 55 categories. $10 per tattoo, per category, no limit on entries. Healed or fresh in every category. Tattoo of the Day and Best of Show must be started and finished on the floor. Submit 30 minutes before judging begins.
Ink Master alumni on the floor
Big CeezeInk Master
Jenna CoffinInk Master: OGs vs Young Guns
Tommy HelmInk Master & Tattoo Nightmares
Tony ManciaGuest artistFire. Aerial. Suspension. Sideshow.
NorseFyre fire and aerial shows, Shock Illusionist Dan Sperry, Better Days Suspension, a Polynesian tribal performance, Reggie Bugmuncher and Camille Zamboni rotate across the main stage all three days. Hosted by official MC Hoon Kim of Sullen Clothing.
See the full schedule
Learn. Grow. Level up.
Three mornings of education from some of the best in the industry, 8 am to 2 pm Friday through Sunday. Lunch is provided and attending artists get samples (needles and ink).
Work the floor
Limited artist booths. Send your socials so we can see your portfolio, then we send the full application, contract and payment details. 2026 NDHHS license due September 1.
Apply as an artistSet up shop
Tattoo supply, aftercare, apparel, art. Vendor booths are limited too. Tell us your company and what you sell and the team will reach out.
Apply as a vendorBe a canvas
Fill out the canvas application and attending artists looking for human canvases can reach out to you directly.
Canvas applicationBig Iron Events Center
Fonner Park campus, Grand Island. 180,000 square feet, a 7,500-seat arena and the Bosselman Conference Center next door. Formerly the Heartland Events Center.
Get tatted on the island
Tickets
Tickets are available exclusively through Ticketmaster. The official link is the button below. Please be cautious of third-party sellers or unofficial listings. Taxes and fees are not included in the prices shown.
A full day of tattooing, entertainment, vendors, live performances and competitions.
- Admission for one convention day
- Access to all vendor & artist booths
- Live entertainment & performances
- Tattoo competitions for that day
- Demonstrations and special attractions
The ultimate Ink The Island experience.
- Full admission for all 3 convention days
- Unlimited access to vendors & artist booths during convention hours
- All live entertainment & performances
- All tattoo competitions throughout the weekend
- Demonstrations, special attractions and every convention activity
$25 day · $75 weekend
At the door with valid ID. Active and retired military, law enforcement, firefighters, EMTs and paramedics, and 911 dispatchers. Applies to the individual serving or retired only, not spouses, family or children.
$25 day · $75 weekend
At the door with a valid college or university student ID, any school. Applies to the individual student only and cannot be transferred to friends, family or guests.
12 & under free
Free admission with a paid adult. Kids over 12 need a regular admission ticket. No one under 18 will be tattooed.
$5 from every ticket
Donated directly to Heartland CASA to support children and families within our community. Your ticket supports the tattoo industry and a local cause.
Bring the island home
Exclusive apparel, accessories and limited-edition event merchandise for artists, collectors and tattoo enthusiasts. Orders ship straight to your door, and every purchase supports the growth of Ink The Island.
Shop the merch store ↗Promo code ISLAND
Download The Inked Network, create your account and use promo code ISLAND to be entered for a chance to win free tattoo sessions with world-renowned artists and a shot at the Ultimate Ink The Island Giveaway. $12 a year membership, $2 of every membership donated to Heartland CASA.
Get the app ↗Artists
The artists confirmed so far. To get tattooed by any of them, reach out to them directly through Instagram. Booking, pricing, deposits and scheduling are handled between you and the artist.
Guest artists
Attending artists
Want your booth on this page?
Limited artist booths remain. Send your socials and the team will reach out.
Three days. Nonstop.
Doors open at 11 am Friday through Sunday. Artist seminars run 8 am to 2 pm. Shows rotate on the main stage all day, competition judging closes each night, and artists and vendors head to the afterparty.
Afterparties are for tattoo artists and vendors only. Bring your convention badge to get in.
Schedule is subject to change. Competition entries close 30 minutes before judging for each category.
Learn. Grow.
Level up.
Three days of education built for tattoo artists ready to sharpen their skills, expand their knowledge and take their craft to the next level. Learn directly from some of the industry's best, 8 am to 2 pm Friday through Sunday.
Any one seminar day: Friday, Saturday or Sunday.
All three days and every session, Friday through Sunday.
- Lunch every seminar day
- Samples for attending artists: needles and ink
- Open to licensed tattoo artists only
Schedule
Instructors
Save your seat
Licensed tattoo artists only. Lunch included every day.
55 categories.
$10 an entry.
Anyone can enter as long as the tattoo fits the category. No limit on entries. Healed or fresh in every category except Tattoo of the Day, Best of Show and Best of the Best, which must be started and finished during the convention. Submit no later than 30 minutes before judging begins for that category.
color · B&G · palm tree
color · B&G · palm tree
Every other category awards 1st, 2nd and 3rd place. Tattoo of the Day, Best of Show and Best of the Best award 1st through 5th.
- Geometrical / Mandala
- Lettering
- Glitter
- American Traditional
- New-School
- Pet
- Color
- Black & Grey
- Palm Tree
- Portrait, Color
- Portrait, Black & Grey
- Anime
- Watercolor
- Fine Line
- Painting
- Worst Tattoo
- Male: Small (4"×4" & smaller), Medium (up to 8"×8"), Large (up to 12"×12"), XL (bigger than 12"×12") · each in Color and Black & Grey
- Female: Small, Medium, Large, XL · each in Color and Black & Grey
- Color
- Black & Grey
- Palm Tree
- Hand / Neck Tattoo
- Japanese
- Chest Panel
- Back Piece
- Leg Sleeve
- Arm Sleeve
- Color Infused Black & Grey
- Overall Male
- Overall Female
- Cover Up (before & after pictures required)
- Black & Grey Realism
- Color Realism
- Tattoo of the Day: Color, Black & Grey, Palm Tree
- Best in Show: Color, Black & Grey, Palm Tree
- Ink The Island Best of the Best
Want to judge?
Email info@inktheisland.com with your resume, or note it on the application form.
Big Iron Events Center
Fonner Park campus, Grand Island, Nebraska. Previously the Heartland Events Center. 180,000 square feet anchored by the 7,500-seat Eihusen Arena with 30,000 square feet of floor space, plus the Bosselman Conference Center next door.
690 E Stolley Park Rd
Grand Island, NE 68801
Doors 11 am daily. Accessible entrances, restrooms and parking near the entrance. Service animals welcome per ADA guidelines. Need interpreters, captioning or assistive listening devices? Contact us in advance at info@inktheisland.com.
Flying in? Kearney Regional Airport (EAR) is about 40 miles away with free artist shuttles. See the United discount →
History
The vision for the Heartland Events Center emerged in the early 2000s. Construction began December 10, 2004, and the center opened in August 2006 with concerts during the Hall County Fair, funded by the Nebraska State Legislature, a $5 million City of Grand Island restaurant tax, $1 million in Hall County Keno proceeds, land donated by Fonner Park, and private donors.
Since the Nebraska State Fair relocated to Grand Island in 2010 the center has hosted its major concerts, exhibitions and rodeo events. It was home to the Nebraska Danger indoor football team from 2011 to 2019 and has welcomed ZZ Top, Chicago and the Beach Boys. In 2024 the City of Grand Island took full ownership and brought in VenuWorks to run it, with $300,000 in immediate upgrades. Now it is the official home of Ink The Island.
Hotels
Our recommended lodging is all within 4 miles of the venue. Mention the Tattoo Convention when you book.
More hotels coming soon. Questions about room blocks? Email info@inktheisland.com.
Travel with United
United Airlines is the host airline for Ink The Island. Fly United, save with our exclusive discount, and support the partner making this convention possible for artists and attendees from around the world.
Destination airport: Kearney Regional Airport (EAR), Kearney, Nebraska, about 40 miles from Grand Island.
Ground transportation
- Shuttle buses: free shuttles run between Kearney Regional Airport and Grand Island hotels and the venue for artists.
- Car rentals: available directly at the airport.
- Taxi & rides: taxi and local ride services available at the airport.
Tips for booking
- Book early to secure the best rates with the discount code.
- Traveling internationally? Check visa and passport requirements well in advance.
- For group bookings or special requests, contact United directly and reference our event.
Get tatted at Ink The Island
Hundreds of artists from around the world will be on the floor. This application connects you with artists looking for human canvases during the convention weekend. Fill it out completely before submitting.
How it works
- Your application is shared with attending artists.
- Artists review applications and may reach out directly if they are interested in tattooing you.
- Submitting does not guarantee an artist will contact you or accept your idea.
Important
Ink The Island does not handle and cannot guarantee bookings, pricing, deposits, design approvals or scheduling. All of that is between you and the artist. Want a specific artist? Contact them directly on Instagram.
Applications
Artists, include your social handles so we can view your portfolio. Vendors and sponsors, include your company name. We reach out once we review your application.
Please note
This is a preliminary application. Once submitted you will be contacted with the full application, including a contract and payment details, plus information on the Nebraska DHHS Body Art Profession Tattoo Artist License.
All participating tattoo artists must provide a copy of their 2026 NDHHS Tattoo Artist License by email before September 1, 2026. Get the license ↗
Included with your booth
- 10′×10′ piped & draped space
- Draped 8 ft table and a 6 ft table with sanitized white vinyl cover
- 4 chairs, trash bin with liner, sharps container, banner hooks
- 2 artist badges and 1 weekend pass
- Electricity and WiFi
- Artist Lounge access: copies, Thermofax, distilled water, consent & aftercare forms, Cavicide
Before you ask
General
What does it cost to get into the convention?
How old do I have to be to get tattooed?
How do I make an appointment with an artist?
Do I need an appointment to get a tattoo?
Are tattoos free?
How do I become a sponsor or vendor?
Tattoo artists
What is included with my booth?
- 1 – 10′×10′ piped & draped space
- 1 – draped 8 ft table
- 1 – 6 ft table with white sanitized vinyl cover
- 4 – chairs
- 1 – trash bin with liner
- 1 – sharps container
- Banner hooks
- 2 – artist badges
- 1 – weekend pass
- Electricity
- Access to the Artist Lounge for copies, Thermofax, distilled water, consent & aftercare forms, and Cavicide
Is there WiFi?
How do I register a booth?
How can I request to be next to someone?
Do I have to be licensed in Nebraska to participate?
Do you rent massage beds?
Tattoo competition
Who can enter?
Is there a limit to how many entries one person can do?
Do all entries have to be tattoos done at the convention?
When is the deadline to enter?
How can I become a judge?
How many categories and what are the awards?
Privacy Policy
At Ink The Island Tattoo Convention, we respect your privacy and are committed to protecting the personal information of our attendees, artists, vendors, sponsors, and partners. This Privacy Policy explains what information we collect, how we use it, and how we keep it safe.
Information We Collect
We may collect the following types of information:
Personal Information: Name, email address, phone number, billing/shipping address, social media handles, etc.
Payment Information: If purchasing tickets, booths, or sponsorships, we process payments securely through third-party providers. We do not store credit card numbers.
Registration Information: Booth applications, sponsorship forms, contest sign-ups, and workshop/seminar registrations.
Usage Information: Data about how you interact with our website and social media, including IP address, browser type, and pages visited.
How We Use Your Information
We use your information for:
Processing registrations, booth reservations, and sponsorships.
Communicating important event updates, schedules, and promotions.
Improving our event experience based on attendee and vendor feedback.
Compliance with applicable state and federal laws, including Nebraska licensing regulations for body art professionals.
Marketing purposes (with your consent), such as featuring participating artists or vendors.
Information Sharing
We do not sell your personal information to third parties. We may share limited information with:
Service Providers: Ticketing platforms, payment processors, hotels, or airlines assisting with travel arrangements.
Event Partners: Sponsors or vendors, but only when directly relevant to your participation in the event.
Legal Requirements: If required by law, regulation, or legal process.
Data Protection
We use appropriate technical and organizational measures to safeguard your personal information. This includes secure payment systems, restricted access to sensitive data, and compliance with applicable privacy regulations.
Cookies & Tracking
Our website may use cookies and tracking technologies to improve user experience and analyze traffic. You can adjust your browser settings to disable cookies at any time.
Your Rights
You have the right to:
Request access to the personal data we hold about you.
Request corrections to inaccurate information.
Opt out of promotional communications at any time.
Request deletion of your information, subject to legal and regulatory requirements.
Youth Protection
Attendees under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. We do not knowingly collect personal data from children under 13.
Updates to Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Any changes will be posted on our website with the updated effective date.
Accessibility Statement
At Ink The Island Tattoo Convention, we are committed to ensuring that all attendees—including artists, vendors, sponsors, and guests—can fully enjoy and participate in our event. We are dedicated to providing a safe, accessible, and inclusive environment that welcomes everyone.
Our Commitment
We strive to ensure that the convention complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and relevant Nebraska state accessibility laws.
Our team is actively working to identify and remove barriers so that everyone can experience the event comfortably.
We welcome feedback from attendees with disabilities and are committed to continuous improvement in accessibility.
Venue Accessibility
The convention venue is wheelchair accessible, including entrances, restrooms, and key activity areas.
Accessible parking spaces will be available close to the venue entrance.
Elevators and ramps are available where applicable.
Seating areas will include accessible seating for attendees with mobility devices.
Event Accommodations
Service animals are welcome at the convention in accordance with ADA guidelines.
If you require interpreters, captioning, or assistive listening devices, please notify us in advance so we can make necessary arrangements.
We aim to provide quiet/rest areas for attendees who may need a break from the convention floor.
Booth layouts will be designed to allow wide aisles and clear pathways for mobility devices.
Digital Accessibility
Our website and online registration system are designed with accessibility in mind.
We strive to meet or exceed WCAG 2.1 AA standards for digital accessibility.
If you encounter any barriers on our website, please contact us for assistance.
How to Request Assistance
If you require specific accommodations to fully participate in the Ink The Island Tattoo Convention, please reach out to us as early as possible so we can work with you to meet your needs.
Phone: 308-267-6461
Email: info@inktheisland.com
Terms & Conditions
By purchasing tickets, registering as an artist, vendor, or sponsor, or attending the Ink The Island Tattoo Convention (“the Event”), you agree to the following Terms & Conditions. Please read carefully before participating.
General Admission
All attendees must have a valid ticket or pass to enter the Event.
Tickets are non-refundable unless otherwise stated by the organizer.
Wristbands or badges must be worn at all times and are non-transferable.
Artist & Vendor Participation
Booth spaces are confirmed only after payment is received in full or according to agreed payment terms.
Artists and vendors must comply with all state and local regulations, including Nebraska body art licensing requirements. Temporary licenses may be required for out-of-state artists.
All work performed must meet local health and safety codes.
No outside alcohol, illegal substances, or unauthorized merchandise may be brought into the venue.
Sponsorship Agreements
Sponsorship packages are valid only for the 2026 event unless otherwise agreed in writing.
Logos, promotional items, and advertisements must be submitted by deadlines provided by the organizer.
Sponsorships are non-transferable.
Code of Conduct
The Event is a professional, family-friendly environment. Harassment, discrimination, or inappropriate conduct will not be tolerated.
Attendees and participants must respect staff, security, artists, vendors, and fellow guests.
Anyone violating the Code of Conduct may be removed without refund.
Photography & Media
By attending, you consent to being photographed, filmed, or recorded.
The Event reserves the right to use media from the convention for promotional purposes across print, digital, and social media platforms.
Personal photography is permitted but must not interfere with artists or attendees.
Liability Waiver
Attendees participate at their own risk. The Event and its organizers are not responsible for injury, illness, lost or stolen property, or damages incurred during the Event.
Tattooing and piercing involve risks. Attendees who receive services from artists do so at their own discretion, and the Event is not liable for the outcome.
Health & Safety
The Event reserves the right to enforce health and safety requirements, including but not limited to sanitation, sterilization, and public health mandates.
Any artist, vendor, or attendee not adhering to these requirements may be removed from the Event without refund.
Cancellations & Force Majeure
In the case of unforeseen circumstances (natural disaster, government restrictions, pandemic, etc.), the Event may be rescheduled or canceled. Refunds will be addressed at the discretion of the organizers.
Governing Law
These Terms & Conditions are governed by the laws of the State of Nebraska. Any disputes shall be handled under Nebraska jurisdiction.
Contact Us
For questions regarding these Terms & Conditions, please contact:
Ink The Island Tattoo Convention
Phone Number: 308-267-6461
Email Address: info@inktheisland.com
Refund Policy
At Ink The Island Tattoo Convention, we understand that unexpected circumstances may arise. This Refund Policy outlines our guidelines regarding ticket sales, booth reservations, sponsorships, and related purchases. By making a purchase or reservation, you agree to the following terms.
General Admission Tickets
All ticket sales are final. No refunds will be issued for general admission tickets once purchased.
Tickets may be transferred to another person by contacting the event organizers at least 7 days prior to the convention.
In the event of cancellation or postponement by the organizers, tickets will be honored for the rescheduled dates or refunded at the discretion of the organizers.
Artist & Vendor Booths
Booth reservations require a deposit (non-refundable) to secure space.
Final balances must be paid by the deadlines communicated in the booth contract.
Booth fees are non-refundable, except in the event that the convention is canceled by the organizers.
If the convention is postponed, booth reservations will automatically transfer to the rescheduled dates.
Sponsorships
Sponsorship agreements are binding once payment or product trade is received.
Sponsorship fees are non-refundable.
In the event of cancellation by the organizers, sponsorships may be transferred to a future Ink The Island Tattoo Convention or refunded at the discretion of the organizers.
Force Majeure
Refunds will not be provided if the event is canceled, postponed, or disrupted due to circumstances beyond the organizers’ reasonable control, including but not limited to:
Natural disasters
Government restrictions
Public health emergencies
Acts of terrorism or civil unrest
In such cases, the organizers will make reasonable efforts to reschedule the event and honor all tickets, booths, and sponsorships at the rescheduled dates.
How to Request a Transfer or Clarification
For questions or requests to transfer tickets or booths (where eligible), please contact us directly:
Phone: 308-267-6461
Email: info@inktheisland.com
Agreement
By purchasing tickets, reserving booths, or entering sponsorship agreements with the Ink The Island Tattoo Convention, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agreed to this Refund Policy.