2nd Royal Tattoo Expo
The 2nd Royal Tattoo Expo took place from April 3 to April 5, 2023 at the Royal River Casino & Hotel in Flandreau, South Dakota. The event brought together tattoo artists, vendors, and enthusiasts for three days of tattooing and related activities in the upper Midwest. The convention occupied space within the Royal River Casino & Hotel complex, which is located on the Flandreau Santee Sioux Reservation at 607 Lizzie Street. Artists set up booths to provide tattoo services to clients who booked appointments in advance or requested walk-in availability. The event floor included stations for traditional tattooing, with artists specializing in various styles and techniques. Vendors at the expo sold tattoo equipment, needles, inks, and aftercare supplies. Attendees could purchase merchandise, view artist portfolios, and consult with professionals about design ideas and placement options. The casino setting provided adjacent amenities including hotel rooms, restaurants, and entertainment facilities for visitors traveling to the event. Flandreau is a city in Moody County, South Dakota, with a population of approximately 2,300 residents. The Royal River Casino & Hotel operates as a gaming and hospitality venue owned by the Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribe. The venue has hosted previous tattoo conventions and similar events. The 2023 event is the second edition of the Royal Tattoo Expo in this location. It provided a regional destination for tattoo collectors and artists in South Dakota and surrounding states including Minnesota, Iowa, and Nebraska. State regulations require tattoo artists to follow South Dakota health and safety protocols, including sterilization standards and age verification for clients. Information about guest artists, vendor lists, and ticket prices was published on the official event page prior to the convention dates. The event is open to the public, though individuals receiving tattoos must meet age requirements under South Dakota law.