When and where is the 6th Middle of the Map Tattoo Convention?

The event runs April 10-12, 2024, at Hy-Vee Hall inside the Iowa Hall of Pride in downtown Des Moines, Iowa. The venue is part of the Iowa Events Center complex near the Des Moines Riverwalk.

What happens at this convention?

Attendees can book tattoo appointments with artists, watch live tattooing on the convention floor, enter tattoo competitions in categories like best color or best black and grey, and browse vendor booths selling equipment, aftercare products, and apparel.

How do I get tickets for the Middle of the Map Tattoo Convention?

Ticket information is typically available at the door or through local Des Moines tattoo shop social media channels. Check with shops in the East Village or Ingersoll Avenue areas for updates on availability and pricing.

What should I bring or expect?

Bring a valid photo ID for age verification, cash for deposits and merchandise, and reference images if you plan to get tattooed. Wear comfortable shoes for walking the concrete convention floor, and expect crowds during peak Saturday hours.

Is this event good for first-time attendees?

Yes. The convention welcomes newcomers and offers a low-pressure environment to meet multiple artists, compare portfolios side by side, and observe tattooing before committing to an appointment.

6th Middle of the Map Tattoo Convention

Name: 6th Middle of the Map Tattoo Convention
Start: 2024-04-10
End: 2024-04-12
Location: Hy-Vee Hall – Iowa Hall of Pride

The 6th Middle of the Map Tattoo Convention runs April 10 through April 12, 2024, at Hy-Vee Hall in the Iowa Hall of Pride in Des Moines, Iowa. This three-day event fills the downtown venue with tattoo artists from across the Midwest and beyond, offering attendees direct access to book appointments, get walk-up flash tattoos, and consult with artists in person. This is the sixth edition of the convention, which has become a regular stop on the regional tattoo circuit. The event brings together local Des Moines shops and traveling artists who set up booths across the exhibition floor. Attendees can watch live tattooing throughout the weekend, enter tattoo competitions judged by working artists, and browse vendor booths selling equipment, aftercare products, and apparel. Competition categories typically include best small tattoo, best large tattoo, best color piece, and best black and grey work, with judging happening on stage in front of the crowd. The convention takes place at Hy-Vee Hall, located within the Iowa Events Center complex in downtown Des Moines. The venue provides open floor space for artist booths, designated areas for contests, and seating for spectators. Parking is available in the surrounding lots and garages attached to the events center, with several hotels within walking distance including the Hilton Des Moines Downtown and the Embassy Suites by Hilton Des Moines Downtown. The venue is accessible by car via Interstate 235 and sits near the Des Moines Riverwalk. Des Moines has a growing tattoo scene anchored by established shops on Ingersoll Avenue and in the East Village neighborhood. The city has seen an increase in custom studios over the past decade, moving beyond traditional street shops to include specialists in blackwork, fine line, and American traditional styles. The convention reflects this local culture while drawing collectors from across Iowa and neighboring states who might otherwise travel to Chicago or Minneapolis for large-scale events. Ticket options typically include single-day passes for Friday, Saturday, or Sunday, plus full-weekend admission packages. Attendees should bring photo ID, as artists require age verification for booking appointments. Cash is useful for deposits and merchandise purchases, though most vendors accept credit and debit cards. The convention floor allows photography, but attendees should always ask permission before photographing artists at work or their flash sheets. Food and drink are available inside the venue or at nearby downtown restaurants within a few blocks of the Iowa Events Center.