Platinum VIP Badge Holders: Know Before You Go to CrimeCon 2026

To pick up your CrimeCon 2026 Platinum VIP Badge, simply bring a copy of a valid photo ID (please ensure that the name matches the name on your registration). A confirmation email printout is also great, but is not required! If you're in town early, you have the option (not required) to pick up your badge on Thursday evening. We will have separate registration lines for VIP's on Thursday.

Your go-to resource all weekend is our CrimeCon Sched Platform — visit the website or download the app for the official schedule, real-time session updates, room assignments, and everything from Creators and Speakers to Exhibitors, Sponsors, Venue Map, and more. If we could only give you one piece of advice, it's this: download the Sched app before you arrive!

Not sure how to use Sched? View How-To Build Your CC Weekend here →

See venue map for Platinum VIP lounge location. Stop in to rest your legs, grab coffee, or charge your phone. The Platinum Lounge will be stocked with coffee, water, soda, light snacks, and light breakfast (Saturday/Sunday only). It's a great place to get away from the crowds.

Platinum VIP attendees get early access to the merchandise store on Friday, 5/29 at 10:30 AM. The store opens to all attendees at 12:00 PM.

CrimeCon 2026 Creator Row is Presented by Tenderfoot TV! Please Note: Creator Row remains open during all CrimeCon hours but creators may leave their tables for breaks so be sure to check back often.

While none of these items are required, here are a few optional things we recommend bringing to make your CrimeCon weekend more comfortable:

Dress Code Reminder: The dress code for CrimeCon is respectful casual. Our event is attended by a diverse range of people, including industry professionals, law enforcement, consumers, and victims (as well as their friends and families). As you consider what to wear, think carefully about being respectful and "when in doubt, leave it out." Cosplay (or dressing up in theme or as a character) is strictly prohibited.

CrimeCon organizers are the sole decision-makers on whether something crosses a line. Thank you in advance for helping us create an environment of support, love, and respect.

This system is available ONLY in Meet & Greet Rooms 1 & 2

Visit the Meet & Greet page to complete the form and generate a unique QR code that our photographer will scan during your Meet & Greet. Once scanned, your photo will be sent directly to you. Save or screenshot your QR code ahead of time so it’s ready to pull up quickly when it’s your turn.

Platinum VIP attendees receive seven (7) Meet & Greet Fast Track passes valid throughout the weekend, allowing you to skip to the front of the line and return to programming as quickly as possible. To access this lane, your Fast Pass tag must be visibly displayed on your lanyard. Tags can be picked up in the Platinum Lounge, and each use will be marked on the tag. No exceptions will be made for attendees without a visible Fast Pass tag. Please follow all signage for this exclusive Fast Track lane.

VIP reserved seating is available in the front of the Main Ballroom and Breakout 1. These seats are first come, first served. Please be sure your VIP badge is clearly visible. Saving of seats is not permitted. Due to security protocols, no personal items may be left unattended at any time.

The following sessions and experiences are for VIP badge holders only:

Spy Secrets That Can Save Your Life: Former CIA Officer Teaches How to Escape Kidnappings & Other Crimes

What would you do if someone tried to restrain you with duct tape or zip ties — and you had seconds to act? In today’s world, personal safety isn’t paranoia — it’s preparation.

In this crucial, must-see session, former CIA officer and New York Times best-selling author Jason Hanson presents practical, real-world tactics to escape capture that you’ll remember under stress. Hanson transforms the room into a live-action “spy school,” inviting audience volunteers onstage to test escape techniques while he coaches them through simple, effective mechanics. Between hands-on demonstrations, Hanson shares gripping stories from his intelligence career and reveals declassified spy operations for the first time ever.

VIP Cocktail Hour, presented by A&E Crime Central

After a long day of laughs, tears, and everything in between, it’s time to step outside and wind down at the VIP Cocktail Hour — presented by A&E Crime Central. Join speakers, creators, and fellow VIP attendees on the pool deck for casual mingling, conversation, and a chance to recap what you’ve loved so far while looking ahead to Sunday.

5th Annual CrimeCon CLUE Awards Banquet

The fifth annual CrimeCon CLUE Awards banquet is the marquee evening event of CrimeCon weekend. Hosted by Chris Hansen, join us (and some of your favorite speakers and creators!) as we recognize outstanding projects across television, documentaries, podcasts, books, and more. A three-course dinner will be served before the show.

Registration is required for the CLUE Awards Banquet and is now closed.

Note: If you registered for the CLUE Awards banquet, during registration you will get a sticker corresponding with the entree selection you previously chose. That sticker must be adhered to your CrimeCon badge and is required for all CLUE attendees at the door. If you do not receive your entree sticker at registration, please visit the Help Desk before the banquet.

Defense in Heels: Self-Defense Secrets from a Celebrity Bodyguard

What does it really take to stay safe when danger doesn’t announce itself? Patti Stewart, founder of Defense in Heels and a former celebrity bodyguard, brings more than 20 years of real-world experience in risk assessment, threat management, and personal protection to this high-energy, hands-on session. Blending expertise with humor and relatability, Patti will lead live, interactive demonstrations of practical, easy-to-use self-defense techniques you can practice in real time — and remember long after CrimeCon.

Note: Sign-up is required—please reserve your time slot on-site through your Concierge in the VIP Lounge. Please wear comfortable clothes. Attendees who choose to participate will be asked to sign a waiver.

Platinum & Diamond VIP Breakfast

Start your morning with an intimate conversation with Sheryl “Mac” McCollum to celebrate the release of her debut book, Swans Don’t Swim in a Sewer: Solving the Cold Case of the Flint River Killer’s Daughter. Joined by East Idaho News Director Nate Eaton, Mac will reflect on the twists, challenges, and emotional weight behind the case — and why she ultimately decided it was time to share the full story with the world.

Note: If you did not RSVP but would still like to attend the VIP Breakfast, please visit your Lounge Concierge on-site and we’ll do our best to accommodate you.

See All VIP-Only Programming →