Poetry Slam

Poetry Slam Overview

Dream Con’s 2026 Poetry Slam is the opportunity for all poets with a special gift of gab to step into the spotlight. This is the moment where you can captivate the crowd with your words, performance, and truth. Are you ready?

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Calling all poets, spoken word artists, and lyrical storytellers! Whether you have performed before or just need a Houston stop on your poetic tour, this year at Dream Con, we need you to command the stage, spark emotion, and show out. Snap, Snap, Snaps.

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Please read the following submission guidelines and rules carefully before submitting your film.

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Submit here | Due June 7, 2026 at 11:59 PM CST

Submission Guidelines

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Application Deadline & Requirements:

All Participants must complete their registration by Sunday, June 7, 2026, 11:59 PM CST. Late registrations will not be accepted.

Attendee Badge: All participants must have the current year’s valid Dream Convention attendee badge to participate.

Specific Talent Required: This event is only open to poets and spoken word artists. 

Description: Applicants must provide a written description of their performance. An example is provided in the application process.

Age Requirements:

Contestants must be at least 13 years old to participate without parental consent. If you are under the age of 13, a parent/guardian must be present during all related contest events. 

Rules and Guidelines:

Participants must meet Dream Con's dress code, with coverage equal to or greater than that of a standard swimsuit. 

No offensive, discriminatory, or vulgar performances will be tolerated. Offensive language, symbols, or imagery are prohibited. 

Performance Guidelines:

Written performance summaries are required, and the performance must match the description provided.

Time limit:5 minutes and 0 seconds maximum.

Any performance that requires audio to be played must be provided along with the application. Links are not permitted, the audio must be downloaded and sent as a file.

No acrobatics, running, or jumping off the stage for safety purposes.

Image Rights and Usage:

By agreeing to these terms, you grant the Organizer the right to photograph, videotape, or otherwise record the Participant’s image and likeness during the event.

The Participant agrees that the Organizer may use these recordings for promotional purposes, including but not limited to marketing materials, social media, and the Organizer’s website, without further compensation or approval.

All Participants waive any right to inspect or approve the final products wherein their likeness appears.

Conduct and Professionalism:

Be respectful to our staff, volunteers, and other contestants at all times.

Cancellation and Termination:

If you wish to rescind your application or can no longer participate for any reason, please email programming@dreamconvention.com with “"Dream Con 2026 Poetry Slam Cancellation” in the Header and Body of the email as soon as possible.

We reserve the right to terminate this Agreement and remove the Participant from the event at any time for any reason, including but not limited to breach of contract, unprofessional conduct, or failure to comply with event rules.

Failure to comply with Dream Con’s rules will result in dismissal and may lead to a ban from the event as well as future Dream Con events.

Miscellaneous:

This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the parties and supersedes any prior agreements or understandings, whether written or oral.

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