City of Oaks Comicbook Odyssey

A journey through panels, pages, and pop culture

coco

City of Oaks Comicbook Odyssey
Sheraton Hotel
Raleigh, NC
February 20 - 22, 2026

A celebration of comic books, creativity, and community.

Volunteers

Volunteer at the City of Oaks Comicbook Odyssey (COCO)

 
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Be Part of the Team Behind COCO

Help bring a comic-book-first convention to life by supporting the creators, collectors, and fans who make comic book culture thrive. As a COCO volunteer, you’ll play a hands-on role in creating a welcoming environment where community, creativity, and genuine connection are at the center of the experience.
Apply to Volunteer!

Behind the Scenes

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Why Volunteer at the City of Oaks Comicbook Odyssey (COCO)

  • Be part of a comic-book-first convention
  • Support creators, collectors, and fans
  • Gain behind-the-scenes convention experience
  • Join a welcoming, community-focused team
  • Help shape the first year of a growing Raleigh convention

This is where COCO’s culture comes through.
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Who We’re Looking For

  • Friendly and dependable
  • Comfortable interacting with the public
  • Able to follow direction and adapt as needed
  • Team-oriented and respectful
  • Passion for comic books, creativity, or community is a plus (not required)
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Volunteer Responsibilities

Examples:
 
  • Assisting attendees with directions and information
  • Supporting exhibitor and artist needs
  • Helping maintain floor flow and organization
  • Covering tables briefly when vendors step away
  • Assisting with panels, lines, or crowd flow as needed
  • Supporting operations staff throughout the day

Volunteers may rotate through tasks as needed during their shift.

Volunteer Shifts & Schedule

Choose the schedule that best fits your availability
 
Volunteer shifts are scheduled in general time blocks that vary by day.
.

Friday

  • Shift 1: 9:00 AM – 1:30 PM
  • Shift 2: 1:00 PM – 5:30 PM
  • Shift 3: 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
 
Apply Now!

Saturday

  • Shift 1: 9:00 AM – 2:15 PM
  • Shift 2: 1:45 PM – 7:30 PM

 
Apply Now!

Sunday

  • Shift 1: 9:00 AM – 2:15 PM
  • Shift 2: 1:45 PM – 7:00 PM

 
Apply Now!
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Time Commitment

  • Volunteers are encouraged to commit to at least two shifts during the event.
  • Shifts do not need to be consecutive, and committing to two shifts is optional.
  • Volunteers who are able to commit to two shifts may be prioritized during scheduling.
  • Each volunteer shift is approximately 4–5 hours in length.
  • Final shift assignments and details will be shared closer to the event.
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Volunteer Benefits

Volunteers will receive:
 
  • Weekend Pass wristband
  • COCO Volunteer T-shirt
  • Reference letter upon request
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Communication, Orientation &
Day-of Coordination

  • Volunteers will receive pre-event communication, including orientation and training information, prior to the event.
  • Orientation and training will be provided to ensure volunteers feel prepared and supported in their roles.
  • Volunteers will check in at the start of their shift at the designated Volunteer Check-In area.
  • Volunteers will receive brief day-of communication at check-in, including assignments, points of contact, and important updates for the day.
  • The Volunteer Coordinator will serve as the primary point of contact during the event.
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Code of Conduct

  • Volunteers are encouraged to commit to at least two shifts during the event.
  • Shifts do not need to be consecutive, and committing to two shifts is optional.
  • Volunteers who are able to commit to two shifts may be prioritized during scheduling.
  • Each volunteer shift is approximately 4–5 hours in length.
  • Final shift assignments and details will be shared closer to the event.
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Accessibility & Accomodations

Volunteers will receive:
 
  • Weekend Pass wristband
  • COCO Volunteer T-shirt
  • Reference letter upon request
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How to Apply

  • Volunteers will receive pre-event communication, including orientation and training information, prior to the event.
  • Orientation and training will be provided to ensure volunteers feel prepared and supported in their roles.
  • Volunteers will check in at the start of their shift at the designated Volunteer Check-In area.
  • Volunteers will receive brief day-of communication at check-in, including assignments, points of contact, and important updates for the day.
  • The Volunteer Coordinator will serve as the primary point of contact during the event.

Exhibitor Application & Approval Process

 

COCO curates its exhibit hall to ensure a dynamic mix of vendors, artists, and community partners. Applications remain open while space is available, but placement is not guaranteed until your application is reviewed and approved.

What to Expect:
 
Review Period: Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.

Approval Notification: Approved applicants receive an email with booth confirmation and payment instructions.

Payment Window: Payment is due within 72 hours of approval to secure your space.

Waitlist: Once booths sell out, approved applicants may be added to the waitlist for potential openings.

 

Apply Today:
Reserve your spot early — space is limited and assignments are made in the order of approved payments.
Apply Today!

Not Ready to Apply Yet?

Sign up for exhibitor updates, deadlines, and receive a downloadable exhibitor's kit.
 

Who's Joining us at COCO 2026?

Celebrity Guests
 

Approved portrait ts

Teddy Sears

Celebrity Guest
Actor Ciara Renée posing in front of a blue CTV backdrop, wearing a white blouse with wavy shoulder-length hair and red lipstick, appearing at a media event.
Meet Ciara Renée, one of our special celebrity guests at COCO: City of Oaks Comicbook Odyssey! 🌟 Join us at the Sheraton Raleigh Hotel, February 20–22, 2026, for panels, signings, and unforgettable moments with stars from your favorite shows and comics.

Ciara Renee

Celebrity Guest

Guest Artists
 

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Andy Smith

Guest Artist
Bob mcleod guest artist for exhibitor lead page

Bob McLeod

Guest Artist
Bill maus guest artist for exhibitor lead page (2)

Bill Maus

Guest Artist
Joe rubinstein guest artist for exhibitor lead page

Joe Rubinstein

Guest Artist
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Jamal Igle

Guest Artist
Cartoonist headshot

Pierre-Alexandre Comtois

Guest Artist
Image

Bo Hampton

Guest Artist
Lexx truss head shot (1)

Lexx Truss

Guest Artist

Not an Exhibitor? Join the COCO Community!

COCO isn’t just for exhibitors—there’s a place for everyone in the City of Oaks Comicbook Odyssey!

 
  • 🎟️ Attendees: Be the first to know when tickets go on sale.
  • 🤝 Sponsors: Partner with us and reach thousands of fans.
  • 🎭 Cosplayers: Showcase your creativity in contests and community photo ops.
  • 🙋 Volunteers: Be part of the team that brings COCO to life.
  •  
Follow us on Facebook and join our mailing list for updates.
Click here to join the COCO Interest List & Get Updates
Exterior view of the Sheraton Raleigh Hotel in downtown Raleigh, North Carolina, surrounded by nearby city buildings at dusk with lights glowing along the street.
Your weekend destination awaits! 🏙️ Join us at the Sheraton Raleigh Hotel — the official home of COCO: City of Oaks Comicbook Odyssey, February 20–22, 2026. Experience the excitement of downtown Raleigh just steps away from all the action!
Attendee browsing through rows of bagged and boarded comic books displayed on tables at a convention, with colorful vintage and modern comic covers visible, including Spider-Man and American Flagg!.
Dive into comic book paradise! 🦸‍♂️ From vintage treasures to modern favorites, explore rows of collectible comics and discover your next great find at COCO: City of Oaks Comicbook Odyssey — February 20–22, 2026, in Raleigh, NC.
Crowd of attendees walking, chatting, and seated inside a busy comic convention hall, with people dressed in casual and cosplay outfits enjoying the lively atmosphere.
The excitement is building! 🎉 Fans, families, and creators come together to celebrate all things comics at COCO: City of Oaks Comicbook Odyssey — February 20–22, 2026, at the Sheraton Raleigh Hotel. Don’t miss the community, creativity, and connection!
Comic book shop/vendor. Person wearing a blue jacket picking up a vintage Spider-Man comic book from a long box filled with neatly organized, bagged, and boarded comics at a convention or vendor table.
Find your next comic book gem! 💥 Whether you’re hunting for rare issues or classic favorites, COCO: City of Oaks Comicbook Odyssey is the place to uncover treasures and meet fellow collectors — February 20–22, 2026, in Raleigh, NC.
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City of oaks Comicbook Odyssey

 

Apply to exhibit at the
 COCO comic con Today!
Be part of a convention made for
comic book creators, collectors, and fans!
Reserve Your Booth