CTNX Event Glossary
(Last updated 06/10/26)
(older term — before 2026) Full four-day access (Thursday–Sunday) with priority seating at all events. Premiere holders are seated before Basic pass holders on a first-come, first-served basis.
(CTNX 2026) A 4-Day Premiere Pass is equivalent to a 3-Day Pass with (1) Thursday Masterclass Passport and (1) Thursday Night Grand Opening tickets.
(older term — before 2026) Full four-day access (Thursday–Sunday) with non-priority (general) seating. Attendees are seated after Premiere-VIP passport holders on a first-come, first-served basis. Includes all event programming, special events, panels, workshops, screenings, showroom access, networking, and portfolio critique opportunities.
(CTNX 2026) A 4-Day Basic Pass is equivalent to a 3-Day Pass with (1) Thursday Masterclass Passport and (1) Thursday Night Grand Opening tickets.
(older term — before 2026) Single-day access (Friday, Saturday, or Sunday) with general, non-priority seating. Includes all programming available in the 4-Day Basic pass for that day, except Masterclasses and Opening Night (which are Thursday-only).
(CTNX 2026) A 1-Day Basic Pass is equivalent to a 1-Day Pass.
(older term — before 2026) Single-day access (Friday, Saturday, or Sunday), limited to the exhibitor showroom floor and Quad programming only. Does not include Theater, Workshop, Panel, or Career Camp content. Lower-cost option for those primarily interested in browsing artist exhibitions.
(CTNX 2026) A 1-Day Walk Around Pass is equivalent to a 1-day Community Pass.
(older term — before 2026) The complimentary passes for the guests of event participants, including industry professionals, presenters, exhibitors, and filmmakers.
A pass available by application only for working industry professionals and educators. Limited availability; subject to CTN review and approval. Provides access to all CTNX programming. This pass is equivalent to a 1-Day Pass.
A pass available by application only. A credential for accredited media professionals — journalists, bloggers, photographers, and content creators covering animation and the creative arts. Provides access to CTNX programming, designated press areas, select panels, workshops, screenings, and potential press-specific opportunities such as interviews and media availability. This pass is equivalent to a 1-day Community Pass.
(CTNX 2026) Access to all three main event days: Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Includes Theater Presentations, Workshops + Panels, SketchFEVER, Artists' Showrooms & Galleries, Career Camp, Networking Events, and Raffles. Available in General, Member, and Student pricing tiers.
Pass Refund Policy: Due to contractual obligations with vendors, location, and staffing, CTN will not be able to issue refunds if the event takes place and you are unable to attend. Though we cannot refund tickets, you are free to give or sell your ticket to another person.
(CTNX 2026) Access to Saturday and Sunday only. Includes the same programming as the 3-Day Pass for those two days. Available in General, Member, and Student pricing tiers.
Pass Refund Policy: Due to contractual obligations with vendors, location, and staffing, CTN will not be able to issue refunds if the event takes place and you are unable to attend. Though we cannot refund tickets, you are free to give or sell your ticket to another person.
(CTNX 2026) Access to one chosen event day (Friday, Saturday, or Sunday). Includes the same programming as multi-day passes for that single day. Available in General, Member, and Student pricing tiers.
Pass Refund Policy: Due to contractual obligations with vendors, location, and staffing, CTN will not be able to issue refunds if the event takes place and you are unable to attend. Though we cannot refund tickets, you are free to give or sell your ticket to another person.
(CTNX 2026) An accessible, limited-access single-day pass (Friday, Saturday, or Sunday) offered to support artists and students with financial barriers. Includes SketchFEVER, Artists' Showrooms & Galleries, and Community Networking Events. Does not include Theater Presentations, Workshops + Panels, Career Camp, or Optional Experiences.
Pass Refund Policy: Due to contractual obligations with vendors, location, and staffing, CTN will not be able to issue refunds if the event takes place and you are unable to attend. Though we cannot refund tickets, you are free to give or sell your ticket to another person.
Discounted passes for schools, studios, organizations, artist collectives, or creative communities attending together. Available for 1-Day, 2-Day, and 3-Day Passes only (not Community Passes; optional experiences not included). Discount tiers: 10% off for 10–24 attendees, 12.5% off for 25–49, and 15% off for 50+. Cannot be combined with other discounts.
Pass Refund Policy: Due to contractual obligations with vendors, location, and staffing, CTN will not be able to issue refunds if the event takes place and you are unable to attend. Though we cannot refund tickets you are free to give or sell your ticket to another person.
Hotel accommodation packages at the event venue (Burbank Airport Marriott) at a special CTNX group rate of $189/night. Staying on-site places attendees directly within the event grounds, steps from all programming. Discounted parking is also available for hotel guests.
(CTNX 2026) Add-on experiences that extend a 1-, 2-, or 3-Day Pass to include Thursday, making it a 4-day event. Options include the Thursday Day Masterclass Passport ($25) and Thursday Night Grand Opening ($20). Not available with Community Passes.
(CTNX 2026) Supplemental experiences that can be added to a 1-, 2-, or 3-Day Pass at checkout to enhance the event experience. Currently includes Breakfast with the Pros ($35). Not available with Community Passes.
(CTNX 2026) The lowest available ticket price tier. For CTNX 2026, Early Bird runs June 1 – August 15, while limited quantities remain.
(CTNX 2026) The mid-tier ticket price, active after the Early Bird ends. For CTNX 2026, Regular Pricing runs August 16 – November 7.
(CTNX 2026) The highest ticket price tier, representing last-chance availability. For CTNX 2026, Final Pricing runs from November 8 through event week.
(CTNX 2026) The standard public-facing ticket tier available to all attendees. No membership or affiliation required.
(CTNX 2026) A discounted ticket tier for members of qualifying industry organizations (CTN, ASIFA, TAG, WIA, SAG, IATSE, VFX, and other recognized industry groups). Membership status is verified at check-in.
(CTNX 2026) A discounted ticket tier for currently enrolled students. Student ID is required at check-in.
(CTNX 2026) The first 50 attendees to purchase a 3-Day Pass receive GO FIRST status, unlocking exclusive benefits throughout the event:
• The GO FIRST ID badge
• Priority access to theater and event programming
• Special recognition as one of the first 50 to kick off CTNX 2026
(also called Travel Bundle/Hotel Bundle/Global Bundle)
A hotel + ticket promotion for attendees staying at the Los Angeles Marriott Burbank Hotel (2500 N Hollywood Way, Burbank, CA 91505) during CTNX 2026. Book a minimum of 2 nights by October 27, 2026, submit the application form by November 15, 2026, and receive one complimentary 4-Day Hotel Bundle Pass (equivalent to a 3-day pass with (1) Thursday Masterclass Passport and (1) Thursday Night Grand Opening ticket) per reservation.
Please find more information HERE
(CTNX 2026) A 4-Day Hotel Bundle is equivalent to a 3-Day Pass with (1) Thursday Masterclass Passport and (1) Thursday Night Grand Opening ticket.
Details: CTN Global Travel Bundle benefits are available only to attendees who both register for the Global Travel Bundle package and book their hotel stay through the official CTNX Marriott room block or by calling the Marriott reservation line. Hotel reservations made through third‑party booking sites are not eligible for these benefits. All Global Travel Bundle purchases are non‑refundable. Your reservation must be for a minimum of 2 nights (or more) reserved for the CTNX26 event, which takes place from Nov 19-22, 2026. (Hotel group discounted rates for this event increase on Nov 1, 2026)
(CTNX 2026) A 4-Day Premiere Scholarship Bundle is equivalent to a 3-Day Pass with (1) Thursday Masterclass Passport, (1) Thursday Night Grand Opening, and (1) Friday Breakfast with the Pros ticket.
(CTNX 2026) A 4-Day Basic Scholarship Bundle is equivalent to a 3-Day Pass with (1) Thursday Masterclass Passport and (1) Thursday Night Grand Opening tickets.
(CTNX 2026) A 1-Day Basic Scholarship Bundle is equivalent to a 1-day Pass.
(CTNX 2026) A 1-Day Walk Around Scholarship Bundle is equivalent to a 1-day Community Pass.
(included with 1-, 2-, 3-Day Passes) Screenings, conversations, premieres, and behind-the-scenes storytelling from artists and studios shaping the future of visual storytelling. Held in the Main Theater. Seating is limited and first-come, first-served.
(included with 1-, 2-, 3-Day Passes) Educational sessions led by industry professionals, independent creators, and working artists. Focused on craft, career growth, and creative discovery.
(included with all passes) A community-driven life drawing and sketching session featuring live costumed models. Open to artists of all skill levels; celebrates exploration and the joy of drawing together.
(included with all passes) Exhibition space featuring original artwork, books, collectibles, independent projects, and creative work from a curated community of artists and visual storytellers.
(included with 1-, 2-, 3-Day Passes) On-site career development programming offering portfolio reviews, mentorship opportunities, career guidance, and real-world insights from working professionals. Sign-ups are done on-site at the event; no advance online registration.
(included with all passes) Structured and open opportunities to connect with artists, filmmakers, students, recruiters, studios, and collaborators in an environment designed to foster community and professional opportunity.
A closing ceremony, held in the main event theater on the last day of CTNX, celebrating creative, leadership, and mentorship achievements from CTN Foundation Programs.
Daily prize drawings held during the event, open to eligible pass holders.
(Optional Add-On — available for 1-, 2-, 3-Day Passes only) An intimate-group, limited-seating networking buffet breakfast held at the Daily Grill restaurant on the Marriott property. Offered Friday, Saturday, and Sunday mornings. Attendees share the table with working industry professionals. Requires a separate add-on purchase.
(Optional Expanded Experience — available for 1-, 2-, 3-Day Passes only) A special Thursday evening event featuring screenings, presentations, and the official CTNX kickoff celebration. Separate ticket required; extends any pass to include Thursday evening.
(Optional Expanded Experience — available for 1-, 2-, 3-Day Passes only) A Thursday daytime add-on providing access to multiple extended educational sessions with industry professionals. Separate ticket required; extends any pass to include Thursday day programming.
A curated CTNX film program celebrating the craft of visual storytelling. Open to filmmakers, animation artists, independent creators, students, and studios. Accepts Short Films, Feature Films, and Series, with an optional presentation opportunity for accepted participants.
(Runtime: 5–30 minutes) A curated presentation of award-winning and professional short-form cinema. Celebrates exceptional storytelling, artistic vision, and cinematic craft across animation, live action, experimental, and hybrid filmmaking — from both established and emerging creators.
(Runtime: 60 minutes and above) A spotlight presentation of professional feature-length films showcasing visionary storytelling, cinematic artistry, and outstanding creative achievement in direction, performance, animation, design, and innovation.
(5–30 min episodic content) Celebrates world-building, character evolution, and long-form storytelling through episodic formats. Highlights both established productions and independent voices shaping the future of serialized entertainment.
— A debut episode or proof-of-concept for a series that hasn't launched yet.
— Completed or ongoing episodic series created and distributed independently by the filmmaker — not affiliated with a studio or network.
— Exclusive sneak peeks from professional studio productions. 1–3 episodes maximum per project.
An industry professional, filmmaker, artist, educator, or creative leader invited to share knowledge and experience with the CTN community through curated sessions. Presenter opportunities are application-based and subject to CTN review.
Hands-on sessions designed for industry professionals, creators, and educators to share knowledge, creative process, and guided instruction with the CTN community. Can include demonstrations, collaborative exercises, and discussions focused on craft, storytelling, production, career development, or emerging technologies. May include a Masterclass component.
An engaging platform for artists, filmmakers, and creative leaders to share their journeys, industry knowledge, behind-the-scenes processes, and career insights. Each session is encouraged to include a Q&A segment for meaningful audience interaction.
A real-time, interactive session where professionals show their creative process step by step — in drawing, animation, story development, design, or production workflows. Audience participation, questions, and dialogue are encouraged throughout.
Sessions for authors, artists, and creative professionals with published work (books, sketchbooks, graphic novels, art collections) to connect directly with attendees through conversation and personal interaction.
An artist, studio, publisher, vendor, or independent creator who applies to display and sell work within the CTNX Showrooms & Galleries. Open to returning exhibitors and new participants by application. The event is curated, so acceptance is subject to review.
The dedicated exhibition space at CTNX where accepted exhibitors display original artwork, books, collectibles, and independent creative projects. Open to all pass holders (including Community Pass) during public showroom hours.
(application only) A limited number of curated industry passes offered as a complimentary guest credential for working professionals, educators, and creative leaders in animation and visual storytelling. Provides single-day access (choice of Friday, Saturday, or Sunday). Applications are reviewed for alignment with CTNX's mission and programming focus.
— Working industry professionals in the animation and visual storytelling fields.
— Teachers and academic professionals in creative fields.
— Staff at animation and entertainment studios.
(application only) A credential for accredited media covering animation, storytelling, and the creative arts. Provides single-day access (choice of Friday, Saturday, or Sunday) to CTNX programming, designated press areas, and potential press-specific opportunities (interviews, photography, media availability with artists). All credentials subject to approval.
— Publications, networks, or platforms covering animation and the creative arts.
— Staff or freelance writers reporting on the event or industry.
— Online content creators covering relevant topics.
— Credentialed visual media professionals covering the event.
(CTN Foundation Scholarship) A scholarship award designed to help empower emerging filmmakers and visual storytellers by creating pathways for exposure, community connection, and creative opportunity through the CTNX Film Showcase. Covers two short-form film categories:
(Runtime: 5–20 minutes) — A celebration of exceptional short-form films selected for meaningful storytelling crafted with intention and vision, spanning animation, stop motion, and hybrid filmmaking.
(Runtime: 30 seconds–5 minutes) — Highly condensed storytelling where every frame counts. Designed for immediacy, experimentation, emotional impact, visual poetry, comedy, or concise narrative ideas.
(CTN Foundation Scholarship) A scholarship-supported opportunity created by the CTN Foundation to help emerging artists and first-time exhibitors participate in CTNX Showrooms & Galleries. Aims to reduce financial barriers and create new pathways for exposure and connection within the visual storytelling community. Recipients are selected through a curated review process.