inkLink Tattoo Convention 2026

The first-ever inkLink Tattoo Convention will take place in Monticello, Illinois, bringing together tattoo artists, apprentices, studio owners, vendors, collectors, and tattoo enthusiasts for two days of live tattooing, competitions, education, innovation, music, and industry networking.

About This Event

From August 29 to 30, 2026, the Best Western Monticello Gateway Inn in Monticello, Illinois, will host the first edition of the inkLink Tattoo Convention — a new tattoo event created to connect artists, studios, brands, collectors, and enthusiasts in the heart of Central Illinois.

The convention is designed as a two-day meeting point for the tattoo community, combining live tattooing, professional competitions, educational sessions, industry masterclasses, and networking opportunities. It will welcome tattoo artists, apprentices, studio owners, vendors, collectors, and visitors interested in contemporary tattoo culture.

The program of the inkLink Tattoo Convention will include live tattoo sessions by talented artists, tattoo competitions across multiple categories with prizes, educational sessions, an industry-focused tattoo innovation hackathon, and a vendor marketplace featuring tattoo brands and professional suppliers.

Beyond the tattoo floor, visitors can also expect live music, happy hour, a community dinner, and opportunities to meet artists and studio owners from across the country. The first edition of inkLink Tattoo Convention aims to become a new space for creativity, learning, collaboration, and long-term connections within the tattoo industry.

Event Highlights

• Live tattooing by professional tattoo artists
• Tattoo competitions with multiple categories and prizes
• Educational sessions and industry masterclasses
• Tattoo innovation hackathon
• Vendor marketplace with tattoo brands and suppliers
• Live music, happy hour, and community dinner
• Networking with artists, apprentices, studio owners, vendors, and collectors