bexy

There definitely were crew at the Sunday night party. I was talking to a couple of them outside afterwards. Thanks SM for taking everything we say on board. It really is good to know that any problems are listened too and dealt with wherever possible. As I think I said I had a fantastic weekend and the only problems I had at all with the event came from the hotel staff and had were obviously out of your control so I certainly don't blame you for them. While I did like the extra space in the hotel I can't wait to go 'home' to Northampton, the hotel is just so much more friendly! There was repetition at the parties with the music but I kind of expected that since most of the same songs get requested over and over. Was great to have all the extra stuff at the parties, even if I am still bruised from that sheep! Thanks especially to the photo crew for all your help this weekend and to all the random people I jumped on on Saturday night to get to pose for photos! You were all fantastic

Just Gold as far as I know. Definitely both Gold and Silver as I have one.

Only complaints I have as far as the hotel is the staff in the main bar. Seemed determined to ignore us, brought the wrong or incomplete order and generally were rude and unhelpful. Also there was some bizarre stuff going on with drinks prices with two people being charged different prices for identical drinks. Other than that hotel staff were absolutely fine. I certainly didn't have any problems with other guests at the hotel either, had a lovely time talking to some on Saturday night who were there for something else. Definitely glad we're moving back to the Park Inn though as I like the smaller venue for the atmosphere you get there. Crew as usual were fantastic and very helpful when there were some problems with a seemingly missing photoshoot picture (which turned up in the end!) I had a totally different experience and had a lovely chat with Katy Wix, she was a little overwhelmed I think but was very friendly towards me and happy to talk.

Fair enough :) Yeah I think the thread is supposed to be about theme suggestions, but it's always going to eventually turn into people asking when they're going to be announced because after a certain amount of time the regulars have suggested everything they can think of and are left with nothing better to do. The same way people will start asking when more guest announcements are coming, etc. I'm very aware of how much work SM must put into these things, and I really do applaud them because no matter what happens they always come up with a great event. I'm really looking forward to the Hub 3 regardless of when or what the party themes are because I know it'll be awesome

I feel you missed my point a little. My point was that while you are confident in your ability to throw together a costume that you'll be happy with in a short space of time with only a small amount of money, other people clearly aren't and have every right to be concerned that they won't have enough time. Telling them how you feel isn't going to change things for them. Nobody is being rude (as far as I can see) but are politely asking if there is a chance of the themes being announced soon. They're not bothering you so let them do so. I also have to point out that just because someone spends a lot of time or money on their costume doesn't necessarily mean they're going to be making something impractical or uncomfortable. It's possible to spend a lot of money on very simple things sometimes.

But have you considered that a lot of us aren't 'that into' costumes? The only times I've done fancy dress type parties for years now are at The Hub. So no I personally don't have a supply of clothing that can be turned into costumes at very short notice. I understand that you're not worried about the themes and sorting out your costume because you feel confident in your ability to do so quickly, but please consider that other people don't share your confidence and optimism and like to have more time to put things together. Personally I'm not too worried about when the themes are announced, although I would prefer sooner rather than later, but other people are and telling them that I'm not worried so they shouldn't be either isn't going to help them or change how they feel.

Yeah not just you, I got told the same thing although did eventually manage to book. Seems like the hotel really don't know what's going on. Hopefully SM will get them sorted asap for you.

I got the American call centre. Originally told it had sold out but when I asked her to check she went off and spoke to her supervisor, came back and said she could book me the three nights at con rate. I have an email confirmation which lists rate type as HUB FREESALE Seems to be a lot of confusion.

I had a similar issue with my booking for The Hub 2, I changed bank accounts so ended up with a new card. Once I had the new card I just phoned the hotel and explained and gave them the new details. There were no problems with it. I'd imagine it would be the same for the Hilton

I had to ring them up. Had quite a few problems on the phone at first, was told there were no more rooms available under the code because it had been booking from 12th March Eventually though managed to book three nights at the con rate. Confusing!

I'd just like to now why this was allowed - convention goers changing t shirts etc. I didn't even know this happened. I was in the queue for a long time for Kai but when I was in there it just seemed to be because he was taking his time, having fun, joking about the heating and having a laugh with some of the people who he recognised from previous conventions and such. Surprised anyone was changing make up/clothes etc since there were signs up about not being able to do that anyway.

Hotels generally have a check out time, you have to be out of your room by then. It's usually I think around 10 or 11 am but obviously varies by hotel. The point is they need you and all your stuff out so they can get it cleaned and all ready for someone else to check in later that day. As for carrying bags, again depends on the hotel, but some will be able to store your bags somewhere for you for a while during the day after you've checked out. You'd have to ask first though and there's no guarantee this facility will be available. Failing that, if someone else you know is staying in the hotel Sunday night you could possibly leave your bags in their room during the day after you've checked out.

Would love to know who wrote Pangbourne on the big map, I live just down the road from there

Now THAT I'd like to see!

Definitely! Matt Rippy was brilliant would love to see him again!

and people that 'don't look' like they need help can have a significant disability as well. I don't have so much as a limp but wouldn't wish my condition on anyone! Believe me I'd give anything if I DIDN'T have to make special arrangements for events! I'd happily queue for hours if it was possible. I'm just glad that SM has someone like you Too Tall that actually takes on board issues. It makes me feel confident about coming to SM events. Agreed, but unfortunately it was the other attendees that were the problem with this and not the crew, until everyone becomes better educated there isn't a lot that can be done about it. I only asked for help on Sunday and then only because I had no other choice (other than going back to my room and missing the rest of the day of course) but there were definitely a few glares from people who probably felt we were jumping the queue. Didn't really help matters but at least the crew were fantastic and understanding.

Oh one thing I forgot earlier. Whoever made the decision to have rounded corners on the passes is a star! I couldn't even count the number of times I cut or scratched myself on the corners of mine last year, this time not a single scratch! Thank you so much!

It's a simple thing, but I know how much it can help make the weekend easier It really did make the weekend easier and therefore more enjoyable!

Thank you so much. Fantastic weekend. Extra thank you to Too Tall for sorting out my ticket group for me on Friday. It was very much appreciated. And to all the crew who helped me out just before the talks on Sunday. You were all so kind and without your help I would have had to miss the rest of the day so I really can't thank you enough.

Fantastic event. I was very impressed at how you listened to the comments after last time and changed things where necessary. The bag check system was much better in my opinion. I definitely felt more comfortable with my stuff being in the same room as me and only gone for short periods, obviously last year the crew doing the bag room were doing a great job but with so many people in and out of that room all day something could easily have been missed. Bigger schedules were very much appreciated! No more crowding round and squinting at them while being jostled by several other people who also wanted to read them. And definitely helped having them in our packs too as we were able to roughly plan out the order of our day before we even left our hotel room in the morning. Very much appreciated! The separate lines for ticket types before talks were much better than the crowding round that was happening last year. Thank you once again for a brilliant weekend!

Too Tall I did email you as suggested, getting a little concerned as I haven't heard anything back from you. I'm sure you can understand that this is something I need to know is sorted before I get there. If you could at least confirm you received the email I'd be very grateful, thanks. ETA. Never mind, got your reply. Many thanks

Too Tall, I have some concerns regarding disability issues. I don't want to go into too much detail on the forum, but I raised these concerns via email when I booked the tickets and was told simply to speak to someone at the event itself. Obviously that's fine and makes sense, but one of the things I do struggle with from time to time is talking to people and I'm concerned that when it comes to the day itself I won't be able to communicate my needs properly. Would it be possible to email you to discuss the concerns I have so that at least some of them could be sorted out in advance?

You are most welcome. Glad your friend was ok. The lad that took you to your chair was Joe, if that's who you mean. Thanks Too Tall, that was who I meant. And thanks to Joe too. We were both very grateful for your help.

Huge thank you to everyone involved in this event, I had a fantastic weekend. Also an extra thank you to Too Tall and another crew member (I'm sorry I didn't catch your name as I was a little preoccupied at the time) who helped my friend and I out right before the talks on Sunday. You made it possible for us to be there and enjoy the talks despite the difficulties she was facing and we were both very very grateful for how quickly you acted without any questions or hesitation. Thank you both so much.

Thanks Jola