Diabolik

Thanks Raylenth, I always pop into Leicester Sq on my jaunts to the big smoke, so may take a look! Not sure what people may think of me posing on the escalators though!

Normally you just get the photo itself, so I usually find myself buying a plastic comic sleeve to protect it and then putting it in a hardback book (which I tend to have bought at the event as well).

Did anyone locate the posters at Leicester Sq tube station? Are they on the escalators there too?

Thanks guys!

I'm sure you'll be fine with that- just maybe bring your proof of payment card with you should you be faced with an overzealous member of staff!

Yes hopefully! Never been to excel before, is there just one DLR station for this (Custom House) or does it depend on which entrance you need?

Ok thanks Laurab1!

Apologies if I missed this, but is the event taking place in Excel east or west or will it cover the whole area? Time is getting short - so planning the journey to the venue!

Thanks Count and Raylenth!

Thanks for your replies everyone. Count, you may be best to answer this: is the Travel lodge within walking distance of the Excel centre or am I better getting the DLR? If so, what's the cost for this and do they offer any passes/railcards?

Hi all, I managed to book the Travel lodge Excel- does anyone have any experience of this hotel? Basically, was it any good or should I look for something better/nearer? Where is everyone else staying? Thanks

Yes, that's a really good question, especially as people will be gearing up to get their outfits sorted for photos shortly...

Under 2 weeks to go people, the excitement is building! I'm always interested to hear what everyone is looking to get signed, not least for inspiration! I've already got 3 Sherlock prints on order for Andrew Scott, Mark Gatiss and the free guests ("the sign of 4" if you will)! Hope they arrive in time as I don't have a plan b - yet! So, what is everyone else bringing with them for autographs and I'd be interested to hear if your items have some previous autos on them?

My guess is thus will be less on an issue at this event as they won't have the number of attendees to contend with at this event as there were at LFACC. If it is the case that there are less numbers and there is more control around when people are called for the free autographs then it will hopefully work better with stamping people's tickets or whatever system they employ. Thanks Count, I hope you're right!

Great news about the free signings especially for regular (ie not gold, silver etc) attendees like myself! One concern I have though, are there going to be any safeguards in place to ensure that everyone gets only one autograph each, so there is no abuse of this privilege and to ensure more people get an autograph? Not wishing to dredge up one of SM's less well organised ventures, but I was there on "Stan Lee Sunday" at LFCC, where the VQs only got up to 0-25 due in no small part to the never ending cycle of gold attendees. It later transpired that some (I'd like to think the minority) of these were repeatedly going in for autographs as their wrist bands weren't being marked by the staff to show they'd had an autograph! The upshot being lots of disgruntled and empty handed fans... In short then, I'm posting this, not to be alarmist, but to get some reassurance that this has been considered so the majority get an autograph and ensure the smooth running of the day...

So does that include Benedict Cumberbatch autographs? I know he's not doing signings en masse on the day, but is he doing some for pre-order?

Yes thanks Raylenth, will do!

So, is a selfie with the poster sufficient? Or would it have to be posted on Facebook? I don't have an FB account and much as I'd like a convention freebie, this will not change that...

For lots of people, I have a feeling the interaction will go a little something like this; Joe public:"Mr Cumberbatch, I'd just like to say-" Staff: "Move along please - Next!"

Thanks for your help guys!

Sorry to hijack this thread, but speaking of photo ID, would I need this to collect my weekend passes at registration?

Rick Sylvester who did the momentous Spy Who Loved Me ski jump stunt - he is on the signing circuit. Also Guy Hamilton who would have cross appeal with the war enthusiasts having directed Battle of Britain etc, always wanted to meet him...

I'm a fine one to ask as I can contribute nothing - but let's see pictures, lots of pictures!!!!!

Was that the dealer just inside the entrance doors that sold t-shirts too?

Ray seemed great, kinda wishing I got to meet him but thought £25 for his autograph was a bit steep - starting to regret not doing so now though!