Snorkmaiden

Well, it was my first con and it was mainly really enjoyable. The first night party didn't work for me. I came on my own and, although the crew were friendly, it was virtually impossible to strike up a conversation with the other punters - and believe me I really tried. One lovely girl and her sister befriended me eventually, but I was exhausted after about 8 knock-backs and a hell of a lot of "tude" from the rudes so I went to bed early, disallusioned that the con was so cliquey!! Fortunately the next day I found some approachable people and things improved immeasurably. So, maybe a meeting point for lone guests might be an idea?? Sat party was great until the cheesy music. More Fangtasia themed parties with a set-list like the early part of the eve please. Pole dancers were amazing too. More bar-staff is definitely a must for next year and perhaps some training in speed and efficiency for them too. I've worked in busy bars and these guys just couldn't cut it. Also, the hotel really missed a trick by not stocking Tru Blood. It was hopelessly overpriced in the Dealer's room and I am quite sure that everyone would have tried at least one had they been on sale chiled and with the option of adding shots! I really enjoyed the talks and the signings and it was nice to catch a glimpse of the guests at the parties. They were working So hard during the day that it didn't really feel appropriate to try and talk to them, but it was nice to see them. I agree with the previous posters that there was a lot of dead time. It was a bit like being at a big wedding - the waiting around for photos and speeches part - but I don't really see how the organisers could get round the delays. Queues were inevitable and that "dead time" presumably gave the guests a rest too. Finally, although the Dealer's room was interesting, there wasn't really that much stuff. Why no convention mugs?? Big thanks to the crew who worked so hard to make it an enjoyable experience for us all and who were such Friendly, funny people. Shame we can't clone them lol

I found it easy to BYO without being obvious. A pint glass and some cans of ready-mixed Voddy and Coke. It just looked as though I was drinking Coke, the cans went in the bin so there was no evidence either :) The other BIG reason for taking your own was that IMO the Hotel were not geared up for that no. of hungry, thirsty guests. The Bar on Friday night had 1 really slow bar-person, there were 2 on Saturday and during the daytime the staff on the cafe/ bar bit were so slow that I practically fell asleep waiting to order my £3.10 pint of Coke. I understand that they were tired too but I've worked in catering too and if I'd ever taken 15 minutes just to take an order then I would I have sacked on the spot!! On the bright side, the breakfasts were great and if I come next year I'll make a couple of discreet sandwiches to have for lunch from the breakfast bar.

In an ideal world where money was not an issue lol... Alex Kristin Nelsan Sam Carrie James Frain Rutina

Really????? This weekend with these actors has been one of the best cons I've been to, they were all sooo relaxed and seemed genuinely happy to be there!!! If by ''better known characters'' you're referring to Anna, Stephen or Alex then I highly doubt that these guys will make an appearance, I'm sure someone more official will correct me if I'm wrong but I'm guessing their appearance fees would be astronomical!!!? I'm also sure that you will explain who you mean by better known as well to correct me which is good but in my opinion all of the guests would be awesome no matter how ''big'' or ''small'' their characters are so long as they are respected by the fans and have a really good time!!!! I hope they get Nelsan for Bitten 2 Ok, way to get misunderstood on a first post lol. Friendly bunch!! Note, I said MORE of the better known actors. i.e I include the 4 guests as well known, just not sure how to improve on that. I agree with you and the other bod who didn't read my post properly - no way that ASkars, Anna or Stephen would come - and frankly I wouodn't want to see 2 out of 3 of those anyway. Just waiting to see who will come to see if, IMO, they will be as worth it as this year. Yes, Nelsan would be amazing!!

I'll be watching this space to see who the guests are before I get my ticket. Hoping for some more of the better known characters at Bitten2.