18blue78

I guess you're free to park anywhere, but a quick look at their site they charge; £2 for 2 hours £15 for 2 - 12 hours £20 for 12 - 24 hours https://www.resortsworldbirmingham.co.uk/getting-here/

No, £12 per day. http://www.thenec.co.uk/visitors/parking/

A very good announcement, Jack is a true gent. Am I imagining things or are the autograph prices for this years sports guests less then they have been in the past? In no way am I complaining but I'm sure we used to pay more. If they have come down then well done ShowMasters.

I'm going with my replica 1970 World Cup shirt that I had signed by six members of that team.But if you are after something a little different have thought about getting a 1958 World Cup shirt signed? It was the first time Brazil won the World Cup and Pele was voted the tournaments best young player.

What Raylenth says.

It can't be posted Ruskyb, even if someone does know I'm afraid - other companies events cannot be posted or discussed on here as per the forum rules.I don't think it breaks the forum rules to say no there are no other events in the UK where you'd find Blackbird piolts.That's one of the many reasons Autographica is such a special event.

I know there will be no posed photos during the signing but could SM find out if we will be able to take photos of Pele autographing our items?

Nice idea. Combining Autographica with other events might be a more feasible business model. Much the same way the stand alone Sportsmania event has been combined with Collectormania. Whatever the future look of Autographica is I hope SM manage to keep the atmosphere that is a hallmark of this much loved event.

Awesome work by Showmasters to get Pele to one of these events. Evidence, if it were needed, of how far SM have come & the standing you have achieved in event organising. I have to admit the Diamond Package price did put me off a little bit, but if last year has taught me anything it's to take opportunities when you can. I'm pretty sure this is the only time Pele will do this type of event & I'm grateful to be given the opportunity to meet him. Maybe it's an age thing but it seems a long time since I truly got excited about an event. Thanks SM for sparking my interest in the hobby again.

I seem to remember reading Dave was standing aside as sole organiser of Autographica. I don't know if he still has a hand within the larger Showmasters group.

And little chance of Jack Schmitt attending an autograph show either. Fingers crossed Showmasters can work their magic.

My heart sank when I heard the news about Kenny. Some of my fondest memories are of meeting him & his wife. They always made the effort to take an interest in everyone they met, that's why Kenny has been such a popular guest over so many years. Sweet dreams Kenny & thank you.

Disappointed not to have an Autographica this year. Fingers crossed the decision results in a better & bigger show in May.

Awesome announcement just wish I could get to this event.

Met Charlie a couple of years ago at KSC. Very nice person & an interesting speaker.

Great start, hope to see more soon.

Just seen athletic legend Carl Lewis is on the circuit in the US. I think he would be a big draw.

Great to see this event back. One guest I'd love to see would be Dave Scott. Looking forward to another exciting Autographica.

Last 8 in no particular order (& as memory allows); Stuart Broad (England cricketer) Jim Lovell (legendary Astronaut) Geraint Thomas (Olympic gold medalist) Nigel Mansell (F1 World Champion) Neil Back (England Rugby World Cup winner) Simon Jones (former English cricketer) Rick Searfoss (former Astronaut) George "Johnny" Johnson (RAF Dambuster)

ShowMasters are probably very busy with all the Film & Comic Con's they have announced. But I'd also like to know if & when Autographica will be happening.

Nice bit of planning. It's extra special when you get exactly what you want from a guest.

ianb those pieces sound amazing. Apart from Buzz's did you ask for the inscriptions or did the guests add them spontaneously?

Yes, have to admit it's been a good day...now where did I leave my Lotto ticket?

That was another of my blink-&-you'll-miss-it visits. Without boring you with the details I only met 2 guests instead of my planned 5 & my ridiculously short visit meant I was missing all the lectures. Rick Searfoss was very friendly & welcoming. I enjoyed listening to his stories as he talked to the lady in front of me. I also got to have a quick chat with him about his NASA career. An excellent guest. George Johnson was wonderful with everyone who met him & he looked to be enjoying himself immensely (somebody got a great "big ears" photo). I asked him to sign my copy of his book, which is a great read, he not only autographed with his full name but also added a personal dedication & added his nickname to that as well. Simply put Mr Johnson is a wonderful guest. With not much time available I had a quick look around & I was glad to see the crew checking for wristbands/passes in all the rooms. In the past people have just wondered through without paying so having checks carried out was good to see. All the astronauts looked busy. Michael Lonsdale had by far the largest queue of all the guests. It was good to see the dealers doing a bit of business. And for those who knew him there was a small but poignant tribute to the late Nick Hopkins. All though I only had a brief visit the show looked like it's usual high standard & I had a sense of a few more punters this year. Well done SM, I'm already looking forward to the next one.

Nobody has to justify their fee. That's the agreed price, either you pay it or you don't, it's your choice & nobody is forcing you. In the US a fee for adding an inscription is common & a few guests have been charging for it in the UK for a while.