Female Newbie Asking some questions

[SerenBunny]

I appologise if this isn't in the right place/repetative for everyone :)

 

Hi! First pst :) My friend Mako is going to this, so I figured I'd go too.

 

I've only been to one con before (Stargate Con in Chicago last year), so I have a few questions:

 

- Is the Gold worth it?

- How much do the talks usually cost?

- The Gold tickets include an autograph pack (I understand it for ONE fandon ) but is it just ones that are attending are for free, they are pre signed or its a lucky dip you get sent?

- Truthfully, how much fun are these for someone effectivley going alone to meet a new friend?

 

Thanks for looking guys, I'm really looking forward to this :) xx

[Queen_Sindel]

- Is the Gold worth it?

 

I'm afraid this can't really be answered in general. What do you want to achieve with it? Are you on limited time that you can spend at the event? Do you want seating in the first few rows for the talks? Is there a guest that you absolutely MUST see that's really popular? If yes to any of these three yes, Gold is worth it.

 

- How much do the talks usually cost?

 

The majority of the talks are free. There's one or two per day which will cost. Costs average at 15 pounds, give or take 5.

 

- The Gold tickets include an autograph pack (I understand it for ONE fandon ) but is it just ones that are attending are for free, they are pre signed or its a lucky dip you get sent?

 

Presigned ones. If you choose Stargate you may get a presigned Michael Shanks or Teryl Rothery autograph (for example), but you will not get a free in person autograph of Ben or Chris.

 

You pick the package up on the day by the way.

 

- Truthfully, how much fun are these for someone effectivley going alone to meet a new friend?

 

I've always found them fun. You can make more new friends - even by asking someone to take a picture for you. The cosplayers are always a sight to see that I personally greatly enjoy.

[SerenBunny]

Heya :) Cheers for replying! (LOVE the fact you are a Alexis stalker, my firend is one too )

 

For the Gold, is it worth the money really. I bought the Gold for the Chicago one ant iwas like £260, but the autographs were worth £170ish, and the individual days worked out about £150ish, so do you think its worth it that wise?

 

About the packaged ones, is it just one autograph, or some?

 

Ohhh Cosplayers! I soo wanna see some!

 

I am defo going to go, but still aren't sure about the right entry to use. Would you recomend getting there uber early for everything? xx

Edited January 2, 2012 by Queen_Sindel

[Queen_Sindel]

Just in case you are wondering, I had to remove a little part from your post. The forum rules say we can't talk about other events here. If we leave it at "the Chicago one" that's fine though, the main problems are organisers names and the like.

 

The Gold Ticket for LFACC does not include any live autographs. It's really just what the page in the store says: preferred seating for talks, the goody pack, a special chill and the preferential queueing.

 

The Gold Ticket you had is more comparable to the Massive Events weekend shows Gold Tickets. LFACC is different to the Chicago show. If you're looking for anything like the Chicago show please head over to the Chevron 7.8 section.

 

I've never had a Gold Pass for the signing shows, so I can only go from what other attendees posted. There's a number of autographs in the packs, I think it is usually 5 to 6.

 

When to get there... it really depends on who you want to see and what you want to do. I'd definitely recommend an Early Bird ticket though. If you don't mind hanging out all day (and if you're not after some mega busy guest) getting there an hour or even half hour before opening time will be fine. Things usually calm down late afternoon.

[chrismk]

I think that if you're going to meet a new friend, then it might depend on what level of ticket they have. If you have Gold and they don't, you probably won't get to sit together in talks and your schedules are likely to be WAY different.

 

As for value for money, well I'd say that it depends on the guests. If there are any MASSIVE guests (such as David Tennant at the last one), then they become better value for money as you'll spend less of the day queuing!

[Queen_Sindel]

I think that if you're going to meet a new friend, then it might depend on what level of ticket they have. If you have Gold and they don't, you probably won't get to sit together in talks and your schedules are likely to be WAY different.

 

The schedule problem only occurs at Massive Events shows like Chevron. Only the talk seating would be an issue at LFACC because at the signing shows Gold Pass holders can queue any time.

[Swinny]

I would say it depended on how many photoshoots you are planning to get in. I had quite a lot last year and was cutting it fine gettin to them all with the queues etc. so in that respect being able to jump straight to the front of every queue is worth it but its obviously a lot of money. would be more worth while if they threw in a few complimentary photoshoots but thats just my opinion

[SerenBunny]

Are the ques major long? I mean in general?

 

Would I be allowed to hang with my friend while she waits for hers, if I already been through the que?

 

To be honest, this is what I thought Cons were like! Chicago was a bit of a weird out hehe.

 

So far I think I'm going to get 2 or 3 from the list, depending on how work pans out, but if it goes up to about 6, should I defo get gold then?

 

What are the partys like?

 

(Sorry I'm asking so many questions!) xx

[Queen_Sindel]

Are the ques major long? I mean in general?

 

Depends on the queue.

 

The queue to get in can be very long. The actual queue for autographs is rather short, no more than maybe 20 or 25 people. The popular guests do have something called Virtual Queueing system.

 

That means in the morning you walk to their signing table, pick up a paper slip with a number and once that number has been called you can get in the actual autograph line. You will get one ticket per guest, but you can get one each from as many guests as you like. Means you can get one at the same time for Ben, Chris and Jewel no problem. But you can't get two for Jewel. In the meantime while you're waiting you're free to see other guests (not all are running on VQ tickets), browse the stalls etc.

 

Would I be allowed to hang with my friend while she waits for hers, if I already been through the que?

 

I assume you mean if you can get in line again with her?

 

If you have a Gold Ticket: yes. Also yes if a guest is not on the Virtual Queue system. If a guest is on the Virtual Queue system you will need a ticket to get in line with her. But as you can get in line any time after your number has been called you'd just have to wait until the higher number is called and then you can both go together.

 

To be honest, this is what I thought Cons were like! Chicago was a bit of a weird out hehe.

 

Some people refer to events like LFACC as signing events (because the emphasis is more on the autograph sides) and to the hotel events as conventions.

 

So far I think I'm going to get 2 or 3 from the list, depending on how work pans out, but if it goes up to about 6, should I defo get gold then?

 

Unless one of the questions I asked in my first post applies to you - the most important issue being if you can get there at a reasonable time in the morning and how much time you can spend at the event - with 6 guests I really don't think you will need a Gold Ticket.

 

My personal record is seeing 27 guests over a weekend. Wasn't a problem without a Gold Ticket. I was quite busy, but it's doable.

 

What are the partys like?

 

LFACC did not have parties so far. Again this is more a thing for the hotel events.

[buffymitzi]

hi, i'm a newbie to this, too. I did the hallowhedon events and this seems very different to me.

so here are my questions. if i buy photo ops for saturday, will i get the pictures at sat evening? so that i could leave sunday morning?

are there guest encounters?

and is there a hotel near the venue?

 

thanks for helping me out here

Edited January 7, 2012 by ditzi

[adriangill]

hi, i'm a newbie to this, too. I did the hallowhedon events and this seems very different to me.

so here are my questions. if i buy photo ops for saturday, will i get the pictures at sat evening? so that i could leave sunday morning?

are there guest encounters?

and is there a hotel near the venue?

 

thanks for helping me out here

It is a differnt type of event from Hallowhedon. That is a weekend convention whereas this is generally classed as a signing event (much larger in comparison, with a lot more guests covering various different shows/films/etc). There will be photo shoots with some guests, not all. Likewise with talks. There will be a lot more dealer stalls.

 

Under normal circumstances photo shoots are back on the same day. Usually within 2-3 hours after that specific photo session has finished.

[Queen_Sindel]

hi, i'm a newbie to this, too. I did the hallowhedon events and this seems very different to me.

so here are my questions. if i buy photo ops for saturday, will i get the pictures at sat evening? so that i could leave sunday morning?

 

Normally yes. If for some reasons the photo are not there when the event closes you can get them posted to you.

 

are there guest encounters?

 

No, just some talks.

 

and is there a hotel near the venue?

 

A Hilton is pretty much across the road, but it is pretty expensive.

[Rockstar6662]

hi, i'm a newbie to this, too. I did the hallowhedon events and this seems very different to me.

 

It is quite different.

 

so here are my questions. if i buy photo ops for saturday, will i get the pictures at sat evening? so that i could leave sunday morning?

 

Photos should be available for collection a few hours after the photoshoot but obviously sometimes there can be issues which might mean shoots that happen late in the day may not be ready in time. If you're not able to collect your photo though, you can fill in a form and for a nominal fee they will send it too you.

 

are there guest encounters?

 

No. Not in the sense of the HW show you went to. There simply wouldn't be time and with many thousands of people attending each day it would be a nightmare to organise.

 

Your encounter is when you meet the guest to get an autograph when there's often time to ask a question or two depending on how busy the guest is. And you can ask a question during one of the Q&A sessions if that guest is doing one.

 

This is a signing event primarily and is somewhat differnet to the conventions Massive Events organise.

 

and is there a hotel near the venue?

 

thanks for helping me out here

 

Lots of hotels, it is London after all. The nearest one is very, very expensive though from when I looked. Lots of people will stay near Earls Court too where there's lots and it's not far. I'm in the Olympia Premier Inn which looks to be something like a 10 - 15min walk away but there's cheaper B&B options or hostels in and around the area. Do a search on laterooms.com or hotels.com which should throw up lots of options.

[buffymitzi]

thank you, all that helps!

ah yes, one left: what happens on friday?

[Zak123]

What's the nearest airport does anyone know & how far is it away from the venue?

[adriangill]

thank you, all that helps!

ah yes, one left: what happens on friday?

It is a preview evening from 6pm for a few hours. Some guests will be there signing so it gives you an opportunity to collect their autographs in less busy circumstances 9i.e. Satruday/Sunday). There won't be any photo shoots or talks as far as I am aware. Edited January 7, 2012 by 1of2

[adriangill]

What's the nearest airport does anyone know & how far is it away from the venue?

Heathrow, just over 12 miles.

[Rockstar6662]

thank you, all that helps!

ah yes, one left: what happens on friday?

It is a preview evening from 6pm for a few hours. Some guests will be there signing so it gives you an opportunity to collect their autographs in less busy circumstances 9i.e. Satruday/Sunday). There won't be any photo shoots or talks as far as I am aware.

 

I nearly didn't go on friday last time but glad I did. It was a chance to get a few autos in a more relaxed way and spend a bit more time chatting with the guests than you often get when it's busy, get a feel for the layout of the venue and check out some of the stalls without hordes of people around. Was all quite low-key and relaxed and a good preview of the main event.

[adriangill]

I nearly didn't go on friday last time but glad I did. It was a chance to get a few autos in a more relaxed way and spend a bit more time chatting with the guests than you often get when it's busy, get a feel for the layout of the venue and check out some of the stalls without hordes of people around. Was all quite low-key and relaxed and a good preview of the main event.

If I was staying in the area I would attend the preview. It is very similar to the Fridays that took place at previous Collectormania MK events. It's great for getting autographs and thus freeing up time for photo shoots on the subsequent days.

[amyr1985]

I have a question too, as a newbie.

 

A friend of mine may come with me but only as company and isn't interested in doing any shoots. If he hasn't got tickets for shoots or autographs would he be able to stand in lines with me while I'm doing these things?

 

Thanks.

[Queen_Sindel]

A friend of mine may come with me but only as company and isn't interested in doing any shoots. If he hasn't got tickets for shoots or autographs would he be able to stand in lines with me while I'm doing these things?

 

For the photoshoots that's a no I'm afraid.

 

For the autograph lines it's not a problem if the guest is not on the Virtual Queue system. If this system is in place she would need a ticket too.

[buffymitzi]

thank you all.

as i want to bring my charmed-maniac-daughter to her first event, she's 11, i want to organise everything perfectly.

does anybody know: if i would be a gold ticket holder, do i need a gold ticket for her too? just to have the same comfort for her? i don't want to risk that she need s to queue allone

[Queen_Sindel]

thank you all.

as i want to bring my charmed-maniac-daughter to her first event, she's 11, i want to organise everything perfectly.

does anybody know: if i would be a gold ticket holder, do i need a gold ticket for her too? just to have the same comfort for her? i don't want to risk that she need s to queue allone

 

With her being 11 I think so. But you best drop the office a line and confirm: info@showmastersonline.com.

[beauty&bear]

Some questions from me to, first signing event I usually do the 1 show conventions. :)

 

How many photoshoots and autos realistically can you get in one day?

I have pre ordered my Holly, Brian and Hayden photoshoots for the Saturday. Could I get autographs squeezed in there to? - I was planning on just going on the Saturday

 

Do SM post schedules like ET? How will I know exactly where to go for each auto/photoshoot, do they have a schedules like ET, where as in the guests name is along one side with a exact time slot of everything they are doing?

 

How long are the ques? For Eternal Twilight I would guesstimate a time of 15 minutes per photoshoot/autograph, are the signings longer or shorter? I know the times vary on this, but any help would be really great.

 

What are the guidelines of taking pictures with the guests when having autographs done?

[adriangill]

How many photoshoots and autos realistically can you get in one day?

That is difficult to answer as some guests will be busier than others (and even that can fluctuate during the day). I normally do at least six photo shoots, a dozen or so autographs, plus the odd talk in one day. Others may do more, and equally less.

 

I have pre ordered my Holly, Brian and Hayden photoshoots for the Saturday. Could I get autographs squeezed in there to? - I was planning on just going on the Saturday

If those are all you are planning to see then definitely yes, barring any unforseen circumstances. Providing you arrive at a reasonable time of course.

 

Do SM post schedules like ET? How will I know exactly where to go for each auto/photoshoot, do they have a schedules like ET, where as in the guests name is along one side with a exact time slot of everything they are doing?

Schedules for photo shoots and talks are posted on here a week or so prior to the event. Apart from those photo/talk sessions and any breaks, the guests normally sign autographs all day. So, as the photo shoots and talks run to a schedule (whereas the autogrpahs are an all day thing) you base your day around those times.

 

How long are the ques? For Eternal Twilight I would guesstimate a time of 15 minutes per photoshoot/autograph, are the signings longer or shorter? I know the times vary on this, but any help would be really great.

The autograph queues are kept to a similar size of around 20-30 at any one time. With the quieter guests, who have an open queue system, you can join the queue at anytime (if the queue is at capacity you may be asked to come back in 10mins or so). Busier guests operate under a Virtual Ticket system. You collect a sequentially numbered ticket from a crew member. People are called up (via a board and/or a crew member) in number order, 1-30, 1-60, 1-90, and so on. You can go up anytime after your number has been called. The busier photo shoot sessions may operate on a numbering system (the photo shoot stickets have numbers on), i.e. 1-50 called first, then 1-100. So based on your number you may be asked to come back in 15mins. With the less busy photo shoots, you just join the queue.

 

What are the guidelines of taking pictures with the guests when having autographs done?

Normally it is okay to ask for a photo of, or with, the guest if you are getting an autogrpah. There are two excpetions to this - there may be a sign up stating 'no posed photos', in which case you may take a candid photo of the guest while they are signing but you can't have a posed photo with them. Secondly there may be a sign stating 'no photos', in which case you are not allowed to take any photos at all. There are a few reasons why this may be the case - time constraints (in order that everybody gets a chance to collect an autograph), the guest may have a bad back, suffer from a migraine/etc

 

 

 

Edit: Here is a link to a thread by Too Tall which answers numerous questions about how the event works. It is from last years event so some of the info is no longer correct (dates/venue/etc). I will prod TT to see if he can provide an updated version for this event at some point. A gentle prod of course. Unsurprisingly, he is much taller than me

 

Also from last years event is the schedule for you to have a look at as an example of how it works.

Edited January 8, 2012 by 1of2