stargate chicago 2012 creation convention

[clairesvendsen]

Kimbo, you are not going real solo :-) you are part of the "gang". Can't wait to see you for the first time btw :-D Mako, Drew and I really hit it off, so we are all going to have a blast in Chicago. To all the new folks here. Join the FB group if you haven't already. Plenty of nice people to go around.
http://www.facebook.com/events/210621459007224/

[DancerChick1982]

Creation doesn't let people video tape the convention where the talent is involved, whether on stage, meet&greet or other sanction event. They will ask you to turn off any recording devices if they see you recording.

Darn! That's a shame, but I would rather not get in trouble with anyone, I'm just so excited about going.

[neonbear]

Man it's too bad you can't at least audio tape stuff. But oh well.

I am bringing what I think is a decent camera. I have a digital SLR camera (Of course now for the life of me I can't think of the brand, I think it's Pentax) it has a 300 MM zoom lens. Of course I'm sitting in row O, so I don't know how close the pictures are going to come out. Fingers crossed that I get something good.

[Vecturist]

10 Weeks until the con - time to really start counting down and start planning!

[Hallnavy]

Hey everyone, I'm currently planning my Chicago Convention event, my first Stargete Convention ever!

I've planned trips to Chicago all the time, because I live in SW Michigan and am close, but this is becoming difficult. It doesn't help I can't find a schedule for the actual convention, so I'm taking stabs in the dark about times.

I was curious if anyone has any advice for planning a first convention. Other places to book a hotel, seeing that the lovely Westin O'Hare is too pricey for me. Or anyone looking for someone or a group to share a room with?

[Rosehawk]

Hey everyone, I'm currently planning my Chicago Convention event, my first Stargete Convention ever!

Welcome. Stargate conventions are alot of fun and the talent on stage are very very entertaining!

I've planned trips to Chicago all the time, because I live in SW Michigan and am close, but this is becoming difficult. It doesn't help I can't find a schedule for the actual convention, so I'm taking stabs in the dark about times.

The actual schedule for the event will get posted closer to the convention date. Usually a week or two before the convention. The convention usually starts sometime Friday afternoon, goes into the evening with the Cabarate and Kareokee, and it usually ends around 5pm on Sunday - though it could go longer depending on how the autographs go. The actual schedule for activities, start and end times, varies from convention to convention; from year to year.

I was curious if anyone has any advice for planning a first convention. Other places to book a hotel, seeing that the lovely Westin O'Hare is too pricey for me. Or anyone looking for someone or a group to share a room with?

There are alot of hotels in the area. I stay at the Westin because it is easier so I will have to let others comment on less expensive hotels. Getting roommates will significantly reduce room costs so you definitly want to go that route if you can.

As for advice...go to have fun and meet lots of new people. Don't be afraid to come up to people and say hi, or ask for help or advice or even if someone wants to go get something to eat...most fans are great and love to help.

I have met some really fun and wonderful people/fans through the conventions!

[SerenBunny]

I made up a guide type thing and posted it in deviantart (this is the link: http://serenbunny.deviantart.com/#/d529lup).

Welcome! I hope your first con will be awesome

Please join the Facebook page if you haven't already

Best bet of travel (and apologies if you already had this sorted), is to get the train from South Bend to Millenium Dtation in Chicago. You then walk for a few blocks to the train station (or what ever the US version is) and get on the blue line to the hotel that the convention is. Once you get off the train you walk up a few blocks then cross the street, and you are at the hotel

My main advise is only buy online (at the creation website) pics that you would HATE to miss out on. This will save you the $7.50 on each item. They only really sell out at the con but if they are close to selling out before hand they will post a newsletter about it

I'm sure others have more to add xx

[Vecturist]

Hey everyone, I'm currently planning my Chicago Convention event, my first Stargete Convention ever!

I've planned trips to Chicago all the time, because I live in SW Michigan and am close, but this is becoming difficult. It doesn't help I can't find a schedule for the actual convention, so I'm taking stabs in the dark about times.

I was curious if anyone has any advice for planning a first convention. Other places to book a hotel, seeing that the lovely Westin O'Hare is too pricey for me. Or anyone looking for someone or a group to share a room with?

Creation probably won't post the official schedule until the Tues. or Wed before the con, but it's pretty safe to assume that the talks won't start until Friday afternoon. Given the lineup for Sunday, I am guessing that things will run into the evening, so I would plan on leaving late Sunday or hanging out until Monday - always nice to have a bit of downtime and be able to decompress and chat with friends.

Hotel wise, I think that there is a Holiday Inn and a Hilton Garden nearby. It is sometimes easier to stay at the con hotel so you're not carrying as much stuff. If you're flying in, the Westin offers a free shuttle to and from the airport (O'Hare). There are a couple places nearby to eat and the Westin has a decent coffee shop with salads and sandwiches.

[SerenBunny]

Suanne Braun just posted on Twitter that she's out of Chicon xxsueout.png

[Vecturist]

Suanne Braun just posted on Twitter that she's out of Chicon xxsueout.png

I was looking forward to seeing her again after meeting her in Vancouver. She's very funny and great to chat with. Wonder if Creation will find a replacement for her? (Andee?)

[SerenBunny]

Andee would be AWESOME! xx

[nakedwesley]

Hey everyone, I'm currently planning my Chicago Convention event, my first Stargete Convention ever!

I've planned trips to Chicago all the time, because I live in SW Michigan and am close, but this is becoming difficult. It doesn't help I can't find a schedule for the actual convention, so I'm taking stabs in the dark about times.

I was curious if anyone has any advice for planning a first convention. Other places to book a hotel, seeing that the lovely Westin O'Hare is too pricey for me. Or anyone looking for someone or a group to share a room with?

As others have said, Creation won't publish the schedule until the week of the convention. In the past, the Friday events have started around 1-2pm, with registration opening up an hour or two before. Depending on where your seats are, autographs on Sunday can run until 6pm or later, so if you're flying, plan accordingly, keeping in mind getting to the airport early. I got tired of making the mad dash Sunday night, and find it easier to leave on Monday.

There are many hotels in the area, as it's near the airport. Staying at the con hotel is the easiest, especially since events on Friday and Saturday can run pretty late, and you might not feel safe walking back to your hotel. Also keep in mind, if you're driving, parking is usually cheaper if you're a guest at the hotel. If you can find someone to room with, that's definitely the best thing.

As for the con itself, I never buy photo op or autograph tickets until I get there. It's a rare, rare time when something gets sold out, and you'll save tons of money in service fees. Bring your own items to be signed or be prepared to buy photos in the 'dealer room'. It's easy to meet people while waiting in line for autos and photos, and don't forget to HAVE FUN! I'm sure you will.

[nakedwesley]

I was looking forward to seeing her again after meeting her in Vancouver. She's very funny and great to chat with. Wonder if Creation will find a replacement for her? (Andee?)

Great, another person whose autograph was included in our gold package. It would be nice if any replacement was included instead, since they aren't giving us Kate's in substitute for Rachel's.

Suanne is a lot of fun. Sorry she's had to cancel. Andee would be cool. She will never stop being hilarious!

[Vecturist]

Great, another person whose autograph was included in our gold package. It would be nice if any replacement was included instead, since they aren't giving us Kate's in substitute for Rachel's.

Suanne is a lot of fun. Sorry she's had to cancel. Andee would be cool. She will never stop being hilarious!

I know. Instead of a signed photo I'd take/like credit for either photo ops or the dealer room.

Would love to see Chris H again....

[Blue007]

Suanne Braun just posted on Twitter that she's out of Chicon xxsueout.png

Oh Rats!! I'd never met her before and was REALLY looking forward to it. Thanks for the heads up on this 'cause the website for Chicago is still showing her.

[Vecturist]

Oh Rats!! I'd never met her before and was REALLY looking forward to it. Thanks for the heads up on this 'cause the website for Chicago is still showing her.

I'm guessing Creation is a bit busy now and is probably making alternative arrangements.

[SerenBunny]

I think it's a bit sucky. I mean Suanne says her agent told them, so even if they don't have a replacement why not say 'she can't come an we're looking for some or to replace her, will let you guys know soon' instead of leaving us in the dark ... Xx

[Hallnavy]

Is anyone looking for a roommate in their hotel for the convention?

[Rosehawk]

I think it's a bit sucky. I mean Suanne says her agent told them, so even if they don't have a replacement why not say 'she can't come an we're looking for some or to replace her, will let you guys know soon' instead of leaving us in the dark ... Xx

Don't worry, Creation will get it up on their website...who knows how long Rachel told them before they posted that Rachel couldn't make it. Difference is Suanne told fans first, usually it's the otherway around.

[wwsd]

I think it's a bit sucky. I mean Suanne says her agent told them, so even if they don't have a replacement why not say 'she can't come an we're looking for some or to replace her, will let you guys know soon' instead of leaving us in the dark ... Xx

I hope the delay means they're organising a replacement. I'd love to see Rainbow again.