Anyone with experience going to creation conventions?

[ComtessedeBussy]

I know that there's a thread for cons and things in general, but I was wondering whether anyone has been specifically to creation conventions, for stargate and anything else, and could give me an idea of what they're like. If i get autographs of photo ops, realistically, how worth it are they? how much would I get to talk to the actor in question? I'm really not sure if I want photo ops or autographs or the gold package, what are your thoughts? are any of the gold experiences (breakfast, saturday night dinner, etc...) interesting, or more hype than they're worth?

[SerenBunny]

I like it compared to Wizard World Conventions. My first time at the con, and any con actually, is posted here: http://www.serenbunny.deviantart.com/#/d529lup xx

[Atlantean2005]

Honestly, I'm just going to come out and say that my very first convention with Creation Entertainment SUCKED!! It was the November 2008 Cherry Hill, New Jersey convention also known as the last East Coast Stargate Convention and a lot of people think the organizers did a HORRIBLE job on the effort that went into the event. For one thing, the hotel was a disaster! While we were waiting for photo ops with David Nykl, someone asked the MC why they chose that hotel and he clearly said that had they ACTUALLY sent someone out to look, they wouldn't be having that conversation. I can go on about the problems but that was a hotel thing. In a way, I kinda regret doing the gold package and the only reason I did so was because I wanted to take part in the centerpiece contest. The "desert party" for the Gold members was a joke. It was like someone went to the nearest grocery store and bought a few packs of ice cream like you would get for a kid's birthday party. The photo ops were rushed, you barely had time to say hi before the pictures were snapped and autographs were the same way.

However I would like to say that this was my experience and have had friends go to others that were better but some of the situations were the same. That train wreck of a convention made me weary to want to ever trust creation again because for the price I paid for the ticket, I felt cheated. Now I just stick with my friend who runs a Doctor Who convention in Florida. While it is Who themed he has guest from other shows/genres as well. Prices are EXTREMELY worth it for the up close and personal experience you can get. Last year Naoko Mori and Arthur Darvill were the headliners and some of the things I got to see/do with them, well with creation to be able to have the same experience you would have to actually work with the organization.

Please keep in mind, these are just my opinions and you really need to use your own judgement. Either way, if you attend a convention, I hope you have a blast!

[ComtessedeBussy]

hmm, I have heard a few bad things about creation cons in the past (related to supernatural, though, not stargate). however, the con is happening in the city where I live/study so I really can't pass up the opportunity. I guess it's just a question of how much of my money I want to let them have for what I'll be getting. maybe they've improved at the stargate cons since 2008, too? after all, it seems like they've been having the con in the same hotel for a few years now, and it seems like a very nice one (and also, I won't have to be staying there, as I..live in Chicago).

[Rosehawk]

I have been to quite a few Stargate Creation conventions (and some Star Trek but those were a few years ago and not recently).

I have found the conventions to be very well run and you do get the opportunity, in most cases as there are exceptions, to get to experience everything. The only choice is do I or don't I; you don't have to choose between this actor or that actor.

They do autographs row by row and they try to stick to this pretty closely - someone from General Seating can't get in line in front of the Gold or preferred ticket holders. This is one of the better values with a gold ticket you are closer in line for autographs, which can take a few hours. Another advantage is that you are sitting closer to the stage for taking photos from your seat. While you do get autographs in the gold package you don't get all autographs - the website tells you which ones you do get, so if there were autographs you were going to buy - it might be worth it. You also get the Carabart - Friday nights entertainment, Saturday's desert Party and Sunday's breakfast brunch included in the gold package.

Preferred is similar, though you get less with that package then you do with the gold.
Those with general seating are in line for autographs last and sit further back.

Photo ops and attending the other events are all on a first come first serve basis.

If you want one-on-one quality time talking with the actor, that most likely isn't going to happen. If you bid and won a meet-n-greet, you would get 1 hour with the actor(s) in that M&G. During photo ops, you get about two seconds to say hi, a few more seconds for photo and then a chance to say by...photo ops take about 15 to 20 seconds. Autographs, time talking with the actor depends on the actor and if they are in a hurry to stay on schedule or leave for the airport. Again though, it won't be a lot of time as there are hundreds of autographs the actors have to sign. Creation use to rush both the photo's and the autographs; however fans have been complaining because of the amount of money you spend and then to get rush through was really upsetting people so Creation has been backing off from rushing; though they still do keep the lines moving and if you hear that the actor is not personalizing, it usually means they have to rush the autographs as the actor has to be somewhere else (usually the airport.)

Sometimes an actor will visit the bar or social with fans after the event and activities, it's not a guarantee but it does happen and is usually a lot of fun when it does - though fans really have to be careful not to overwhelm the talent. The talent when they are on duty have a security guard with them at all times, so unless the actor approaches you, you won't get much of a chance to approach them.

Now, with all that said, Creation is bringing back having some actors setting up autograph booths in the merchandise room, actors such as Dan Payne, Alex Zahara, Andee and I think Robert Picardo will have autograph booths and will spend as much time talking with fans as they can at their booth.

The Friday night Cabaret is usually a lot of fun. The Saturday dessert party, I've been to some that were great and others that were a dud, same with the Breakfast. The talent only gets to spend about two minutes at your table, barely time to say hi and they they are on to the next table. One year they did 5 minutes - which was great but it took so long to get the actors through all the tables that they went back to the two minutes. The dessert party time can get pushed back to late hours depending on how long the autographs are taking. The food at both the Dessert party and Breakfast are great, but if you are going into it with the thought of lots of time with the actor- it won't happen. Both events are more social events for the fans with the actor popping in to say hi.

Hope that helps. If you have more questions, feel free to ask!

[nakedwesley]

Advantages of Gold Pass:

- Assigned seating. Closer to stage. Quicker to get autographs.

- A few extra autographs not included in silver pass. Check website for details.

- Dessert Party. Can be hit or miss, when it comes to the actual desserts. A couple extra minutes with several of the guests. Depends on if there is someone you really want to see. Don't expect Michael Shanks or Joe Flanigan though.

- Charity Breakfast. (see dessert party) Not a full breakfast anymore. Continental only.


Autographs and Photo Ops:

- My advice is, see which autographs are included in each pass, and who you want autographs from, and do a cost analysis. While you don't get much time with the guests, the autograph line is your best time to ask a quick question, or make a quick comment; get that brief moment of one-to-one contact. The closer you are to the front of the line, the better, as they tend to start rushing people, as time goes by. You'll have a much more personal experience with the guests in the dealer room though, so take advantage of that!

- Photo Ops. A great way to remember the day. I personally don't get photo ops with everyone, but I have my few that I do every time. The duo shots can be money savers, if you want to get shots with multiple guests.

Creation cons are generally very organized, and they do a pretty good job of staying on schedule. Possibly because of that, you don't get much time with the guests, which is most peoples' main complaint against them. The NJ cons were particularly bad - especially the hotels - and I'm sure that's one reason they stopped doing them there for a number of years. I wouldn't necessarily let 2008 stand as a typical example.

If you want the full con experience, I would personally go gold. Better seats, faster through the autograph lines, and access to all the events. If you don't care as much about the extra face time with guests, or the extra autographs, silver will do you just fine. I went to an SPN con, sat in the back for the talks and had a great time. Hook up with fellow fans in your row, or in line, and you'll have fun either way.

[ComtessedeBussy]

thanks for all the lovely advice! another question - anyone ever volunteer at a creation convention? what's that like, as compared to paying for a ticket and attending as a guest?

[Rosehawk]

thanks for all the lovely advice! another question - anyone ever volunteer at a creation convention? what's that like, as compared to paying for a ticket and attending as a guest?

I volunteered last year and it was alot of work but I had fun and met some really cool people.

When you volunteer, you are not guaranteed that you can watch the convention. Depending on who the volunteer organizer is (last year it was Donna and she was wonderful and really kind to the volunteers), they asked us what we wanted to do, we were fortunate that it worked out so that people that wanted to work in the merchandise room could, people that wanted to work the door could and those that wanted to work inside could. It may not always work out that way, as you really have to go where they need you and that can change quickly.
Volunteers are not allowed in the back, behind the stage when the talent is there or show is going on unless you are escorting, or get asked to come back to meet someone for an assignment and then you have to leave, you can't linger.

If you volunteer, it's just like working a convention, so you have to go where they need you...they do try to work with you and I think for the most part it can work out but you have to be prepared that it may not and you could miss something you wanted to see or hear.

If you want photo ops or autographs, you have to let your Volunteer Coordinator know so that your station can be taken care of while you are away - especially when working the doors. If there is a actor that you really want to hear, then you need to talk with the Volunteer Coordinator to make sure they have enough people so you can sit down and watch or see if you can work in the auditorium which is what I did last year.

You do have a meeting each day with the group of volunteers (you don't have to volunteer the whole convention, some people can only do it one or two days.) At the meeting you go over the schedule, get assigned your position for the day, exchange cell phone numbers as that's how the coordinator gets a hold of you, and let the coordinator know of any issues.

There is a lot of pressure to make sure everything gets done right. As volunteers, you are expected to make sure that there is no video taping going on so you have to be prepared to tell people you know to turn the camera's off and remember you are not the only set of eyes watching the audience so make sure your friends don't put you in a bad position.

You are expected to dress nice, no jeans or shorts. Only security is required to wear a suit. You are representing Creation so no bad mouthing, swearing, etc....

Working Security and the autographs is usually a perk or people who have been volunteering for awhile and have earned people's trust and respect.

And don't expect to spend much time with your friends...I barely saw my roommates last year. I got one lunch break where I could join them for lunch but they had already left so I stayed at the hotel and ate there. You do make new friends and at the end of the convention, we all had a nice dinner together.

I'd volunteer again this year, however David Nykl is a guest and I ain't missing him on stage.

[nakedwesley]

thanks for all the lovely advice! another question - anyone ever volunteer at a creation convention? what's that like, as compared to paying for a ticket and attending as a guest?

Rosehawk can answer this best, but I also believe volunteers have to pay for a ticket anyway. I don't think Creation is big with the perks for volunteers.

[Rosehawk]

Rosehawk can answer this best, but I also believe volunteers have to pay for a ticket anyway. I don't think Creation is big with the perks for volunteers.

Volunteers do not have to pay for a ticket for the days they are working. There are many volunteers who do not even get to see any of the talent on stage, so you really can't make them pay if they don't get to see what they paid for. You do not have to work the whole weekend but you are expected to work the days you say you are going to work. They do try really hard to accommodate you if there is a photo op or autograph you want, you just have to work the details out with the coordinator.

As to perks, volunteering by it's nature is to not ask/expect something in return for the services you perform. Not one volunteer was expecting any sort of perk so what we did get from Creation was a nice surprise. If you volunteer expecting perks and act like you deserve one, you most likely won't be asked to come back.

Most of us had fun volunteering...I found it interesting to see how some of the behind the scenes stuff worked. And I did get to fill-in at David Hewlett's autograph booth for about ten minutes and that was fun.