BronyCon 2014 announced!

[PonyGrove 24]

I am already signed up and booked. I have rooms, con badges... the only thing that I am missing is train tickets. I am going to start trying to put together an elite group of bronies and pegasisters to go down to the con this year...

 

Since this will be my first BronyCon, is there anything that I should know? Any tips from the seasoned vets' that you would like to pass to a newbie? I have done many cons in the past... just not a Brony Con.

[K.K. Slider 391]

Since this will be my first BronyCon, is there anything that I should know? Any tips from the seasoned vets' that you would like to pass to a newbie? I have done many cons in the past... just not a Brony Con.

 

Same deal as other nerd cons apply to BronyCon. Follow the 6-2-1 rule (6 hours of sleep, 2 square meals, 1 shower a day) and you'll be fine. Get in line at least an hour-30 minutes early for the major panels if you want a decent seat, or bribe somebody in front. 20 people may say no, 1 always says yes. Expect a massive line at registration. Have a separate fund for the Dealer's Den, haha. Don't forget to have fun.

 

Do be careful at night. Baltimore is a pretty sketchy city and all the nerds/kids draw baddies to the area. There's been reported muggings this year's con. I recommend you carry a weapon (& be prepared to use it...) and/or mace and travel with at least one other person. The bigger the group, the better. If you stab somebody, they will run away, not stand and fight. As soon as nightfall hits stay on well lit streets, don't linger, and keep on the move. Walk fast/aggressively and try not to look naïve. Don't walk around looking at your shiny smartphone or wearing headphones. People will be scoping out easy targets. Watch out for alleys, walk near the road. I walk the streets with my right hand in my pocket...holding a 4" fixed blade. I also wear a beanie hat & a military thermal, which I feel helps deters people in the dark. Appearance is a huge factor in being a victim; hands in your pockets can mean exactly what it means for me...that you might be armed. If you're at the Hilton you can stay off the streets and use the skybridge. Some hotels are 10-15 minutes away though, so definitely buddy up if it's dark. There's usually con-goers moving to and from the convention, you'll know just by looking at them. The area immediately around the convention center is very well lit and tends to have a good amount of foot traffic, so it's relatively safe. But nowhere is 100% safe. People further out are more at risk.

 

Keep in mind muggings tend to happen in instant. They last under 30 seconds. If somebody sticks a gun in your face, just give them your stuff. Don't try to fight them, even if you're armed. Stay alert, be aware of your surroundings. Look around once in awhile, especially for people who may be following you. If you're being followed (with ill intentions), they are usually waiting for you to move into an isolated area, like a deserted street. The later at night, the less people are about, and the sketchier it is.

 

Practice common sense and stay perceptive and you'll be fine. Baltimore may not be great, but the convention venue truly is.

Edited November 13, 2013 by K.K. Slider

[PonyGrove 24]

@ K.K Slider - Some of the best advice that I have gotten. Thanks a bunch!

 

For registration... so some Cons have a pre-reg line to hop into the night before the con. If you buy a pass right now on the Bronycon site, when can you pick up your pass? How about if you buy in at the "Bronze" level or above with the "pre-reg" perk? I'm looking more for what the lines are going to be like between the two and when you will be able to pick your badge up.

 

Thanks again!

[SveciaDash 364]

Since I have realised im an lazy burden to society and im considering getting a job I kinda sorta wanna save up money for it. Although the travel from Norway to USA/Canada or w/e the location is isnt your regular old roadtrip.

+ im going to be spending way to much money from my earnings on pony merch.

[Grumpy Enchantress 586]

I hope I can make it this year! I have a few friends I'd like to meet-up with (assuming they can make it too) and it's pretty close to me this year.

[SparkBrony 379]

This is the best. I LIVE in Baltimore, and I couldn't go last year. THE PONY GODS HAVE GIVEN ME ANOTHER CHANCE

 

Really hoping I can go with my friend this year!

[K.K. Slider 391]

For registration... so some Cons have a pre-reg line to hop into the night before the con. If you buy a pass right now on the Bronycon site, when can you pick up your pass? How about if you buy in at the "Bronze" level or above with the "pre-reg" perk? I'm looking more for what the lines are going to be like between the two and when you will be able to pick your badge up.

 

Thanks again!

 

BronyCon does have a pre-reg line but this year's con you had to join the master line to reach it...it wasn't like that in Summer '12. Perhaps they will do it differently this year, as the line was truly awful. If you're in Baltimore the day before, I believe you can pickup your badge early.

 

Sponsor badges have a non-existent line, so you definitely get what you pay for. I personally just pay somebody $5 to let me cut in, but sponsorship helps the con out. I don't let it be a selling point though. No matter your sponsor level, it's all the same short line.

 

& you're welcome.

Edited November 13, 2013 by K.K. Slider

[Creamy Arty 6,252]

Already got my ticket reserved and have a room rented. Knew I would have to do it right away, so I did on November 4th when things were announced. Couldn't get a room until the Tuesday before the con this year due to low funds, and that Motel 6 sucked. This year I'm staying at the Hilton, but only because it's the most convenient. There are better hotels for less money nearby.

 

Those still trying to find a room might check with the Royal Sonesta. It's a 7-minute walk away and a room with double beds is $200 a night. Better than the approximately $400 you'll pay at the Hilton without the convention discount.
 

Oh I am definitely going next year. Bronycon was where I registered to be a part of this forum. Heck, the journey in of itself was a fun one, even if we took a wrong turn and ended driving halfway to Atlanta instead of Baltimore. But yeah, words cant describe what an amazing experience it was. Words also cant describe how depressed I was when it all ended. So I'll be definitely making my grand pilgrimage to Bronycon 2014. And this time I'll make a few changes to my game plan, like hitting the dealers hall before it closes early on the 3rd day!
 
Hope to see most of you there. Start giving out brohoofs until my knuckles are swollen (which did happen BTW)

 
Awesome, then I probably saw you at the table when you signed up. I was one of the dudes manning it. We probably brohoofed in the line to the closing ceremonies too.
 
Next year I won't be tethered to a table, so maybe we can hang out at some point and get to know each other. We'll also have a member meetup the first day or the day before so people can get acquainted and spend some time together collectively.

 

Oh, be careful at night. Baltimore is a pretty sketchy city and all the nerds/kids draw baddies to the area. There's been reported muggings last year. I recommend you carry a weapon (and be prepared to use it...) and/or mace and travel with at least one other person. The bigger the group, the better. If you stab somebody, they will run away, not stand and fight. As soon as nightfall hits stay on well lit streets, don't linger, and keep on the move. Walk fast/aggressively and try not to look naïve. Don't walk around looking at your shiny smartphone or wearing headphones. People will be scoping out easy targets. Watch out for alleys, walk near the road. I walk the streets with my right hand in my pocket...holding a 4" fixed blade. I also wear a beanie hat & a military thermal, which I feel helps deters people in the dark. If you're at the Hilton you can stay off the streets and use the skybridge. Some hotels are 10-15 minutes away though, so definitely buddy up if it's dark. There's usually con-goers moving to and from the convention, you'll know just by looking at them.
 
Keep in mind muggings tend to happen in instant. They last under 30 seconds. If somebody sticks a gun in your face, just give them your stuff. Don't try to fight them, even if you're armed. Stay alert, be aware of your surroundings. Look around once in awhile.

 
Good advice here, and in the posts that follow. Thanks for helping out the convention noobs. One's first time can be disorienting and appearing to be so can cause problems in a place like Baltimore. I'll certainly pack a rod when I go. Didn't this year, but fortunately it wasn't required. Did walk around with a knife in my sleeve for a while though.
 
And yeah, be careful with your phone. Last year when I was walking to the con center from a dark alley with Scoots and Zoop, some kid asked us if he could use one of our phones. We had no doubt in our minds that the kid would run if we handed one over, so we didn't.

[long gone 8,929]

Let's get down to business, to assure my parents I'll be fine.

 

Keep in mind that if I do make it to Bronycon, I have some food allergies and disabilities, disabilities being tendinitis in my right arm, cerebral palsy and Asperger's Syndrome (food allergies I will disclose down there), and I am not exactly used to the heat so if I act like I'm dying, that's normal But I should be able to handle myself there. I'll be 21 by then, I'm sure I'll be fine.

[Mephala 2,633]

It appears there will be a large turnout next year! If I can save enough, I hope I can find a cheap plane ticket down, but being in the north getting to the airport can be a real pain.

I promise this time I won't miss meeting anybody! I met a few and saw a few but I really am not popular enough here to have made any impact on anyone. ^^; However, I really appreciated spending time in the moments my mother wasn't stalking me.

Edited November 13, 2013 by Sayaka Maizono

[Radiance64 7,053]

In Baltimore again huh... about 872 miles away from me.

Really wish I could have went last time, it's certainly a lot more possible for me this time though. Still, there are a few things I would need to do before I'd be able to get there myself, but I've got time(and money now), and am willing to just to meet people like you guys. Maybe I'll see y'all there, just maybe.

[Lost Profile 644]

my friend from last bronycon has already registered as a diamond sponcer!

 

as for me... im still seeing if i can dig out the money for a diamond, but even if im not a diamond, im still gonna go again!

 

last year... i was platinum! AND IT WAS AWESOME!!!!

[K.K. Slider 391]

Already got my ticket reserved and have a room rented. Knew I would have to do it right away, so I did on November 4th when things were announced. Couldn't get a room until the Tuesday before the con this year due to low funds, and that Motel 6 sucked. This year I'm staying at the Hilton, but only because it's the most convenient. There are better hotels for less money nearby.

 

Those still trying to find a room might check with the Royal Sonesta. It's a 7-minute walk away and a room with double beds is $200 a night. Better than the approximately $400 you'll pay at the Hilton without the convention discount.

 

You were smart to get a room ASAP, they sold out in three days! I got very lucky and managed to find a room at con rate after the fact...either the block being expanded, or people canceling their reservations. I refreshed the Hilton's reservation page once every 30 minutes or so, and bam, there it was! It might be worth trying, who knows?

 

I thought the Hilton was alright. It's about everything you'd expect from a hotel, name brands tend to have the same standards set everywhere. For those who are newbs, it's definitely the most convenient hotel, as it's directly connected to the convention center via skybridge. As close as you can get, but if I'm not mistaken the Marriott is pretty close too, though it's also sold out. The Hilton also contains some convention functions.

 

We'll also have a member meetup the first day or the day before so people can get acquainted and spend some time together collectively.

 

That's great! Were you thinking at a restaurant? Somewhere in the convention center? Perhaps a pub crawl later in the night?

Edited November 13, 2013 by K.K. Slider

[Scootaloo Is Best Filly 578]

I'm probably gonna stay at a different hotel. Thanks but as I was checking I saw both hotels were way out of my price range. I kina can't affor a 200 something or 300 something hotel. I have this other hotel in mind and might just take a cab to bronycon, what do you guys think? Has anyone ever done that before?

[K.K. Slider 391]

I'm probably gonna stay at a different hotel. Thanks but as I was checking I saw both hotels were way out of my price range. I kina can't affor a 200 something or 300 something hotel. I have this other hotel in mind and might just take a cab to bronycon, what do you guys think? Has anyone ever done that before?

 

There are other hotels available at convention rates that aren't far off! I think the furthest is about a 15 minute walk. Check this page. Only the Hilton and Marriott are currently booked full as far as I know.

 

Have you considered finding roommates to split the costs? It's pretty standard and you'll see a ton of threads crop up  lookings for interested folks as the convention draws near. I personally prefer to host a room myself as I'm able to select my roommates and decide/enforce the rules. I've had great and mixed experiences in other's rooms, so I figured hosting works best for me.

 

I have taken a cab from a different hotel to Canterlot Gardens. About a 15 minute drive. Rode with my roomies and we split the fare. It can definitely add up and we had to wait on the cab, so it wasn't ideal. It was also a pain not being able to easily access the room. You're better off finding some roomies (either in someone's room or your own) closer to the con IMO.

Edited November 13, 2013 by K.K. Slider

[Scootaloo Is Best Filly 578]

I think I have found an ideal place that's a lot more affordable. And from what I'm reading It's only like 400 dollars and that's for a 3 night stay. That's more of the cost I'm willing to do. 

 

It's called the Sheraton Inner Harbor Hotel, and from what I am reading it's pretty close to Bronycon.

 

I am just waiting for my dad, I always like a second look just to make sure, this hotel is good enough, that I am not paying in advance, etc.etc.InSheraton Inne

 

Jumped right onto registering though, I'll only be going Saturday to save a little money, but, at least I'll be there.

r Harbor JHotelner Harbor Hotel

 

 

The only downfall for me is they don't have free Wifi. That is kind of a con for me, as I think it would be for anyone, but that's not the most important thing.

Edited November 13, 2013 by Scootaloo Is Best Filly

[K.K. Slider 391]

It's called the Sheraton Inner Harbor Hotel, and from what I am reading it's pretty close to Bronycon.

 

My friend had his room party in the Sheraton Inner Harbor. Having walked there, it's not bad. About 6-8 minutes at a decent pace. He personally would have preferred the Hilton or Marriott, but it's tough game.  The Sheraton is probably your best bet.

 

The only downfall for me is they don't have free Wifi. That is kind of a con for me, as I think it would be for anyone, but that's not the most important thing.

 

You can bum free Wi-Fi at the Jimmy John's near the convention center. Follow the crowds!

Edited November 13, 2013 by K.K. Slider

[Creamy Arty 6,252]

I promise this time I won't miss meeting anybody! I met a few and saw a few but I really am not popular enough here to have made any impact on anyone.

 

We didn't speak to each other at the convention and we don't really know each other except by name on the forum, but I do recall seeing you in passing. Not sure if you would qualify that as "impactful," but I haven't forgotten.

 

You were smart to get a room ASAP, they sold out in three days! I got very lucky and managed to find a room at con rate after the fact...either the block being expanded, or people canceling their reservations. I refreshed the Hilton's reservation page once every 30 minutes or so, and bam, there it was! It might be worth trying, who knows?

 

I thought the Hilton was alright. It's about everything you'd expect from a hotel, name brands tend to have the same standards set everywhere. For those who are newbs, it's definitely the most convenient hotel, as it's directly connected to the convention center via skybridge. As close as you can get, but if I'm not mistaken the Marriott is pretty close too, though it's also sold out. The Hilton also contains some convention functions.

The Marriott is a seven-minute walk from the convention center. Pretty close by my reckoning. Yeah, the Hilton is a decent hotel with everything you need in a convenient location if you're in town for a convention, I just think the regular rate per night is obscene.

 

That's great! Were you thinking at a restaurant? Somewhere in the convention center? Perhaps a pub crawl later in the night?

@Apple Bloom organized it this year. Haven't discussed next year yet, but until something is said otherwise I assume he planned to do it again. Everyone gathered at a fountain near the convention center and just chilled for a while by my understanding. Nothing that required any additional money or an age limitation. Official forum meetup aside, I'm down for whatever anyone wants to do.

Edited November 14, 2013 by Artemis

[Dsanders 5,747]

Tis impossible for me It's too far away and we don't have the money for such a trip. I fear that I will never go to a single Bronycon in my life  

I know that feel Misty Pie.

 

Honestly, with all the money and overall financial issues I've been having lately, I doubt I'll ever be able to go to a single Bronycon as well. At least for a while. Maybe when I'm in my twenties and move out and save all the money I can, I might be able to go. But who knows really. 

 

I'm kinda disappointed that once again it's in Baltimore. I get the place is popular and easily accessible for a lot of bronies who live nearby, but it's simply not fair for us Californians, or those bronies who live more down south. 

 

I wish the Bronycons at least had a bit more variety in the locations they are held at for each year.

 

Sigh...

 

 

Maybe we could go together to a Bronycon one day Misty Pie. You never know.

[Gone Airbourne 21,977]

Nice its going to be in Baltimore again. I missed my chance last time and could not go. But I plan on going to this one seriously. Time to start a saving.

[Heatwave 177]

Eh, I'm on the other side of the continent...that won't work...

[Denim&Venöm 18,726]

Awesome, then I probably saw you at the table when you signed up. I was one of the dudes manning it. We probably brohoofed in the line to the closing ceremonies too.

 

 

 

 

 

One thing I was wondering about that. If I remembered correctly, didn't people who registered to the forums at the convention get a special prize or something?

[Misty Rose 3,216]

I know that feel Misty Pie.

 

Honestly, with all the money and overall financial issues I've been having lately, I doubt I'll ever be able to go to a single Bronycon as well. At least for a while. Maybe when I'm in my twenties and move out and save all the money I can, I might be able to go. But who knows really. 

 

I'm kinda disappointed that once again it's in Baltimore. I get the place is popular and easily accessible for a lot of bronies who live nearby, but it's simply not fair for us Californians, or those bronies who live more down south. 

 

I wish the Bronycons at least had a bit more variety in the locations they are held at for each year.

 

Sigh...

 

 

Maybe we could go together to a Bronycon one day Misty Pie. You never know.

 

You have no idea how amazing it would be to go to a Bronycon with you As long as one comes near us it will

[Dsanders 5,747]

You have no idea how amazing it would be to go to a Bronycon with you As long as one comes near us it will

 

Such a time with you would just be indescribably amazing. <3

Edited December 4, 2013 by Dsanders

[Derpaholic 1,155]

Oh godz how I wish I could go 

But unfortunately my service in the Finnish defence forces lasts until September and I doubt I'll be getting enough time off for a trip to USA to be worth it... Not gonna spend over 1500€ to spend just one weekend there.. 

I'm already planning to attend Crystal Fair in Helsinki on July 4th-6th. That's gonna be enough trouble explaining to the higher-ups. I can see it now...

 

"Sergeant 'X' sir. Permission to speak? Thank you. Could I get a vacation for this weekend? 'Why'? You see I'm planning to attend this convention about My Little Pony. Yes, My Little Pony, the cartoon about magical colourful ponies. I'm a brony you see. 'What's that'? Oh a brony is an adult fan of the series, we're mostly males between 16-30 years old. No, I'm not joking..."

 

So yeah.. I highly doubt I'll attend, but I'll be there in the spirit with you 

You could always attend BUCK, you know. I can't afford to blow 1500+ euros on a three-day trip to the states, either, but the United Kingdom is a lot closer, the travel expenses are infinitely more affordable, and I think it's safe to say that BUCK is the second biggest pony convention in the world.

As for Crystal Fail... well, something tells me that it's not going to be a huge success.

Edited December 4, 2013 by Bron-Yr-Aur