Frequently Asked Questions

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Q1. Why are ticket prices changing?

The event landscape we find ourselves in in 2022 is hugely different to the one we’d planned ahead for our TFN 2020 event.

Attendees who were kind enough to roll over their tickets after 2020’s event was cancelled helped us to keep TFNation secure during the coronavirus pandemic. The three years between events have been very difficult as our continuing bills needed to be paid in spite of us not being able to generate income. As a result, the rolled-over ticket money has been almost entirely depleted.

To add to this, by our calculations our various suppliers have increased their charges to TFNation by an average of about 20%. Some of these are modest rises which should be expected annually, whilst some of the elements we hire for the event have dramatically risen in price by over 45%. We anticipate there will be additional charges to the event in this new more safety-conscious age.

Simply put, the prices attendees paid in 2020 cannot pay for a TFNation-quality event in this new landscape. We’ve therefore had to take the difficult decision to change our offering to ensure the event remains viable.

Q2. Why is TFNation adopting a new price structure, rather than simply increasing the price of existing tickets?

There are two main reasons for this;

  1. We may need additional income, but upping prices across the board would mean all attendees would have to pay more, regardless of whether they wanted to attend elements such as Clubcon. By dividing up the offerings, we are enabling attendees to only pay for the elements they want.

    If you want to attend every part of the convention, that’s brilliant! If you’re not a big Clubcon person but would rather attend the Friday show, that’s a choice you can make now.

  2. Now more than ever, room capacity is very important. Separately ticketing different events will help us to secure and hire the most appropriately sized halls in future.

Q1. What’s happening with Weekend Tickets that were rolled over from the abandoned 2020 event?

2020 Weekend Tickets which were rolled over (with a face value of £75.00) will now be transformed into 2022 Saturday and Sunday Tickets (with a combined face value of £80.00); in addition to this, attendees who rolled over will also be afforded free access to the Saturday Evening Clubcon event (face value £15.00).

We know this is slightly different to the ticket you originally purchased, and hope you will understand the efforts we have made to look after you as best we can, whilst also securing the event for future years.

Q2. Can I also purchase the new Friday ticket?

Yes, Friday tickets can be purchased separately. Rollover ticket holders will receive advance access to Friday ticket purchases.

Q3. Can I upgrade my Saturday ticket to include Early Access?

Yes you can! (Subject to availability).

If your rolled-over booking included Saturday tickets, you can upgrade them to include Early Access by visiting the Order History page, selecting the ticket(s) you wish to upgrade and then clicking the new "Purchase Upgrades" button.

Q1. What happens on Friday?

Scheduled to run from early afternoon until late, Friday at TFNation is a whole day of panels and entertainment, before our Trader Hall opens on Saturday morning.

Traditionally Friday has hosted elements such as the fan-favourite Matrix Test Quiz; officially-licensed movie viewings; rarity panels and special guest entertainment segments.

Q2. Why is Friday now a separately ticketed day?

Friday at TFNation started as an "early arrivals" day, with available crew providing light entertainment for attendees who arrived a little early, in an office that seated 75 people. The day was personally subsidised by senior TFN crew.

As TFNation has grown and Friday has become a fully-fledged convention day, we have had to upscale our room hire and A/V needs dramatically to meet rising demand. These heightened needs, combined with increased costs generally, mean it is no longer viable for crew to personally subsidise the day.

Rather than ending our Friday offerings, we instead decided in 2022 to relaunch Friday as a ticketed day like any other. This helps us to budget accordingly, book the correct-sized halls, and means we can continue to deliver a high-quality attendee experience.

Q1. What does a Saturday ticket include?

Saturday tickets grant you access to our highly anticipated Trader Hall (typically from 10:45am), and to all of Saturday’s panels.

With the exception of special attraction-type tickets (such as 2023's Legend Pass) there are no additional charges for autographs once you’ve entered the event (up to two autographs per guest included); this is different to many conventions where you are charged extra after entry.

Keep an eye on our event schedule page, to see our exact panel offerings as they are announced.

Q2. Is early access included?

No. If you wish to enter the Trader Hall one hour earlier than regular entry (typically from 9:45am) you will need to purchase the Early Access add-on ticket.

Please note, the Early Access ticket includes your Saturday admission; so you don't need to buy both.

Q3. Is Clubcon included?

No. If you wish to enter the Clubcon evening entertainment event, you will need to purchase the Clubcon add-on ticket.

Q1. Why is TFNation now offering a Saturday Early Access Ticket?

Since 2016, an Early Access Saturday Ticket has been something attendees have asked us for a lot, so it's always been on our radar.

2019 was our trial year for separating the Trader Hall from the Main Panel room; with that change being so well received, we are now in a position to offer Early Access tickets whilst still catering for our other valued attendees.

(Early Access was originally scheduled for our 2020 event which was abandoned during the coronavirus pandemic)

Early Access tickets also help the crew to safely control the flow of attendees into the halls during our busiest period, at a time when event capacity and safety is more important than ever.

Q2. Why is it just for Saturday?

Saturday morning is the busiest time at the convention and the first opportunity for attendees to enter the Trader hall, so a Saturday morning Early Access ticket makes the most sense.

Q3. How early is early access?

Early Access to the Trader hall will be from 9:45am on the Saturday morning, with regular access following at 10:45am.

Q4. Will you offer Early Access tickets for other event days?

That's not in our plans right now, but as ever, we’ll keep an eye on attendee feedback to see whether there is any demand for this.

Q5. Is there a charge for Young Adults? (16-17 year olds)

Yes. Whilst Young Adults still get their general entry tickets for free, Early Access tickets are offered at a set price to everybody aged 16 and over.

Q6. Is there a charge for Children (Under 16s)

No. As with general admission tickets, children can enter during Early Access provided they are accompanied by a person holding an appropriate adult ticket. (Though please note, the Early Access period is expected to be very busy, so please keep this in mind)

Q7. If I buy a Saturday ticket can I upgrade to early access later?

Yes you can, subject to availability.

Once you have purchased a Saturday ticket you can upgrade it to include Early Access by visiting the Order History page, selecting the ticket you wish to upgrade and then clicking the new "Purchase Upgrades" button.

Q1. What is Clubcon?

Clubcon is TFNation's annual Saturday evening entertainment segment. Past Clubcons have included advertised and surprise segments including quizzes, live script readings, a comedy improvisation show, and our fan-favourite presentation of Transformers Animated Season 4: Trial of Megatron.

Clubcon is also home to TFNation's annual Pretenders Cosplay Parade.

Q2. Why is Clubcon now a separately ticketed event?

Clubcon is an expensive event to produce, making heavy use of staging, sound and lighting effects for which we hire professional engineers. Up until 2019 the TFN crew were able to personally subsidise the event for attendees, but as a result of rising costs, this is no longer possible.

Rather than ending Clubcon, we instead decided to make it a ticketed event, which will help us to budget accordingly.

Q3. Do I need to have a Saturday ticket to purchase a Clubcon ticket?

Yes. Clubcon is a Saturday evening upgrade, so you must hold a Saturday ticket to purchase a Clubcon ticket.

Q4. Will I be able to purchase toys during Clubcon?

No. Whilst there may be some convention-exclusive merchandise available for purchase, the Trader Hall does not form part of the Clubcon evening entertainment event.

Q5. Is a Clubcon ticket optional?

Yes! Clubcon takes place on the Saturday evening. Whilst we hope many attendees will enjoy the event, we also appreciate some attendees may not wish to attend. For this reason, the Clubcon ticket is an optional add-on.

Q6. Is there a charge for Young Adults? (16-17 year olds)

Yes. Clubcon tickets are offered at a set price to everybody aged 16 and over.

Q7. Is there a charge for Children (Under 16s)

No. As with general admission tickets, children can enter Clubcon provided they are accompanied by a person holding an appropriate adult ticket. (Though please note, as an evening event Clubcon may from time to time include adult-themed humour).

Q1. What does a Sunday ticket include?

Sunday tickets grant you access to our Trader hall (typically from 10:00am) and access to all of Sunday’s panels, including our emotional Closing Ceremony.

With the exception of special attraction-type tickets (such as 2023's Legend Pass) there are no additional charges for autographs once you’ve entered the event (up to two autographs per guest included); this is different to many conventions where you are charged extra after entry.

Keep an eye on our event schedule page, to see our exact panel offerings as they are announced.

Q2. Is early access included?

No. There is no Sunday Early Access option this year.

Q3. Is Clubcon included?

No. Clubcon is a Saturday evening add-on event.

Last Update: 28th July 2022. The health and well-being of our attendees, guests and crew is of paramount importance to TFNation.

As we get nearer to the convention dates, we'll update this section to give you more information about the measures TFNation, and our venue, will have in place for you.

Q1. Will TFNation have a Covid-19 (and variants) policy?

Yes.

That's the short answer; the health and well-being of our attendees, guests and staff is absolutely paramount to us. As you may expect though, the full answer is a little longer.

TFNation is based in the UK, so our finalised policy will be based upon Government rules and local health advice which will be in place in the summer of 2022. We’ll therefore be keeping an open mind and updating this FAQ throughout the year, as required.

Q2. Is the Hilton Birmingham Metropole taking any measures?

Yes.

Hilton Hotels often lead the way in cleanliness in hospitality settings. Since our 2019 event, the hotel has had a full refurbishment meaning all rooms will be sparkling and new in time for TFN2022.

They’ve also gone even further since the pandemic began. Hilton has implemented a new "CleanStay" system to ensure their rooms and amenities are cleaned to the highest standard.

The new standard includes enhanced cleaning and sanitisation for touch sensitive areas, such as switches, electronic controls, handles, bathroom surfaces, climate control panels, telephones, clocks, bed and bedding, bath amenities, hard surfaces, closet good and in-room food and beverages.

Q3. Will I need a vaccine passport / proof of vaccination to enter the hotel or TFNation 2022?

No.

Since our Covid-19 policy was launched at the beginning of the 2022, the landscape has changed dramatically. Most notably the UK Government has withdrawn domestic COVID passes for events, which we were looking to rely upon as proof of vaccination status. One by one, international borders have reopened and large events have returned around the world.

The end result is, whilst we remain committed to safety and well-being, it is now going to be impossible for us to try and enforce our original policy, given the world around us has changed so much. We’ve explored several different avenues but ultimately, we don’t like any response which would see attendees being treated differently based on the place they call home - that’s not the TFN way.

Q4. Do I need to be vaccinated?

We strongly recommend attendees obtain all of the vaccinations and booster jabs available to them, provided your pre-existing health makeup allows you to do so. (Please seek qualified medical advice, local to you).

Q5. Do I need to take a lateral flow or PCR test?

We strongly recommend attendees take a lateral flow test prior to travelling, just for peace of mind. Whilst the UK Government has unfortunately removed free access to these for most people, they can still be bought for a small price at pharmacies.

Q6. I have symptoms, can I still attend?

No

If you are displaying symptoms, please do not travel. (In relation to that point, it remains our advice that attendees should always have appropriate travel insurance in place prior to commencing their journey)

Q7. Will I need to wear a mask?

We see TFN as a mask-friendly zone and we encourage attendees who feel more comfortable in masks to wear them without worry. As the Government has removed the necessity for masks to be worn in hospitality settings, it is likely you will encounter members of the public who are not masked as we share the hotel with other events and guests, so it may provide you with some reassurance to carry your own.

Q8. What measures will be in place?

We will be encouraging attendees to maintain good hygiene, with frequent handwashing. Hand sanitiser will be freely available in various locations around the event, including every public bathroom.

We have taken the decision to implement separate queuing systems, to try and afford attendees additional comfort when waiting to enter our various event halls. New signage and (not so new) crew members will be on hand to point you in the right direction.

Perhaps the biggest change, we have redesigned our trader hall floor plan. We’ve always done our best to provide extra wide aisles compared to similarly sized events, but the new floorplan will see us affording additional space around doors and at the guest area of the hall, so attendees can more easily practise social distancing when queuing, should they wish to do so.

We offer complimentary Essential Companion tickets to those attendees who require additional support in the form of a carer in order to enjoy our events.

In order to offer this we need to first verify attendees suitability by asking that they provide some evidence of their need for substantial, significant or frequent support.

Q1. How do I apply for an Essential Companion Pass?

To apply for an essential companion pass you must contact us at info@tfnation.com with details of why the additional support is required, and evidence to support your application, for us to verify.

Once we receive the evidence the team can make a decision regarding your application. If approved, the attendee will need to purchase their ticket(s) for the event and then email us with their booking reference and the full name and date of birth of the essential companion they wish for us to add to the booking. We will then update the booking with the additional ticket and send you an email confirming this has been done. The extra ticket will appear under your order history, where it can also be downloaded at any time.

Q2. What forms of evidence do you accept?

The evidence we accept includes:

  1. A copy of any Nimbus / Access Card for us to verify.
  2. A copy of the PIP decision letter showing the first page with the full name/address and headed paper clearly visible; the assessment page which is usually the second to last page; and the mobility scores which are normally on the last page. If you are not within the UK, then we ask for a copy of the equivalent documentation from your country of residence.
  3. A copy of any benefit entitlement (optional).