ATTENDING WITH FAMILY
Here at TFNation, we are serious about doing everything we can to provide a welcoming, accessible and inclusive environment for all of our attendees. This quick guide gives a general overview of the facilities offered by the convention and our advice for families!
We also have a PDF version of this guide here!
Children
TFNation welcomes children, particularly as they are the next generation of Transformers fans!
We aim to be an inclusive convention. Children aged under 13 are admitted free when accompanied by a responsible paying adult. Young children receive a lanyard instead of a wristband, as we are aware that children like to fiddle/play, which can result in a wristband becoming too tight and uncomfortable. Those ages between 13 and 17 receive a "Teen" concession.
Additionally, Teens ages 16 and 17 do not require adult supervision. They will, however, need to bring photo ID so we can check their age.
Although the convention is quite small, please ensure that your child has your contact number in case they get separated from you.
Unfortunately, we cannot make every aspect of TFNation child-friendly. We are limited by finances, logistics, facilities, and our attendees. Please contact TFNation directly if you have any questions, or if you can offer suggestions or resources to help make TFNation more family friendly.
The Hotel
Hilton Birmingham Metropole provides an extensive offer of accommodation within 790 guest rooms and suites, including Family Rooms. Some family-friendly hotel features include:
- Children's menu
- Cribs
- Family Packages Offered
- High Chairs
- Wi-Fi
Family bedrooms are not able to be booked via the TFNation microsite. Please call the hotel directly to discuss your family room needs. There are also other hotels within walking distance available, which you can check out on our website here.
Travel
The hotel is located in the centre of the UK and is easily accessible by air, rail, or car, whether you are travelling from the North or South, or even internationally!
Travel by Air & Rail
Upon arrival at Birmingham International Airport (BHX), take the complimentary monorail for a fast and easy journey to Birmingham International Railway Station.
From the station, you are able to take a 5 minute taxi ride to the venue.
Alternatively, the Hilton is approximately a 15-minute walk from the Railway Station.
Travel by Car
The hotel is located 200 yards from Junction 6 of the M42 Motorway and A45. Please use the postcode B40 1PP if using a Sat Nav!
From the North: M6, then M42 exit at Junction 6.
From the South: M40, then M42 exit at Junction 6. M5, then M42 exit at Junction 6. M1, M6, M40, then M42 exit at Junction 6.
Parking
The hotel includes an award-winning 700-space "Safe Park" car park. Parking is charged at the hotel's rate.
Should spaces fill quickly, the nearby National Exhibition Centre has thousands of parking spaces! You can find out more about their pricing and car parks here.
Please keep an eye on our social media accounts, or join our newsletter, to stay informed of any travel disruptions that may affect your journey to the convention.
Ticket Collection
Once you have purchased your ticket online, and you have received confirmation of your purchase, you don't need to do anything until the weekend of the event.
Our Welcome Desk is open of Friday morning for our weekend attendees to collect their wristbands (or lanyards for children). All you will need is the barcode found on your confirmation email.
The email can be printed onto paper, or you can save it to a smartphone or tablet (smartwatch screens are too small).
If you are a young adult (older than 16, but younger than 18), people bring photo ID verification to the convention so we can double-check you have the correct ticket for your age.
Don't worry if you can't access your email on the day! Your name and address should help us find your booking(s). Please help us by bringing some photo ID with you, such as a passport or driving licence, in case we require it.
The Convention
All attendees at the convention tend to be warm and welcoming. Often, you will find fans sitting in the communal areas of the hotel discussing Transformers. Don't be scared to stroll up and join them! Any positive comments about Transformers are bound to break the ice and start a conversation!
The programme for the weekend, found here, will inform you of all the details of what is happening and where. If you are unsure of where any events are being held, please just ask one of our crew or volunteers.
Volunteers
We have a large team of friendly volunteers who will do all they can to assist you. During the weekend they will be wearing brightly coloured T-shirts with 'Volunteer' or 'Crew' written on them. If you need any help at any point, don't feel scared to approach them and ask; we are always around to help!
Breastfeeding & Baby Changing
If you need space at TFNation to feed your infant or toddler, change nappies/diapers, or breastfeed, please contact one of our volunteers for advice.
Child Friendly Activities
As TFNation continues to grow, we aim to include more child-friendly activities and include warnings where possible if a panel is likely to include adult content.
Currently, children can visit the voice actors, get their autographs and often, with permission, have their photograph taken with the actor.
They can also ask the artists to draw their favourite Transformers character for them for a small charge. There is even a colourist on site if required!
In The Forge, there are many fan artists who have different talents and items for sale, such as keyrings and posters.
And, of course, our main convention room contains Europe's largest Transformers toy salesroom, with thousands of new and old toys for sale.
Often during the daytime, as well as after the Cosplay competition on Saturday night, you will find many Transformers wandering the corridors happy to have their photograph taken.
Every year we hope that the Transformers cars will join us. Keep your eyes glued to our website for further details!
As you can see, TFNation aims to keep all children happy. Whether you are aged under 18, or simply a child at heart, everyone is welcome!
Money
A lot of our traders accept both cash and card payments. There is a cash point in the hotel lobby, but it does tend to charge. Resorts World also has a cash machine which can be found in the Ground Floor Atrium next to the Guest Services desk. This machine may or may not charge for withdrawals.
Food
If you have purchased a special TFNation-rate room at the hotel, then free breakfast is included. If you have booked a different type of room, please double-check.
The Hilton has many different styles of breakfast, e.g. fried and continental. Most breakfast items are self-service, but if you require assistance, the Hilton staff will be happy to help. The Hilton supplies a range of both dairy-free and gluten-free options, as well as vegetarian and vegan options. If you have any special requirements, it is best to speak with the hotel before you arrive for breakfast.
There will be food vendors at appropriate times during the convention in the public areas of the hotel. There are also various restaurants and bars throughout the hotel.
Within walking distance of the hotel is Resorts World, which is home to a uniquely attractive retail experience; 50 outlet stores under one roof! There is also an 11-screen cinema equipped to show the latest movies in 3D and digital. Resorts World has an international range of cuisines, from simple and locally sourced meals to an exciting international fusion menu. You can find out more about Resorts World here.