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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.
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.
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.
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 Most notably the UK Government has withdrawn domestic COVID passes for events, which we were looking to rely upon as proof of vaccination status.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.
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).
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.
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)
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.
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.
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.
The evidence we accept includes:
TFN: Mini-con® is the name we have chosen for our single day events. As the name suggests the event will be a smaller version of our 3-day summer convention. There will still be guests, traders, panels and the chance to socialise with friends all within a hotel location whilst being close to rail and road transport.
Yes, TFN: Mini-con®s will feature a trading area filled with Transformers goodness!
Manchester has a vibrant fanbase and excellent transportation links which make it idea for TFN: Mini-con®.
We hope to hold TFN: Mini-con®s in varying locations and decided to start with Manchester following the strong attendance of our Manchester The Gathering event.
TFN: Mini-con® has been specifically planned as a one day event, so right now there are no plans to add additional days, but we'll always listen to feedback from our attendees.
As TFN: Mini-con® has been planned as a one day event, there is no specific overnight attendee rate.
Attendees who do require accommodation are free to visit the hotel's website, or any other major hotel booking site.
Yes! When purchasing your ticket, you will be given the option to buy exclusive TFN: Mini-con® merchandise including our Tour Shirts (in feminine and unisex cuts) and our Teddy Bear companion.
Merchandise is available for pre-order only at this time, so be sure to get your orders in to avoid missing out!
The Picadilly Hotel is a great venue with a friendly events team.
The hotel is situated very close to Manchester Piccadilly railway station, making it easily accessible to attendees from both the north and south of the UK.
The rail links also mean the hotel is easy to reach from Manchester Airport, which is great for attendees looking to fly in from Ireland, or even further afield as part of a longer holiday!
The hotel features two bars and restaurants and a spa, for when you may desire a little time away from big fighting robots!
Yes! There are wheelchair ramps outside of the hotel, and all floors can be reached easily by lifts.
Our function rooms, based on the the first and second floors, are accessible via lifts and stairs and feature wheelchair-friendly doorways.
For attendees staying overnight, please visit the hotel's website to see the accessible bedroom options available to you.
There are numerous secure carparks within a short stroll of the hotel.
For attendees staying on site, the hotel also has it's own secure parking facility which can be accessed for an additional charge.
On the ground floor of the venue, you will find the hotel's fully-stocked bar and restaurant, which serves a variety of dishes including vegetarian and vegan options.
On the first floor, next door to our event space, you will find the Scottish Steakhouse (plant-based options are available) which also doubles as the breakfast area for overnight residents.
Finally you will also find another bar area within our event space, which carries a lighter offering for when you're grabbing a drink or snack on the way to a panel.
Within a short stroll of the hotel you will find "Escape to Freight Island" which is a streetfood and entertainment area.
Within a 10-15 minute walk you will find yourself in Manchester City Centre where you can visit geeky delights such as Travelling Man Comics, Forbidden Planet and the stores found within Manchester's Arndale Shopping Centre.
With many shops, cinemas and restaurants on our doorstep, we know you're going to love the location for our first TFN: Mini-con®!