Botcon 2014

[Nigel]

June in Pasadena? www.seibertron.com/transformers/news/rumor-botcon-2014-to-be-held-at-the-pasadena-convention-center-pasadena-california/28278/

[kayevcee]

The Sheraton is an ugly and grossly overpriced hotel, and Pasadena is the most bleak, bland, soulless excuse for a city I have ever encountered. Never again.

-Nick

[Dezzeh]

Will be a tad busy with a newborn child, which is a shame.

[KoshNaranek]

I've attended for the past nine years and this is the first time I'm just not caring. Not because of the company I've kept, mind you. Marc, Andy, Matt and Nick are without doubt the best lads to be around and we've had good times. No, it's the location and the fact that there just seemed to be something missing from it this year.

I put on my feedback form that I was basically fed up with it coming back to the same area again and again, and I was really hoping it would move nearer the east coast to make it a bit more affordable. I know next year is a movie year, but the best BotCon ever is still the 2007 event and that was in Providence, Rhode Island.

They're going to have to pull something spectacular out of the hat to make me consider going next year.

- Tony

[Bogatan]

Same boat. And I actually like Pasadena as it still has a bit of an old art deco era look to it which is ancient history by US standards. And I really like that Santa Monica and Disneyland are nearby, but even I have reached a point of burn out with Disney I fear, 5 year out of the last 6 is a lot.

I would still maybe have been okay with it if they hadn't done San Diego this year, but southern California 2 years on the trot.

It's possible they'll do something spectacular being the 30th anniversary and a movie year, but I don't see it. The last movie year in 2011 is when things started to get lazy. The toys and comic were the best they have done, but that was because they outsourced the work and the best part of the convention was the live script reading based on that comic. Well that and the Prime script reading. I cant remember anything of interest at the convention last year and this year the show was saved by Glen Morshowers general excellence (and Mark then staying in character as him for the rest of the holiday)

[Marc Graham]

Although it is yet to be confirmed it seems inevitable.

Fairly disappointing to see the convention effectively settle in the west coast, whilst there is plenty of things to do there, its been there three times recently.

Can't see me travelling this time around. I am also effectively bored with the club at this point, so could well let my membership expire.

Of course having said that I have enjoyed every Botcon and had some really great times, but this year was a bit dull and doesn't sound like there is enough of a cause to trek back next year.

Marc.

[Jim]

Rumours have already surfaced at the Allspark forums of next years figures; it appears that FunPub contracted Rob Roberts (does some great customs and tweaks if you haven't seen his work: www.cheetimus.com/) to work on the designs and then managed to fall out with him, leading him to reveal that every figure from 2014 has been seen amongst his recent customs. Take it with a pinch of salt, but damn if I wouldn't like that Krok...

www.cheetimus.com/2013/09/action-master-krok.html

Could be deliberate misdirection, but as I'm far more inclined to go with incompetence over conspiracy (and bear in mind which organisation we're talking about) I find it compelling.

-Jim

[Bogatan]

Interesting, not sure I believe any of it, but if there is some truth to it, it wouldn't be a bad thing. I really love the Beast Wars stuff but I would be highly shocked if the 30th anniversary was given over to BW. The other stuff Krok, G2 Megatron etc look good, but hardly suggest a strong theme for the set which usually has a negative affect on the quality.

[Jim]

I believe Pete Sinclair recently made some comment about 2014 celebrating BotCons past, which some have taken to hint at a diverse set.

As long as we get a decent Action Master homage I am fine.

-Jim

[Andy Turnbull]

Some fantastic customs there looking through his website.

Love the redeco of Sky Shadow as Starscream's Pretender shell. Genius.

Andy

[Marc Graham]

Hmm, I'm pretty sure this guy has been around the fandom for a long time - going back to Alt.Toys.Transformers - he does some nice customs, but he seems to be falling out with everybody and everyone on a regular basis, so for once I wouldn't blame FP. Although they are absolutely shocking in their lack of information for next years Botcon given the 30th anniversary. Historically they've ran a good convention, a poor fanclub produced generally awful comics and a mixed bag of toys.

I'd treat anything with a pinch of salt, but I can't get excited for Botcon 2014, which given the anniversary is sad. I'll admit the set of subscription figures (series 2) looks good, but I feel burned out by the wait for the first set (many of whom I wasn't overly keen on and after waiting what seems like 2 years for them I just lost the interest).

[Bogatan]

Nov 4, 2013 11:30:46 GMT Marc Graham said:

Hmm, I'm pretty sure this guy has been around the fandom for a long time - going back to Alt.Toys.Transformers - he does some nice customs, but he seems to be falling out with everybody and everyone on a regular basis, so for once I wouldn't blame FP. Although they are absolutely shocking in their lack of information for next years Botcon given the 30th anniversary. Historically they've ran a good convention, a poor fanclub produced generally awful comics and a mixed bag of toys.

I'd treat anything with a pinch of salt, but I can't get excited for Botcon 2014, which given the anniversary is sad. I'll admit the set of subscription figures (series 2) looks good, but I feel burned out by the wait for the first set (many of whom I wasn't overly keen on and after waiting what seems like 2 years for them I just lost the interest).

Same here I've lost interest in the first subscription before even receiving most of them. Didn't want a repeat.

Given that the location and date for Botcon has been known for a few months now, I can't believe FP can't/wont confirm it. I suppose it will be December as usual. This year being the poorest Botcon I can remember hasn't helped build my interest much either.

[The Doctor]

As many long-time regular attendees are getting older and have less disposable income due to Real Life Responsibilities (thus needing reasonable notice for budgeting and holiday planning), this kind of dicking around with announcing dates and venues will bite them in the ass. They can't assume much of their customer base is folk in their late teens/early to mid 20's with disposable income anymore. I was at a Doctor Who con last weekend and the reg desk had information of when/where next years event was. I could have signed up and put in annual leave requests at work fairly sharpish if I had wanted to.

-Ralph

[KoshNaranek]

To put just one small word of defence in for FP, they're not totally to blame for the delay each year. Hasbro has a lot of influence on where BotCon will take place every year, and they have final say about when the announcement is made. From all accounts it was them who were pushing for Pasadena again. I'm not totally standing up for FP as they've made many blunders over the years and they do tend to faff about, but just want to put that in perspective.

Still, agree wholeheartedly with statements already made above. The delay definitely is not helping my waning interest in possibly attending next year.

- Tony

[Marc Graham]

June 19th Pasadena. Confirmed with no more info.

Probably be more about the new movie than a celebration of the brands 30 glorious years.

[Bogatan]

I really hate the use of "the Transformers Brand" it's very marketing /business speak. I'd expect Hasbro to use it at Toyfair, not at a fan convention.

If it wasn't the 30th anniversary I think I'd be out for sure, but I keep hoping FP pull off something really great that would make it worth attending.

Nov 13, 2013 0:20:26 GMT KoshNaranek said:

To put just one small word of defence in for FP, they're not totally to blame for the delay each year. Hasbro has a lot of influence on where BotCon will take place every year, and they have final say about when the announcement is made.

While true, its also become standard for FP to release the date right before Christmas, maybe thats still Hasbro, but announcing just before the shut down for Christmas seems a lot like an FP choice. Especially when all they release is the exact information that leaked 3 months ago.

[KoshNaranek]

I agree that it does seem like something FP would do, but just wanted to play devil's advocate for anyone who wasn't aware of how the relationship between FP and Hasbro worked. There is a tendency, although I wish to stress that it doesn't happen on this board as it's much more open minded than most, to jump on FP's case at times. I find them to be nice folks, even though their business decisions drive me up the wall a lot of the time.

I'm still not ruling out 2014 altogether as, like you, I really hope they can make the 30th Anniversary something really special that's worth the long journey. The corporate brand speak really is off putting, though.

- Tony

[Nigel]

I'm just looking into whether I can go to Botcon this year.

The Sheraton appears to be booked up already. Those who've been to the Pasadena conventions before, where did you stay?

Also, about how much does Botcon itself cost?

Thank you.

[Bogatan]

I'm wondering of the Sheraton blocked of just a small number of rooms when the initial deal was done and they got filled because the date leaked. When the full brochure goes up they'll probably have, more and if they don't they usually get a convention rate at another local hotel.

Last time we didn't get into the Sheraton, but stayed on the hotel on the next block, cant remember if it was a convention rate or not, but I'm pretty sure it was less than the Sheraton and the hotel was a little nicer. It was 5 or 10 minutes walk away so easy enough to pop back to once in a while if needed.

GBs The Unofficial Transformers Club and Convention Exclusive Data Pages is the essential guide to increasing convention costs.

Cost:
Last year was $365 (members price) usually adding $25 is a safe bet, but last years failed to sell and I think the price was at least partly to blame.

3 sets of add ons usually average $300 plus tax.

Custom class if you get in $100+, if the custom toy is available at registration almost as much still.

Pre-convention tours One on Wednesday one on Thursday allow $100 each.

Almost certainly one of the days will be Universal Studios to the TF Ride. And the Ride is amazing, especially if you get an excitable crowd, but FPs tour organisation is almost as bad as its on line organisation. Depending if your driving it might be worth going on your own, even if you go the same day as the tour at least you're free to come and go as you please.

Hotels, convention rate is usually $150-160 a night. There are cheaper hotels nearby. We spent a night before the convention in a best western/Travelodge type place near the university. It was walking distance but too far to pop back during the day without missing panels or events, but at least there is a choice. And again if driving you can park in the convention car park and drop of stuff there during the day.

Flights, me and my brother only discovered this last year so I'll mention it in case its useful to you, when looking for flights do it as a multi destination flight flying from Dublin to LA (or where ever) returning to you preferred UK Airport. It will be about £100-250 cheaper than just doing a return from the preferred airport. Then you just get a cheap flight to Dublin.

[Nigel]

Lovely, thank you.

When I looked at the Sheraton, it was both via the Botcon link for the block and directly on the Sheraton website; both said full for the convention dates. I've already found nearby hotels significantly cheaper than $150. The Dublin idea's a good tip, thank you.

[Nigel]

How much does the actual convention ticket itself usually cost?

Edit.
Oh, the $365 is the ticket cost, is it? I thought it was just the box set price.

[Bogatan]

The Primus package will be in the $375 region, which is the boxset of toys, the attendee toy and access to all panels and events including the Saturday Night dinner/casino thing.

Below that is the Iacon package which is the same as above but without the toys and probably doesnt include the Saturday Night. Thats usually way over priced at about $250ish.

After that the only option is a walk in which means buying a ticket on the door Saturday and Sunday. Tickets are usually $10-15 each day, but the queues are usually massive. By the time you get in you'll have missed a load of stuff each day and wont get into the Saturday Night or anything on Friday, which usually is about 5 hours of dealer room and panels plus sometimes evening stuff. You also have to buy an autograph card thing to get anyone's autographs.

If I haven't been clear, get the Primus package, even if you dont want the toys still get it and sell it in the dealer room, whatever the buying price you'll get at least enough back to make it cheaper than the Iacon package and you'll still have the Saturday night to enjoy.

[Bogatan]

Yup, Boxset and ticket combined.

And I just checked It's the Hilton next door(ish) and it is cheaper than the Sheraton. And the other we stayed at was the Howard Johnson Pasadena (E Colorado Blvd, Pasadena, CA) which at under £50 a night is even cheaper, but is 1.6 miles away.

[Nigel]

Thanks, Andy. Very helpful.

The convention including the toys and tours is more than I thought it would be, though the flights are perhaps less. I might be able to do this...

[Nigel]

Currently displayed on the Botcon homepage: "Hello attendees, if you are having a problem getting a room at the Sheraton, we have a second block at the Hilton, just 3 blocks from the Pasadena Convention Center... CLICK HERE!
If you have any issues getting a reservation for BotCon, please let us know".

Er, yeah, it would be nice if we could actually book the convention. :/

[Marc Graham]

Pre-Registration won't be for months yet. I'd guess March/April - they'll tease the boxset slowly before hand and do their usual faffing about.

Ah well.

[KoshNaranek]

Yep, what Marc said is par for the course with FP really.

- Tony

[The Doctor]

It strikes me that advertising a convention that people can't actually book for strikes me as a bit silly.

"Come to our convention! No we won't take your money yet!"

-Ralph

[Nigel]

Erk. I hope flights and hotels don't go up too much by March/April. I can't afford to book such an expensive trip now and risk missing actually booking the convention. I need to be sure of having a Botcon ticket first.

[The Doctor]

I think you're just discovered the flaw in Fun Pub's business model.

I hope it works out ok for you!

-Ralph