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Post by Philip Ayres on Dec 24, 2015 10:01:58 GMT
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Post by Pinwig on Dec 24, 2015 11:03:11 GMT
Well I'll be. Soon as I manage to get to one they move the location!
Mind you, that is a good con hotel. Many memories of going to cons there.
Seems odd to place it so close to TF Nation timewise though. One in the summer and one in the autumn made sense, two a month apart doesn't to me. I'd probably not do both.
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Post by blueshift on Dec 24, 2015 11:05:35 GMT
That is a bit bonkers!!!
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Post by Pinwig on Dec 24, 2015 11:16:10 GMT
I do see the sense in the location move - Southampton has an airport but moving to London and staying by an airport will drum up more trade for sure. It kinda says that they're aiming to take AA's place rather than work in harmony with TF Nation. I can't see anyone really being pleased with this.
There is also the question now of the FubPub exclusives. Having those is a big coup for RORC, and I'd have happily gone to pick up the Botcon Tripredacus set as they're bound to have that, but if these FunPub rumours are true then where does that leave that relationship? I'm not yet convinced the FubPub rumours actually mean the conclusion everyone is jumping to, but I'm interested to know now if Pete Sinclair's 'fact finding' mission when he as over here came before or after he knew 'something' might be happening to Fun Pub.
Wouldn't surprise me if FunPub still handle the exclusive merch/mag/figures etc, but work in conjunction with another company/subset of Hasbro now managing worldwide Cons. Just seems odd to me that he should be here scoping out the interest in a proper euro con/better connections at the same time Hasbro put out that questionnaire, followed by a potential shift in the way the club works. Heck, even shifting RORC from Soton to London might be part of making it more accessible from America. Who knows. Sinclair was talking about FubPub exclusives past the end of 2016 at that point as he was saying they had three years of the GI Joe crossover sets lined up.
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Post by Bogatan on Dec 24, 2015 11:47:20 GMT
It was a 6 week gap between AA and RORC this year, next year the gap will be about the same just the other way around. I think it just sounds like July August should be closer than August October.
If not for the Botcon RORC link I would be certain the current rumours are true as a couple of people who usually are on the money have said the rumours have been confirmed to them. RORC was almost 3 months ago, plenty of time for things to change. If Hasbro have been weighing up extending FP license maybe FP were looking to link up with RORC to expand their operation as a way to show Hasbro they could make Hasbro more money/expanmd the fanbase/promote the brand or whatever they felt Hasbro were looking for.
Or maybe they wanted to show an ability to work as a subscontractor to the new exhibition company and being able to put on a UK and US convention helps their cause.
I dont know, but the pile up of end of FP rumours seems to keep growing, I'd now be very surprised if the club/con set up in 2017 looks much like it does now. The question is will it be good news for FP or not.
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Post by Bogatan on Dec 24, 2015 11:50:33 GMT
I can see from RORC postition why they did it, with the trasition from AA to TFN its a good time for the established convention to try and expand.
Just as Im glad I made it to the last one day AA back in 2008 I'm glad a Imade it to the (probably last Southampton RORC). I like to see how the show grow or change over time.
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Post by Pinwig on Dec 24, 2015 12:34:47 GMT
It was a 6 week gap between AA and RORC this year, next year the gap will be about the same just the other way around. I think it just sounds like July August should be closer than August October. Blimey you're right. That's odd isn't it. July/August August/October sound totally different. Looking at the calendar it'll be a six week gap rather than eight or so the other way round, but that's negligible. That all makes a lot of sense to me. It fits what's happening. The UK questionnaire makes more sense now; it doesn't feel like a random odd action if Hasbro worldwide are looking at changing the way they interact with fans. I can imagine HQ in the US putting feelers out to the provinces to say, so what kind of level of fan interaction can your territory support? Then we get the registration of the new Cybertron Con trademarks in areas outside the US. Certainly exciting. Something's definitely changing. |
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Post by The Doctor on Dec 24, 2015 13:13:21 GMT
I'm a bit more inclined trying out RORC now if I do a TF con next year as it is somewhere new.
-Ralph
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Post by inflatabledalek on Dec 27, 2015 3:26:42 GMT
I wonder if they decided to up the scale in the gap between AA being declared over and TFN being announced (though they thought they'd be the only UK con) or if it's a case of just taking advantage of being the known quantity. However unintentional it does create a duelling conventions feel.
I hadn't realised they were moving to London, I might try to make it for at least the day in that case (getting to Southampton from Kidderminster was always stupidly expensive by train, but the convention almost literally outside my house is always going to be the priority for a lazy bugger like me.
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Post by Pinwig on Dec 27, 2015 8:30:34 GMT
I don't think there's any divide between them and TFN because TFN had quite a strong presence at RORC in October and everyone seemed very friendly.
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Post by The Doctor on Dec 27, 2015 14:16:02 GMT
If they are at war they will have to settle matters with a con-test!
-Ralph
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Post by blueshift on Dec 27, 2015 15:34:47 GMT
If they are at war they will have to settle matters with a con-test! -Ralph Does the Hub have a preferred con? I was going to do TFNation as it is closer but if everyone is doing the other one... |
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Post by Andy Turnbull on Dec 27, 2015 15:40:01 GMT
If they are at war they will have to settle matters with a con-test! -Ralph Does the Hub have a preferred con? I was going to do TFNation as it is closer but if everyone is doing the other one... The Hub supports both. The folks involved in TFN are all good people and Dave Tree who runs RORC is a good chap as well. Andy |
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Post by blueshift on Dec 27, 2015 15:43:31 GMT
Does the Hub have a preferred con? I was going to do TFNation as it is closer but if everyone is doing the other one... The Hub supports both. The folks involved in TFN are all good people and Dave Tree who runs RORC is a good chap as well. Andy Yes absolutely, I meant more in a 'are people going to one rather than the other' as I doubt most people will go to both? (Unless they do) |
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Post by Andy Turnbull on Dec 27, 2015 15:44:41 GMT
Well as has been pointed out the gap between them is the same as it was between AA and RORC last year.
I will try and do both.
Andy
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Post by Pinwig on Dec 27, 2015 16:20:20 GMT
Undecided yet. RORC would have been a definite if it was still in Southampton due to proximity, but London during the mad rush at the end of the school year is less likely. TFN is a possibility as I'll be on holiday and if I can get a cheap hotel room in the vicinity the missus might some for a nose round Birmingham for the weekend too. There is also the chance RORC might be there with their left over exclusives too.
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Post by davetree on Jan 20, 2016 15:13:53 GMT
Undecided yet. RORC would have been a definite if it was still in Southampton due to proximity, but London during the mad rush at the end of the school year is less likely. TFN is a possibility as I'll be on holiday and if I can get a cheap hotel room in the vicinity the missus might some for a nose round Birmingham for the weekend too. There is also the chance RORC might be there with their left over exclusives too. Slightly saddened to read through this thread and see a LOT of assumptions and conclusions drawn with no basis of fact or reason? When planning this or any event, many factors come into play these might be availability, others might be feedback based and some are constraints that are placed. It is then a giant juggling match to work out and see what is possible. With respect to the brand itself, licenses and what can be done for Europe, this area takes up more time, effort and energy than any other aspect. Please never assume that what is available at one show will be available at another, as the success of the one it was intended for will directly affect the future availability of anything happening here again, we've got this far, please don't become complacent. It kinda says that they're aiming to take AA's place rather than work in harmony with TF Nation. I can't see anyone really being pleased with this. For the record, ever since Roll Out Roll Call started, it has always offered promotional space to Auto Assembly and TFNation for free, no charge. It gives those shows an opportunity to engage directly with like minded fans to try their event if they are on the fence. I can promise you no other show does this, yet, and no other show has fought to be able offer official exclusives at a third party show that isn't theirs either (last year's AA), so reading that is a real sting. From my personal perspective people tell me that what makes a great show are not the guests, toys, exclusives or venue etc but the friends that are made, so my question would be why limit yourself to one show a year, if that is what makes you the most happy? Any excuse to catch up with old friends, meet new friends and create (foggy) memories can only be a good thing right? Just a half full perspective, but feel free to ask any questions you like. All the best, Dave. |
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Post by The Doctor on Jan 20, 2016 17:28:02 GMT
To be fair, unless someone is involved in the 'behind the scenes' aspects of UK convention scene then they will speculate. I don't think anyone in this thread has meant to be overly critical at all. However, now you're here I'm sure everyone will be very friendly with any questions they may have.  -Ralph |
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Post by Andy Turnbull on Jan 20, 2016 21:26:11 GMT
Welcome back Dave!
Raloh is correct, there will be a lot of speculation on the behind the scenes stuff, there is always is. I'm sorry you feel folks have been overly critical, I certainly don't think that's anyone's intention - gossiping like old fishwives absolutely.
I do agree with you the best element of any convention is the social aspect of it, AA, Transforce etc it's all been at the bar chatting afterwards or inbetween are where the really great moments have been.
TFN (and certain members of AA) are absolutely greatful for your willingingness to champion other events and of course the lengths you've gone to, it certainly hasn't gone unnoticed by me, and I'm always happy to sing the praises of RORC, and if only my bloody work would confirm my holidays I'll be able to say for definite i can go this year!
Hope you check in from time to time as I am sure there will be more than a few questions.
Andy
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Post by billystripes on Jan 20, 2016 22:03:35 GMT
Would it be terribly rude of me to post before hitting the intro' threads?
It would wouldn't it? I'm terribly rude aren't I?
I'm sure we'll live. Hi! I'm Billy. I'm one of the TFNation crew. I stumbled across this thread today and whilst I don't feel I *need* to contribute, I felt it might be helpful to briefly note some of my / TFN's views on this summer's conventions. I'll be as brief as I can.
1. We love RORC. Dave has always been super helpful and accommodating of us and is aways the first to give us advice in our freshman year. If we can run a convention half as well as he does, we'll have done a fine job indeed. He gives great hugs too. For a southerner.
2. At the risk of sounding suck uppy, he's probably done more for the UK community than anybody else I can name instantly and without dry humour. The idea of a UK con having official exclusives has hitherto been unthinkable. Having climbed the mountain on everybody's behalf, I hope the fanbase gives him as much support as possible. I honestly have no idea where exclusives will be sold - but I know they'll be at RORC. That's where I'll be buying mine!
3. I've been asked about "con competition" a few times and this seems a good platform to give my views. I see no competition and will keep promoting RORC whenever I can. The gap between RORC and TFN is no different to that between RORC and AA, it's just RORC now has an earlier date. If anything I feel sort of fortunate that we have the later date as people will already be friends having met at RORC, which can only be a good thing for our late night drinkers. In the circus that is convention land there are a million variables which cause us to choose various dates / locations, so please don't read too much into it.
So as much as I'd love folks to come to TFN, my bigger hope is that folks just go to a convention - either convention, or preferably both. It's a great community and we want to see it grow and flourish.
Billy
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Post by Pinwig on Jan 20, 2016 22:40:31 GMT
Quite agree. I've been involved in running cons in the past and I know full well what goes into doing it. I went to RORC rather than AA last year and I loved every second of it. It was my first TF con since Botcon Europe 99 and despite the fact I didn't know anyone there I was thrilled to be part of what was going on and absorbed every second of the panels. It was brilliant and gave me a huge lift to see the fan community having such fun.
When I posted initially I didn't realise the dates for the two cons this year are as far apart as they are, something which was addressed later in the thread. Although I do think it's a shame with 12 months to play with that the expense of the two cons comes in consecutive months. Any dismay on my part, as stated, is down to the fact that I would love to go to RORC again this year, but the shift of date and venue makes it impractical for me.
RORC was awesome Dave, my lanyard insert from October is still propped up on my desk as a reminder of how much I enjoyed it.
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Post by browny87 on Jan 21, 2016 10:36:16 GMT
id love to go to both RORC and TFNation, the issue for me comes with cost, I buy a lot of toys like most people and I live in Leeds so Birmingham is the perfect place for me to get to rather than London,
Also as a college lecturer there is no chance of me being allowed that Friday off during term time for RORC so it causes me an issue hence why I going to TFNation, would've loved to go to both tho!
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Dezzeh
Thunderjet
Wait, what?
Posts: 4,886
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Post by Dezzeh on Jan 21, 2016 10:48:00 GMT
I'm still hoping to make it up to RORC, but will only be for the Sunday I imagine, budgets being what they are and all
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Post by Andy Turnbull on Feb 2, 2016 18:26:59 GMT
Ticket prices have now been announced for RORC.
Roll Out Roll Call 2016 Ticket Information has been announced.
Join Transformers, G.I. Joe and Action Force fans from around the world 8th to the 10th of July at the Radisson Blu Edwardian Hotel, London Heathrow.
There are a total of five ticket options available. Pick from one of three Limited Edition Ticket options that will rewards you with special access to special items, Standard Weekend Ticket or Sunday Ticket (please note Sunday is the only single day entry option).
What's more, children under the age of 12 enter FREE when accompanied by a paying Adult, Senior or Teen Ticket holder.
Ticket options:
Limited Edition Energon Ticket £75
1 X General Weekend Entry, 1 X Transformers Item + option to purchase 1 of each other Transformers Items*
Limited Edition International Hero Ticket £75
1 X General Weekend Entry, 1 X G.I. Joe Item + option to purchase 1 of each other G.I. Joe Items*
Limited Edition Crossover Ticket £105
1 X General Weekend Entry, 1 X Transformers Item, 1 X G.I. Joe Item + option to purchase 1 of each other Transformers & G.I. Joe Items*
*Option to purchase Items Friday 8th/ Saturday 9th only. Any unsold Items by Sunday 10th will be available for purchase to general public.
General Weekend Entry
Adult (18-59) £45
Senior (60+) £25
Teen (13-17) £30
Child (0-12) FREE
Upgrade Adult General Weekend Ticket to either Energon or International Hero Ticket £30
Sunday Entry
Adult (18-59) £25
Senior (60+) £20
Teen (13-17) £20
Child (0-12) FREE
In addition enjoy the show even more by benefiting from Roll Out Roll Call discounted room rates and stay at the Radisson Blu Edwardian Hotel over the duration of the show.
Early ticket booking and room reservation booking is highly recommended to avoid disappointment. Booking will be available shortly.
Andy
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Post by The Doctor on Feb 2, 2016 18:43:32 GMT
What is the 'Transformers item'?
-Ralph
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Post by blueshift on Feb 2, 2016 19:06:18 GMT
Half a Throttlebot
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Post by Benn on Feb 2, 2016 19:19:22 GMT
SOLD!
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Post by The Doctor on Feb 2, 2016 19:58:37 GMT
What is the 'Transformers item'? -Ralph Half a Throttlebot I hope it still has 'pull back and go' action. -Ralph |
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Post by Benn on Feb 2, 2016 20:08:58 GMT
I hope it still has 'pull back and go' action. -Ralph Just the 'Pull back' part. |
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Post by Kingoji on Feb 3, 2016 9:52:12 GMT
Typically some of the exclusives. Last year's Subscription figures would be a fair bet, possibly even selected items from this year's Botcon. I'd consider it 'TBA'.
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