Gaming

F.A.Q.'s

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Exhibitor FAQ

When can exhibitors register for the 2012 expo?

2011 Exhibitors will be able to register starting in October. They will have until November 5 to confirm their spots. New Exhibitors will be able to register anytime after October 15.

Is the Exhibitor Hall sold out?

We have just started with the application process. We have added more Exhibitor space for 2012 so there are spots available for new Exhibitors.

Can I pay my exhibitor fees by credit card?

No we are not set up to accept credit card payments.  Exhibitor fees can be paid by cheque, money order or cash and should be mailed with pages 8 - 10 of the Exhibitor Package filled out.

Expo Strategy Guide

Getting to the Calgary Expo

Unless you’ve got superpowers and can fly or teleport most of you will require transportation to the Expo. There is parking on the Calgary Stampede Grounds. The cost is $13. You get a full refund if you leave within 30 minutes so your best bet is to have someone drop you off. Otherwise, take Calgary Transit. The LRT or C-Train stop called Victoria Park/Stampede is the one you need. It will only be a few minutes walk from here to the Expo.

You can also park on the street in nearby neighborhoods for a fee but should be free on Sunday.

Bring Cold Hard Cash

Even if you don’t think you will buy much at the show - take some Canadian coloured currency to prepare for unexpected expenses - like in case you want a snack or the booth that has that coveted collectible doesn’t accept debit. There will be ATM’s on site but I think you would rather spend time in a line where the piece of paper you get at the end is an autograph.

Consult Your Program Guide

We’ve put together a program of presentations, panels, films and other events. When you get to the Expo, you'll be able to get a schedule and one of the first things you should do is to sit down somewhere, study it and mark off the events you think you'd like to attend. Or if you have arrived early, look it over while you are waiting for the doors to open. The schedule will be available in advance on our website. You should mark down intriguing program items before you go. In fact, the website will be more up to date than the Program Guide which has to go to print several weeks in advance. If you don't do a little early planning, you will wind up missing some program item that you would dearly love to have attended.

Bring a Backpack, Bag, or Something

Whether you are bringing comics for Creator Guests to sign, or you are buying lots of stuff, you'll be glad when you have something handy to carry your stuff around in.

Food

First of all, you should bring some snacks to hold you over until you’ve got those absolutely necessary autographs, photo ops or collectables purchased. At some point though, you are going to want to eat. And when that time comes, it can be a challenge to find somewhere that doesn’t involve standing in a very long line. We have tried to add more food options this year to alleviate that problem. The Calgary Stampede will have their concession booths open as well as a food area in one corner. We’ll have Coco Brooks Pizza, Lemon Heaven drinks and Events4Fun will be selling mini donuts, pizza cones and slushes. Check the Program Guide for locations.

Bring Other Stuff

Here are some other accessories that some folks are happy to have and regret when they don't:

  • An autograph book or sketchbook
  • A good pen for getting autographs
  • A knapsack or satchel
  • A folder or other container to carry artwork
  • Books you want signed by professionals who'll be in attendance
  • A cell phone & charger (smart phones!)
  • Business cards
  • Snacks and/or a bottle of water
  • A note pad
  • Your camera and extra battery
  • Mints
  • Hand Sanitizer

Bring a Sidekick

There’s nothing worse then having an awesome experience like a beard-off with Jonathan Frakes or finding out what George Romero’s favourite meal as a kid and then have it turn into a ‘you had to be there’ story. If you bring a buddy then you can relive those awesome experiences and make your friends jealous want to come to the Calgary Expo next year...*ahem* Shameless plug *ahem*

Meet New Peeps or Tweeps

At The Calgary Expo there’s no such things as strangers, just friends you haven’t met yet. Strike up a conversation while you’re in line or waiting for a panel. Your friendly neighbourhood Calgary Expo contains a smattering of interesting folks. Some are there to sell merchandise but most enjoy talking to their readers, answering questions and such. The trick is not to approach them when they're mobbed or seem to be tending to more pressing matters, such as engaging in business discussions or dining. Asking for an autograph can be an easy way to approach them but most are perfectly content if you just walk up, extend your hand and say something like, "I've always wanted to meet you." Don't be afraid of professionals. Only a few of them bite and if you take a moment and watch how they treat others, you can probably figure out which ones those are.

Pace Yourself

There's so much to do and so much to see, and it's not uncommon for someone attending their first Calgary Expo to just run themselves ragged. Take advantage of all three days of the show. For example, use the Friday to buy your collectibles and Saturday and Sunday for panels and autographs.

Learn to Love Line-Ups

Lining up at our Expo is a fact of life. Whether it’s to pull out another Queen Elizabeth from the ATM or get that Limited Edition Shatnerd T-Shirt, chances are you will be spending some time in lines. This is where bringing a sidekick helps or something to read or entertain yourself. It makes line-ups fun.

Mind your manners

Be polite and let our guests know that you appreciate them coming to Calgary and our little pop culture show. If you’re polite and ask for an autograph or a sketch, most guests will be happy to oblige. Take out your book to a fresh page, tell them you’re a fan and would they mind doing a quick sketch for your personal collection.

Sometimes, an artist will post on their website their policy/procedure on sketches. Do your homework and that will benefit you in the long run.

Don’t Be ‘That Guy’

Having Neal Adams, Tim Sale and Mike Mignola come to the Calgary Expo is a tremendous honour and we appreciate them coming out to say hi to all the Expodites. With that in mind please respect them by not bringing everything, including your dog named Abe Sapian, to get signed. Take a few things for them to sign and maybe come back a few times so as to not bog down their booth space.

Never underestimate the power of comfy shoes

Alright, confession time you guys and girls. I love rocking the Converse All-Star Chuck Taylor’s like no one’s business, but after an hour of wearing them at the Calgary Expo, my feet wanted to seek other geeks. In other words, they were killing me or at least plotting to at the end of last year’s show. I recommend you wear some comfy, clean clothes and a nice pair of shoes with excellent cushioning. If you’re going to be at the show all weekend I recommend you alternate your runners to ensure maximum comfort.


Attendee FAQ

Where do I buy Autographs?

Autographs can be purchased at the Expo, at the actual booth where the autographs are being done (in the main hall room).

Is an autograph included in the price of the photo-op?

No, autographs are not included in the price of the photo-op and signing fees depend on which media guest you have your picture taken with.

Can I pre-purchase autographs the same way I can pre-purchase photo ops?

Typically the answer to this question is "no".   For the 2012 Calgary Expo, you will be able to pre-purchase autographs for Stan Lee as well as the group photo for the cast of Star Trek: The Next Generation.  All other autographs can be purchased on site in the autograph area.

How much do autographs cost?

The costs of autographs vary from guest to guest, agent to agent.  The autograph rates can often change at the last minute and are sometimes not set by the agent until the Media Guest is onsite for the convention.  A very loose guideline is that an autograph will usually cost around the same as a photo op.

Do I get a letter of authenticity with my autographs?

CGC will be onsite for the Stan Lee autographs, but there is not a verification service for any other of our guests.

Can I get an autograph while I'm getting my photo op?

The photo op time slots are strictly for photo ops only.  Autographs are not permitted in the photo op area but you can get an autograph at your guest's table during their designated autograph times. 

If I want more than one friend in my photo-op, do I have to purchase additonal vouchers?

Absolutely Not!!! You can have up to six people in a single photo op shoot (not including babies!). The photo op price is per posed picture, not per person. However, you will only get one 8" x 10" photo per voucher. Additional reprints and jpegs can be ordered onsite for $10.

Can I get extra copies of the photo for me and/or my friends? What can I do if I want to put the picture up on facebook?

You can purchase additional prints for $10.00 CDN. .jpegs will also be available for sale.

If I purchase a single-day pass for Friday but decide to come on a different day instead will I still be able to use that ticket?

Absolutely.  We have our online sales divided into days so as to help give us an approximate indication of how many people will be attending per day.  A single-day pass is valid for any of the three days, however, once it is redeemed it can not be used again.

How do the weekend passes work with admissions?

If you have purchased a 3 day pass then you will only need to go through the check in process once.  Your ticket will be scanned upon your first arrival and then you will be issued a badge which will allow your admission for the rest of the weekend.  Please do not lose your badge - pass holders who lose their badges will need to purchase new ones.

I have a VIP pass - can my friends wait in the VIP line with me for photo ops and autographs?

We love to encourage long lasting friendships here at the Calgary Expo, however, our VIPs have paid good money for their passes and if everyone started to bring their besties in the line up with them then the value of the VIP pass would be diminished.  The VIP line ups are for VIP pass holders only.  If you have any further questions regarding the VIP passes, please contact vip@calgaryexpo.com.  

If I have a weekend pass do I choose the time slot for my photo op or is it assigned to me?

You are responsible for choosing which time slot to go to for your photo op.  Be sure to check the schedule carefully to find out which days/times the photo ops for your chosen media guest are happening.  

Can you get (insert name of desired guest) to come to the Calgary Expo?

The answer to this question depends on many factors.  It depends on whether or not we have a way to contact this person, their availability, the costs of bringing them out, and if their willing to come to the show. If these things fall into place then we have ourselves a Media Guest!

My guest of choice isn't on the photo op schedule - what gives?

Some of our Media Guests prefer to do photo ops at their table.  There is still a fee for the photo op so be sure to pay attention to any signage/volunteers that may have important information for you regarding costs/procedures.

*No Current Contests*

What are the rules for your upcoming contest?


Comment on Emily Expo's FB status about this contest (www.facebook.com/askemilyexpo), and you could win a pair of VIP passes, a $200 gift certificate to Blame Betty and a $200 gift certificate to Dick & Janes.  Total value of the prize is nearly $1000. Contest closes on Wednesday, April 18, 2012 at 5 PM MST - Open to Canadian residents excluding Quebec.

Prizes must be accepted as awarded. The Prizes may not be sold, transferred and are not convertible to cash.

In the event that the potential winner does not comply with all the provisions as contemplated in these Rules, The Calgary Comic and Entertainment Expo shall have the right to disqualify potential winners and draw an alternate potential winner and the Calgary Expo shall be fully and completely released and discharged from any liability or responsibility in this regard.

RELEASE AND INDEMNIFICATION: By entering the Contest, each Entrant: (a) releases and agrees to hold the Calgary Expo, its respective directors, officers, employees and agents harmless from and against any and all costs, injuries, losses or damages of any kind, including, without limitation, bodily injury and property damage, or any other damage or loss, due in whole or in part, directly or indirectly, to participation in this Contest, any Contest related activity, or from acceptance, possession, use or misuse of the prize, or participation in any prize, related activity; and (b) agrees to fully indemnify the Calgary Expo and its respective directors, officers, employees and agents from any and all claims on the part of any third party or parties related in any way and for any reason to the Contest or to the prize, including, without limitation, death, and personal or property damage or injury.

The Calgary Expo is collecting personal data about entrants for the purpose of administering this Contest. No further informational or marketing communications will be received by entrants unless entrants provide Sponsors with explicit permission to do so as indicated on the entry form.

The odds of winning a Prize will depend upon the total number of eligible entries received during the Contest Period. The Calgary Expo, acting reasonably, will attempt to contact potential winner by email within 1 business day after the draw. In the event the potential winner cannot be contacted within 1 business day after the draw, he or she will be disqualified and an alternate potential winner will be drawn. Proof of identification must be provided upon request.

By entering this Contest the entrants and participants automatically agree to accept and abide by these Rules. All decisions of the Calgary Comic and Entertainment Expo with respect to any aspect of this Contest, including without limitation the eligibility of entries, are final and binding on all entrants in all matters as they relate to this Contest.