This might be your first event attendance for TFNation. Or you just might need a few reminders. Or just can’t figure out why other people have issues with you.
Here are some basic do’s and don’ts when attending TFNation in addition to the regular do’s and don’ts.
For the overall regular do’s and don’ts, please go here.
BEFORE
Join the activities
TFNation is known for its community participation. Some are surrounded in planning meet-ups or group dinners. Some plan activities for during the event. Feel free to join any of these. However, be mindful of when someone is planning. Overall these activities are done pure for fun. And usually without any cost on your part. Don’t be the asshole who starts demanding someone proceeds with their activity with your idea. Or have them change their idea or plans for your benefit. Also, when someone tells you no, accept that. This is just as much for their benefit as it is yours. Especially when they do something FOR FREE!!!
Before going to TFNation, the buzz is going through the social media. Some make videos. Some make sure to stay up to date on social platforms. Always feel free to join those. But be sure to stay on your best behavior. Feel free to express your own opinions. But keep in mind that social groups are not about you. Don’t spam groups. Don’t agitate other members. If rules are set up in these groups, abide by them. If you don’t agree with these rules, feel free to start your own group. But don’t ruin the fun for others for your own pleasures or ego. One such a group is the People going to TFNation group on Facebook. Enjoy the community, but don’t spoil the fun.
Be prepared
Before you are off to see everyone and everything at TFNation, always keep an eye out for updates from the TFNation crew. Have everything ready. Be up-to-date. Signup to the TFNation newsletter for all the latest news items. Have all your needed info ready for registration. Either print it out or have it ready on your mobile device. Check out their website on the regular at www.tfnation.com. Follow them on their socials on Facebook, Instagram, X, and YouTube.
DURING
Taking up space
The dealers room is huge at TFNation. However between the tables and the attendees the suites can fill up quickly at any given time. Be mindful of your surroundings. Don’t take up more space than you need. Don’t be the asshole that has everything they own with them at the cost of other people walking the aisles. Don’t go in there like you are going camping for a week. If you have booked a hotel room, leave your purchases there. Limit the number of bags you carry with you. If you don’t have a room, contact the front desk. They can secure your possessions until you pick them up and leave. Don’t wear large backpack inside the dealer room. Make a wrong move and you don’t know who you might collide with.
Taking issue
The Hilton does not have the best reputation when it comes to interacting with the attendees of TFNation over the years. Issues can always happen. Please try to keep a forum of professionalism when dealing with the Hotel staff. If these are issues that do not seem to be able to get resolved, text or mail the TFNation staff to get it sorted out after the event. If it is an issue that requires more immediate attention, please seek out any of the TFNation crew. If they can’t help themselves, they will contact someone who does. Keep in mind that during the event these people are busy with their jobs. Don’t approach them unless it is absolutely necessary and you can’t fix the problem by yourself. Don’t blow up at anyone. Doing so will not help your case.
Hydrate
During the event it is important to keep yourself hydrated. Even though hotels are supplied with safe drinking water, there are too many variables to consider with bathroom water. Consider having bottled drinks with you. You can order them at the bar. You can also walk to the NEC and stock up on drinks at one of the many stores there. Don’t rely on alcoholic beverages to keep you hydrated. Moving around the dealers room and the temperature outside can cause dehydration. Alcohol can further the loss of hydration in your body. If you do decide to consume alcohol, also consider taking other beverages to keep your body cool and don’t dry yourself out and exhaust yourself when you need the energy.
COMMON COURTESY
We’re in this together!
We all share the hotel while the convention is in progress. It can be fun to hold activities at any location within the building. However, keep in mind that what you and your friends may see as fun may not be perceived like that by others. Make sure everyone has their space. And that everyone can have the choice to participate or not. Also, the Hilton is a public hotel. While the event proceeds other activities may also be running at that time. Be it private parties or other public activities. People may also be staying at the hotel on their own. Do not confront these people without their permission. They did not ask for our presence. Be kind and polite to them, especially if they do not share our interest in action figures.
IN A PARTY
Going out
TFNation is known for its community. Feel free to join any number of groups to go to the movies or have a bite to eat in between the activities of the event. You don’t have to know each other to have a good time with each other. TFNation is the place to forge new friendships. Just make sure you have people’s permission to join in. On the flip side, please feel free to invite people into your party. We are all there for the same thing. If we can all enjoy each other’s company, it can only make the experience for everyone all the better.
On the spectrum
Any event can be overwhelming. This is more so for people with social anxieties. Especially for people who are disabled one way or another. And people who are on the spectrum. They are not any different from other people at the convention. But they may need to move at the event at their own pace. Don’t ignore them. Don’t drag them up to your speed. Sit down with them, talk, and let them come to you. If you give them time to go at their own pace, they may surprise you and become the highlight within your party.
GUEST INTERACTION
Think before you speak
The panels are the heart of the convention. Compared to most other events they are smaller and more inclusive towards the fans. Keep in mind that what is a hobby to you, that is their bread and butter to them. If they talk about a show you think that sucks, keep that to yourself. Not only are there always fans who love the very thing you think that sucks. The people on stage may be very proud of what they did on the show. They don’t need your negativity to take that away from them. If there is a talent on stage that worked with certain people, don’t be the moron that yells at them with “Fuck Michael Bay”. You might think it is funny. But you are putting the people on stage on the spot with your comment. The talent can’t openly respond to that, because if word got out about that it could hurt future chances to get hired on other projects. Even if they do agree, it is THEIR sentiment on stage, not yours. But also for the event itself it is less than ideal. It is a moment they would have to edit out of videos they might want to put online. And also it hinders negotiations with talent for future events. No agency would allow their talent to be put on the spot like that. And the person you just screamed to fuck off, may have pull in the industry that can come into play with talent and the organizers. It’s fine to express yourself in a small group setting or in your own private setting. But take a moment to think twice before you hijack a panel, because you don’t know the consequences it might have.
Leave them their space
It is fun to have an interaction with a talent or celebrity. But leave them their space. They don’t know you. So don’t act like you are close buddies, unless they give you the indication that it is fine to do so. If they give you permission to take a picture with you, let the guest lead. Don’t go grab someone and put them in an awkward situation. If they put their arm around you then it is fine for you to do so also. Otherwise, don’t touch the person in question. What is fun for you, may not be as fun for them. Use your common sense.
Picture Perfect
In a snap
At TFNation people always take pictures of each other. It is encouraged to do so. However, if you do intend to take pictures of people, especially of those you do not (yet) know on a personal level. Please always ask permission before you do. It is common courtesy to do so. A person may have their reasons not to be in random pictures on the internet. Also, if the person is socially awkward, having their picture taken by a stranger can be quite a hurdle to over come. Do not pressure people in taking a selfie with you.
Be our guest
Unlike most other events, at TFNation the special guests are known to just roam around the hotel and the bar. Of course you want to take a picture with your favorite talent. Please ask permission before you take a random picture of them. When they are not on stage or behind a signing table, it is their private time, despite being out in public. Someone might not feel safe if they have their picture taken without their permission. Ask them politely, and they most likely say yes. Remember that they have all the right to say no. They may have their own reason why they can’t or won’t. Reasons they may not even be allowed to tell you why. Respect that. Ask if there is another moment that would allow you to do so and leave it at that.
AFTER
Breakdown
TFNation is fun. But it is also very draining. Both physically and mentally. Once the event is over and done. And you are back home. Take some time to recover if possible. Know your own limitations. Don’t over-stress yourself. If possible, take a few days off from work. Allow yourself to decompress.