FAQ
What are the opening times?
Friday 11th December 2019: Registration from 8am. Event open 10am - 6pm - Party till late.
Saturday 12th December 2019: Registration from 8am. Event open 9am to 6pm - Party till late.
Sunday 13th December 2019: Registration from 8am. Event open 10am to 6pm - Party till late.
Where is the event being held?
Los Angeles Airport Marriott
5855 West Century Boulevard
Los Angeles
California 90045 USA
Who is attending?
Our guest list and days of appearance can be found here: empireconla.com/index.php/guests
What is happening when?
A full schedule of events will be released closer to the event.
Who is running the event?
Showmasters have been running events across the UK for over 20 years, bringing the biggest line-up of guests and experiences that always delivers for the fans.
Our flagship event, the London Film & Comic Con, attracts around 100,000 visitors each year. Meanwhile we continue to work to deliver fan experiences outside the British capital and we continue to do this with our first Empire Con LA.
Showmasters’ events attract all ages, and all fandoms - whatever your interest, be it cosplay, autographs, props or meeting fellow fans, our events provide the space you need to enjoy the things you love!
Is there a cloakroom?
As it is a major hotel there will be a concierge service at reception
Is there wi-fi?
There is free Wi-Fi provided in certain areas of the hotel. Please contact the hotel directly for more information.
Are there atms on site?
There is an ATM located in the hotel lobby.
What is the parking facilities?
All the details can be found here www.marriott.com/hotel-info/laxap-los-angeles-airport-marriott/parking/twvqttb/home-page.mi
What refreshments are availble to buy?
There is a Starbucks on site and the hotel has several dining options: JW’s Steakhouse, Hangar 18 Bar + Kitchen, and Social Market & Eatery.
What type of entry tickets are available?
Full info on the different ticket packages can be found here: empireconla.com/index.php/ticket-info
Can I upgrade my ticket package?
Upgrades are possible - log into your Eventbrite account and follow the prompts.
I booked for someone else but it was put under my name, will this be an issue?
Due to tickets being non-transferable we will be asking for ID at the event when picking them up. If you have bought items for someone else and you will also be attending the event, this is fine, you will just pick up all of the items at once.
If you have bought items for someone else and you will not be attending the event, they will need to bring some form of valid (in date) ID of yours (a credit card etc.)
Are child tickets available?
This event is not recommended for the very young, due to the expected crowds and long day of programming, but they are more than welcome if the parents wish to bring them along. Specific child tickets are available for this event. Under 5's are free but must be accompanied by a full paying adult.
Will my tickets be posted out to me?
This event will be using an E-Ticket system. You will not receive tickets in the post but will be required to bring along your E-Ticket for scanning at the show. For packages that include autographs and photos you will be given a tag to redeem them. For all other photo shoot purchases you will need to be able to show your E-ticket either in a printout or on a smart phone.
How do i register upon arrival?
Simply bring your E-Ticket with you to be scanned either printed or on a smart device, and then all the items you are entitled to as part of your package, including a pass, will be given to you. This will give you access to all relevant areas of the event assigned to you. This can be done starting from 8am to 8pm on the Friday of the event at the Marriott LAX.
If i have a problem with my ticket who can i contact?
We are working with Eventbrite as our exclusive ticketing partner for Empire Con LA.
If you have any technical questions relating to tickets/packages purchased online, these queries should be directed to them, they are contactable here www.eventbrite.co.uk/contact-us/ *
*It is not possible to purchase tickets through these methods. Purchases are exclusively through our online shop.
Can i get a refund?
Tickets are non-refundable or transferable. Tickets are bought for the event NOT for the guests; if a guest cancels then the event will still go ahead - NO refunds can be offered.
Ticket refunds can only be offered in the event of the whole convention being cancelled.
All guests announced to be attending the event appear subject to work commitments - in the case of any guest cancelling a replacement guest will be attempted to be found if time allows.
Individually purchased photo shoots with a cancelled guest will be automatically refunded.
Can i get re-entry to the event?
On arrival you will exchange your E-ticket for an event pass that will allow you access to the event throughout the weekend as applicable.
How many guests will there be?
It is hard to put a number on this but there will be a range of guests from the Star Wars universe. Please visit the guest page for more info empireconla.com/index.php/guests
Will there be more guest announcements?
Guests may be announced right up until the event opens.
Why hasn’t my favourite guest been announced?
Every effort will be made to get the best guest line up - if a guest is not announced there can be various reasons for this. It is simply not possible to get everyone to attend but we will bring you a range of people.
Most guests will be offering autographs for an additional charge at the event, which will be open to all ticket types.
How will the autograph queue work?
Those with queuing priority in their packages will be called by ticket type and number, with all other attendees using the Virtual Queue system. See below for more details.
How many autographs can I get at once?
The max number of autographs is 5 per person when a virtual queue is in effect. Please remember all autograph prices are PER AUTOGRAPH, you get ONE autograph for the price shown.
If you want more than 5, then you can either go up when the queue is quiet and then the crew will normally allow you to have up to 7 or 8. Or simply queue multiple times and get up to 5 each time.
What ways can I pay for an autograph?
All cash transactions will be done at the autograph signing desk. If you wish to pay by card you will need to visit the registration desk where you will be given a ticket to exchange for an autograph with the guest.
What can I get signed?
You are paying for the autograph not the item it goes on so you can bring your own items for signing such as posters, books, DVD covers etc. In the event that you do not have something to sign then a 10x8 photo will be available at the desk free of charge.
Are there any restrictions on what I can get signed?
It really depends on the guest. Basically if you THINK there is a CHANCE the guest will not sign your item. e.g. It's not official, it's a nude/semi-nude picture, then make sure you have a backup.
When will the guests be signing?
The full schedule of events will be available on the website around a week prior to the event http://empireconla.com/index.php/activities If the guest is not taking part in any other activity or a rest break they will likely be signing at their desk.
What are virtual queues and virtual tickets and how do they work?
To help cut down the amount of time you have to spend standing in a queue we have a virtual queuing system. Instead of everyone standing in an "real" queue you will be handed a ticket with a number on it (your Virtual Ticket). This number is your position in the "virtual" queue. Only around 30 people stand in the "real" queue. You can join this "real" queue once your position in the "virtual" queue is reached. Think of it like taking a number in a doctors waiting room. You will know your position is reached when your Virtual Ticket number is called.
Those with priority queue access in their package will not require a virtual ticket, you will be called in with priority based on your ticket type and number.
This system means once you have your VT for a guest you are free to wander around the event, join other queues and get other VTs.
Virtual Ticket numbers for guests will be announced (in batches of around 30) once the previous group of people in the "real" queue have their autographs.
Once your Virtual Ticket number is called you can then join the much smaller "real" queue. There will of course still be some queuing involved in the "real" queue!
The numbers shown are for any number UP TO that number. You can go up any time after your number is called. So if you have ticket number 100 and the board is showing 200, this is fine, you haven't missed your turn.
What time are virtual tickets given out?
Virtual Tickets start to be given out at the show’s opening time and not before.
How much are virtual tickets?
You do not pay for the Virtual Tickets they are free. You pay per autograph when you come back and join the "real" queue.
Can I get a virtual ticket for a friend?
No, Virtual Tickets are given out ONE PER PERSON, you will only be given one ticket.
Will the guests be personalising (adding a name or salutation) autographs if requested?
Personalisation will be on a guest by guest basis depending upon demand.
Can I join a friend (who’s getting an autograph) in the autograph queue if I’m not getting one?
The answer is yes. But please be aware that if it is not an open queue you WILL need your own Virtual Ticket. Without a Virtual Ticket you will not be allowed to join the queue with your friend/partner/child. They are free, so please make sure you take one when your friend/partner does. This does also apply to adults accompanying children.
Am I allowed to take photos of the event or with other attendees?
Getting memories of your visit is part of the experience so we do permit photography at the events. Please be respectful of any areas where it is advertised that it is not permitted. Also it is courteous to ask permission to those you are photographing. Many of our cosplayers want to share their outfits with you but be nice to each other and respectful of their wishes.
Is photography permited during the talks?
We would please ask that during the talks you disable the flash on your camera, as this can cause a distraction and be very off-putting to the guest and the rest of the audience.
Is videoing permitted?
The use of video cameras is permitted in the exhibitor’s room, although we would advise asking someone's permission before filming them. All we ask is that you use your discretion and not to film anyone that doesn't want to be filmed (this goes for fans, staff and dealers as well as guests).
Video Cameras and video/sound recording equipment (including the use of recording facilities on mobile phones) is NOT allowed into Guest Talks or screenings. This is for a number of reasons both legal and practical.
All types of cameras are permitted but it is requested that any sounds that can be muted are muted, so as not to distract the guest or fellow attendees.
What do the ‘no posed photo’s and ‘no photos’ signs mean?
When these signs are posted it means that the guest has requested either no posed photos taken or no photos taken while they are at their table. This can be requested for a number of reasons and we ask that you respect it.
Can i have a photo with a guest when i get an autograph?
We recognise that getting a photo with a guest can be important. Therefore, when you meet the guest to obtain your autograph, there is usually no further charge for taking a photo with them.
However, as the day progresses, it does sometimes become necessary to stop photos in order that the guests can get through demand and meet more people, otherwise there would be fans that would go home not having met them at all.
Please also bear in mind that whilst guests are often willing to pose for photos with fans, there may be many reasons why they decline. If this happens please do respect their wishes - there will be signs clearly on display to indicate when photography is not allowed and this includes taking photos of them in the autograph area.
When will the photo shoots go on sale?
Photo shoots are on sale now via our online shop. Please note that there is a limited number available due to time constraints so please book in advance to avoid disappointment.
Will the photo shoots be time specific, and if so when will we be told those times?
Yes there will be times scheduled into the time table for when you can get your photos. To enable our photo shoots to go quickly and avoid long queues your pre-purchased photo op ticket will have a batch number on it. Each batch is around 50 tickets and will be called up by the crew members. You can enter the photo shoot queue any point after your batch has been called but we ask that you are in the area in time to hear the instructions from the crew. It is your responsibly to ensure you are in the photo shoot area on time and follow the instructions of the relevant crew members. In the event that you miss the photo shoot there is not anything that we can do and tickets are not refundable. If you have a Gold Ticket package then you will get priority queuing for the photo shoots.
How do the photo shoots work?
- Photo shoots will be called in priority order: Gold then by batch number.
- You will leave your bags at a desk inside the photo studio manned by a crew member so they do not appear in your photo.
- Your photo will be taken by a professional photographer.
- The shot will be taken in front of a backdrop and with lighting to ensure the best possible image.
- You will be standing beside the guest, and not leaning over a table.
- Your picture will be a 6” by 9” colour photo and should be ready for collection as you leave the photo shoot area.
- All of this combined will provide you with something unique and special to remember the event by.
What if I have a schedule clash?
If you have a clash with another photo shoot talk to crew at the photo shoot and they will do their best to get you through as quickly as possible so you can get to your other activity.
Always go to the photo shoot that starts first. If both start at the same time, go to the one that is shorter first.
Note that with such a full schedule it is not possible to do all of the activities and photo shoots cannot be rescheduled if you miss them.
What happens if the photo doesn't come out for some reason?
You will go back in and have a retake. Speak to a crew member straight away with your concerns (retakes will only occur whilst the photo session is still active).
Can my friend and i both be in the same picture?
The simple answer is yes, but you will both have to have a ticket. It is one ticket per person. You can then pose together in two photos and one copy of each will be developed.
If you buy only one ticket you CAN NOT have two people in the one shot!
Note: No more than 3 people will be allowed in the shot.
Can my child be in the picture with me?
Under 5s can join you in the picture, those over this age will require their own ticket.
Note: Max 2 under 5s per paying adult.
Will I be able to purchase a digital copy of my photo shoot?
Yes. They will be available online after the show.
Do I need a ticket to attend a talk?
Some of the talks are included in the ticket packages with guaranteed seating. Others will be free of charge and on a first come basis. Some may also be subject to a ticket fee. Please visit the ticket shop for more information.
When will the talks be?
Timetables/schedules for the event will be made available on the website but please make sure you have the most up to date version.
When should I get to the talks?
Try to arrive in good time to allow quick and simple loading of the halls for each talk - we recommend at least 10mins before the start time.
What souvenirs will be available?
There will be a range of Empire Con LA event merchandise on sale but it will be limited to the event so please get it early to avoid disappointment. There will also be some vendors and artists selling items.
How can I pay?
You can pay cash or card for Empire Con LA merchandise but other vendors may vary.
What will be in the auction?
There will be a range of Star Wars related items available for auction each day including some from the Kutz Joiner archive
How do I get my room exclusive gift?
Full details of what is on offer can be found here [insert website]. Details on the collection of the room gifts will be revealed closer to the event.
I would like to be a vendor. How do I apply?
Please register your interest at empireconla.com/index.php/contact
I have an issue, what do I do?
If it's something minor, the first thing to do is talk to a member of the crew on the day. They're pretty easy to spot and they'll do all they can to help. If they can't they'll escalate it. If your issue is before the event visit the contact us section of the website http://empireconla.com/index.php/contact
If it's something pretty serious then go to the registration desk. One of the shows organisers is always on hand there to sort out any problems you may have be it a problem with a stall holder, a crew member or a lost bag.
If you do have an issue please talk to us at the event, because we can solve most problems if we know about it at the time. Issues that only come to our attention after the event are often much more difficult to resolve.
Can I come in cosplay?
Yes you can. If you do, then why not take part in our masquerade competition or have a cosplay photo shoot with one of our professional photographers?
Do I have to cosplay?
You don’t have to but the option is there if you would like to.
Will there be changing facilities?
The event is not able to provide change facilities but the hotel is large and there is a powder room available in the restrooms on the ballroom level
I am part of a costume group, how can I get involved?
Please register your interest at empireconla.com/index.php/contact
Will there be a masquarde and how can I enter?
Yes there will. More information on how to enter will follow shortly
Is the venue fully accessible?
The Mariott LAX is fully accessible. For full details and information on finding out more visit www.marriott.com/hotels/fact-sheet/travel/laxap-los-angeles-airport-marriott/#accessibility
What provisions are made for attendees that require extra help?
For our attendees that require extra help all efforts will be made to make the event as easy to access as possible, any issues will be quickly addressed, with the venue being fully compliant for disabled access. For more information, please visit empireconla.com/index.php/accessibility
Yes. We are working on a kids track to keep our younger fans entertained. Children aged 5 to 12 years can either buy a child’s day ticket or be part of a family ticket. Under 5's are free but must be accompanied by a full paying adult.
Yes. Please bring your ID with you on the day and you can purchase your entry ticket with a 20% discount from the registration desk. Please note that this discount is for entry ticket only and is not applicable for any additional items.
