Hey guys,

I've never gone to a TFCon but I'm considering going to the one in Chicago. The thing is none of my friends are into Transformers, like not even a little bit, so I'd be going alone. I'm just crowdsourcing this and want to know from those who've gone whether you thought the experience was worthwhile, what are the positives and negatives and things like that.

Like can you buy stuff in them that aren't generally available from online retailers or ebay or whatever, or do stores have things there available earlier than they'll be released to the public? I'm just trying to figure out how it works, so any stories/perspectives would be appreciated.

 

I went to my first tf con last time it was in chicago. Overall, it's a pretty cool experience. Its like being in a huge toy store devoted to transformers. You can probably find some deals but i didnt see anything that you wouldnt be able to find on ebay or online retailers. Also you have to pay cover, so if your main goal is to shop, then you may end up paying more due to the overhead. Main advantage is being able to see things in person.

 

If these Cons had dealer room tickets, id go. I have absolutely no interest in going to a convention, otherwise.

 

If it's anything like Botcon used to be back before it became fully official, yeah definitely worth going, though I would go with the mindset of being happy with finding something rare you weren't looking for rather than going for something in particular.

 

Yes, if I can find a sugar mama to fund it.

Application period is now open.

 

Why would a Transformers fan not want to go to a Transformers convention?

Absolutely it's worth it to go.

Okay, it's worth it IF you have spending money and are not averse to sharing physical space with other Transformers fans. Otherwise you're going to feel awkward and poor.

 

I feel awkward all the time. So no worries there mate.

 

I've only been to TFcon Toronto (2004 & 2015) but from my limited experience, it's worth it, unless you're just there to buy the latest bots. Sellers are a mix of stores and collectors selling their personal collection items, so there is a mix of the new, the old, the obscure, and the strange; I find myself walking away half with stuff I was seeking out, and half random purchases. There's lots to see and do, and people to meet if you can muster the courage to chat with strangers. Prearranging buys & sales with other board members is a good way to meet people too, and save on shipping. If you're interested in panels (3rd party reveals, etc), or art from TF comic book artists, going to a con is a must.

I hope you decide to go, and I hope you enjoy it.

 

I went to TFCON and it was ok. It's not something I would go out of my way to travel to again. But, it was fun. I would definitely go to again if there is one closer to me.

 

Hate to to hijack a thread, but I have some questions:
1.) I see there is a TFcon in Toronto and Chicago this year - do they have multiple TFcons every year? If so, is there always one in Canada and the U.S.? How different are they?

2.) I see that many guests often charge for autographs - how much do they typically run? Curious because one reason I would go would be to get some of my merch signed.

3.) Does everyone have access to whatever the con exclusive is or do I have to worry about some scalper buying up all copies of an exclusive before I get a chance?

 

Also, how much do the customization classes cost and how quickly do they sell out?

 

1) Going by tfwiki, TFCON started in 2002 and had their 1st USA show in 2014. I've heard that the Canada shows are bigger but I wouldn't know for sure since my 1st TFCON was last year in Reston, Virginia.

2) From attending multiple cons I've found that guests usually charge around 20-40, give or take

 

1) TFCon originated as the main TF convention in Canada, since that's where the organizer Super_Megatron is from. As allew said, they only started doing US cons a few years ago. I've been to TFCon Charlotte and the last time they came to Chicago in 2016. I believe they do Chicago every other year.

2) It's mainly like most other cons, where the guests usually charge a price for an autograph or a selfie, or a discounted price for both. The price depends on the guest, usually $20-30 for each. Unfortunately, the price is usually per autograph, but again that depends on the guest (at the last TFCon Chicago, Bob Budiansky was giving as many autographs as you wanted for free).

3) When I've been there, there's been a line for the con exclusives table when the dealer room doors open, but they have a per-person limit so everyone has a fair chance of getting one. I remember in Charlotte I think they even still had some left over after the initial rush and they could still be bought that afternoon.

With the demise of Botcon, TFCon is now the largest TF convention in the US, and IMO it's definitely worth it to go at least one time.
A lot of the available toys are the same that you can buy online, but with a few advantages: First, no shipping. Second, there are real people there to haggle with. You can get discounts for buying multiple items, or if you get to know a particular seller they may cut you a break. Third, if there is an issue with the toy, you can immediately exchange it (I showed the seller the MP Hot Rod I had bought the day before which had molding issues and got a corrected copy right away).

Plus, some tables do have unique items. Last time in Chicago there was one seller who had production items like a G1 Predacon box proof, a G1 Slapdash box art photo (used to copy the box art for factories) and RID2001 character model sheets (which I bought).

They have multiple display cases with 3P prototypes, and the 3P panel is typically packed with people who want to see the latest 3P reveals.

If you're worried about not knowing someone...arrange to share a hotel room, or arrange a get-together with someone on this site. It gives you someone to hang out with. I've seen a number of people on this site eager to meet other TFWers.
Honestly, the best con experience I ever had was Charticon 2013, and that was because of the people I met. Me and my roommate WXornot hung out with Superquad7 and some of his friends, I met Ikkstakk, flywheels/Colby Hopper, Onslaught24 (I think it was maybe his first con  ), robo_Rob Springer of Radio Free Cybertron, I shot the shit with Paul Eiding and Hal Rayle out on the patio, participated in the charity auction...it was awesome. And I'm not the most social person to begin with.

 

Awesome- thanks for the thorough post. Considering it this year if I can get the time off.
Is there any difference btween the Camadian and US ones? For examples, does more new 3P stuff get revealed at one va another (like secc versus nycc)?

 

Excellent information! Is haggling encouraged and/or expected?

 

It never hurts to try! Especially on Sunday when the convention is winding down and sellers don't want to haul so much stuff back home.

 

The tfcon.ca guest page now has the prices for the Toronto show guests, autographs for the voice actors (David Kaye, Garry Chalk, Hal Rayle and David Mendenhall) are $30, photos with them are $20 and phone calls, videos or voice recordings are $50. These prices are all in Canadian Dollars (CAD).

 

1) Most of this one was answered earlier. Both shows are great. In my opinion the Canadian show is better for one reason. The make a wish charity auction. Both shows these past few years have offered unique exclusives.

2) Already answered.


3) Line up early there is a limited supply.



tbs

 

I went to TFCon DC back in '17. Was worth it due to my external interests in the sinking ship that is MAGA, the Smithsonian Museums, and the chance to get away from my wife for a week and getting around quickly with a Dodge Challenger rental (wife would've preferred something blah to drive instead ~ if she came along).

Didn't plan on going to TFCon Toronto because maybe boring and still in Canada (would be flying in from Vancouver). Plus, i'm a regular at A3U so there's no diehard need to get some exclusives as there may be some stock set aside locally here).

I would go back again to TFCon to get commissions and prints from the usual fan-favorite IDW artists, and maybe to have drinking parties back up in the hotel rooms with the guys who own or work with A3U, Toy Dojo, or Captured Prey.