Will this be your first HandyCon? Are you a seasoned HandyConner but want to brush up on the latest HandyInfo? Maybe you just like reading things on the internet? Well, the HandyCon 7 Beginner’s Guide is for you!
Table of Contents
Important Information
Code of Conduct And Anti-harassment Policy
Firstly, we would like to remind all our attendees that we care about inclusive, safe and happy gaming spaces. We ask that all attendees, volunteers, exhibitors and staff read and abide by our Code of Conduct and Anti-harassment Policy.
Assistance During The Event
The HandyCrew are the official volunteer team that helps run HandyCon and can be identified by their bright orange t-shirts. If you require assistance, have any questions or just want to find others to game with, please do not hesitate to ask a member of the HandyCrew.
Registration Opening Times
Registration is open from 9 a.m. until 7 p.m. each day, so please try and arrive within these times to register and collect your pass. If you arrive outside these times, we cannot guarantee that you will be able to collect your pass, but please try and find a member of the HandyCrew to assist.
Gaming Rooms Opening Times
HandyCon is open from 9 a.m. on Friday to 8 p.m. on Sunday. We do not close down the gaming halls overnight; they remain open for the duration of the convention.
Outside Food And Drink
We would like to remind attendees that no outside food and drink purchased from outside the venue can be consumed in any area of the hotel other than bedrooms. Failure to comply may result in the food and/or drinks being confiscated for the duration of the event. Although this may seem like a relatively minor thing, breaching this puts a strain on our relationship with the hotel and we kindly ask that all attendees abide by this rule.
Preparing for HandyCon
Check You Have A Valid Ticket!
HandyCon has proven to be exceptionally popular once again and at the time of writing this we have sold out of Saturday and Sunday tickets. If there is only one thing you do in preparation for HandyCon 7, please let it be this:
PLEASE CHECK YOU HAVE A VALID TICKET BEFORE MAKING THE JOURNEY TO HANDYCON!
The easiest way to do this is to check your orders page in your account online. If you cannot access your account or are still unsure, please email ticketing@handycon.co.uk and we will check for you.
As we are at capacity for Saturday and Sunday we will not be selling tickets on the door for these days and will have to refuse entry to anyone without a valid ticket. Although we would love to let in as many people as want to be here, we cannot exceed our capacities and run the risk of making the already busy space uncomfortable for everyone.
Choosing What Games To Bring
Games, games, games!
HandyCon provides a great opportunity to play all sorts of games, from quick dexterity games to those longer games that seem to just gather dust on our shelves throughout the rest of the year. Bringing your own games along to the event is expected and encouraged, however; space is limited, accessibility is a priority, and safety is also a major concern. We posted about this back in August, and once again ask that you please make thoughtful decisions around bringing and storing games so that we can all have space to enjoy open gaming without feeling too crammed in.
Bring your own mug and/or water bottle
All HandyCon attendees can enjoy free tea, coffee and cold water from the refreshment stations and we highly advise bringing along a mug or bottle to cut down on waste. We will also have some HandyMugs for sale at the front desk for those of you interested in the most stylish of beverage container options.
Please note that whilst you are welcome to enjoy as much free tea and coffee as you wish, please be considerate of others and do not fill large bottles, containers or flasks at the refreshment stations. Larger containers can be filled at the main hotel bar.
Arriving At HandyCon
Parking
There are a limited number of parking spaces on site at the venue. There is an automated parking management system in the hotel car park and even though it shall be turned off from 7 a.m. on the Friday until 1 a.m. on the Monday, we highly recommend that attendees register their cars at the hotel reception to avoid tickets. If you are arriving or departing outside of these times, be sure to register your car at hotel reception anyway.
You can also park in some of the surrounding roads, some of which are free to park. Note that a section of Manor Lane (the road directly outside the hotel) has had parking restrictions put in place so attendees may have to use alternate roads to park, such as Ross Road and Harvest Hill Road.
Registration
Please bring your ticket to the HandyCon registration desk where you will be handed your pass and lanyard (for those who prefer not to wear lanyards, we have shirt clips available on request). Fill in both sides of your pass (incase it gets flipped over) with your name and pronouns. Be sure to keep it on display at all times when in the gaming rooms as those not showing a valid pass may be challenged.
Things To See and Do
Open Gaming
The main focus of HandyCon! Find a space and game the weekend away! We have one large main gaming hall on the ground floor (the Berkshire Suites) and a few other rooms and spaces available for open gaming:
We have added to the space we have available for HandyCon 7 as attendees are now permitted to game in the restaurant from 12 p.m. – 5 p.m.. Please note that the 1st floor areas and basement are only accessible via stairs. You can also find more information about this on our accessibility page.
Finding Others to Game With
This is something that can be a bit daunting for first-timers. There are even some of us who have been many times before that still sometimes feel the nerves when approaching people and asking for a game. But do not fear! Our attendees are some of the most friendly, helpful and welcoming gamers we know (really, thank you!).
We also have a few things in place to help facilitate the process of finding others to game with:
- Players Wanted Signs
First of all, we have ‘Players Wanted’ signs which will be available outside Berkshire Suite 3 and a few other locations around the con. If you have a game you want to play, find a space and put up a sign to let others know you are looking for more players. If you are looking for a game to join, keep an eye out for Players Wanted signs and don’t be afraid to approach people; if they have a sign up, they want players!
- The Game Finder
You can also use the Game Finder to sign up to or schedule your own games in advance of and at the event. You can also post Players Wanted Requests which show up on our big screens.
- Breakfast Club
This is a great event geared toward those who are attending on their own or just want to find other people to game with. Our marvelous HandyCrew will be on hand to teach the rules to a selection of games and help you find others to game with. We will run the Breakfast Club on Friday and Saturday mornings from 10am – 12pm.
Bonus points for anyone who turns up in pajamas!
- Ask The HandyCrew!
If you want to find people to game with you can always ask the HandyCrew to help! We will do what we can to find you others to game with.
Exhibitors
We will have a number of exhibitor stands in the main lobby area and exhibitor tables in the Berkshire Suites. Be sure to check their stands and tables for demos and more.
Playtesting
Head over to the playtesting zone to check out games in development and speak to designers about their games.
Games Library
The HandyCon Games Library is open to all attendees for the duration of the convention. If you would like to take a game out of the library, please sign it out at the front desk. Although there is no limit to the number of games you can check out at once, we ask that attendees are mindful of others and only take out games that are going to be played soon after.
Events and Tournaments
We have a number of events and tournaments happening during the convention. You can find the full schedule here.
Bring And Buy
The Bring and Buy can be a great way to get rid of some of your old games and pick up a few bargains. You can find the full details on how to enter your items and the buying process here.
Charity Raffle
We will be running a charity raffle in support of the Wexham Park Paediatrics Ward through the Frimley Health Charity. We will provide more details on how to purchase tickets and the items you could win in the next few days.
Food And Drink
Bar/Restaurant Opening and Ordering Times
Food:
Last food orders across all outlets is 10.30 p.m.
Drinks:
Main bar : open 24 hours for Residents of the hotel. Only Room charges are accepted in the main bar after 11 p.m.
HandyCon Bar: open until 12.30 a.m. each night.
HandyCon Menu
We will have a special HandyCon menu that will be available for all three days. We will release the menus online before the event.
Drinks vouchers
Soft and alcoholic drinks vouchers will be available to purchase from the bars. Please ask at the bars for details about the price and what is included.
Eating Off-site
There are a number of cafes and restaurants in Maidenhead town centre which is around a 20 minute walk or bus ride away.
And Finally...
Above all, please remember that we want you to have the best time possible at HandyCon. If you ever find yourself at a loose end, overwhelmed or in need of assistance please do not hesitate to approach a member of the HandyCrew to help.
If you have any questions or concerns ahead of the event, please do not hesitate to get in touch.
