Frequently Asked Questions

General

- What is HandyCon?

HandyCon is a fun-filled three days board gaming convention that takes place four times a year in Milton Keynes, UK. Our aim is to create a welcoming and inclusive environment for board gamers of all levels, where they can come together, play their favourite games, and discover new ones.

We're excited to announce that we've recently moved the convention to the vibrant city of Milton Keynes. Our new location offers a vibrant large space and better facilities, so you can enjoy your gaming experience to the fullest.

At HandyCon, we provide an extensive games library and encourage our guests to bring their own games to play and share with others. We also organise tournaments and special events, such as game demos and designer meet and greets, to add to the excitement.

So if you're a board gaming enthusiast or just looking for a fun day out, come and join us at HandyCon in Milton Keynes - we can't wait to meet you!

- What kind of games are played at the con?

At HandyCon, we play all kinds of board and tabletop games! From classic family games to complex strategy games, there's something for everyone. Whether you're a seasoned pro or brand new to the world of board games, we guarantee you'll find something you enjoy (and, of course, someone to enjoy it with!).

Our extensive games library is constantly growing, and our attendees are encouraged to bring their own games to share with others. We believe that board games bring people together and create unforgettable memories, and that's why we're passionate about providing a welcoming and inclusive environment for all board gamers.

So come and join us at HandyCon and discover new games, make new friends, and have fun playing the games you love!

- Can I bring along my own games?

Absolutely! We love it when attendees bring their own games to share and play with others at HandyCon. Whether you're introducing others to your favourite game or trying out a new one, there's no better way to experience the fun of board gaming than with others.

We do ask that you please be mindful of other gamers and keep your bags or crates out of the way of walkways and other players. We want everyone to have a great time at HandyCon, so let's work together to make sure everyone has the space they need to enjoy their games.

At HandyCon, we believe in the power of board games to bring people together and create lasting memories, and we're excited to see what games you'll bring to the convention! So come along and join us for some fun and games - we can't wait to play with you!

- What is expected of me as an attendee?

At HandyCon, we're all about having fun and playing games with others, so we ask that all attendees help us promote an inclusive and friendly atmosphere by being considerate of other gamers and following our Code of Conduct.

We want everyone to feel welcome and safe at the convention, so please treat others with respect and kindness, and avoid any behaviour that could be seen as harmful or offensive. If you have any concerns or witness any behaviour that goes against our Code of Conduct, please don't hesitate to contact a staff member - we're here to help.

By working together, we can create an environment that's fun, welcoming, and enjoyable for all attendees. So, come along and join us for some great gaming fun, and let's make HandyCon a fantastic experience for everyone involved!

- Do you have an anti-harassment policy?

Absolutely. At HandyCon, we believe that everyone deserves to feel safe and welcome at our convention. We have a zero-tolerance policy for any form of harassment or discrimination, and we take any reports of such behaviour very seriously.

Our full anti-harassment policy is available on our website, and we encourage all attendees to read and familiarise themselves with it before attending the convention. If you experience or witness any behaviour that goes against our policy, please don't hesitate to contact a member of our staff immediately.

We're committed to creating an environment that's fun, inclusive, and respectful for all attendees, and we believe that our anti-harassment policy is a crucial part of achieving that goal. So come along and join us for some great gaming fun, knowing that we take the safety and well-being of our attendees very seriously.

You can find the full anti-harassment policy here.

Getting Here

- Is there parking at the venue, and is it free?

Yes, there is free parking available at the venue for all attendees. There are 150 parking slots available on a first-come, first-served basis.
If you're staying at the hotel, you'll need to register your car plate, but if you're not staying at the hotel, there's no need to do so.

We want to make it as easy as possible for you to get to HandyCon and enjoy all the gaming fun without worrying about parking. So, please feel free to park your car and join us for a fantastic board gaming experience.

- What is the nearest train station?

The nearest train station to HandyCon is Bow Brickhill Train Station. We recommend taking a quick 5-minute taxi ride from the station to the venue rather than the 35-minute walk.

We want to make it as easy as possible for you to get to the convention and start enjoying all the gaming fun, so we've provided this information to help you plan your journey. If you have any questions or need further assistance, please don't hesitate to get in touch with us.

- Where is the nearest bus stop?

If you're travelling to HandyCon by bus, the nearest bus stop is located in Groveway, Walton Roundabout East. You'll find it on the right-hand side of the hotel site.

Attending HandyCon

- What are the opening times?

We want to make sure you have plenty of time to enjoy all the board gaming fun at HandyCon! The convention runs from 9am until late on Friday and Saturday, and finishes at 6pm on Sunday.
Please note that the hotel reception desk is open 24/7, so you'll always have someone to turn to if you need any assistance during your stay.

We hope these hours suit your schedule and give you plenty of time to play all the games you want, catch up with old friends and make new ones, and have a great time at HandyCon.

- Is there space for gaming on Thursday evening?

We understand that some of our attendees are eager to start gaming as soon as possible! While Thursday evening is not an official part of the convention, you are more than welcome to game in the hotel bar area if space is available. Please keep in mind that this space is only available at the discretion of the hotel and cannot be guaranteed.

That being said, we encourage you to come and join us for the official start of HandyCon on Friday morning, where you can enjoy a whole weekend of board gaming fun, a huge games library, tournaments, and more!

- Can I purchase tickets on the door?

While we highly recommend purchasing your tickets online in advance to ensure availability, there may be tickets available for purchase at the door if the event has not sold out. We do keep a live inventory of available tickets throughout the convention, so you can also check online beforehand. We look forward to seeing you at HandyCon!

- What should I do when I arrive?

When you arrive, please bring your ticket, whether it's in digital or printed form, to the registration desk where our friendly staff will assist you in signing in and receiving your pass. If you forget your ticket, don't worry! Just make sure to have photographic ID with you. We can't wait to welcome you to the event!

- Are children welcome at HandyCon?

We welcome attendees of all ages to HandyCon, including children under 16. However, we do ask that accompanying adults take full responsibility for their children throughout the event. We also offer half-price entry tickets for those between 6 and 15 years old. Children aged 5 and under do not require a pre-purchased ticket, but they will need to be signed in on arrival. We hope to see you and your family at HandyCon soon!

- How do I find players/get into a game at the con?

Absolutely! We love helping attendees find new gaming buddies at HandyCon. While our Game Finder system is currently down, there are still several ways to get into a game. You can use the HandyCon Game Organiser to plan ahead, or look out for "Players Wanted" signs at the convention. Additionally, we have a Facebook group that you can join to connect with other gamers before and during the con.

We are committed to providing an inclusive space where everyone can have a great time gaming together!

- I'm thinking about attending by myself/for the first time and am a bit nervous. What should I expect?

Walking into a room full of gamers by yourself or for the first time can be quite daunting, but don't worry, we are here to help! First off, we try and foster a friendly, inclusive atmosphere at HandyCon so that everyone feels welcome. We also have many ways to find and get into games at the con (see above) as well as tournaments and events that can be a great way to meet other gamers. If you ever find yourself overwhelmed or at a loose end, you can always ask one of the orange shirted HandyCrew to help get you into a game or assist in any way we can.

If you have anything you are unsure or worried about you are always welcome to email us with any questions or concerns before the event or speak to a member of the HandyCrew during the con.

- Do the open gaming areas have a closing time?

The open gaming areas are open from 9 am on the Friday until 6 pm on the Sunday, meaning you are welcome to game all day and night (although we recommend getting some sleep and of course, freshening up regularly to maintain good hygiene).

- How do I join a tournament or event?

We'd love for you to join one of our tournaments or events! Some require pre-registration and are open for entry online before the event. Others allow you to sign up at the convention using our HandyCon Game Organiser or you can simply show up and join in the fun. To get all the details about specific tournaments and events, please visit the HandyCon page you're attending.

The Venue

- How do I book accomodation?

See the respective pages for event you are attending to for details on how to book accommodation on site. Accommodation tends to get booked up relatively quickly once rooms are released, so we advise booking as soon as possible to avoid disappointment. There are also many hotels in Milton Keynes and the surrounding area if the venue becomes fully booked or you would prefer to stay off site.

- What kind of food and drink is available at the con?

The hotel has a main bar and restaurant that will have a special discounted HandyCon menu.

- Can I bring my own food and drink to the venue?

No food or drink can be brought or ordered in for consumption in the public areas of the hotel (such as the bar or any area of the con). Only food and drink purchased at the venue may be consumed in the gaming rooms or public areas.

- How accessible is the venue?

You can find more details on our Accessibility page.

- Where can I get food and drink nearby?

If you would prefer to venture outside of the venue, there are restaurants, cafes and shops in Milton Keynes, and Kingston Centre is a just a 25 minute walk or 17 minute bus ride away.

- Can I use the hotel's health club and pool?

The hotel's health club and pool facilities are typically reserved for hotel guests only. However, HandyCon attendees who are staying at the hotel may have access to these facilities as part of their room reservation.

As a HandyCon attendee, you will have access to the main event areas, lobby, communal toilets, bar, and restaurant during the convention.