TFCon 2018 *Unofficial* Feedback Thread
 

Didn't see anyone start up a 2018 feedback thread yet so figured I would.


Thanks to everyone who made this show possible. You all did such great work and I had a wonderful time at the TFCon this year (but I do every year lol). Here's some quick thoughts on 2018 and beyond:


-This was the first Mississauga show in which I didn't buy anything from the dealer room. For whatever reason, it just wasn't the same as it usually is both in amount of vendors and variety of product. Has TFCon gotten too big for the location? Do they need to utilize more of the hotel? I don't know, but hopefully that's something that gets looked at for the future.

-TFCon always does an excellent job with the cartoon related guests but this year was exceptionally strong. Having both Kaye and Chalk at the same show is a big deal and hopefully that's something you can do again down the road. Would also like to see Hal Rayle and David Wise return as well. And while I don't necessarily mind paying $30 for names like Chalk, Kaye and Rayle, Mendenhall was a bit steep at that price. Hopefully guest prices overall come down just a touch and we don't see another increase next year.

-Would like to see more of a variety on the comic guests side. It really seems like it's the same each and every year but there's still so many names you could book. Jose Delbo, Phil Jimenez, Kyle Baker, Mark Watts, Jeffrey Mangiat and Richard Marcej to name just a few. Getting beloved creators like Gerry Conway and Marv Wolfman would be big because they rarely get booked for conventions here and comic fans want to meet them BADLY, so you'd get those folks through the door as well.

-The staff/volunteers were great as usual. Always a good time interacting and meeting with other fans at this show and getting to meet new people.

-A shame what happened to artist Nick Roche and hopefully something like that never happens again. Thankfully the fans really pulled together and helped out in a big way.

Re: TFCon 2018 *Unofficial* Feedback Thread
 

The only thing that really bugged me about this year was some dealer's policies when it came to convention exclusives. I got turned away from buying certain ones because I had an Exhibitor pass, and pretty rudely too.

I totally understand that there's limited stock of some exclusives and that they don't want other dealers to resell them for mark up, but c'mon just cause I have the Exhibitor's pass doesn't mean I'm looking to the scalp. Besides, that's not stopping another attendee from just scalping it themselves so I found that to be a little unfair.

Apparently, people with the VIP pass had this exact issue too. I only really want Severo Core anyway so it wasn't that big of a deal, but it still rubbed me the wrong way how it was handled...

Other than that, I agree with the dealer room. It seemed like there weren't that many dealers this year compared to previous ones, and no switchover on Sunday was a bit surprising.

Just felt like there wasn't much variety or lucky finds as there were in past years. There need to be more food options too as the Quest bar absolutely sucks in terms of service it would be nice if the staff could look into bringing in food trucks or something. Personally, I think the show has gotten too big for the hotel and the staff might need to look into going to a bigger venue.

Re: TFCon 2018 *Unofficial* Feedback Thread
 

Are there any bigger venues though that would still have an affordable hotel to be attached to? The hotel may be pricey on the food in the bar BUT its role as a central hub is kinda important.

Like, moving to a convention center would completely change the character of the show as it would END every day at a set time vs “continuing until everyone leaves the bar.”

Re: TFCon 2018 *Unofficial* Feedback Thread
 

I really didn't like not having the lanyard this year. It was convenient to have a schedule on you that was easy to reference and it made a neat souvenir.

If you're going to go with the bracelets, at least tampo them with the logo or something.

Also, please, advertise the exclusives better. It helps us plan our budgets better. Especially since I went in with the intentions of getting both cassette exclusives, g2 Jazz and passed on the severo, but the Drift and Thunderclash ones came out of nowhere. I didn't even see the Drift until it was sold out. (I know of the stock issues and I know that has nothing to do with the con).

Also, I found there was significantly less water this time around?

Otherwise, great as always.

Re: TFCon 2018 *Unofficial* Feedback Thread
 

The Drift and Thunderclash were not announced because there was a huge issue with them getting cleared through customs etc. The rest of the shipment *STILL* hasn't arrived. The decision to not announce them and have them appear seemed to be a bit better than to announce and not have them appear. It can be argued for both. MMC is deeply apologetic and i am working with them to get out orders for people when they do arrive.

Slayback

Re: TFCon 2018 *Unofficial* Feedback Thread
 

As far as autograph prices are concerned, typically 30 is the starting prices anymore and they go up from there.

I've seen Chalk 3 times and Kaye 5 times now. I'm not saying I don't still want more signatures from them, but it's nice to have new faces to shake things up. I came to the show to specifically get Mendenhall and Rayle's autographs. Those are rare appearances.


keep up the good work and see you in Chicago
tbs

Re: TFCon 2018 *Unofficial* Feedback Thread
 

I had a great time this year pretty much the same as every year. Got to hang with my friends, met a lot of new people (well maybe more like faces to names type of deal). Didn't spend as much at the auction or the show as I usually have in the past. Normally I have a ton of things on my want list but didn't have any this year so it was more of trying to see what popped out at me and I really didn't find a lot. I did find a few things unusual like it being TF Con and saw several vendors that had 0 TF related products at their tables. I was under the impression that there were "rules" as to a percentage of TF stuff that had to be there. Also the 2 exclusives the popped up out of nowhere but Slayback has explained that here and the staff did explain there as well so all good. The TF Con staff/volunteers were exceptional as always. the only thing that put a damper on the event was what happened to Nick cause that is a damn shame but the way everyone here and through various other groups came together to help him out was outstanding. I know there was an article written about it as well (or maybe several, I only know of one) but it's just a shock to hear about stuff like that. All in all I think it was a good show.

Re: TFCon 2018 *Unofficial* Feedback Thread
 

This definitely. The show seems to be becoming more and more big stores selling the newest stuff and less and less small guys selling a variety from all lines. That's not really a criticism, more of an observation, this kind of drift is probably inevitable in a big successful show that runs for years.

If anything I found the show a bit subdued from previous years, but not greatly, its still going strong and I'm curious to see where it goes from here in future years.

Re: TFCon 2018 *Unofficial* Feedback Thread
 

I also noticed the dealer room was 'light' with the number of vendors. Especially since the other room used the previous few years (the room tucked away by the coffee shop in the hotel) was not used for vendors anymore. It was a children's room, from what I was told. Probably a better idea since I heard nothing but complaints from dealers saying they weren't getting a lot of attendee traffic.

The previous TFcon weekends advertised the SATURDAY as the TFcon, and the SUNDAY as some sort of retro/80's con (eg. in 2014 the Sunday event was called 'Collectible Toy Expo', and in 2016 it was called Action Figure Expo). And even the guest's appearances were tailored to that schedule. Hence, that's why on the Sunday we saw some vendors leave and be replaced by new vendors that sold more of a variety of retro toys, OR, even have the same vendors switch up their product line with stuff that wasn't only TFs. Having attended both days for a number of years, I remember the differences. Mind you, it wasn't a lot. Maybe 20% of the tables...but that's probably being generous.

But at the end of the day, it was still HUGELY a Transformers convention - with the panels to match - so I never understood why the separate advertising. The other annual cons - 80's Toy Expo, or even the Action Figure Expo when in September - offer more of the variety.

This year, though, I don't recall the TFcon event advertising Sunday as something separate. It was TFcon all weekend, which to me is more accurate. Did the convention committee realize it's better to keep TFcon and the other cons separate, for a more true representation of what each is?

Personally, I originally thought the guest David Mendenhall was a pretty 'weak' selection, as he only voiced 'Daniel' in the Transformers series. A human; not a main character = meh!

But I was very surprised when I visited his IMDB. He's been in SO many cartoons. And, he stared in a Stallone favourite movie of mine: 'Over The Top'! Super nice guy in talking to him, as well. So, I bought his autograph. I don't think many attendees knew what else he was in. He was only advertised on cybertron.ca/tfcon.ca as the voice of Daniel, and his table only had Daniel 8x10's and the one 'Over The Top' photo. Personally, I think there should have been a 'nudge' during the lead-up advertising banners and news postings we see online, to list a variety of what the actor had done, with a link to his IMDB. I'm sure it would have created more traffic at Mendenhall's signing booth if more people were informed of his accomplishments, especially since so many of the attendees were children of the 80's/90s. It was BECAUSE he did so many other things, that it made it more interesting (for me) to get his autograph.

Overall, the weekend was not bad. The positives of free parking, great location, water stations, door prizes and good size panel rooms are always welcomed.

On the negative side, the entrance costs were expensive, the doors opening at 10am on Sunday while having a panel at 10am also was disappointing, the red bags given with your entry fee had nothing in them. No comic, no razor (like last year), not even a schedule. Granted, it's hard to please everyone with free swag, but maybe a table where the attendees can pick one item out of five to take, is an idea.

Thanks to all for planning and volunteering! Us in the Transformers community thank you!

Re: TFCon 2018 *Unofficial* Feedback Thread
 

Con was fun as usual, mostly due to the company and friends there.

Dealer room has unfortunately gotten VERY stale. It did not seem as dense as usual. One complaint I have is that certain vendors are super uninteresting. What I mean is that I have been coming to the con for around 6 years and there are at least 3 vendors who I feel have not changed their inventory in the entire time I have been going.

I doubt there is much that can be done about it. Luckily the convention is more about spending time with friends than it is spending money on toys (a huge shift for me since my first con).

-Mike

Re: TFCon 2018 *Unofficial* Feedback Thread
 

As a vendor,

Pros:
- Great Staff and Volunteers, very helpful and respectful
- Tasty Water stations
- Nice long setup time on Friday 3-8pm
- Friday night Auction is a fun event, I hope you guys raised a lot to grant another wish :)
- Very busy Saturday vendor room with lots of Guests helped keep the momentum going

Cons:
- Short setup time on Sunday 9-10am, my table mate and I were fortunate to sell well on Sat, but didn't have quite enough time on Sunday to replenish stock or change out poor performing products for fresh and tasty wares
- Cargo elevator sometimes has and operator and sometimes doesn't, I know this isn't TFCONs fault but some clarity (and availability of the elevator) from the Hotel would be nice
- Slower traffic on Sunday, may be due to the change of being a TFCON day rather than an 80's Expo day
- Shorter day on Sunday
- No free foot massages :p

Tip:
- Maybe to help prevent another incident like which happened to Nick, provide some helpful tips to vendors on good practices on managing incoming monies, such as using a pouch or table partner, etc.

That sounds like a cheap shot at my table :( ... J/K dude :D

Don't worry I'm sure you will see a whole lot of variety next TFCON after the Bumblebee Movie hits theatres and floods the Toy and Con aisles with yellow ABS/PVC :p

Re: TFCon 2018 *Unofficial* Feedback Thread
 

Hey,

Nice to see someone start the feedback thread. I was wondering when was going to show up. Overall I had fun. This year I managed to pre-arrange 13 deals with fellow collectors before even making it to Toronto. So I was happy with that. I met so many great people.

I have a few small things I'd like to point out. Someone mentioned before me, that they didn't like that there were no lanyards this years, and I have to agree. First off I used to love how they doubled as a handy schedule, and really miss them as a souvenir from the show. Please re-consider this for next year or at the least brand the wrist bands with the Show and year. I have to say I was really disappointed when they said they didn't have any when I bought my ticket.

Second thing. So I believe this is one of these things where you can't please everyone. However I think this is my 6th or 7th TFcon, and every year the first day is TF and the second day is 80's. I was shocked to find out on Sunday that this had changed. Why I understand making it 2 days of TFcon, I'm not really sure if that works. The vendors get stale.

My four year old was so excited to see the Star Wars 501st guys all dressed up. Upon entering on Sunday I asked if they were around and was told that this weekend was just advertised as Transformers and that the 80's stuff is now completely separated. So the Star Wars guys would not be showing up and there wouldn't be any change over of product.
Wow I was shocked and disappointed.

It's funny because the night before I had a conversation with a collector (who flew in from BC) explaining to him how Sunday is usually about 30%-40% different. Where some vendors leave and others come in to replace them. Well to my surprise this was not the case. I actually ran into the same collector on Sunday, and I had to stop him to explain that I was completely wrong, so he didn't think I was crazy or something LOL.

For me personally Sunday, was sort of a wash, as there was really nothing new to see. Normally the outside hallway is full of new items and bins to poke through. It was disappointing.

Also I agree with a previous comment of, why on Sunday did the dealer room and the first important panel of the day both start at 10:00 am. Personally I think this should have been spaced out a bit more.

Now I know this all sounds bad, but there are just a few items I wanted to point out, so the feedback can go to people to make decisions about next years event.

Overall the guests were amazing. The Atmosphere was great. Just a few minor things that need to be adjusted.

TDLR:
Missed the lanywards - Please bring them back!
Sunday not being 80's stuff was a bummer
Schedule for Sunday start time needs to be tweaked

Re: TFCon 2018 *Unofficial* Feedback Thread
 

NEVER! I visited you half the time :)

-Mike

Re: TFCon 2018 *Unofficial* Feedback Thread
 

Had a great time, got to hang out with my crew, and finally put some names to some faces. Only had a few complaints, Werevenom mentioned one of my big ones, If there are "rules" as to what you have to have at your table why were there people not following those rules. Found it kind of annoying as I was looking for other stuff than just Transformers. To me if they paid for the table why should there be any control over what they place up for sale?

Second I guess there were no sponsors as per se as the last few years we've been getting our tote bag with bonuses inside (last year razor and fruit water)

Third only one dealer room this year? Last year there were dealers on the other side of the Hotel (would have allowed for some more space had it been used) and I am curious as to why the display cabinets featuring the prototypes were hidden down the back hall?

Lastly I think there needs to be some better format or organization for those who bought online tickets, it was a little more money then just buying them at the show and there was little to any advantage... we were still lined up with everyone else only to be asked to line up to the other side to register and then to go get back in line. For some who didn't have friends waiting in the entrance line they had to go to the back of the line which meant they could miss the exclusives. I know myself I was there at 7:15am, and if I hadn't had buddies who already registered on Fri night who I was waiting with, had I been made to go start again from the back I would have been really annoyed.


As for the exclusives I fully understand limiting them to 1 per person. But would be nice if at some point there are some extras left an announcement could be made. As well I noticed no one tracking who bought what. I could have easily dropped stuff at my car and come back and bought more. Maybe we need some kind of hole punched or stamp on our bracelet so people can recognize that we have already bought an exclusive.

Also really sad about what happened to Nick, glad the community came together to help out on the Sunday, I know how busy the show can get and how the crowds become overwhelming, sad that someone would stoop to that.

Re: TFCon 2018 *Unofficial* Feedback Thread
 

I have a different opinion on the now 2 days straight TFCon arrangement: why can't we have a convention for TF all by its own? There will be a 80's Toys Expo or something coming up anyway organized by the same team so you have a chance for the other non-TF stuffs.

As for the 2nd dealer room last year: it was a disaster for the dealers who stuck over there because there is simply not much traffic. I was there as a dealer last year so I know. I guess for some less dealers means less things to choose from which I can fully understand the feeling but there is only so much room at that hotel/convention centre.

I think this year's selection at the tables/booths were not bad. As a small amateur dealer I tried to offered a wide varieties of stuffs from my collections, and when I had the chance to walked around a bit I see a few things from G1 to the latest offerings (HasTak + 3rd party). I just don't have the dough to get it all :) Yes, there were some stuffs that I wanted that couldn't be found but all in all I am happy.

As for some of the exclusives that are in limited number: I didn't get the chance to get a Drift. I guess it can't be help when they don't even get most of the stocks in. Well, at least I got a MakeToys G2 Not-Jazz/Maestro and I am fine with that.

Just my 2 cents.

Anyway, it was a fun time this year and thanks for the organizer and the volunteers to make this happened! I am looking forward for the next TFCon already :)

Re: TFCon 2018 *Unofficial* Feedback Thread
 

Pros:

The waterslide remains a delight :)

We had good luck in the dealer's room this year. Last year we'd been a bit disappointed on the 80s toys side of things. This year, despite the "no big reset," we came home with MLP, Gundam and Macross stuff. So maybe it was just luck of the draw - this year catered to other interests for us as well as TF's.

Retro Joad's booth is always a delight and provided me with some CHUG toys at fair prices

I got the con exclusive Drift and Howlback/Garboil, which were great

I do notice more big dealers and fewer smaller ones but I ended up patronizing both

I enjoyed Ninjatron's panel about Transformers around the world and Matt's panel about differences between Japanese and North American Transformers. These obscure little weirdnesses are so delightful. Both panels were excellent.

David Wise was a delight and I'm so glad he came. I really like the idea of getting cartoon writers and I'd be happy to meet more in future years.

I'm always entertained by James Roberts' panels and scripts. He mentioned to me that he'd like to do cons even after Lost Light ends, so I hope that happens. This year I felt as though most of my questions might be spoiler-y so once the comic is over he'll be able to talk much more freely about answers to any other questions.

It was great to see Alex, Sara and Nick in artist's alley.

Cons:

The most obvious con of course would be what happened to Nick, but kudos to the folks who made the pins to support him. I was happy to do some holiday shopping there and throw money for pins. I had also restrained myself to buying just one print, but on Sunday I went back for the other print I wanted, to show Nick some support, and he told me that what he'll remember isn't the thief/thieves but the community rallying behind him. He also said he wants to come back :)

The other con is the Quest Bar's food, which hit a nasty low this year. I've eaten there regularly in past years and tried most of the menu items, and until this year I enjoyed the food, but this year when I joined my friends, they had: nachos that were cold and soggy when they were served; chicken fingers that were hard and dry (possible freezer burn?); and a burger that they set down after just two bites. While I like the atmosphere of everyone hanging out in the bar, I had no desire to pay those prices for seriously bad food. So, this year the only thing I had in the bar was one of the con drinks. The rest of the time I was taking my business elsewhere. (I strongly recommend Skyway Jack's, the diner next to Burger King, for good prices, HUGE portions and delicious food.)

Re: TFCon 2018 *Unofficial* Feedback Thread
 

I really enjoyed TFCon 2018, present for Friday & Saturday

Was at charity auction for a lil bit (fun), left to take kid to the pool before bed, came back at the end for the feeding frenzy, snatched a couple of loose/complete CWs on the cheap

Registered Friday night because I've been around the block once or twice, so Saturday lineup was wasn't bad for me
Have to say, the signs for (register on the left, lineup to get in on the right) probably could have been up earlier, people in front and behind me all lined up early with no registration, had to plead with others in the line to let them keep their places
I don't recall seeing the sign on my way down, first time I recall seeing it was on the way out later on around 10ish
So just saying, sign could have been out earlier to catch the earlybirds

Arranged a number of pre-purchases from board members, significantly more than last year - cool to make some connections

Wasn't looking for con exclusives, but paid the early in order to rush first crack at items I might be after that could be low quantity; surprisingly (same as most already said) I didn't find much I was after, honestly spent the first 30-40 mins just serpentine-ing the aisles trying to see if I missed something

Didn't actually purchase something until about the 30mins in - a number of items I was looking for, either couldn't find or were above-budget
Which isn't to say I didn't come away with anything cool, just not quite what I was aiming for (unrealistic expectations I guess?)

I've been attending on Sundays in the past, but changing work schedule has me visiting Fri&Sat recent years - didn't click for me that Sundays were the (more variety of toy lines) day, or used to be anyways
Wife and daughter also like toys/dolls, so fairly disappointed to hear about the "full TFs all weekend" thing - one year we attended, wife cleaned up with a mad Jem/StreetSharks haul, never been able to replicate that success since

Seconding Skyway Jack's, a really cozy breakfast
Ming Room was delicious, but no AC killed it for me a bit

First time buying Repros in-person, got a slight discount for buying seven label sets at once, thx dudes

Probably the most I've spent at the con so far, really excited for the figs I picked up though, see you all at the next con!

Re: TFCon 2018 *Unofficial* Feedback Thread
 

As a seller

First - not sure what you mean herooftheday316. Maybe you could clarify? - to me it sounds like some of us need to stop selling what we're selling and sell something else? For me that's kind of how i can redirect people.. for example someone is looking for Japanese gundamy stuff.. - i can say oh - go head to It came from Japan's table... the smiley bald guy with glasses! or ..you want MMC stuff -go to A3U with all the red table cloths.. or Planet X stuff - that taller gent with his asian wife ...sitting over there..; or G1 stuff - go visit Russ with his stacked up black shelves! Sellers get known for selling their certain stock. It's how they get to come back each year, because i would think that they're somewhat successful with that product line. I mean if they failed and kept coming back with no sales.. then i guess by all means - switch inventory..

2. Ya .. sunday kinda was weird. The 1 hour thing was a bit of a shock for myself and the crew. We had already been switching things over on saturday evening when we had been advised they were closing. We had a bit of a fiasco on the friday setup so i really needed more than the hour. I was lucky that they had started to let dealers in about 10 min early.
I actually had based my strategy on the Sunday Action Figure day... I had about 5 bins of action figures to put out along with the BAFs.. so needless to say i was shocked when very very few Action figure folks showed.. Some of the FB action figure groups had noted that there only a push for the TFs so thats why they weren't coming.

3. I'd like to thank the gent who noticed my loose transformer bins, and the young lady who asked for the animated transformer bins. Got me a lot more activity on sunday.

4. Still sunday... when i turned around to look through my shelves.. all i saw were big swathes of nothing. There wasn't anyone wandering the aisles. I think that in itself is an indication that a 2day- con isn't strong enough - unless you give it some serious support. More panels, or transformers karaoke or transformer colouring contests .. something. As a seller i'm there to work, meet customers, pay my staff, and move product. Hard to do if people don't want to come in for another TF day. Not saying it can't happen - just saying, perhaps we need to add some robustness to the event planning on the sunday if it is going to be a 2 day TF day.

5. As for the missing Exclusive stock.. as of wed- it still hasnt even gotten out of the states yet. The small amount that they had at the show -was sent at the same time with the other 2 shipments. We've been calling and no one seems to understand why it's not here yet.

Thanks to Mr.C for making things happen and promoting the show. The staff was great - and were good to myself and my team. If there were any errors - i'm sure it'll all get ironed out.


SB
Madhaus

Re: TFCon 2018 *Unofficial* Feedback Thread
 

This TFCon has been the most fun I've had in a long time.
Mind you, TFCon has long stopped being about the toys, and more about the people that you hang out with to me. Like I explain to non-TFCon friends: TFCon is like the annual fishing trip; if you catch any fish (TFs), all the better, but it's mainly about the company.

Dealer room was ok. I did feel there was a lot less bins and "older" toys around, and more of people selling recent retail stuff, or online stores selling the latest and greatest 3P offerings. Selection seemed decent, but I wasn't really hunting much anyways.

I'll echo herooftheday316 in the fact that there were a couple of dealers with really stale stock; I'm pretty sure it's been roughly the same stuff that's been on their tables for many years.

A few other things that I think might help a bit:
- I liked the lanyards from previous years as well; it made both a nice souvenir and a quick-access schedule
- Maybe use the Greenwich room for autographs and photos with the guests (with big signs pointing the way, obviously)
- In an effort to be more environmentally-friendly, there's gotta be some way to start using paperless E-tickets on the Eventbrite app on smartphones.

Re: TFCon 2018 *Unofficial* Feedback Thread
 

This year's TFCon helped rekindle a "spark" (if you will) for Transformers that was somewhat diminishing over the last few years. Having missed out on my first TFCon in 9 years in 2017, I wasn't sure how I was going to feel about coming back this year.

I walked away not only feeling rejuvenated and anxious to see what Hasbro will be putting out next, but motivated to track down things that I had let pass me by over the last 2 years. A lot of that has to do with finally taking time to appreciate what was out there but also witnessing the joy that so many of us have found in these little pieces of plastic. It's really quite contagious.

Moreover, the outpouring of support I witnessed for Nick Roche with our table right beside the pin sales on Sunday reminded me of why Transformers fans really are some of the best and that TFCon is (as so many have said) not just about getting toys but about seeing friends, hanging out and feeling like a kid again.

My only regret was that I didn't buy more stuff but I think my wife is more than happy about that fact.

Special thanks to all of you who stopped by Cobra Commander's and my table to talk TFs and to make a purchase. It was very much appreciated.

Re: TFCon 2018 *Unofficial* Feedback Thread
 

One thing I forgot to add as a negative... and it’s actually been a negative for a few years from what I can remember.

They do the announcement of who won the art contests (by name and title) while we’re all sitting there in the panel room, yet they don’t show the actual art pieces that won on the big screens to the audience. It’s such an easy thing to do to take the pics and show them on the screen as they announce each winner. I can bet almost all of us sitting in that room can’t visualize the art that won because we either never saw it in the hallway, or can’t remember the art, or can’t remember the title of the artwork of each piece (that’s assuming we pay attention to the title when looking at the art).

The sceen shots will engage and interest the audience, and the winners will deservedly get some limelight.

I don’t know how they announce the costume winners, but if it would be just as good to use the screens.

On a positive side, it’s great that you have these contests for the fans!!! Keep it up.

Re: TFCon 2018 *Unofficial* Feedback Thread
 

I don't want to be specific in this case but there are at least 2 dealers who have had the same stock for at least 3 years. No haggling, not super friendly etc etc.

Some tables at the dealer room just feel a little stale because things that are not really in demand seem to be priced very poorly so their tables just end up being "dead space" for some of us who have been there a few years in a row.

Your table is always fun and you guys make it easy to shop. Your stock is never the same year over year. Your bins are some of my favorite stuff to shop at the con.

-Mike

Re: TFCon 2018 *Unofficial* Feedback Thread
 

Woot! thanks for clarifying. i have noticed that a lot of dealers do have poor body behaviours if things aren't going their way. they look very standoff-ish, which likely makes things even worse. no one wants to deal with that or them. hopefully some of them pick up on this thread.

Re: TFCon 2018 *Unofficial* Feedback Thread
 

Dealer wise, there did seem to be less than before, mainly in the alley way. That was a bit of a disappointment because you can usually find some random figures there at really great prices from collectors just looking to offload parts of their collections.

The whole Sunday thing was confusing to say the least. I understand if they want to have Tfcon as a whole weekend event, but there really wasn't enough substance there to warrant it. As other dealers already mentioned, Sunday was a bit of a surprise to them as well.

I understand wanting to have TFcon as an all weekend event, but I really question if there's enough substance to warrant it. Panels etc are great, but I'd argue that a number of people really just are coming for the dealer room. They buy their figures on Saturday, maybe check out a panel or 2 and then leave. If the dealer room is pretty much the same 2 days in a row, then what incentive does someone have to go a second day. In years past, with Sunday being action figure oriented, dealers were able to change up stock to account for the different demographic, so atleast if you were going for 2 days, there were new things to see.

Re: TFCon 2018 *Unofficial* Feedback Thread
 

I've got a report on the show up on my website now, You can check it out here: SykoGrafix.com

The guests this year were great. Chalk and Kaye are always fantastic, and having the two of them making a rare appearance together was especially cool and made for a unique moment. Rayle and Mendenhal were especially fantastic, and having David Wise was amazing. Any time we are lucky enough to have a guest that hasn't done a convention in Canada, hasn't done a Transformers convention, or has never been to a convention before, that's pretty awesome. I appreciated the lengths that were taken this year to bring us interesting guests. It was really cool seeing David Mendenhal reliving a piece of his childhood in front of us during his panel. I made sure to tell him that what he shared with us was really special.

There was a person during the Chalk/Kaye panel who asked something about having regrets about working on Energon because it didn't make sense to him or something like that. What an offensive question. That rubbed me the wrong way. What did this guy honestly think they were going to say? Newsflash, buddy: None of Transformers makes any sense when you look at it out of context. Let's try to be more polite from now on and not backhandedly insult something that the guests worked on and may be enjoyed perfectly fine by other people in the audience.

I missed a lot of the show because I was working on my panel, but I did as much as I could. The other panels I saw were great. I especially liked Aaron Archer's presentation, and I would love to see more people on the creative side invited to the show.

Unfortunately I had to skip Faction Feud but it sounded like it was fun from what I heard afterwards. I sure as hell wasn't going to miss the Slurpee Run though.

As far as the dealer room goes, the main complaint from last year was confusion over US and Canadian pricing. Thankfully I didn't see any of that this time, but maybe I was lucky. I was not fussed about the lack of a refresh on Sunday. I didn't even think about it until I read about it here after the fact. Most conventions just have the same dealer room and that's the way it is for the entirety of the show. Obviously it would be great to have more variety in terms of selection and number of vendors. But the show lives in Canada. Who is here and who is willing to come here? Whatever that answer is, that's the best we can realistically hope for.

If people are disappointed in the dealer room, and that's all they care about, then sorry but you are totally doing TFcon wrong. There is so much more to this show than just buying toys or seeing whatever off-brand reveals you're going to be spending your money on later. Go and experience everything the show has to offer. Have fun. And if that's still not enough and there are things you wish the show had, then be the change. Volunteer your time and make it happen. That's what I do, and I already love TFcon, so what's your excuse?

Sayonara.

Re: TFCon 2018 *Unofficial* Feedback Thread
 

Umm, but that's the thing, you say be the change, yet the way Sunday was done compared to previous years was a change. Sunday has always been considered Action Figure Expo (or some other name, it escapes me now). Even for dealer registration it was always Saturday you needed atleast 50% Transformers at your table, and Sunday there was no minimal requirement which meant you could have a table with no Transformers at all if you wanted. Hence the lack of a refresh on a lot of tables this year.

In the past, this resulted in different people coming to the convention on the second day. As well as a refresh with the 1 day dealers, who only sell Transformers or action figures. And speaking as someone who's been a dealer or helped out at another dealer's table over the last 6 years, traffic did seem a bit slower.

Panels are great and if that's your thing terrific, I'm glad that you had a great time. But it's not for everyone, some just like to buy toys and hang out with friends.

Re: TFCon 2018 *Unofficial* Feedback Thread
 

Just a random suggestion, not a jab, but maybe one way to help get the Sunday show to establish a TF theme would be to offer up an exclusive only available on the Sunday, it might help folks to stay the extra day?

And/or have a special guest for Sunday appearance only, maybe Virgil cosplaying Megatron may attract attention :D

Re: TFCon 2018 *Unofficial* Feedback Thread
 

One other idea is to offer a discounted rate on the sunday regular admission ticket if you attended on Saturday. I know there is a weekend pass but not everyone cares about the early admission.

Didn't the Sunday regular admissions go from $10 last year to $20 this year?

Re: TFCon 2018 *Unofficial* Feedback Thread
 

Really cool suggestion

Re: TFCon 2018 *Unofficial* Feedback Thread
 

i dunno if Virgil cosplays...
On the other hand Virgil did make it the show unlike some peeps.. @CobraCommander. He made it out.. :D

Re: TFCon 2018 *Unofficial* Feedback Thread
 

Due to car problems i was only able to attend custom class on Friday and part of Saturday.Not having the lanyard was a bummer as others have said it has a nice schedule on the back of it so it's hard to lose like the paper sheet.I couldn't find any junker bins either and that kinda stank but dealers must bring what they think will make them more cash so i understand.I wasn't happy with the absence of certificate of authenticities at autograph tables.Normally i don't care about this but this year was a tight budget for me and since i couldn't afford an autograph and a pic i would have preferred a c.o.a to put with figure when i display.I couldn't attend Sunday but from what i read i didn't miss much as nothing changed.Perhaps in future consider mentioning that TFCON will be all weekend and not changed over to 80's expo prior to tickets going online.Aside from some panels i might want to see i don't think i'd want to go another day to see the exact same stuff in the dealer room as Saturday.


A side question for those who bought the premium ticket.
Were you able to purchase ALL the exclusives Friday night as promised?



I heard some were in transit or never showed and had i bought that ticket and heard that i would have been furious about not being able to buy everything if i had wanted to.

Re: TFCon 2018 *Unofficial* Feedback Thread
 

I've attended TFcon since 2004, and I noticed a difference this year.

The premium pass, was pricey for what you got To be honest, 10 or 15 minutes a head of line would be well worth that price. I pity the last person in the line who was just followed in by the rest. Did they feel like it was worth it?

The Vendors seemed... less this year. I was disappointed in that aspect, especially when the sunday was not the 80's toys expo (or whatever one it usually was) I was looking forward to looking at some other opportunities.

Re: TFCon 2018 *Unofficial* Feedback Thread
 

The contest winners were chosen late, and I did not have enough time to get the pics to the AV supervisor before announcement.

Re: TFCon 2018 *Unofficial* Feedback Thread
 

I have to agree about the absence of C.O.A.s this year. It was a nice touch the last few years and something you really don't get at other shows. Hopefully they come back.