Hey Marines, some of us from B 3/7 are thinking of coming on over next year. Any suggestions
or recomendations on a worthy event. Semper Fi!

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One shot, One kill.

Biggest as far as public attendance goes is MCM Expo, but it is rather Anime focused - they are trying to diversify; we'll see about the coming Expo in May but we're always the odd ones out there... but there is a pub onsite! London Film and Comic Con, and London Collectormania are nearly as big but more film focused and get the best guests. We haven't been to Memorabilia in Birmingham for ages but that is usually quite good too.

Hardest to predict and most awkwardly scheduled (but most fun) is the National Space Centre event in Leicester which may happen sometime in a year with some amount of notice, mostly likely near the date of Dragon*Con. It is hard work but is very "fan run", and we generally organise the Alien Encounter event, Boot camp, prop displays, etc. Working on it really does give the feeling of being part of something special. And the night-life is great too.

TBH, looking at the event itself, NSC is the only one that could offer something you couldn't find in the States - the larger UK events are closer to very small (but more commercial... ) versions of SDCC than small versions of Dragon*Con ... The UK needs a really good general (or Aliens!) event that is run out of a convention hotel.

However, the NSC event may or may not happen in 2012 (at this point, 2011 isn't even confirmed...) and last year there was about 6-8 weeks notice of the date. It's a 2-3 hour drive from London, and the NSC is "Leicester's premier tourist attraction": There are not many other reasons to go to Leicester!


But, we make our own fun at any event - the dressing up is an excuse to meet up and go to the pub ... Don't let me put you off; I can guarantee you'd all have a great time at any of the events I've mentioned.

Personally, if the NSC goes ahead for 2012, that is what I recommend. Why? Because we are an active part of the weekend, not just attendees. Being part of it all is so rewarding.

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Sgt A. Richardson CMD A04/TQ1.0.02151E1

You should think about a new career on the tourism board G, there's no way you wouldn't get it

Anyway, like Sandy, I would recommend the Leicester event. It's the best show we go to as we are involved in the event and the only place that the Alien Encounter happens. Malika is the best host at any of these events. It's also usually the best night life as we all stay in the same hotel, usually with the guests as well, and normally there is entertainment.

Definitely the one to come to. It may be a little close to DragonCon, as it is this year but that's not always the case and only a problem if your going to DragonCon, which not everyone does.

Be great to see a bunch of you guys over here

Cheers

Darren

Guys, I only listed other events because they have fixed dates announced 14 months+ in advance. I think I made the case for the shortcomings of them all versus the NSC event. NSC is really the highlight of our year.

At this time, the 2011 NSC event is in September/November sometime and isn't even confirmed as happening - it's not really reasonable for people to book flights over from the US (and a week or more leave from work) with 6-8 weeks notice. This is the problem rather than it being close to D*Con in this case.

Just giving my opinion on which event I think would be the best for these guys G. I read your post and saw the other events mentioned but felt entitled to add my own recommendation regardless.
I'm pretty sure I remember last years event being confirmed more than 6-8 weeks prior but I could be wrong of course.
Anyway

Darren

Thanks for the intel. i'll pass the word to the higher ups.

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One shot, One kill.