Ponycon UK (any advice appreciated)

[sherbertlegs]

Hi, 

I have just started seriously collecting and love the idea of coming to Ponycon UK.  I live in Manchester so it would only take me about an hour and a half to drive there.

I have a 4 year old daughter who would maybe join me.

However I am in two minds about whether to attend on the Saturday.

Its not a personal confidence issue, its more like a feeling of not being knowledgeble enough and not really knowing what to expect.

I have looked on the wesite and it all looks lovely but I cant just put my finger on why I am having reservations! 

Any words of wisdom or advice to spur me on???

[Water_Fire]

I'd also like some advice as a first timer! I've already bought my ticket, but having never been before, I don't know what to expect!

[DaffyDilly]

Friday is Members Day - that's where you'll be getting to know other collections and taking part in competitions and games.

Saturday is where all the shopping takes place so if you want to buy, this is when you'll need to go. Think of it as a table top sale with just ponies!

Honestly, everybody is lovely (I've been to the past 3, and I'm having a stall this year) but if you want to just do your own thing and not get involved, that's OK too. People will be far too busy buying ponies to think about much else. Your daughter will have a wonderful time and a lot of people bring their children. Have you thought about making her a costume for the cosplay contest?

What might help you is to take a want list with photos of the ponies - it's easy to get caught up in the shopping! We've been told that food will be good this year (the venue messed up last year so there wasn't much) but take some drinks and snacks, plenty of money for buying ponies, and some strong bags to carry everything!

If you aren't already members, you should join the PonyCon forum - http://ponyconvention.proboards.com/index.cgi - as you'll get responses from all the committee there and long time attendees of the convention.

Post Merge: August 31, 2012, 05:44:04 AM

Here's a link to some photos from previous conventions to give you an idea:

http://www.flickr.com/groups/ukponycon/

[Enolaalone]

Those photos are great! I am still considering going, it's quite far from Cardiff and I'd have to get the train. Will have to have a think about it.

[cazz25]

I'm also going to the ponycon uk for the first time this year. I'm also from Manchester and will be taking my (nearly) 4 year old son  I can't wait. Think i'll have to do some overtime at work so I can buy lots of new ponies hehe. 

[Gogobinsin]

I'd really like to go, never been to a con before but it's a bit too far away Maybe another year

[Water_Fire]

Thanks for the info! Now I'm looking at the photos and getting thoroughly over excited. SQUEE!

[Sarah-Bee]

It's absolutely awesome at ponycon and everyone is really nice! You'll have a blast if you do decide to go (which you totally should!) I can't wait

[sherbertlegs]

I'm also going to the ponycon uk for the first time this year. I'm also from Manchester and will be taking my (nearly) 4 year old son  I can't wait. Think i'll have to do some overtime at work so I can buy lots of new ponies hehe.

Will you be going just on the Saturday?

[cazz25]

Yeah I'm just going on the Saturday 

[Dusky]

I've been to two, I sadly cannot make it this year and I miss the guys I have met previously. It's really good fun and there's no 'performance' pressure. You do not need to internalise the entire ponydex of G1-G4 ponies to have fun, people are more than happy to answer questions and chat!

[pinkkittywinks]

aww don't be shy i know it is hard at first when you don't know anyone and you are scared of making a silly mistake or something like that. everyone is really friendly and will be sure to welcome you no one will laugh at you if you forget a pony's name ... i have been collecting 9 years and still mess up on names

i have been to every single ponycon and had a great time each time

love pkw xxx

[Gingerbread]

I was so looking forward to going this year, it would have been my first one. But it's over four hours drive away from me, I just can't do that I can't afford the train (and wouldn't have the confidence to go all that way by myself anyway!)

[mercynova]

I've been to five ponycons now (or is it six? I dunno....) and I can tell you they are BRILLIANT! People are always really lovely and you will be blown away by the amount of ponies that they manage to fit in just one room!

[hathorcat]

Dusky's advise is fantastic

But perhaps the most important thing to remember - and what helps me - is to remember you are surrounded by people who will not judge you for pony collecting, in fact they ll grab you and wholeheartedly embrace you. There will also be tonnes of Arena members around so no doubt you ll meet people you know!