Frequently Asked Quesions

1. What are the hours of the convention?

The show runs on Saturday, Sept 24 from 10-7. On Sunday, Sept. 25 from 12-6.

2 How do I get there?

Here is a link for directions to Cobo Hall. http://www.cobocenter.com/map-parking.html

Note: The Port Atwater Parking garage at 200 Beaubien is connected to the Marriott Ren Cen and is offering discounted parking at $4 each day for Saturday and Sunday for Detroit Fanfare attendees. Port Atwater Parking is about 3 blocks from Cobo with a skywalk to the Ren Cen People Mover Station which is still 50 cents to ride and will stop at Cobo. To get the discounted parking pick up a Port Atwater discount validation ticket at the Detroit Fanfare registration desk. Upon exiting the garage first insert into the pay station your original parking ticket, and then insert your validation ticket which will reduce your daily parking fee to $4.

3. Where at in Cobo Hall is the convention held?

The main room will be on the first level and is the Macomb Hall. Panel rooms will be on 2nd level.

Please download the Detroit Fanfare 2011 Floor Plan for a map of the layout of the Macomb Hall.

4. What about the facilities at the convention?

There will be a number of different vendors serving food, both inside the convention hall itself and immediately outside. In addition, there are a number of restaurants nearby but the selection should be good at the con for most people. We do want to warn people that because Cobo Hall is undergoing massive remodeling, the number of bathrooms in the hall itself is limited but there are a number of facilities immediately outside of the hall near the entrance.

4,. How much are admission tickets? Can I buy them in advance and/or at the door?

We’ll let you buy them anyway you want! If you want to buy them in advance, you can go here. http://detroitfanfare.ticketleap.com/2011-detroit-fanfare-comic-book-convention . But you can also buy them at the door. Admission only tickets are $15 for the ENTIRE weekend. On Sunday, kids are free but if you want to bring them for both days, kids have a special rate of $5.00 for the weekend.

5. What about the Everyday Heroes free admission?
All active duty Military, Police, Firefighters and Border Patrol Officers will receive FREE admission for themselves and one guest to Detroit Fanfare by wearing their uniforms or official t-shirt and showing a current ID.

6. What about the media stars and the special VIP packages?
Tickets and VIP Packages will be available in the Cobo Hall Atrium. We will be set up to take both cash and credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express & Discover) VIP Packages are limited to a set amount and when they sell out, they will no longer be available(To make sure you do not miss out on the VIP package of your choice, we suggest order in advance through Ticket Leap.) http://detroitfanfare.ticketleap.com/2011-detroit-fanfare-comic-book-convention

7. What are the costs for autographs and/or photo opportunities? How about sketches from artists?

Each media guest has their own pricing structure which can be found at http://detroitfanfare.ticketleap.com/2011-detroit-fanfare-comic-book-convention. Comic creators generally do not charge for autographs and pricing of sketches is dependent upon the artist. Make sure you check with them before hand prior to commissioning a piece of original art.

8. Do I have to pay to attend the media stars’ Question and Answers sessions?

No. But they are on a first come, first served basis. While we try to provide enough room, we are limited in the seats available. Anyone purchasing a VIP package will get guaranteed seating right at the front.

9. What is the hotel information?

The official convention hotel is the Detroit Marriot at the Renaissance Center. If you book through our website (detroitfanfare.com), you will get the discount rate of $89. The Marriot will be where the Shel Dorf Awards will be held and the Official Con Party, both on Saturday. There are many other hotels in the area. One thing to consider is the People Mover, the elevated monorail that runs through downtown. Transportation cost is 50 cents (although a rate hike is possible any time now). Please note that the only Casino hotel on the People Mover path is Greektown.

The hours of the People Mover are:

Monday-Thursday 6:30 AM – Midnight
Friday 6:30 AM – 2 AM
Saturday 9 AM – 2 AM
Sunday Noon – Midnight

Here is a link to the center area that shows many of the hotels as well as the path of the People Mover. http://www.cobocenter.com/css/DowntownHotelmap_2010.pdf

Note: The Convention Hotel (Marriott) is close to selling out at this time. There are a number of hotels in the general area and you can check Expedia or other services for information.

10. What about Parking?
The best spot for coming in on Saturday or Sunday is Cobo Hall Roof Parking or Cobo Hall Garage. The rates for each hotel will be different, of course. However, there are a number of parking lots throughout the city at much lower rates. Here is a link to a map of parking areas and the People Mover route is shown as well. http://www.cobocenter.com/css/DowntownParking-2.pdf

11. What kind of Exclusives will be at the con?

Check out Exclusives page on the website to see what titles are available from the major publishers. There’s Marvel with X-men, IDW with Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Avatar with three different variants, Zenescope, and others. Plus, many of the creators will be offering exclusive merchandise as well as premiering some really cool stuff.

12. What are the social events that I will be able to join in?

On Saturday night, there will be the Shel Dorf Awards (ticket needed) followed by the convention party which everyone is invited to. Shots for Sketches will take place at the con party.

13. What kind of events can I participate in at the convention?

We have a number of panels and discussions. There are also other events going on at the convention which will be included in the schedule. Some of the highlights.

• Auction- Many of the creators will be offering items available for auction. Many are unique items and bidding will be by silent auction. Winners will be announced at the end of the day on Sunday.
• Raffle- Every hour during the con, a raffle will be held and the winning ticket will be able to choose from the items on display.
• Trivia- Hosted by the Raffle Master, Chet, some trivia questions will be asked and winners will receive a prize.
• Geek Fight- A tournament style debate on a variety of different subjects where you can vote and eventually help to pick the winner.
• Blood 4 Comics- give blood and get a box full o’comics. Details at the Blood Drive which will be Saturday only.
• Art Contest-a variety of categories to acknowledge the best of amateur art! Sponsored by Blue Line Pro. The groupings are 12 and under, ages 13- 17, and ages 18+. There will be separate considerations for color and black&white. The Contest will be judged by some of our guests and prizes are being donated by Blue Line Pro. (Original art please, no prints, and no professionals.)
• Film Fest- On Sunday, all day long, local film makers will be showcasing their films. Included will be Joe Doughrity who has his current film, Corner Store, at local theatres. Plus with many of the Evil Dead crew on hand, you can be sure to find out a lot about the local film industry.
• Panel Events- Some of the events that we welcome fans to actively participate in.
• Quick Sketch- Watch as some of your favorite artists must draw sketches as fast as they can. Art sketches are raffled off to the audience.
• FanSpeak- running on Saturday, here are opportunities for fans to spout off with their thoughts on what they think about certain areas. The primary topics for the two FanSpeak panels are “Comics: The State of the Industry” and “Digital Comics: Enhancement or Replacement for Print”. Join many of today’s creators in an open discussion which hopefully, is heavily dependent on the fans.

14. What about Costumes? Are they welcomed?

Of course…in fact, they are encouraged. There will be a few areas set aside throughout the convention hall for costumers and cosplayers to have great photo ops. At the end of the day on Saturday, there will be a giant Cosplayer photo –op at the main stage prior to the Official Costume Contest. And if you attend the Con Party on Saturday, the first 500 people showing up in costume will receive the rare variant of Carnage #1 which was an exclusive offering by Detroit Fanfare in 2010 (cover by Patrick Zircher). Note that the kids costume contest will be first thing Sunday at opening (noon).

15. Are there any kid-friendly events?

First off, kids are free on Sunday! There is a costume contest first thing and following that are some special discussions. Rachel Kasier who used to work for Disney World will show some secrets in how to draw Disney characters. That will be followed by John Martin who will give some pointers and lessons on drawing.

16. If I’m an aspiring artist, can I make connections there?

That depends on so many variables. However, there will be portfolio reviews throughout the convention. The portfolio review room will be manned most of the con by various creators and Marvel Comics will be looking at portfolios throughout the convention. Marvel will also be conducting a panel discussion about breaking into comics.

There are a great number of seminars and workshops dealing will all facets of comic creation-from writing to art to coloring to lettering. Production in all aspects will be covered as well. Check the schedule for the events and rooms.

17. What are some of the other things to know for the convention?

• The Con Party on Saturday is for everyone and starts at 10:00, immediately after the Shel Dorf Award Ceremony.
• The Shel Dorf Ceremony is a ticket only event and you must have a ticket to enter even if you didn’t want to eat. It’s an “all or none” set up.
• Windsor, Canada is just minutes away directly across the Detroit River and is accessible by either the bridge or tunnel. However, the security laws passed recently means to go there you now need a passport or enhanced driver’s license.
• Michigan has a law that there is NO smoking in public places and this includes all hotels, restaurants, and bars.