Admission
Q: What do I need to get into the event?
A: When you first arrive, present your ticket at registration to collect your attendee badges. You may be required to present a photo ID in order to collect you badge. When you enter or leave the convention space, your attendee badge must be displayed.
Q: Can I buy tickets the day of the event?
A: Yes. Tickets will be available for purchase at the door each day of the event.
Q: What if I am unable to print my ticket?
A: No problem - just pull up the confirmation email on your phone to show at registration or provide your information at registration and they will access it manually.
Q: What if I purchased tickets and am unable to attend?
A: In general, tickets to Escape Velocity are non-refundable. However, we understand that personal circumstances may change. If you have purchased tickets and are unable to attend the event due to circumstances beyond your control, please email shauna.fitzgerald@musuemofsciencefiction.org.
Photos and Autographs
Q: Can I take pictures/video?
A: For the most part, you are welcome to take photos and video at Escape Velocity. However, please note that recording (including live-streaming apps) and flash photography are not permitted in panels, concerts, or screenings. And while selfie sticks are permitted, please be careful of other attendees while using them, particularly in crowded areas. In some areas, the use of selfie sticks may be restricted or prohibited. Recordings and photos are not permitted in certain parts of the autographing area. Please understand that guests may or may not pose for photographs with fans at their own discretion. Guests have a right to their privacy, and if they ask to not have their picture taken, please respect their wishes. Similarly just because someone is wearing a costume does not mean you may take their picture. You should always ask and get a person’s consent before taking a picture. Cosplay does not mean consent. Please obey all signage and directions from the Escape Velocity staff. In some instances, photography and other forms of recording may be prohibited or otherwise restricted. Professional photographers requiring dedicated spaces should contact event staff.
Q: Will guests sign autographs?
A: Yes. Many of our guests will be available to sign autographs. Prices will be determined by each guest and will be displayed at their table.
Q: Do I need to bring something for them to sign?
A: Guests will have items available to sign, but you are also welcome to bring your own items if you prefer. However, you may bring only one item to be signed during each autograph session, and the signing of any such item is solely up to our guests. Please do not ask guests to sign bootleg or counterfeit merchandise.
Q: How do I find out when a guest will be available for a photo or autograph?
A: Each guest will have the times they will appear for autographs and photos posted at their tables.
At the Event
Q: Is there a coat check or other area to store my stuff?
A: There is no coat check or storage area. Attendees are responsible for their own belongings.
Q: Will there be public WiFi?
A: Complimentary WiFi access is provided in the lobby and public areas of the hotel but will not be available in the meeting spaces. Guests will have the option to purchase Wifi from the hotel for their room. If you have questions, please contact hotel staff.
Q: Can I bring a pet?
A: No pets will be allowed in the hotel. Service animals for those with disabilities will be permitted. If your service animal is not wearing any kind of ID identifying them as a service animal, you may be stopped by security. [If you are bringing a service animal, please let the [registration/information] desk know when you arrive.
Q: Is there a designated space for smoking?
A: The Marriott is a smoke-free hotel. No smoking will be permitted anywhere in the event space or hotel buildings. No smoking at Escape Velocity includes traditional cigarettes, pipes, cigars, or E-cigarettes and any vaping product or device. Smokers may use the designated areas outside the building. If you are uncertain where to go to smoke, please ask hotel staff.
Q: Will artists and other vendors accept credit cards?
A: Some vendors may accept credit cards at their booths, while others may require cash-only transactions. To avoid disappointment, we suggest you arrive at the event booth with both payment options.
Q: What if I run out of cash?
A: ATM machines are located throughout the hotel. Please ask a staff member to direct you to the nearest machine.
Q: What if I get hurt?
A: If it is serious injury please call 911. Otherwise Please see a member of security or hotel staff for assistance.,
Q: What if I lose something?
A: All attendees are responsible for their own belongings. Event and hotel staff will collect abandoned items throughout the event and bring them to the lost and found at the hotel information desk.
Q: Can I bring a stroller?
A: Attendees with small children are more than welcome to bring strollers. We do ask that you please be careful of other attendees while navigating the exhibit hall and other event spaces, as walkways may become crowded. Due to space limitations and fire regulations, you may be asked to move or park your stroller in certain locations when attending any of the programming. In particular within meeting rooms, the aisles and entranceways must be kept clear at all times. Please note: Escape Velocity will not provide security or check-in/check-out for the strollers.
Q: Can I fly a Drone?
A; No devices may be flown or tethered within the confines of the Exhibit Hall or the Hotel without the express prior approval of Escape Velocity.
Q: Do you have any accommodations for those with disabilities?
A: For attendees with accessibility needs, please contact the registration desk or email info@museumofsciencefiction.org.
Q: Can I have someone paged?
A: There is no PA system available. Arrange a time and a place to meet beforehand, or you might try using your personal communicator also known as a cellphone to text your friends.
PLEASE FOLLOW ALL INSTRUCTIONS OF EVENT AND HOTEL STAFF. WE WANT ESCAPE VELOCITY TO BE A FUN AND SAFE EVENT FOR EVERYONE.