Frequently Asked Questions

General FAQ

Q: What is BronyCon?
A: BronyCon is the first and largest convention for fans of Friendship is Magic, the latest incarnation of the My Little Pony franchise. Since the show’s debut in Fall 2010, it has garnered an extremely large and dedicated following of fans of all ages, dubbed bronies.  BronyCon welcomes all fans in a celebration of the community and values that have grown from the phenomenon. More information can be found on our History page. In addition, you can learn about how our convention has grown from its humble beginnings.

Q: When will BronyCon 2013 be held?
A: The convention will held from Friday, August 2nd through Sunday, August 4th, 2013.

Q: Where will BronyCon 2013 be held?
A: BronyCon 2013 will be held at the Baltimore Convention Center and the Hilton Baltimore, located in the Inner Harbor of Baltimore, Maryland. More information about our the convention center can be found on the Venue page.

Q: How should I get to the convention?
A: We've added a Travel page with plenty of helpful tips for finding the best route to BronyCon. Baltimore is a very accessible city no matter where you're coming from or what method of transportation you plan to take.

Q: Is there a hotel discount available through the convention?
A: Yes, we are offering great deals with both the Hilton and several other nearby hotels, all within walking distance of the convention center. Rates are available as low as $125 a night. Head on over to our Hotel page and book your stay now!

Q: How do I get to the Baltimore Convention Center from the Hilton Hotel?
A: The hotel and the convention center are connected via a skybridge, and you can easily move between them to attend programming in either location.

Q: What hours will the convention operate?
A: The convention will open early Friday morning, and continue non-stop until late Sunday afternoon. More detailed information about the schedule of events will be posted closer to the date of the convention.

Q: How old do I need to be to attend BronyCon?
A: You need to be at least 14 years old to attend by yourself. If you are age 13 or under, you must be accompanied by either a parent or guardian of legal age.

Q: Can you please hold the convention in X Location next year?
A: BronyCon is the primary convention of the central East Coast and does not plan to move again any time in the foreseeable future.  We feel that the Baltimore Convention Center offers us unprecedented opportunity to grow and fulfill our maximum potential.  We selected our current venue based on its incredible size, ease of access, acoustics, proximity to staff, and all sorts of other things.  There are tons of other fantastic conventions running all across the globe! We're just one of many.

Q: Why aren't you holding a winter convention?
A:  BronyCon is getting big. So big, in fact, that the amount of time it takes to plan and get ready is getting longer and longer. Back when we were tiny, we had the time to run conventions once every four months.  Now, there are so many things that go into each one that it isn't feasible to look at anything more than an annual convention. And remember: the more effort we put into each one, the better it will be!

Q: What exactly happens at BronyCon? What is there to do?
A: We’re currently hard at work preparing all the amazing programming we have in store for BronyCon 2013.  There will be plenty of panels and workshops going on at all times, highlighting all the major aspects of the fandom, from Fanfiction to Animation to Music. We'll have a massive dealers room filled with vendors selling all forms of MLP merchandise and artwork. BronyCon always features an extensive lineup of special guests, including many of the voice actors and writers from the show, who attend Q&A panels and sign autographs. Our BronyPalooza event is a massive concert, featuring performances from some of the biggest and best musicians in the community. There will also be cosplay contests and photoshoots, a game room, a charity auction, and much more!

Q: What special guests will be coming to BronyCon 2013?
A: You can view all our currently annouced Guests of Honor over on the Guest page of our website. We will continue to announce even more guests as the convention approaches. Expect an unforgettable lineup of talent from both the show and the community!

Q: Is cosplay allowed at the convention?
A: Cosplay of any type is certainly welcome at BronyCon! In addition there will be a variety of cosplay contests and photoshoots throughout the convention. However, we ask that all attendees follow the guidelines of our costume and prop policy. Security at the convention will always have the final say if your cosplay is permitted or not.

Q: I don’t have a vendor’s table.  Can I still sell things at the convention?
A: Unfortunately, there are no unapproved vendors allowed to sell at the convention, and no form of peddling out of backpacks or suitcases will be permitted. If you are interested in selling merchandise or art at BronyCon, please apply to our Dealer's Room.

Q: Does BronyCon offer advertising opportunities?
A: Yes we do! If you are interested in advertising your goods or services either in our con book or through another promotional offer, please take a look at our Advertising Policy for prices and guidelines.

Q: Can I talk with the Guests of Honor?  Can I get pictures taken with them?
A: Of course you can! If you see a Guest of Honor around the convention and they don’t appear to be busy, you are welcome to approach them and request a picture. Just be sure not to harass the guests or keep them from getting where they need to go.

Q: How do I get an Autograph?
A: Information on this will be announced closer to the convention.

Q: How many items can I get autographed?
A: Information on this will be announced closer to the convention.

Q: Can I get autographs from artists who aren’t guests of honor?  How about musicians I find walking around the convention?
A: Of course, assuming they’re willing to! Just walk right on up and ask politely.

Q: What do I do if I have concerns or questions while at the convention?
A: Just visit one of our info booths and our friendly staff will answer any questions you may have. There will also be plenty of staff and security roaming the convention with shirts and badges that will make them easy to spot. Even if they can’t help you directly, they can direct you to someone who can, or quickly contact the right person.

Q: I want to help out!  How do I volunteer for BronyCon?
A: There’s lots of different ways you can help out with BronyCon! Applications for those interested are available on the Staffing section of our website.  

Q: How old do I need to be to volunteer?
A: You must be 18 years or older by the time of the convention to apply.

Q: What special perks do I receive for volunteering?
A: If you are accepted, you will receive free admission to the convention, and the opportunity to work alongside an awesome team of people in making BronyCon the best convention possible!

Q: Can I apply for more than one volunteer position?
A: You may apply for as many positions as you feel you are suited for, but keep in mind you will only actually be recruited for one. Each is its own commitment, and volunteers will only be able to work one job at the actual convention. If you apply to multiple, we'll select you for the job that you best qualify for.

Q: What's the best way to keep up to date on the latest news about BronyCon?
A: Keep an eye on this website for the latest annoucements regarding all the exciting things we have planned for BronyCon 2013! In addition, we have an active presence over on twitter, facebook, and tumblr.

Registration FAQ

Q: How do I register for BronyCon?
A: All registration for BronyCon 2013 will be handled directly through our website this year. Simply visit the Registration page, select your desired form of registration, and follow the instructions provided.

Q: Can I buy an admissions badge at the door?
A: Yes you can! However, prices will be higher than pre-registering online ahead of time. Be sure to stop at the registration page as early as possible to get the best rate!

Q: How much does it cost to attend BronyCon?
A: Different badge offerings and sponsorship levels are available, which determine how much you must pay for admission.

Basic registration at the door will cost the following:
•    Full Three Day Badge - $75
•    Friday-only Badge - $55
•    Saturday-only Badge - $55
•    Sunday-only Badge - $45

A variety of discounts are available for those who act fast!

Early Bird Registration (SOLD OUT) – The first 500 attendees to purchase their badges were lucky enough to obtain $10 off the Door Prices.

Pre-Registration – Pre-register online any time before the convention for $5 off the Door Prices

In addition, BronyCon offers special rates for our younger attendees:
•    $30 off for attendees ages 13 and under
•    Free admission for children ages 5 and under

Age discounts are determined based on your age at the time of the convention.

Q: How do I register for a single day?  How do I register for the children’s discount?
A: You will be able to select exactly which type of registration you wish to purchase from the registration page.

Q: Can I order multiple badges in one purchase? What about badges of different types?
A: Certainly. Just select the desired quantity of each badge from the appropriate drop down box on the registration page. You may enter the contact information for each badge holder separately before you complete your order.

Q: What types of Sponsorship levels are available?
A: We have quite a few sponsor levels, including Basic, Silver, Gold, Platinum, and Diamond. You can find a full list and descriptions of the associated perks at our registration page. Only limited numbers of each sponsorship type are available, so act fast!

Q: Can I upgrade my Sponsor level at a later time?
A: Yes you can. Contact registration@bronycon.org, and if your desired sponsorship level is still available they will be able to upgrade your badge.

Q: Is there special registration available for Media and Press?
A: Yes, representatives of the press wishing to attend BronyCon may visit our Press Submission page to fill out an application. You may also want to read over our Media and Press Policy and our official Press Kit.

Q: What happens when I complete my registration?
A: When you register you will receive a confirmation email containing an attached copy of your ticket, as well as a link to download an app for iPhone or Android. Make sure you bring either a printed copy of the proof of purchase or the digital copy with you to the convention.  

Q: How do I pick up my badge?
A: When you arrive at the convention, go to the registration area, and present your proof of purchase there. You will then recieve your badge, which grants you full admittance to the rest of the convention!

Q: Will there be badge pickup the day before?
A: Yes, if you pre-registered we encourage you to pick up your badge on the evening of Thursday, August 1st, before the convention starts the next morning. The exact hours of early badge pickup will be posted closer to the date. This lets you skip the long registration lines on Friday morning.

Q: All right, so I have my badge.  What is it for?
A: Your badge gains you admittance to the convention for the days marked on it. You must have your badge visible on your person at all times while in the convention center, or when trying to re-enter the convention. Don’t lose your badge! They are individually labeled and you will not be able to obtain another without buying a new badge.

Q: I am no longer able to attend BronyCon. Can I get a refund?
A: All sales are final and we cannot provide a refund under most circumstances. However, it is possible to transfer a badge by contacting registration@bronycon.org. Simply provide us with the legal names, email addresses, and desired badge names of both the person transferring the badge and the recipient of the badge.

Programming and Events FAQ

Q: How do I apply to host my own panel or event?
A: Panel and Event submissions for BronyCon 2013 are now closed.

Q: I'm hosting a panel at BronyCon! What kind of A/V setup will be available for me, and what should I be prepared to bring?
A: Please see our Programming Media Policy for all information regarding panelist A/V requirements.

Q: How much will there be to do at BronyCon?
A: BronyCon 2013 will feature five seperate panel rooms, and a schedule packed with over 100 hours of panel programming, in addition to a multitude of events, activities, contests, and more. There will something awesome happening at every hour of each day of the convention!

Q: What is BronyPalooza? 
A: Our BronyPalooza event is a massive concert with performances by 33 of the best brony musicians in the fandom, featuring music from every genre imaginable. This year we have plans to make it bigger and better than ever before, and keep the music playing all weekend long. BronyPalooza will be split into two six hour events, held on both Friday and Saturday night, each with room for an audience of over 6000 people.

Q: Who exactly will be performing at BronyPalooza?
A: A full list of our featured musicians, as well as descriptions and samples of their music, can be found on the BronyPalooza page of our website.

Q: I heard something about a Charity Auction?  That’s awesome! Can I donate things?
A:  Anyone is welcome to donate their own items to the charity auction. Simply bring them to the designated area during the convention. Keep in mind, all items in the charity auction must be unique, one-of-a-kind items. No official Hasbro merchandise will be accepted.

Dealer's Room FAQ

Q: How many Vendors will the Dealer's Room hold this year?
A: Our Dealer's Room is bigger and better than ever before, and will feature about 140 Vendor tables.

Q: How do I apply to be a Vendor?
A: Vendor applications for BronyCon 2013 are now closed.

Q: Does applying to be a Vendor automatically guarantee me a table?
A: No. We will be going through each and every application to make sure that all goods sold by Vendors is safe and allowed to be sold at BronyCon. BronyCon reserves the right to deny potential Vendors a table.

Q: How much will a table cost? What is provided in that price?
A: A table will cost $125. This will include one Vendor badge, which grants you full access to the rest of the convention. You are also entitled to purchase up to three additional Vendor badges, at a discounted price of $50 each, for anyone who is assisting you in running your table. We also have a limited amount of corner tables available for $150 for the table and first badge.

Q: When do I pay for my table?
A: You will be requested to pay for your table after your Vendor application has been processed and approved by our Vendor Relations staff.

Q: Will every person working a Vendor booth need his or her own Vendor badge?
A: Yes, each person working at Vendor booth must display a Vendor badge at all times.

Q: What if I have already purchased my ticket to BronyCon?
A: You will be automatically given a $70 credit towards your table purchase, regardless of what price for which you purchased the first ticket. If you purchased multiple tickets and wish to transfer them towards additional Vendor badges, they will be credited at their purchase price.

Q: Will I still receive a credit towards my table price if I have a panelist or musician badge?
A: Yes, if you have a panelist or musician badge you will receive a $70 credit towards your table purchase. If your helpers at the booth also have panelist or musician badges, they will not need to purchase an additional Vendor badge, but you still will need to include their name and information on your Vendor application for our records.

Q: What is the physical size of a vendor table?
A: The Vendor spaces are 10’ x 10’, with a 6’ long draped table and two chairs.

Q: Are there any restrictions on the nature of a vendor's display setup?
A: As long as your display does not leave the confines of your 10’x10’ vendor booth, and does not extend more than 5 feet above table height, you can make it however you please! Just be sure that it will fit in your allotted space and that it will be sturdy enough to last the weekend.

Q: Can my table play music or video?
A: Tables may have audio/visual displays as long as they are not overly disruptive to the other vendors. Audio must be kept within reasonable levels or security may ask you to lower the volume.

Q: Will my setup be safe left unattended between days of the convention?
A: The Dealer's Room will be secured and locked at the end of each day, and no one will be permitted to enter in between operating hours.

Q: What if something is stolen from my table?
A: If a shoplifting incident occurs, the BronyCon security team will act as your agents and do their utmost to remedy the situation. However, BronyCon is not liable for any loss of merchandise that may occur.

Q: Can vendors purchase half-tables, or share tables?
A: We are not selling half-tables this year, however if that is something you are interested in and you want to find another vendor to split a table with, you can apply together for one table. Be sure to include descriptions of the merchandise of both vendors when filling out your application, and your joint table shall be treated as a single entity in our Dealer's Room.

Q: Are Vendors required to be at their table all weekend?
A: You are responsible for your table, and it must be staffed during the times that the Dealer’s Room is open. BronyCon staff is not responsible for watching over unattended tables.
  
Q: Do Vendors have any say in where there table is located? Can two vendors request their tables to be next to each other?
A: Absolutely! If you would like to be located near another vendor, please specify on the application form and we will make every effort to accommodate your request.  We also have a limited amount of corner tables for $150 for the table and first badge.

Q: Are there any restrictions on what can be sold?
A: We do not allow any consumables (Food or beverages) to be sold in our Dealer’s Room.  As BronyCon strives to be an environment suitable for all ages, we also prohibit the display, sale, or exchange of any art or merchandise that is Not Safe for Work (NSFW), or above a PG rating.  If you have any questions about what we will allow sold, you can always email vendors@bronycon.org for more case-by-case information.