Posted by Abby | August 24, 2011, 16:07 (EST) | 5 Comments
Category: TV Series

In a few weeks I’ll be heading down to Nashville to stalk some Originals cheer for Ripper Stefan attend Creation Entertainment’s Salute To the Vampire Diaries.

Since this is Creation’s first TVD convention, nobody knows for sure exactly what will happen or how the event will be run, but I do have some general advice, information and answers to common questions that you may find helpful if you’re going to the con.

General Advice

• Go to the the event website and read it. Seriously, read all of it. Read the sidebars about guest cancelations and refunds, read the photo and video policies, read about the events offered. Definitely read about each of type of ticket and what’s included before making your choice.
• Read the hotel FAQ.There’s a lot of interesting & useful information there, including addresses & numbers. You may want to print it out & bring it.
• Be nice to people. This sounds basic, but having worked in the hotel business before, I can tell you that absolutely nothing will help you more than being calm and courteous if a problem does arise. People can be amazingly rude and demanding at events like these, and odds are high that TVD won’t be the only convention happening at the hotel that weekend. A genuine smile goes a long way.
• Bring cash. You’re going to want a little cash on hand, for tipping people, for buying a soda, for picking up a TVD souvenir at the con. Most places take plastic, but at events like these it’s wise to carry a little cash, especially $1 bills.
• Do your panel research and be considerate of others. One of the most frustrating things about Actor Q&A sessions is when people ask the same questions over and over again. Don’t ask who the actor thinks Elena should end up with or waste everybody’s time promoting your favorite ‘ship. Don’t ask the actors about their personal lives (seriously, that’s SO rude) and please don’t ask them to get up and hug you, give you stuff or follow you on twitter. This event is well-timed in that it takes place only a couple days after the season premiere (!!!!) so we’ll have lots of new things to discuss and ask about during the convention.

THE HOTEL

Q) What can you tell us about the Gaylord Opryland Resort?

A) It’s freaking enormous, I can tell you that. Bring comfortable shoes. According to the website, there are 2,881 rooms & suites at this hotel. It’s also known to be exceptionally beautiful, with a giant central atrium, waterfalls, even an indoor river. I’ve never stayed at the Gaylord Opryland, but I have visited its Floridian cousin, the Gaylord Palms, which has a similar design. The Opryland has restaurants, shops, a spa, fitness center, indoor & outdoor pools…all kinds of stuff. The G.O.R. is well known as a host hotel for conventions of all kinds, visit their website here.

Abby Tips

• Many convention hotels err on the side of chilly. When planning your clothes for the weekend, consider the wisdom of layers, in case it’s warm in one area and cold in another.
• Dress appropriately. There will be business travelers and families who are also staying at the hotel. Don’t be walking through the halls in nothing but your TEAM DAMON body paint.
• Comfortable shoes. I know, I said it already. I’m saying it again. The hotel is huge.
• Carry a bag. A bottle of water, a granola bar, your cellphone charger, a book, a pen & notepad…remember, your room may be far from the convention activities, so come prepared.

Q) If I am flying, how do I get from the airport to the hotel? Can I take a cab? Rent a car?

A) You can make arrangements with the Gaylord Opryland for shuttle service (see hotel FAQ). If you want to take a cab, here’s a link to the ground transportation webpage from Nashville International Airport. You can also rent a car.

Q) What if I’m NOT staying at the Gaylord Oprlyand – how do I get to my hotel?

A) Well, it depends on where you’re staying, but here’s a link to a list of
hotels that have shuttle service from Nashville International.

Q) If I drive my own car to the convention, will I have to pay for parking?

A) Yes. See the hotel FAQ for details.

Q) Will all the TVD Fans be in one section of the hotel?

A) Not necessarily. I asked the hotel about this and they told me that Creation has not requested that all the TVD fans be put in any one place, so we may be scattered throughout the hotel. In a place this big, that can mean a long walk to find your friends, so if you know you want to be near specific people, just call the hotel and tell them, or make the request when you check in. Their ability to accommodate such requests will depend on how full the hotel is that weekend, but they’ll do their best.

Abby Tip: If you have any kind of health concern that makes it difficult for you to walk long distances, tell the hotel when making your reservation. Ask them to put in a note about any special accommodations you might need, and don’t be afraid to ask for room near the convention area.

Q) We’re hungry! Where do we eat?

A) There are a variety of restaurant options, (and room service!) available at the hotel. I’m uncertain if there are other restaurants within walking distance, but if you drove or don’t mind taking a cab or shuttle, you can always head to downtown Nashville for a meal.

Q) What’s a ‘Resort Fee’?

A) The resort fee is a daily charge that covers wifi access and other amenities. Read about it here. Like taxes, it is not included in the advertised room rate. This is a pretty common practice, so when booking any hotel room, always ask for the total price, including taxes and fees, before you finalize your reservation. That way you can avoid surprises at check-out time.

Q) Help! I made my reservation and the G.O.R already charged my credit card! Why?!

A) Gaylord Opryland’s policy is to charge a one-night’s stay as a deposit to hold the reservation. Cancellation policies vary if you’re using a group rate, but when I asked I was told that the 72 hour cancellation policy (read the hotel faq!) applied.

Q) I’m coming from another country. How does tipping work?

A) I know we have some international folks coming. If you’re not from the U.S. or not used to going places where you need to tip, there are some basic rules. Generally, if someone carries or brings you something (a meal, your car, your luggage) you should tip them. At hotels & airpots, $1 a bag, $2 or $3 if it’s heavy. ($25 if it’s Klaus’s trunk, $50 if he’s in it!) For cab drivers & restaurant waitstaff, 15-20% is standard, but do check to see if gratuity is included, because sometimes it is, especially for large parties.

THE CONVENTION

Q) Where is it?

A) The convention space is attached to the hotel, but not mixed in with the guest rooms. Leave plenty of extra time to get to any event you want to attend.

Q) How will I know where and when things are?

A) Creation will probably publish a schedule prior to the event, but even if they don’t, they’ll certainly know by the time we all get there. Many conventions post schedules on signs or give them out when you arrive. Build in extra time for everything and plan to be flexible, I’ve never attended a convention of any kind where there weren’t a few last minute changes in rooms or event times.

Q) I’m coming by myself. How will I find other fans to hang out with?

A) Look for black t-shirts! (just kidding) Honestly, twitter is probably your best bet, though I’m not sure how reception is in there. Cell service permitting, I’ll be tweeting con coverage from @tvdnews. @TVDcon and @CreationEnt are also good follows for info. Even the hotel has a twitter – @GaylordOpryland! You’re also welcome to follow my personal account (@abbygraham). I’ll do my best to let people know what’s happening where throughout the weekend, and I’m definitely going to be looking to meet as many of you nice people as possible :)

Q) How does panel seating work? Will there be lines?

A) Creation offers a bunch of different ticket options, some with reserved seats, some without. If you have a reserved seat, it is yours throughout the weekend. Read all about the various options here at the event website. There probably will be lines sometimes, if there weren’t, I don’t think it can legally be called a convention.

Q) What if my favorite actor cancels?

A) It happens. Going to a convention is like going on vacation – you may or may not get your ideal weather, but even if it rains you can still have a good time. The attitude you put into it will make a huge difference in what you get out of it, so head out to Nashville with the intention of having fun, hanging out with other fans and supporting all the actors that show up.

See you in Nashville! I promise to tell everybody all about it as soon as I get back. :)

CREATION’S TVD NASHVILLE EVENT WEBPAGE.
GAYLORD OPRYLAND RESORT HOTEL FAQ.
NASHVILLE INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT GROUND TRANSPORTATION.

Tweet

A Note On Comments:

We get hundreds of comments a day, and we're only human. Please help us to keep the comments a positive place to be by not arguing with each other, not insulting each other, and not responding in anger. If a comment is over the line, please flag the comment to bring it to our attention. You can do this by hovering your mouse over the comment so the 'flag' link appears.

Comments may be deleted at moderator discretion if we feel they are spammy, cross a line or are taking the discussion too far off-topic. If you want to discuss other things, please do so in the forums.

Please don't use multiple accounts or make pointless one-word comments. Repeated spamming of this nature will result in you being banned or moderated.