Gallifrey One’s Attendee Guide is a quick-reference manual summarizing everything you need to know to enjoy our convention… whether you’re a seasoned “Gally expert” or an anxious first-timer, or anywhere in between. You can find more detailed information on the pages of this website.
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Where and when is the next convention?
Gallifrey One: Thirty-Second to Midnight takes place February 12-14, 2021 at the Marriott Los Angeles Airport Hotel, 5855 West Century Boulevard, just east of Los Angeles International Airport. We also have a special pre-convention launch party on Thursday night, February 11 starting at 8:00pm, open to all convention attendees.
Who are the guests for Gallifrey One 2021?
We will begin announcing guests for our next event during the summer of 2020. You’ll always be able to find the list of guests on our Guests page!
What are the general convention Hours of Operation?
We will be publishing the electronic version of our schedule (we use an app called Sched) several weeks prior to the event. In the meanwhile, our hours of operation for the convention are as follows:
- Thursday, February 11, 2021
- 4:00pm to 10:00pm — Registration open for badge pickup
- 8:00pm — Gallifrey One 2021’s Pre-Convention Launch Party and Ice Cream Social, plus our first night of karaoke
- Friday, February 12, 2021
- 9:00am to 7:00pm — Registration open for badge pickup
- 10:00am — Main programming begins
- 11:00am — Dealers Room opens
- 6:00pm — Main programming closes; Dealers Room closes. Limited programming through 8:00pm.
- Early Evening — Guest receptions (nominal charge)
- 8:00pm to after midnight — Evening events run (including main stage programming, karaoke, evening panels, late night program)
- Saturday, February 13, 2021
- 9:00am to 7:00pm — Registration open for badge pickup
- 10:00am — All programming tracks open; Dealers Room opens.
- 6:00pm — Main programming closes; Dealers Room closes. Limited programming through 8:00pm.
- Early Evening — Guest receptions (nominal charge)
- 8:00pm — Evening events run (including the Masquerade, karaoke, evening programming)
- Sunday, February 14, 2021
- 9:00am to 2:00pm — Registration open for badge pickup
- 10:00am — All programming tracks open (until 4:00pm), main programming continues until 5:00pm; dealers room open (until 4:00pm or time approximate)
- 5:00pm — Closing Ceremonies in main ballroom
Please note that the above times are subject to change and may be altered at any time in the near future.
What is the schedule of events for the convention?
We use the Sched online schedule system (a web-based application). The schedule contains nearly everything happening at the convention... all the programming, interviews, Q&As, panels, meet-ups, special events, autograph sessions, receptions, photo ops, kaffeeklatsches, and much more. It also includes all of the scheduled events in our Gaming Lounge and the events in our Children’s Programming room. The online schedule will be released in mid-January 2021.
If you don’t have a mobile phone, or don’t have wireless access at all during the weekend (the Marriott convention center is notorious for being a cell dead zone), fear not… every Gallifrey One attendee is provided a convention souvenir program book which has a map of the convention, our complete schedule, guest biographies, detailed grids of the entire schedule, and more.
Where are my tickets?
Gallifrey One does NOT use printed tickets; you will not receive anything in the mail! Instead, like many other fan conventions, we use a badge system; you pick up your badge upon arrival at the convention, and all you’ll need to claim your badge is your photo ID. You must wear the badge all weekend for access to the convention floor and all convention-related areas. The convention registration area is on the lower floor of the hotel; take the escalator down from the main lobby. You can pick up your badge beginning Thursday at the convention.
How do I check in/register at the convention?
Gallifrey One is located on the lower level of the Marriott in their convention center. When you arrive at the Marriott, to access the convention, it’s very easy: there is an escalator going down from the hotel lobby level. At the bottom of the escalator, you will be guided by a member of our UNIT Team to the Convention Registration line to pick up your badge.
NOTE: After the event starts on Friday morning, DO NOT use the elevators if you have not yet picked up your badge; the elevator lobby on the convention floor is gated to badged attendees only, meaning that if you do not have your badge, you will be directed to return to the elevators and back up to the lobby level to use the escalator. (An exception is made for those attendees who must use elevators, such as disabled attendees with wheelchairs or other mobility needs.)
At Convention Registration, show your ID and you will receive your convention badge. Your badge is on a lanyard and must be worn around your neck at all times that you are at the convention. The convention badge is your credential to access everything the convention has to offer.
Our Registration Desk is open for badge pick up at the following days and times; stop by any time during these windows to pick up your badge. Tickets are good for the weekend and therefore your badge can be picked up at any time during the weekend, as follows:
Convention Registration (Badge Pick-Up) Hours
Thursday 4:00pm to 10:00pm
Friday 9:00am to 7:00pm
Saturday 9:00am to 7:00pm
Sunday 9:00am-2:00pm
You must have a badge on to enjoy our pre-convention events on Thursday night, so please be sure to pick yours up during the times noted above. Note that the hotel may require people hanging out in the lobby to have a convention badge or reservations at the hotel on Thursday night, so please do not show up for the social events some people refer to as “lobby con” if you are not a ticketholder (there are maximum capacity issues, after all!)
I have a ticket in my name for someone else… what do I do?
If a convention ticket is in your name and you want it to be changed to another person’s name (a friend, family member, etc.), you may change it at the convention Registration desk starting Thursday afternoon. Please note that the person whose name is currently on the ticket MUST be physically present to make the change. If you don’t have a ticket currently in your name and are not present with the person who currently has it, we won’t issue you your badge until they arrive with you.
If I want to see everything, when should I arrive (and leave)?
For most fans with flexibility in their travel plans, to get the most out of Gallifrey One we suggest arriving no later than mid-day Thursday, and departing no earlier than Monday morning.
We have a pre-convention party/mixer on Thursday evening beginning at 8:00pm, with karaoke happening that night as well. Besides the scheduled events, we have a very lively social atmosphere, with literally hundreds of attendees participating in the hotel lobby social scene on Thursday and Sunday nights (something many of our attendees refer to as “lobby con,” although please note that this is not a convention function.) By Thursday evening, our hotel lobby and bar area is completely full of people, with many podcasters doing live recordings and lots of socializing; at 8:00 pm many of them come down for the opening party. The convention proper begins at 10:00 am on Friday morning and runs through Sunday evening.
Where do I park?
Parking at the Marriott LAX after Friday morning can be a huge hassle because of the number of people who attend, and because there are other events in the surrounding areas (including the Strategicon gaming convention next door at the Hilton at the same time as Gallifrey One), it’s often difficult to park. The Marriott lot can and will fill up quickly, but there are many options around the area. We have prepared a Directions and Parking guide to help you find the best place to park and how to get to the hotel thereafter: local parking structures and hotels as well as parking at Los Angeles International itself. The Directions and Parking guide also has information about how much you’ll pay, and also handy directions how to get to the hotel.
Do parents have to accompany children?
Gallifrey One requires all children under 17 at our convention to be accompanied by a paid adult.
What are my options for hotel accommodations?
Hotel accommodations can be made at the Marriott Los Angeles Airport Hotel by visiting their website. when room reservations open, sometime in April (date to be announced). Gallifrey One will offer a number of rooms at our convention discount, but they sell out within moments of going online; we offer these as a courtesy only.
There are a wide variety of options within an easy 5 minute walk and our attendees are usually spread out over many of them. See our Hotel Accommodations page for info.
I’m flying in; how do I get to the Marriott?
We have published a guide For Air Travelers to help you get from your terminal to the Marriott hotel. The Marriott LAX courtesy van runs every 20-30 minutes, but please be advised that the shuttle can run very slowly at peak times, and has occasionally been known to bypass the higher-number terminals if it is full (usually because of airline personnel staying at the hotel). Taxis might be your best option when the airport is very busy.
How do I find everything at the convention?
The Gallifrey One convention is mostly in the convention center, though we technically have items spread out between four separate floors of the hotel. We have moved our Photo Studio to the lobby level, and Program B to the convention floor, for 2021.
- Convention Center (lower floor): Program Rooms A, B, C, D, E and F; Dealers Room; Art Show; Kaffeeklatsches; Exhibitor Tables; Autograph Alley; TARDIS photo area; Costume Repair Shop; Auction Donation & Viewing Room; Gaming Hub. Also, our Convention Registration and Convention Sales (T-shirt/tote bag pickup) are all located together, and our Member Services Desk is next to the elevators for all your information needs.
- First Floor/Pool Deck: Torchwood 4 Cabal party (Friday evening); Children’s Programming (located in the suite that used to house our Con Suite); and the hotel pool (where many attendees congregate)
- Hotel Lobby Level (second floor): Photo Studio (in the Aviation Ballroom, formerly the location of “Program B”); hotel amenities (hotel lobby, Hangar 18 bar/restaurant, Starbucks, J.W.’s Steakhouse, Social Market Cafe)
- 16th Floor Concierge Lounge: Evening Receptions room
The up/down escalators are direct access between the hotel lobby (second floor) and convention center (bottom floor); they bypass the first floor entirely. To access the first floor/pool deck, you may use the elevators, or the stairs that lead down from the lobby level (the stairs are located immediately past hotel registration).
Does my badge include everything at the convention?
The convention itself, yes; that is, all six programming tracks, access to all of our daytime & evening functions, our Dealers Room, Art Show, and more. All of our guests appearing on panels and Q&As, interviews, discussion panels, video presentations, live commentaries, social events, evening events… all are included in the price you paid for your ticket.
However, there are only a few special add-on items that are NOT INCLUDED in the cost of your admission:
- Evening guest receptions with a selection of convention guests
- TARDIS Tag & Diamond Pass events (small group meet & greets)
- Photo ops with selected guests in our Convention Photo Studio
- Autographs (see below)
For prices of or to purchase tickets for the evening receptions, TARDIS Tags, Diamond Passes and photo ops, you can visit the Convention Photo Shoots website beginning in the autumn of 2020. Photo op pre-orders are sold as a courtesy and are nearly always available on site (though we can only sell enough photo ops up to the time limit for each guest; a sell-out hasn’t happened on photo ops yet, but it’s technically possible.) The evening receptions are also on sale (times have been announced and are on the electronic schedule) and may sell out prior to the convention.
You can also purchase tickets for the evening receptions and photo ops while supplies last on Thursday at the convention during Registration hour (times to be announced) or starting Friday morning at the Showmasters tables in the Dealers Room.
IMPORTANT: Gallifrey One does NOT sell out on photo ops before or during the convention! You do NOT have to pre-order photo ops; they are available up to the day and time of the event. We do ask, however, that you pre-order if at all possible, as it significantly reduces the amount of on-site paperwork done by our photographer (Giles G Photography) and our sponsors.
How is seating handled for the programming sessions & events?
Gallifrey One provides open seating for all of our program rooms; we do not sell reserved seating, and we do not clear rooms between each daytime or evening session. If you want to sit in the front row of Program A all day long, get their early and claim your seat! That said, we do have a couple of important things to keep in mind.
The Program A main ballroom will open each day at 9:30am; programming begins in these rooms at 10am.
You MUST fill in all available seats when asked by a Gallifrey One staff member. We reserve the right to restrict the ability in Program A to save seats for others who are not present at any time.
Reserve seating is held in Program A, B, C, D and E for attendees with special needs who have registered at the Accessibility Services desk. This includes front row seating specifically reserved for hearing and vision impaired attendees. We ask that you please pay attention to reserved seating signs and do not sit in these spaces if you have not been instructed to do so. (See the Accessibility section later in this article.)
On Friday and Saturday evenings at 6:00pm, Program A is closed for setup for our stage events The Idiot’s Lantern and The Masquerade of Mandragora, respectively. Lines usually begin to form after the end of daytime events, so if you want a great seat, we encourage you to join the line at that time. Attendees should never hold places in line for parties larger than four. Attendees who have registered with Accessibility Services will be instructed to meet at our Access Point for Program A, which is located just down the hallway between Program A and the Dealers Room; you will be seated prior to opening the doors for general seating.
In our other program rooms (Program B/C/D/E), please do not save seats for others as these rooms have limited seating.
There is only seating around the edges of the room in Program F as it is a multi-purpose room.
While you’re in our programming rooms, we ask that you follow our Courtesy Policy toward other guests. Please take a minute to check out the Courtesy Policy and understand how we handle our event to make it pleasurable for everyone in attendance.
Are there breaks between panels and events?
Yes… Gallifrey One provides breaks in between panel sessions for people to be able to leave the room and new people be able to come in and sit down. Please note that the following will be in effect; our programming coordinators will be ensuring that programs end on time (as much as they possibly can):
- For 60 minute (hour) programming and panel blocks, the panels will be 55 minutes long, with a 5 minute break at the end of the hour.
- For 45 minute programs (mostly interview sessions), the panels will be 40 minutes long, with a 5 minute break at the end.
- For 30 minute programs (currently only one), the panel will run the full 30 minutes; this is the one item that will not have a break after.
- Any panels or events longer than an hour will be at the discretion of programming operations but will likely have a 5-10 minute break at the end.
- Panels that are the last panel of the day prior to a gap in the schedule or a closure of the room will be allowed to run until the very end of the panel block.
Are there activities for children?
Yes! Our Children’s Programming events have moved into a poolside suite on the first floor of the hotel (where our con suite used to be located.) The Children’s Program is for children aged 6 to 12 along with their parents, involving all kinds of activities for children to enjoy; there will always be something to do, and where kids will enjoy themselves and have fun! Our children’s programming team is doing another fresh take this year by combining new and old, with fun and innovative activities that are sure to create a wonderful time for kids and adults alike. From making sonic screwdrivers, to Doctor Who, Pokemon or other genre crafting, making banners and ribbons and even daily LEGO events, there will always be something to do.
The Gallifrey One Children’s Program is not a child-minding service: it is programming for kids. The children’s program will operate a sign-in facility for children who are convention ticket holders; they can be signed in for a maximum of four hours at a time (everyone needs a break!) allowing your child to have his/her own convention time. Younger children are welcome in the continual company of their parents.
The schedule of events for the Children’s Program is online on our electronic schedule (click on the Children’s Programming filter). Please note that the Science Workshops are not considered part of this program, as it is administered separately.
Tell me about the Masquerade of Mandragora…
The centerpiece of the Gallifrey One convention is the Masquerade of Mandragora, our annual Saturday night costume competition and fashion show. For over two decades, Gallifrey One has featured the best and brightest from the world of costuming on our main stage, which also features a live “half-time” presentation (while the judges go about their deliberations) that has previously included such spectacles as band performances, stand-up comedy shows, video events, Mysterious Theatre 337 and the Just a Minute game show.
The 2021 Masquerade of Mandragora will take place on Saturday night, February 13. All convention attendees are welcome to the event, which runs usually around 2 1/2 hours. This year’s half-time entertainment will be announced soon.
If you wish to watch the Masquerade, simply show up on Saturday night in Program A. No need to do anything further except enjoy the show!
If you are interested in being a contestant in the Masquerade (i.e. if you have a costume you would like to show), we ask that you do the following:
- Visit our Masquerade page here on our website for all the rules and information you will need; and
- Fill out the Masquerade Registration Form (available closer to the event)
Note that you may also fill out the form on site at the convention. Please visit the Masquerade Registration Desk which is located at the junction of the convention center foyer and the exhibitor table hallway, and is open on Friday during regular hours, or Saturday morning prior to the participant meeting. You MUST check in with the Masquerade Registration Desk if you wish to participate as contestant/exhibitor in the Masquerade. You must also attend the Masquerade Participant Meeting on Saturday, or speak with the people about the Masquerade Registration Desk about the details if you are unable to make it.
Tell me about Karaoke…
Gallifrey One’s late night fun (and by late night, we mean often times going as late as five o’clock in the morning!) is our nightly karaoke event, located on the convention level. Karaoke is open to all badged convention attendees throughout the weekend (badges WILL be checked).
In order to make sure that the maximum number of people get to sing throughout the evening, and avoid any appearance of favoritism, we have a very simple policy regarding karaoke participation:
- You must be signed up in advance to take the stage and sing at any time, either solo or in a group
- You may only be signed up for ONE item/song/performance at any time on our list
- You may only sign up for another performance after you have appeared on stage
There are no exceptions to these rules. We do NOT permit audience members to join a performance, either solo or group, without already having been signed up, and your name may only appear on our current and upcoming list once — so no stage rushing, no random joining a song, etc. Once your turn as a participant in ANY karaoke performance is done, you may sign up again.
This policy is enforced entirely so that everyone has a good time and that no one is perceived to appear during karaoke more than any other person. If you have questions, please contact us. Thanks for your cooperation.
Can I help set up the convention?
Interested in helping out Gallifrey One for a few hours? The convention is just around the corner and we once again are asking for assistance both with our truck loading on Wednesday, and setting up on Thursday. We’re looking for able-bodied individuals (with convention tickets; we are not offering admission, sorry!) and maybe that includes you!
First: on Wednesday February 10, we’ll be packing up our truck at our two storage units; if you’re not working that day and available to help us load, let us know! Then, on Thursday at the Marriott, we can always use assistance unloading the truck after 10:00am… if you’re able to help lift some pipes and curtain, want to work with some of the people who help make the con happen (before they lose their minds from lack of sleep!) or just want to pitch in, we can always use the assistance. Also, our Art Show will require some assistance with setup on Thursday afternoon as well. Contact us and let us know and we’ll put you in touch with the logistics and set-up team! (Please note: for liability reasons all volunteer help must be age 18 or over; thanks!)
How can I take care of myself (and others) at the convention?
Science fiction conventions are notorious for being places where flu and cold germs spread. We ask that all Gallifrey One attendees to be prepare… and be mindful of everyone attending this year’s convention, by remembering the following:
- Please be sure to wash your hands as often as possible and use hand sanitizer regularly
- Getting a flu shot is highly recommended by the Centers for Disease Control
- Please make certain to cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze, especially when you are around other people
- Most importantly, if you get sick, please consider staying home, so as not to infect others
Gallifrey One, like any convention or large gathering, is a lot of people from all over the US as well as from over a dozen other countries, in a very small and relatively confined space. While we’re very welcoming to everyone, we do encourage people to consider the health and well being of all of their fellow attendees when considering their options for attending this year… the convention appreciates it, your fellow attendees appreciate it, and we’re sure the Doctor would too!
What’s in the Dealers Room?
Gallifrey One’s Dealers Room is the stuff of legend… from Doctor Who licensed vendors to jewelry and handcrafted items, books, games, comics, collectables, costumes and prop replicas, guests with their own tables and much more. Our Dealers Room is included in your admission and will be open in 2021 Friday from 11:00am – 6:00pm, Saturday 10:00am – 6:00pm, and Sunday 10:00am to 4:00pm.
Our Dealers Room is anchored by several large Doctor Who vendors, including Alien Entertainment/Big Finish Productions, Showmasters Events, The Who Shop UK and many more. We look forward to seeing you there.
Will there be an opportunity to have photos taken with a TARDIS in 2020?
There are two TARDISes at Gallifrey One. The one on the convention floor is open for photos in the TARDIS Photo Room, courtesy its owners AZTARDIS; you can pose for photos at that location, and donations to the owner are accepted. (Gallifrey One’s own TARDIS is not available for photos generally, as it resides on our main stage.)
I need special assistance; what are my options?
Gallifrey One’s Accessibility Services team is here to help! If you are disabled, have limited mobility or any other special needs that require some assistance, please stop and register at Member Services, which is located right at the center of the convention, once you have your badge.
Note: if you do not yet have your badge, and have mobility issues including using wheelchairs or scooters, you are welcome to use the elevator to the Convention Center floor (lower level)! We ask that anyone without mobility issues please use the escalators.
Our Member Services group will answer any of your questions and let you know how to proceed with enjoying the convention.
Seating in Program A is handled by Accessibility Services team. We will begin assisting our attendees who register with Accessibility Services before we open the doors for general seating. We have clearly marked spaces for the visual and hearing impaired, wheelchair and scooter locations, and more. On Friday and Saturday evenings, as noted above, Program A is closed for setup from 6:00pm to 8:00pm for The Idiot’s Lantern and The Masquerade of Mandragora, respectively. Attendees who have registered with Accessibility Services will be instructed to meet at the Access Point; you will be seated immediately prior to opening the doors for general seating.
Gallifrey One will once again be providing American Sign Language interpreters at the front of Program A during the 10:00am-6:00pm hours, all three days, for people who sign up for services by October 31, 2020.
For all other program rooms (Program B-E) we will be reserving a few seats in each room for hearing- and visually-impaired attendees as well as access for wheelchairs, although there will be no interpreters present. (Note that Program F is a meeting room with chairs around the edges and there are no seats held in reserve.)
Please note: Gallifrey One requests that you understand that we are a non-profit, volunteer-run fan convention with a very limited budget, and so we have to work entirely within the scope of what we can afford for extended accessibility services. We will do everything we possibly can to make sure you enjoy your visit.
What is your charity for 2021?
We’ll be announcing our 2021 charity later in 2020.
For full details about the charities we’ve selected in the past, and the charity event itself, check out the Charity Auction page.
Can I donate to the charity auction?
YES! Absolutely. We would very much appreciate your donation, as our auction is entirely of merchandise donated by attendees.
What kinds of donations are we looking for? In short: donations of science fiction, fantasy, comics, horror or genre related material, most especially Doctor Who and its spinoffs. This includes items from many different genres: a few examples include Torchwood, Star Wars, Star Trek, Harry Potter, Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, Supernatural, Game of Thrones, The Expanse, Stranger Things, Westworld, The Prisoner, Blake’s 7, Outlander Buffy, Angel, Firefly, Stargate, Battlestar Galactica, Caprica, Red Dwarf and the myriad comics-related TV shows and films; as well as anything related to science fiction film and television, SF/fantasy literature, comic books, or collectibles. Anything that has a tangential relationship to the SF/fantasy/horror genre which is in at least very good condition. Autographed photos, commemorative items, one-time prints, illustrations, etc. are also welcome. If you find it to be a valuable collectible, chances are good that others will, too. Just be sure: this is not a disposal service for items you wish to throw away!
We also have an open silent bid process to hopefully cut down on the large number of items sent to bid. More on that is coming closer to the event.
To donate, bring your donation(s) to the Charity Auction Donation & Viewing Room. The Auction Donation Room will be open during normal business hours starting Friday morning and running until Saturday late afternoon.
And don’t forget to join us on Sunday for Gallifrey One’s Annual Bob May Memorial Charity Auction. We hope you’ll help us raise a lot of money for our charity.
How can I get autographs? What do they cost?
Gallifrey One provides three different types of autograph opportunities at our events… we believe in scheduling autograph sessions appropriately to the guest, not imposing on our guests’ time as much as we can while still providing the autograph opportunity, and flexibility in case we need to make last minute changes. These three types are summarized as follows, with more details below:
Autograph Alley
This group encompasses both our directly invited actor guests and many of our other guests such as writers, producers, directors, etc. Each guest involved in an Autograph Alley event will begin signing at the start of the session, ostensibly for a one-hour or, in some cases, two-hour block… but the session will end when there is no expectation of additional autograph collectors wanting signatures, unless the guest wishes to stay. In other words, we don’t require guests to remain for the entire time; you should show up as close to the start of the session as possible.
Sponsored Guests
Autograph sessions with our Sponsored Guests are set entirely by the sponsors, for a time and duration of their choosing, at their tables in our Dealers Room; you will pay the sponsor directly at their table for autographs (credit cards OK for Showmasters & Alien Entertainment, otherwise cash-only). The sponsored guests usually sign for longer periods during the day and often have multiple autograph sessions each day, though some only appear one or two days, so check the schedule!
Fixed-Location Guests
Some of our guests have their own dealers tables in the Dealers Room and will be at their tables throughout part or all of the weekend; you can stop by their tables at any time they’re not doing programming events for autographs, or to check out their photos, materials and other merchandise.
Additional Important Autographs Information
All guests are free to set their own costs for autographs (usually in the case of actors) or sign for free, as well as sell their own photos or other merchandise if they choose to; Gallifrey One does not require any concessions on potential autograph costs and takes no cut.
Gallifrey One does not pre-sell autographs at any time; you will need to speak to the guest or their sponsor at the time for any rates.
Please respect our guests’ rights to charge for autographs at the costs they deem appropriate.
It is highly recommended you bring ample cash with you for autographs; don’t plan on using a local ATM. Autographs from guests who charge for signing can run anywhere from $10-30 or higher.
In order to provide our attendees with a positive experience while waiting for an autograph from guests in our Autograph Alley or Dealers Room, we will not permit saving places for friends in any autograph lines, or allow jumping ahead in line to join a friend/relative.
Due to time constraints and our wish to allow everyone possible a chance for an autograph, we will not be able to permit members to ask for photos with the guests during autograph sessions. Our guests may choose to allow the taking of personal photos at other times, and attendees are welcome to have their photo taken during our professionally-run photo sessions in the Photo Studio throughout the weekend.
Gallifrey One reserves the right to alter these policies or alter the category of each guest at any time.
What are kaffeeklatsches? How do I participate?
Kaffeeklatsches (pronounced “coffee-klatch”) are very fun, limited attendance events uniting one or more guests and up to 12 convention attendees; they take place in a small board room next to the elevator lobby, for chat and fun conversation. They are extremely popular and most of them tend to fill up very quickly. Sign-ups are free for any ticketed attendees; we do online sign-ups about two weeks before the convention.
Can I cosplay at Gallifrey One?
ABSOLUTELY!!! Costumes at Gallifrey One are welcome, encouraged, and beloved, and are welcome at nearly all convention functions at all times (except the sponsored Evening Receptions, where we suggest you might want to dress in more general attire.) Even some of our guests occasionally get in on the act and do cosplay. It’s a wonderful part of the convention and encouraged all weekend long.
(Of course, it should go without saying that it’s also not a requirement, and the vast majority of our attendees are in regular street clothing – so don’t feel bad if you don’t cosplay, just enjoy the clever costumes around you. And don’t forget to complement cosplayers on their costumes if you like what you see!)
About the Science Workshops…
“The Science of Doctor Who — Seeing Beyond the Ordinary, Creating the Extraordinary,” Gallifrey One’s incredibly popular science workshops for children (and their parents), will once again take place in two installments (times and dates to be determined). This special event features convention-safe and totally unconventional science experiments “for the Doctor & Companion” to blend every day science with the magic of Doctor Who!
Sign-up are limited to teams of two only: one adult 18 or over and one child age 6-15, both of whom have tickets to the convention. (If your family has two children, each child must have a dedicated parent per session.) In order to make certain we have enough materials for everyone, there is a nominal charge per child participation of $10.
What’s the deal with all the ribbons?
Badge Ribbons are a science fiction and anime convention tradition, and Gallifrey One has been the primary reason why they’ve made the jump to Doctor Who conventions. It’s important to remember that badge ribbons are a totally optional item that have absolutely nothing to do with participating in the convention. They are, instead, small ribbons with phrases or decoration of various colors that people collect at the convention, and attach them to the bottom of their badges in sequence. You can find an article about ribbons and etiquette on our Ribbons page.
Many people purchase their own batch of ribbons and hand them out at the convention; many others bring their own ribbons but only offer them for trade. It’s important for people to remember that your fellow attendees pay for their ribbons with their own money; asking for ribbon trades instead of offering them for free is something everyone must respect (although everyone should practice courtesy!) Do not pay anyone for a ribbon; we do not allow people to sell their ribbons.
Where can I grab a meal/drink/snack?
Here’s just a sample of the dining options we have in store for you at the Marriott LAX Hotel:
- Social Market Cafe is the Marriott’s coffee shop, open at 6:00am, which prepares food from various local and regional California suppliers, and is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The restaurant has a breakfast buffet (same style as before) and has a small bar. For 2020, Social Market will only be doing buffet service for breakfast, but will offer regular menus for lunch and dinner.
- Hangar 18 is the Marriott’s lobby bar & restaurant. It’s open from 11:00am until 1:00am for service and features some of the same fare as Social Market.
- J.W.’s is the hotel’s steakhouse, open at 5:00pm daily. Reservations are required as in years past. J.W.’s is on the pricey side (and reservations will likely fill up before the convention even starts, especially on February 14 aka Valentine’s Day.)
- FOOD TRUCKS! We will once again have a good selection of food trucks (the specifics of which we’ll announce close to the convention) and our food trucks will be staying on Friday & Saturday until after 8:00pm to accommodate as many people as possible for dinner. The food trucks will once again be on the convention center level in the outer courtyard.
- Starbucks is open daily in the Marriott lobby for coffee, drinks, pastries and snacks. Note that the lines for Starbucks can be long in the morning (there are also Starbucks at the Residence Inn and Sheraton Gateway hotels!)
- Cafe Trenzalore is our convention center lunch counter, hosted by the Marriott; it’s a good place to pick up sandwiches, prepared salads, beverages and snacks while you’re on your way to convention panels. You’ll find it right outside the Dealers Room.
As we previously announced, Gallifrey One’s long-time Hospitality Suite is not returning this year. We know many of you will miss this room, but unfortunately over time it became a major expense accommodating such a relatively small portion of the attendee base; as costs for running our convention have increased, this was one of the areas we felt most comfortable with letting go.
There are multiple food options in the local area including Jersey Mike’s Subs and Z Pizza in the Residence Inn a block west of the Marriott; Trimana coffee shop in the business tower right across Airport Blvd. from the Marriott (note: closed Sunday); Carl’s Jr. fast food just east of the Hilton & Parking Spot garage; and and there are restaurants at the Crowne Plaza LAX, Four Points Sheraton, Embassy Suites, Renaissance LAX and other hotels. Further afield, several blocks east of the hotel (10-20 minute walk) are Taco Bell, Subway, McDonald’s, the Daily Grill at the Westin, and others
Finally, to our astonishment…. Denny’s on Century Blvd. at Aviation is still open! The LAX Airport renovation is currently well in progress, and it appears that the original plan to close the Denny’s (which was part of the same lot as the now-demolished Travelodge Hotel) is either delayed or abandoned. We’ll let you know if anything changes prior to the convention.
Can I video anything at Gallifrey One?
Video recording/video streaming is NOT ALLOWED in any Gallifrey One program rooms (that is, any of our six main program rooms, noted as Program A/B/C/D/E/F on site) due to issue with people uploading the contents of our programming to YouTube and other services. This policy is strictly enforced. If you are found to be making a video or streaming our events – including Facebook live or other live streaming – in our program rooms, you will be asked to stop immediately. If you do not comply, you will be removed from the convention. Please ensure you are comply with this policy; we don’t want to ruin your weekend.
Photography and videotaping of other activities outside the program rooms, including hallway chats, general cosplay, personal photos/video with the TARDIS, etc., are acceptable provided that subjects being videotaped consent to it and provided that it does not disrupt events or the flow of foot traffic. Should any convention guest or staff member request that videotaping of a particular item (such as autograph sessions or photo ops) be discontinued, attendees must comply with this request immediately. (Please be courteous and do not stop in the middle of all hallway to make your video.)
Cameras and camcorders/video recorders are not allowed in the Art Show. Photography of art, model, toy and collectibles displays may be allowed with the permission of the Art Show Coordinator and the artist; contact the Art Show Coordinator for more details.
You can visit our Convention Policies page for more information about our videotaping policy and other policies that affect your enjoyment of Gallifrey One.
Are there other rules I need to be aware of?
Yes! Gallifrey One’s Convention Policies page has detailed information about our policies against harassment, our courtesy policies and much more. You should familiarize yourself with it if you have not done so. But here’s a quick summary:
- Gallifrey One does not tolerate harassment, bullying, threats or violence in any form. We will deal with this directly and swiftly including canceling the perpetrator’s badge (permanently) and referring to the proper legal authorities. Please go to our Member Services desk for help! Also, we have an overnight hotline for specific issues that take place on the convention floor, the number for which is posted at Member Services.
- Illegal issues such as possession of controlled substances, possession of alcohol by anyone under 21, possession of weapons or other contraband, etc., will be referred to law enforcement. We have ZERO tolerance for this. (Please do note that cannabis is fully legal for adults in California.)
- We have a very specific courtesy policy: do not bug guests during their down time; do not annoy fellow convention goers with tall hats during panels, talking during events or taking cellphone calls/letting your cellphone ring during panels; please take crying babies/children out of program rooms, etc.
- Videotaping in Gallifrey One program rooms is forbidden.
- Badges must be visible at all times.
See the Convention Policies page for more details!
What do I do if I have other questions or if urgent issues arise, including complaints of harassment?
Visit our Member Services desk! Member Services is at the convention for you: to answer all your questions and assist you when you are at Gallifrey One. The Member Services desk is located in the heart of the convention, next to the elevator lobby and at the junction of the main foyer and exhibitor table hallway. Visit them any time you have a question.
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We hope this guide for new and returning attendees helps you navigate our convention a little better – and of course we would love to hear your feedback. Contact us and let us know if you have any other suggestions or questions!