ManorCon FAQ’s Answered
How do I find out about……..?
Below we have complied frequently asked questions.
Attending ManorCon
What should I do when I arrive?
Please go to the registration desk in the Learning Hub to check in.
Can I purchase tickets on the door?
Yes, tickets should be available on the door to buy. We do however recommend registering in advance if you are able to as we do have a cap on the number of attendees. We may also have some accommodation available but if we do it will be very limited.
Are children welcome?
We welcome attendees of all ages to ManorCon, including children under 16. We do ask that accompanying adults take full responsibility for their children throughout the event. The convention is a boardgames convention with a wide range of games.
How do I find a committee member?
There are four ways to find a committee member
- Check at the reception desk
- Look for a helium balloon, the on-duty committee member will be looking after it.
- Look for people with green t-shirts with ManorCon on the back, these will be committee members.
- Call the ManorCon mobile, a committee member will be looking after it. The number will be right here on the website during the event.
Where is ManorCon and How do I get There?
Which building at Northampton University Waterside Campus is ManorCon going to be located in?
ManorCon is largely located in the Learning Hub Ground Floor.
what3words: rift.thing.park
Is there parking we can use at Northampton University Waterside Campus?
The event will use Car Park 4 at post code NN4 8RR, which is a surface car park https://maps.app.goo.gl/fy5ZZH9RtdsBMRpP6 . It is the closest car park to the accommodation and main facility.
If you are staying in the Sunley Hotel then parking in Car Park 3 is included in your stay.
Payment is required for all visitors, except those with a valid Blue Badge or staying in The Sunley Hotel.
Parking can be prebooked through this website or bought on the day using the on-site payment machines (card only) or RingGo facility (24700).
What is the nearest train station?
The nearest train station is Northampton Train Station.
Where is the nearest bus stop?
The bus stop “University Senate” is on the road outside the Learning Hub. See ManorCon Travel Guide for details about buses.
Is there bike storage?
The university provides free bike storage that will be available to attendees.
Playing Board Games at Manorcon
What kinds of games can I expect at ManorCon?
Attendees at ManorCon usually play a wide variety of board and card games, from classics like Ticket to Ride and Catan, to modern eurogames like Civolution and Shackleton Base.
Do I need to bring my own games?
ManorCon does not have a games library of its own so people will mostly be playing games they have brought from home. Don’t think that means you have to bring games yourself though, as there will be lots of people with games looking for people to play with. Watch for the Players Wanted signs, or just say hello to someone setting up a game you like the look of.
How do I find players/get into a game?
Ahead of time some people like to plan ahead and arrange games, this is great for those longer games and we provide a games organiser to assist with this.
There is also a Facebook group where games can be discussed and arranged.
At the convention we provide players wanted signs that can show that you are looking for a player.
Is there a games organiser?
Yes. We use Aftergame for preplanning of games. You can find more details on how to use it here.
Note that pre-planning of games is entirely optional and the vast majority of games will be adhoc as a result of putting lots of gamers in a room for the whole weekend.
Do the open gaming areas have a closing time?
The Waterside Bar closes each evening and reopens the next morning. All other areas will be available from 2pm Friday to 2pm on Monday.
I’m a designer/publisher. Can I demo my game?
We don’t really have any specific exhibitor or playtest areas, we’re not that sort of convention. You are of course welcome to bring your design and play it with people, but please don’t do any significant pushing of your game or create your own demo area just for that one game.
Selling of sealed product is strictly limited to the game store we’ve partnered with for the event.
Food & Drink at ManorCon
Can I use cash at the Bar and Restaurant?
No, The University of Northampton is entirely cashless.
Are gluten free options available?
The University of Waterside Bar and Market Restaurant provides options for most dietary requirements including vegetarian, vegan, gluten free and dairy free.
Is water available?
There are water stations situated around the Learning Hub that can be used to top up water bottle, etc. They are located close to the toilets so follow those signs and you should find them.
What is the tea and coffee situation
Complimentary tea and coffee (instant) are provided from 9:30am on Saturday to Monday.
Both the Waterside Bar and Market Restaurant will sell a range of tea and coffee. Prices are around £2 to £3.
What are my options other than the Bar and Restaurant?
There is also a Morrisons local onsite next to the Learning Hub, with a larger Morrisons on the way into Northampton (both of which DO take cash). There is a range of other venues in walking distance and a number of local restaurants.
Can I bring my own food and drink to the venue?
If in accommodation onsite there is a kitchen facility that can be used.
Can we bring alcohol onsite?
In the university public spaces only alcohol from the Waterside Bar can be consumed. You can drink alcohol purchased elsewhere in your accommodation.
Accommodation
If I’m stopping at the University what is provided in the single ensuite accommodation?
All accommodation is ensuite with bedding provided. The kitchens will have a set of crockery per person and a working kitchen. Please be aware that unlike Leicester towels and toiletries will not be provided. Please make sure you bring a towel and toiletries with you as we are unable to provide.
Is breakfast included?
Both double and single rooms come with breakfast served in the Market Restaurant. You will be given a wrist band on arrival that will entitle you to breakfast.
Where can I buy a towel?
There is a Morrisons and B&M within 5 minutes’ walk of the Campus, both have towels available.
Do I have to stay on site?
Of course not. If you’d like a little more comfort than the student accommodation can provide then there are a number of hotels nearby in Northampton.
The closest is the Premier Inn on Swan Street, half a mile away.
Other University Venue Information
Is there Wi-Fi available?
The University has Guest Wi-Fi Available, see the University Page “How do I connect to the guest wi-fi?”.
Is there a cash machine?
You’ll find a cash machine at the Morrisons directly opposite the Learning Hub entrance. Note though that most of the university facilities are cashless.
Where is the nearest Public EV Charger?
There is a public EV charger at Morrisons, 26 Victoria Promenade. Northampton, NN1 1HB.
Accessibility at ManorCon
Are accessible rooms available?
There are accessible rooms available, please let us know when booking about requirements you have.
What are the disabled parking arrangements?
Blue Badge holders can make use of the disabled parking spaces around campus as well as using the general carpark for free. You’ll need to send an email with proof that you hold a Blue Badge, just follow the instructions on the signs that look a little like this:
Are animals allowed onto UON premises?
Only guide or assistance dogs with formal accreditation are allowed with UON’s prior agreement. Please contact us to make sure the necessary arrangements are made with UON’s health and safety team prior to your arrival and any appropriate accommodations are made.
Can the university provide a travel cot?
The university cannot provide a travel cot but there is space in the hotel rooms if you bring one.
Are there gender neutral toilets?
Accommodation is ensuite. There are gender neutral toilets and accessible toilets near the bar area.
Are all the areas accessible?
The areas used for activities are all accessible, there is one small area that can be used for chilling out above the Market Restaurant that is not accessible.
There are small changes in height with steps and platform lifts available.
Booking
How do I book?
Check out the booking page for details. The link there will take you through to our Shop where you can purchase tickets and accommodation.
What proof of booking do I get?
When you book you’ll receive an email with your booking details in it. Please bring that booking number with you when collecting your badges and room keys.
Can I book a double room for one person?
Not unless you have a specific need for the extra space. We have a very limited quantity of double rooms and would prefer to reserve them for pairs of gamers.
If you are just looking for a more comfortable room then we recommend the Premier Inn in Northampton Town Center which is still less than half a mile from the venue.
General ManorCon
Do you have a Code of Conduct?
We have a Code of Conduct so that all attendees can feel safe and welcome.
Are there any University rules we should be aware of?
The University impose a charges for
- Fire Brigade Call Outs (£300 per visit)
- Smoking indoors (£125 per incident)
- Lost or damaged key card will be charged at £50 per key card
- Additional cleaning above that expected through normal use of accommodation.
Help?!?
Don’t panic. If you need help or have further questions at the event just look for one of the ManorCon committee members who will be wearing distinctive green ManorCon t-shirts. If you can’t see one then head for the registration desk.