Go and check out the viking camp outside, it is nice to get a bit of fresh air and sunshine and have something interesting to look at when you do it :)
haven't been in person since pre lockdowns but reply to say hiiii I'll be there I don't have specific advice but hopefully can cross paths? (will only be up for the Friday)
Annotate your little booklet! Keep track of who you want to go see, and most importantly, don’t go directly there. Wander the floor, you’ll find tons of cool stuff that you weren’t expecting. Also plan to spend way too much money on dice and books.
comfortable shoes, as you're going to be walking a LOT. Have food and water on you, as there's a lot going on and it's easy to get distracted. Try not to buy to much too early on, because carrying them can be a pain!
Take your time, pace yourself, good shoes - it’s a marathon not a sprint! Bag with water, plasters (in case of rubbing shoes) and potentially a small handheld fan or similar (it can get HOT in there)
Possibly impractical given your schedule but avoid the con floor on Saturday as much as you can. It’s unpleasantly busy. Find some talks or workshops to go to.
If you get lucky, Sunday is best time for bargains as some stalls have overstocked.
ℹ️ It's big and gets busy! (Comfy gear, bottle for water, etc.)
ℹ️ Trade area easier when off-peak (e.g. Sunday=fewer folk)
ℹ️ Plan you must-see stalls in advance, especially the indie ones, so you can find them!
ℹ️ Hit the food court at the hotel when RPG sessions are running (not between them)
If you arrive on Thursday, you can pick up your lanyards and things for the show even though the show isn’t open. It will save you a decent chunk of timing queuing on Friday morning.
Comfy shoes are a must. Have water & snacks. Doing an exploratory lap first in the trade halls before buying anything is a good idea. @uktin.bsky.social are doing Stamp Quest again which is a great way to visit some lovely stalls.
@womenofttrpg.bsky.social also usually have a lunchtime meet up which is a great excuse to get away from halls and get some fresh air while chatting to some lovely people
You go to UKTIN stall (2-383) or any of the participants stalls and get the Stamp Quest leaflet. Then as you go around you collect stamps from all the participating creators (they're listed on the leaflet), then you either keep it as a souvenir or hand it in for a chance to win goodies! 😁
Thank you so much for spotlighting Stamp Quest 25, @alderdoodle.bsky.social and @etalesandcritfails.bsky.social! We really appreciate you spreading the word <3 That spreadsheet is great, and we also have a fab map made by @thecoppercompendium.co.uk: https://thecoppercompendium.itch.io/ukge-stamp-quest-map-2025
Try to arrive Thursday and pick up your ticket then, there's also some open gaming on Thursday evening too.
Confortable shoes for lots of walking and standing around.
Talk to vendors, ask questions, UKGE is the friendliest show I've ever been to.
Play lots of games in the Hilton after the show.
Bring a water bottle - there are refill stations in the NEC (but they are often out of use by the Sunday).
It's only 10 minutes into Birmingham city centre on the train and a day return is cheap so it's a good option for dinner if you want to get away from the crowds.
There are food trucks outside the front of the Hilton all weekend and the queues are normally reasonable.
The bag drop service is handy but sells out really quickly so head to it early if you want to use it.
Comments
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1efgVw1Eks24NHMn63MnSImlfR_OXtz2v?usp=sharing
Plus look out for us wondering around and say hello if you spot us!
If you are staying locally, tickets can be picked up on Thursday 4pm-8pm.
Bring cash for bring & buy & shop & drop.
Bring a water bottle and/or thermos.
Wear comfy shoes.
If driving, pre-book parking with the NEC.
You can add things to your schedule on #UKGE website.
More to follow!
If you get lucky, Sunday is best time for bargains as some stalls have overstocked.
ℹ️ Trade area easier when off-peak (e.g. Sunday=fewer folk)
ℹ️ Plan you must-see stalls in advance, especially the indie ones, so you can find them!
ℹ️ Hit the food court at the hotel when RPG sessions are running (not between them)
Drink plenty of water. Better have a generous supply as they're queues at the fountain and it often breaks.
The bar is expensive. The cheapest drink is soda with lime cordial.
Plan to spend approximately twice as much money as you intend to.
Come play Mappa Mundi with Sam or I?
Dibs on Michelle at my table
The real answer is, why not both?
And with the release of the interactive map, we have put together a document detailing where each of these small businesses can be found 😊
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1uL6FWvBzXRXaK1-RkraUIYxTgVR_7tgK5gO3VQAGUC0/edit?gid=0#gid=0
Sponsored by @soulmuppet.co.uk @threesailsstudios.bsky.social @leisuregames.bsky.social
Should you accept the quest, let this be your guide:
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1pIVQdwa2NwBEJu1f4ugkn77nCDULy5_HlOTgzWVE02k/edit?usp=sharing
If you can, plan what you want to visit in advance, particularly when it comes to the presentations,
Assume you will get around less in a day than you think you will and adjust accordingly
Confortable shoes for lots of walking and standing around.
Talk to vendors, ask questions, UKGE is the friendliest show I've ever been to.
Play lots of games in the Hilton after the show.
It's only 10 minutes into Birmingham city centre on the train and a day return is cheap so it's a good option for dinner if you want to get away from the crowds.
The bag drop service is handy but sells out really quickly so head to it early if you want to use it.