​FAQ

Q: What is MAreCon?
A: MAreCon is brand new convention, held in New England, for fans of the latest generation of My Little Pony dubbed Friendship is Magic. Since this TV show premiered on the TV network known as The HUB (formally Discovery Kids) on October 10th, 2010, it has created a massive following of girls and boys, much older than the target age range for the franchise, called "bronies".  MAreCon welcomes all fans of the show and the My Little Pony universe, young and old.

Q: "Bronies"? There are GUYS that like My Little Pony? What...are they homosexual or pedophiles or something?

A: Hardly. Bronies like the show and the universe of My Little Pony because it is well crafted, teaches good life lessons, has amazing animation, great storytelling, relatable characters, and above all, a supportive, caring and talented community based on love, tolerance, and acceptance for who you are. Bronies believe being a kind, caring individual doesn't make you weak, but manly in fact. Bronies have not only shown compassion for each other, but have also raised tens of thousands of dollars for various charities to help many different causes. There is nothing to fear about bronies. We are a fandom that believes in positive values and the fact "...that a TV show can be good on its own merits...regardless if it's pink or blue." - Saberspark

​Q: Ok so maybe I was wrong about bronies being a bad thing. So...When will the first MAreCon be held?

A: As of the current moment, we can only tell you that the convention will last for two days. The official dates for MAreCon will be announced on June 1st, 2013.

​Q: Where will it be held?​

The convention will be held in a Central Massachusetts. We will post a more specific response to this question once the venue has been booked.

​Q: Alright. So MAYBE I'm a brony now and I'm interested in going to MAreCon. How should I get there?
A: There will be a Google Maps plugin available on the "THE CONVENTION" page that includes a map and a link to a template for directions to the con once the venue has been announced.

​Q: Is there be a hotel discount for con-goers?
A: Not at the moment, but we plan to be working closely with area hotels to make this a reality.

​Q: What hours will the convention be held during?
A: We are planning to open the doors for MAreCon at 10 AM the morning of the convention and close them at around 9 PM each day of the con, but this can be subject to change.

​Q: How old do I need to be to attend MAreCon?
A: Persons over 14 years of age can attend the convention on their own, but anyone 13 and under MUST be accompanied by a parent, guardian, or trusted adult.

​Q: Is there any way to recommend a  location for MAreCon?
A: Location suggestions can be sent to our con email at marecon2014@yahoo.com.

​Q: What kind of stuff is there going to be to do?

A: We will be announcing this closer to the date of the convention on our "GUESTS & EVENTS" page.

​Q: Is cosplay allowed at the convention? Does it HAVE to be pony-related?
A: Cosplay is not only allowed, IT'S ENCOURAGED! Although cosplaying something pony-related might fit in a bit more, we have no problem with you cosplaying as a character from another TV show, anime, comic/manga or even a video game! Read the rules for cosplaying (listed below this FAQ) and go crazy with your cosplay! We want to see it!

​Q: I didn't get a vendor's table. Can I still sell my pony merch?
A: No. Sales made without a registration for a vendor's table is prohibited. However, there should be no reason why you can't get a vendor's table in the first place! We haven't confirmed this yet, but we plan to make artist alley registration the same price as convention admission...so there should be no excuse for missing the chance to sell your stuff! 

​Q: Will there be meet and greets for the guests you plan on having?
A: Don't worry, fellow brony! We're just as hardcore of My Little Pony fans as you are and we have prepared for this. There will be special meet and greet opportunities for all of our guests during the convention and they might even be willing to take pictures with you! Even if you encounter them outside of the meet and greet, don't be afraid to approach them and give a friendly hello or picture request! They're all very nice people. However, we just ask that you don't harass the guests for these things. Leave them be if they ask for it.

Q: How do I get an Autograph?

A: We will provide details on this closer to convention day.

​Q: How many items can I get autographed?
A: We will post an answer to this once we have talked it over with the talent agents and fandom celebrities.

​Q: Can I get autographs from fandom celebrities?
A: Of course you can! We will be having meet and greets for them as well or you can just approach them nicely if you see them wandering around the convention!

​Q: What do I do if I have concerns or questions while at the convention? What if I have an emergency?
A: If you have concerns or questions about the convention you can direct them to one of our volunteer staff members. They will be walking around with special shirts and pink ID badges so they will be easy to spot. However, if you have an immediate emergency such as harassment/bullying from a fellow con-goer or if you witness a criminal act, please contact one of our several security personnel stationed around the con. We will also have a couple EMTs on site for any medical emergencies you may encounter.

​Q: I want to help out!  How do I volunteer for MAreCon?
A: Glad you're interested! Check out our "VOLUNTEER" page to find out more about becoming part of our staff!

​Q: How old do I need to be to volunteer?
A: You must be at least 16 and a half years old with a valid form of state-issued identification to apply unless otherwise recruited by the founders of MAreCon. As stated previously, check out our "VOLUNTEER" page to find out more.

​Q: Why should I volunteer rather than just going to the con myself?
A: If you are accepted, FOUR WORDS: FREE ADMISSION TO MARECON!. You also get to work closely with the MAreCon team to make the convention really awesome for everyone!

​Q: Can I apply for more than one volunteer position?
A: Sure! Apply for as many you think you can handle...but keep in mind we can only hire you for ONE position. If you are accepted to multiple positions, you can pick the one you feel you can handle best.

​Q: How do I stay in the loop for MAreCon news?
A: The quickest way is to follow our Twitter account @MAreConOfficial, but we will also post news on Facebook and this website as it becomes available.

​

​Registration FAQ​
Q: How do I register for MAreCon?
A: Registration will be handled through a third-party website (yet to be determined) that can be accessed through this website. Details will be coming closer to the convention day.

​Q: Can I buy a registration at the door?
A: Granted we don't sell out of space beforehand, yes.

​Q: Alright...this is all sounding very cool. How much money do I owe you?
A: Well if you've funded our Indiegogo campaign for $15-29, you get in for one day of the con for FREE! Pledges $30 and higher give you a free weekend pass to the convention. Every reward comes with at least one type of free registration to the event. If you didn't fund our Indiegogo campaign, registration will be around $25 for a single day pass, $40 for a full convention pass for both days. Also, kids 10 years old and under get in for free (plus they get some sweet bonuses for being awesome little colts and fillies which we will reveal later)! Keep in mind these prices are subject to change based on how our entire fundraiser campaign does.

​Q: How do I register for a single day?  Will there be a children’s discount?
A: You can select which day you want to attend upon registering for the con through the third-party site. Single day passes to the con can be also obtained by pledging $15-29 to the Indiegogo campaign. Unfortunately though, there will not be a children's discount other than the free registration for kids 10 and under. Ages 11 and up must pay the adult prices.

​Q: Can I order multiple registrations in one purchase? What about registrations of different types?
A: Through the third-party website, there will be a way to order multiple registrations as well as different registration types in one purchase. However, on our Indiegogo campaign, single day passes can only be obtained by making pledges of $15-29. Pledges $30 and higher will only give you a weekend pass to the con. You also have to make one pledge for each pass you wish to obtain.You cannot receive a weekend pass if you pledge any less than $30. You cannot receive a single day pass for a pledge of $30 or more nor can you receive a single day pass for a pledge $14 or less.

​Q: What types of Sponsorship levels are available?
A: This is currently being negotiated among the founders.

​Q: Can I upgrade my Indiegogo donation at a later time to receive better gifts?
A: No. You cannot use a previous donation as upgrade-able credit. If you wish to receive better gifts, you must make a second, full donation to Indiegogo for the amount corresponding to the gifts you wish to receive. 

Q: Will I receive the same gifts from your Indiegogo fundraiser if I donate the same amounts to the My Little Remix fundraiser?
A: Unfortunately, it would be too hard to make this a reality. Donations made to the My Little Remix fundraiser will not include the same gifts as the Indiegogo one.

​Q: Is there special registration available for Media and Press?
A: Yes. There will be a special process for all media and press registration being revealed at a later date.

​Q: What happens when I complete my registration?
A: You must pick up your badge and ticket to the convention the day before opening day at the convention venue. If you donated $15 or more to our Indiegogo campaign, please print out your validation of donation email and have it on your person when you arrive. If you purchase your registration through the third-party site, you will receive an email from them with your ticket enclosed. These emails may end up in your spam folder of your email account so be sure to check there if you don't see them in your inbox! Indiegogo backers and third-party website consumers alike MUST attend the Pre-Registration event. MAKE SURE you have your ticket (if you purchased via the third-party website) or your validation of donation email (if you supported the con via our Indiegogo campaign for $15 or more) in hand upon arriving at the Pre-Registration event. 

​Q: How do I pick up my registration?
A: There will be a Pre-Registration event at the venue the day before opening day of the con at around 10 AM. Your chance to pick up your registration will officially end at 9 PM that night. Upon arriving at the venue, there will be signs guiding you to where you can pick up your registration. Make sure you have your validation of donation email for $15 or more (or your ticket if you purchased through the third-party site) printed and in your hand upon arriving at the table to pick up your registration. Show the email (or ticket in the case of purchase through the third-party site) to the MAreCon staff and they will find and hand you your registration badge (it will feature a special design for all you people who donated via Indiegogo!) with the name you provided via donation or purchase. Indiegogo backers will also get their ticket to the event in this process. Please note that if you plan to purchase your registration at the door, attending this event is not needed.

​Q: All right, so I have my ticket and badge.  What is it for?
A: Your ticket gets you into the venue. Your registration badge gives you access to the Artists' Alley and the convention floor where all the events will take place for the days marked on your badge. 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. You can't be in the convention without it so don’t lose it! You can't get a new one without another registration purchase.

​Q: Well...my worst nightmare has come true. I am no longer able to attend MAreCon and I've already payed for my registration. Can I get a refund?
A: We cannot refund any registration purchases. Sorry. However, if you wish to donate your registration to a friend or void it (making it available for re-purchase by someone else), you can contact us at marecon2014@yahoo.com and we will try to do our best to help you. 

​Q: How do I send you ideas for pannels?
A: We're always open to panel ideas! Drop us a line at marecon2014@yahoo.com with your idea and we'll try our best to make it happen!

​Q: I have a great idea for another type of event you should have! Where do I send it?
A: Awesome! You can send it to us via our email at marecon2014@yahoo.com

​Q: What is BronyStock and how do I become a part of it?
A: BronyStock is our little concert featuring a small lineup of brony musicians where fans can dance, sing, and rock out with each other! You will have free access to BronyStock with your registration badge. If you wish to apply for a performance spot on BronyStock, contact us at marecon2014@yahoo.com. Hurry, though! Spots are VERY limited.

​Q: Who exactly will be performing at BronyStock?
A: We will be announcing this closer to convention time on our "GUESTS AND EVENTS" page.

​Q: Since it's pretty common for brony conventions, will you be having a charity auction?
A:  Absolutely! Just bring the items you wish to donate to the designated area at the convention. However, keep in mind that we only accept one-of-a-kind items. No official Hasbro merchandise will be accepted.

​Artists' Alley FAQ​
Q: How do I obtain a vendor's or artist's table or booth in Artists' Alley?
A: Information and applications for Artists' Alley will be available soon.





COSPLAY RULES

*Decency and Appropriateness: Con-goer attire must cover all areas normally covered by a swimsuit. Costumes and props must also be PG-rated. Hate speech and gang-related paraphernalia are not permitted on attire or props in any language.
* Costume Safety: Costumes must not be dangerous to anyone who bumps into them accidentally.
* Volume: Costumes and props that make noise must have volume controls and should be kept at an appropriate volume. The owners of such props and costumes must turn down or mute the volume when asked to by MAreCon security.
* Weapons: Any prop that can be deemed a viable weapon by Massachusetts state law (i.e. bats, swords, axes, batons) are strictly prohibited and MAreCon security reserves the right to confiscate any prop deemed to be a viable weapon. Fake weapons made of out materials such as cardboard and aluminum foil are permitted as seen fit by MAreCon security.

* Gun-like Props: Gun-like props are required to have very visible orange tips. Airsoft guns must never be loaded and must be disable. No ammunition may be carried on the con-goer carrying the airsoft.
* Guns: Real firearms, even if disabled or unloaded are strictly prohibited in all convention spaces. If you are an off-duty law enforcement officer carrying your sidearm through convention space, please come see the Head of Security at the gate of the con so there are no unfortunate misunderstandings.
*Any prop being used in an unsafe or threatening manner may be confiscated by MAreCon security. MAreCon security may ask you at any time to put a prop away or change out of a costume based on its acceptability.
The Head of Security has the final say as to the acceptability of any prop or costume.

* Fursuit policy: If wearing a fursuit to the convention, please remove your fursuit's headpiece, making sure your face is exposed to MAreCon security every time you enter the convention. You will not be permitted into the con if you wear your registration badge inside your fursuit. It must remain visible on the outside of your fursuit to gain access to the con.





BEHAVIOR POLICY

Bullying, teasing, and name-calling anyone at the convention is strictly prohibited. If MAreCon security receives a complaint about you bulling/teasing/name-calling another con-goer, you will be given a warning by security. If another complaint comes in, you will be escorted out of the convention by security and not allowed to re-enter. If you happen to be breaking any Federal laws, Massachusetts state laws, or any city-wide laws, MAreCon security has the right to place you in restraints and place you into the custody of the local police officers stationed at the convention. Depending on the severity of your offense, as determined by the Head of Security and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, you may not be allowed to return to the current MAreCon or any future MAreCon events.