FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

We remember our first convention. We had a lot of questions, and we bet you do too. Check out the answers below, or ask your fellow fans on Facebook & Twitter!

ABOUT FAN FEST CHICAGO

What is Walker Stalker Con?

Walker Stalker Convention started with two friends taking a trip to Senoia, Georgia to watch The Walking Dead film their upcoming season. Their incredible day led to a podcast, and that podcast led to a series of fan meetups. Those fan meetups eventually became Walker Stalker Con.

Today, Walker Stalker Con welcomes more than 300,000 members of the #TWDFamily to 16 venues around the world to meet actors and artists from their favorite show. Our goal? To share a little bit of the magic we felt in Senoia with you.

Does my ticket get me into both events?

YES! Your ticket will give you access to both Walker Stalker Con and Heroes & Villains Fan Fest! You get to enjoy two concurrent events for the price of one ticket.

What is Heroes & Villains Fan Fest?

What is Heroes and Villains? We bring the stars of today’s comic-inspired television shows & movies to you! From Flash to the Marvel Comic Universe, we’ve got it! Best of all? You won’t just meet superheroes…you’ll become one! Train to leap tall buildings on our free bungee jumper, or practice your skills with safe archery! There’s something for everyone!

HOURS & LOCATION

When is Fan Fest Chicago?

We’ll be bringing apocalyptic goodness to the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center for THREE days on April 19, 20 & 21 2019!

We can’t wait to celebrate year SIX with you!

Where is the event held?

In 2019, we will return to theDonald E. Stephens Convention Center. For venue maps, directions, details about parking, and more visit our Venue Page!

What are the event hours?

Friday: 3:00 PM – 8:00 PM

VIP Entry: 2:00 PM

Saturday: 10:30 AM – 6:00 PM

VIP Entry: 9:00 AM

Sunday: 10:30AM – 5:00 PM

VIP Entry: 9:00 AM

Is there an official hotel for the event?

Hotel details will be released in early 2018!

CODE OF CONDUCT

What is your Anti-Harassment Policy?

We have a zero-tolerance policy for harassment of any kind, including but not limited to: stalking, intimidation, offensive verbal comments, physical assault, battery, harassing or unwanted photography or recording, continuous disruption of panels or other events, bathroom policing, inappropriate physical contact, and unwelcome physical attention.

We reserve the right to remove any person from the event at any time. If someone’s behavior makes you uncomfortable, please locate a staff member or visit our customer service desk to report an incident.

What is your Cosplay Policy?

Prop weaponry is allowed on the condition that it is comprised of light materials such as plastic, resin, foam, rubber or cardboard.

No fake guns of any kind or design will be allowed inside the venue. Crossbows and prop projectile weapons must be unstrung.

A member of our security team may Peace Bond your prop. We utilize zip ties to mark items as ‘safe’ and inspected. Once we have tagged your item, you are not permitted to remove it. We do our best to ensure that the trail tape can be easily hidden for photos.

Please use your common sense – if your prop can be mistaken for a real weapon, do not bring it.

Additionally, whether you are a member of the general public or a member of the cosplay community, please remember that “Cosplay Is Not Consent,” and familiarize yourself with our Anti-Harassment Policy.

What is your Weapons Policy?

Management shall have sole discretion in any matter that they believe may affect public safety or be important to protect the integrity of the event.

Fan Fest has a zero-tolerance policy for real weaponry. Real weapons of any kind are expressly forbidden on the premises, including:

  • Firearms, airsoft guns, BB guns, cap guns, paintball guns and pellet guns). This also applies to attendees who may have a permit or license to carry said weapon.
  • Metal-bladed weapons including katanas, axes, daggers, hatches, knives, swords, and switchblades)
  • Explosives (including firecrackers and fireworks)
  • Chemical weapons (including mace and pepper spray)
  • Blunt weapons (including brass knuckles, hockey sticks, clubs, baseball bats)
  • Hard prop weapons (including props made of metal, fiberglass, and glass)

Any person found to be carrying a weapon of any kind will have their ticket for the event revoked and to be removed from the event space.

What is your Bag / Backpack Policy?

Bags of all sizes will be allowed inside the venue but will be subject to search. A larger bag or backpack may slow your entry into our event, while we ensure the safety of those around you. We ask for your patience entering the hall.

TICKETS AND ADMISSION

What is Will Call?

Attendees who purchased their admission after April 1st will pick up their badges or wristbands at Will Call before entering the event. You must bring your confirmation email, either printed or on your phone. For more information including Will Call hours and locations, visit our schedule page

What is included in General Admission?

General Admission includes admission to our event, general Q&A panels, and the opportunity to visit vendors and artists. They do not include autographs or photo ops with the guests. Autographs and photo ops with guests CAN be purchased separately by attendees of any badge level.

Do you offer children's tickets in the US?

In the US, children 10 and under are free with a paid adult ticket (maximum two children per adult ticket).

If your child has a VIP pass (Regular, Gold, or Platinum) and you want to enter early with them and stay with them in Autograph lines, seating for panels, etc., you will need to have the same VIP level as your child.

If you have a Platinum ticket and want your child to be able to skip lines with you, sit in the front rows at panels and eat lunch in the green room, they will also need a Platinum VIP ticket.

Do you offer a military discount?

Yes! Simply bring a valid Military ID, Dependent ID, or a copy of your DD-214 form to Will Call for a free General Admission Pass. Police and First Responders can also receive a free General Admission pass by showing a valid ID. These tickets can only be picked up the day you attend, but do not sell out. We have never turned away someone who serves!

PLEASE NOTE: Sign up for important event updates HERE!

Do you have accommodations for disabilities?

Absolutely! Please visit our Disability & FAQ HERE to learn more.

Will my badge or wristband be mailed to me?

If you purchase on or before 5:00 PM CST on April 1st, 2019, your passes and any applicable badges and wristbands will be mailed directly to the shipping address provided.

All passes purchased after the April 1st deadline will not be shipped. If you purchase your passes after April 1st, 2019, a purchase confirmation will be emailed to you, please bring it to the event. 

Fulfillment of mailed orders will begin starting in early April. Once your product has shipped a tracking number will be attached to your account using the email address you used for your purchase.

Help! I lost my badge or wristband!

More Information Coming Soon

How can I upgrade my current ticket?

With Growtix, its easy to upgrade to a VIP, Gold, or Platinum Pass. Simply go to your Confirmation Page, which can be accessed from your original Confirmation Email, and click the green Upgrade button. Select the Pass you would like to upgrade to, confirm the changes, and pay the difference in price. No need to email our customer service team, the process is fully automated!

Remember, upgrades are only available for tickets purchased directly from Growtix, NOT third parties (Groupon, Living Social, etc.) or other attendees.

Is it possible to cancel my ticket?

All tickets are nonrefundable and nontransferable. Tickets cannot be applied towards future Fan Fest Conventions.

VIP LEVELS

Do Regular VIPs include Photo Ops or Autographs?

No, Regular VIPs are like a fast pass and are limited in the number available. Photo Ops and autographs may be purchased separately.

How can I upgrade my current ticket?

With Growtix, its easy to upgrade to a VIP, Gold, or Platinum Pass. Simply go to your Confirmation Page, which can be accessed from your original Confirmation Email, and click the green Upgrade button. Select the Pass you would like to upgrade to, confirm the changes, and pay the difference in price. No need to email our customer service team, the process is fully automated!

Do Platinum and Gold VIPs include Photo Ops or Autographs?

Platinum and Gold VIPs do not include Photo Ops or Autographs. Instead, our premier ticket packages now include exclusive codes that allow you to purchase Autographs and Photo Ops outside of our standard pre-sale availability, even if that item had previously sold out.

I have a Gold or Platinum ticket. When will I be sent my exclusive codes?

Codes will be created and sent out via email one week before Photo Ops and Pre-Sale Autographs go on sale.

AUTOGRAPHS, PHOTO OPS & SELFIES

When and how are Autographs sold?

Generally, Autographs are purchased in person at each guest’s booth. Autographs are cash only, with prices set by each guest’s agent the weekend of our convention.

A selection of 8X10 photographs will be provided. Alternatively, you may bring an object for the actor to sign at their discretion.

Prices charged are per signature and range between 20-90 dollars.

For a limited number of high-demand actors, lines may be cut off based on how many people the actor can sign for in a single day, and their Autographs may be sold in advance of the event and a pre-purchased ticket will be required to enter the line.

Are there scheduled times for Autographs?

Our guests sign any time they aren’t in Photo Ops, panels, or enjoying lunch. Each guest will have a detailed schedule posted at their table as well. Due to longer lines, we recommend visiting more in-demand actors earlier in the day.

What are Pre-Sale Autographs?

For a limited number of high-demand actors, lines may be cut off based on how many people the actor can sign for in a single day. Additionally, a high-demand actor’s Autographs may be sold in advance of the event, and a Pre-Sale Autograph Ticket will be required to enter the line.

Can I bring a replica bat or katana to be signed, or for cosplay?

All weapons or replicas must be made of plastic, resin, or foam. No real wood or metal bats or katanas will be allowed inside the venue. Please see our Code of Conduct section for more details.

What is a Photo Op?

Photo ops are professionally taken photos and include an 8×10 print out of your photo. You can purchase additional print outs or digital downloads from our photo op provider.

Photo ops are taken at scheduled times and are subject to change. Please visit Celeb Photo Op’s website and review their FAQs. Questions regarding photo ops should be directed to

How many people can be in each Photo Op?

One Photo Op can have up to 2 adult attendees and 3 children attendees (16 and under) in it.

Can I take Selfies or Table Photos with the celebrities?

Some guests offer Selfies for purchase at their tables. The policy and price is set by each agent the weekend of the convention.

Can I give letters or gifts to the celebrities?

You may bring a small present or letter to a guest’s autograph booth. Gifts will NOT be accepted in the photo ops area due to limited space.