Hello

Here it is! The big BIG email with all the important information for exhibiting at Thought Bubble Comic Convention 2025. Please ensure you read and understand all the following information.

⭐⭐ PLEASE READ THOROUGHLY ⭐⭐

Even if you’ve exhibited with us before, it is extremely important that you please read this through as there is new information.

If you have further questions once you've read this email, please contact us at exhibitors@thoughtbubblefestival.com. Keep in mind that our tiny team is in full prep-mode, so it may take us a little longer than usual to get back to you.

THE VENUE

The full address is: Harrogate Convention Centre, King's Road, Harrogate HG1 5LA.

There are multiple entrances to the convention centre, Thought Bubble uses Entrance 4 (what3words ///edgy.bands.soup) AND Entrance 5 (what3words ///cute.mostly.hunt). If you’re in Redshirt Hall or The 2000 AD Hall Entrance 4 is the closest, for Bubbleboy Hall or Comixology Halls Entrance 5 is the closest.

Here is more info on how to get to Thought Bubble Comic Convention, and here is info on Accessibility.


SET UP & TAKE DOWN TIMES

       SET UP/ EXHIBITOR ONLY ENTRY TIMES:
              Friday 14 November 16:00 - 19:00
              Saturday 15 November 08:00 - 09:50
              Sunday 16 November 09:00 - 09:50

       PUBLIC OPENING TIMES:
                  Saturday 15 November 10:00 - 18:00
                  Sunday 16 November 10:00 - 17:00

       BREAK-DOWN TIMES:
                  Sunday 16 November 17:10 - 18:30

All aisles and spaces need to be clear and ready for the doors opening to the public by 09.50 each day. The convention will finished at 17:00 on Sunday you cannot begin to pack down until after this time.

CONVENTION SAFETY

       FOOTWEAR
During set up and break-down times everyone inside the convention centre must wear closed toe, sturdy sensible footwear.

This means you cannot wear anything similar to high heels, Crocs, sandals, pumps (e.g. canvas shoes like Converse Chuck Taylors).

       HI-VIS VEST/JACKETS
During set-up and break-down time everyone inside the convention centre must wear a hi-vis jacket/vest.

You will not be able to enter the convention centre if you are not wearing hi-vis. Please bring your own and have it ready to wear before you enter the convention centre. We will have some available for sale for those unable to bring their own, however numbers will be limited so please try to bring one of your own (they are fairly cheap online and very compact!).

       CHILDREN AND BABIES
Those under 11 years old are not permitted inside the convention centre during the set-up and break-down times detailed above. Once the doors are open to the public, children of all ages are welcome.

SIGNING IN AND YOUR EXHIBITOR PASS

Exhibitor sign in and accreditation will be located at both Entrance 4 and Entrance 5 at the following times:
        Friday 14 November 16:00 - 19:00
        Saturday 15 November 08:00 - 09:30

The primary exhibitor will need to sign in and collect passes for the entire table. Have your table name, number and hall name to hand so we can tick you off easily. Your pass must be worn at all times while in the convention halls.

Sign in and pick up your pass as you enter.  If you’re unable to do this at the time, eg. If you're arriving by car, please pick up your pass BEFORE 9:30am on Saturday.

If you still require extra exhibitor passes at this time please pre-book general weekend or day passes through the website.

ARRIVAL

       LOADING WITH A VEHICLE - NEW PROCEDURE FOR 2025!
If you are arriving at the convention centre to unload or load your vehicle, you are required to book a time slot through the convention centre online vehicle booking system, Mobiledock.

NO VEHICLE WILL BE PERMITTED ACCESS TO LOADING AREAS WITHOUT A PRIOR BOOKING.

For details on how to book your loading slot, go here: thoughtbubblefestival.com/hccloading

       LOADING ON FOOT
If you are arriving on foot (i.e. without a car!), with a trolley, suitcase or carrying boxes, you can come to the venue at any point during the set-up times above, at either Entrance 4 or 5, whichever is most convenient for your table location.

In urgent situations you can contact: Amy (+44) 7975 632 848 (Text or call, we will be busy but will help where we can!).

       PARKING
Parking is available at a variety of locations around Harrogate. Due to this being a town centre location we strongly advise planning your journey and parking spot ahead of the convention dates.

Blue badge parking is available at the convention centre itself.

Convention Weekend Rule Summary

Here are a few quick rules and things to remember when setting up, taking down, and throughout the convention weekend:

The convention will close its doors at 17:00 on Sunday, you cannot begin to pack down until this time, this is for safety and insurance reasons. Please wait until all members of the public have left the convention centre.

During Set up and Breakdown:

  • Everyone must wear a hi-vis jacket/vest.

  • Everyone must wear closed-toe, sturdy shoes.

  • No children under 11 permitted.

General:

  • You cannot attach fixtures of any kind to the walls.

  • Ensure that your table display is safe, sturdy, tidy and secure.

  • No stock, displays or objects should encroach into aisle space, in front of, or to the side of your tables.

  • Ensure you aren’t blocking or intruding on your neighbours' space, be mindful and kind!

  • Keep the area behind your tables extra tidy so there is no risk of trips or falls!

  • No adult material is allowed on display. You are permitted to keep sensitive items out of sight eg. under your table, in a censored bag.

  • Access to all fire exits must be kept clear at all times.

  • Please take home as much rubbish and excess packaging as you can, it really helps us out!


EXHIBITOR SAFETY

Thought Bubble holds a zero tolerance policy for harassment in any form. If you feel unsafe, uncomfortable or harassed do not hesitate to tell a redshirt volunteer, or a core member of staff. Your safety and comfort is our priority.

If you would prefer (or need) to do this discreetly you can message one of the core staff members on the numbers below. Just let us know your name, table location and how we can help:

               Martha - (+44) 7585 504 763
               Chloë - (+44) 7792 862 561
               Amy - (+44) 7975 632 848
         
We suggest saving these numbers into your phone for easy access in an emergency. 

A FINAL MESSAGE FROM TEAM THOUGHT BUBBLE

Thought Bubble is an exciting, sometimes overwhelming, but wonderful weekend! It can fly past in a whirlwind! Be mindful of that and give yourself plenty of breaks; get a drink and something to eat, ask a kind neighbour to mind your table to take a breather, and do the same in return if you can. Stretch, sit, and snack!

The convention centre has water fountains, so bring your refillable bottles to help you stay hydrated. There are also two catering points (in The 2000 AD Hall and Bubbleboy Hall). Just outside the doors there are take-aways and coffee shops for if you want to take a breather from the hall space, or just step out for some air.

If you need an extra quiet break, you can head up to Bub’s Lounge. There is space for you to sit and draw, or just take a quiet moment to decompress. Exhibitors are also welcome in the Graphic Novel Reading Room in the Queen’s Suite Foyer to relax and read too.

Remember to take in the show itself, take a walk around, say hi to some people, buy some stuff! It's all really good, we promise.

If you are posting photos of your table, the work you’re selling, or just your nice face, tag us on Instagram, Bluesky and/or Facebook - we will try our best to share them!

You’re also invited to our Mid-Con Party! Maybe see you there?


Be kind, have fun, sell comics!!
               Love, as always,
                     Team Thought Bubble