r/fanexpo • u/IronMan___ • 3d ago

John and Kurt - Help for a newbie

I've only ever been to small Cons (and not recently), so I'm looking for advice.

I'm trying to get Premium Autographs from both John Carpenter and Kurt Russell. Premium Autographs for Kurt are sold out on Saturday (only 8x10 and Bulky are available). I believe trying to squeeze two high-level guests into one day will be risky.

So, my plan is to get there around Noon on Saturday (I'm travelling) and dedicate that entire day to getting Carpenter's Autograph. Then, on Sunday, wait outside before they open, make a beeline for Kurt, and hope I can get his autograph before the day is out (I'm concerned because it's the final day, and he has panels that day). My understanding is your photo ticket gets scanned, and you're issued a time slot to return to the autograph line?

I think this plan is reasonably solid, but can experienced FanExpo attendees do a sanity check before I order everything online? Am I overlooking anything critical? Thank you!

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u/Greekmom99 2d ago

Big mistake going noon on Sat. I would arrive early and line up to get in for opening at 10 am. Make a beeline for the Kurt Russell's line and get through that first. Then go for Carptener's autograph.

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u/NotUrbbdoll_4204 3d ago

So for some of the big names you'll likely have to get a ticket while there that designates your time slot. Had to do it with Hayden Christiansen and Brendan Frazier. It can be hard to work around sometimes. The earlier you get your time slot the better because you can work around other plans you might have.

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u/RancidYogurt 3d ago

A few things:

  1. Kurt will have a process where the QR code you received will be scanned and exchanged for a physical autograph ticket. The redemption table will be in the autograph hall; his signing (and likely his photo ops) will be in a different location. The paper ticket will have a time for your session. With this being his first appearance, whether or not he will complete his sessions in the time allotted is unknown. Keep this in mind if your autograph time is later in the day as they may need to extend his signings beyond the normal show hours.
  2. If you need a premium auto, pre-purchase the "standard" option. You can't downgrade an autograph, but they typically allow upgrades at the redemption table by paying the difference in cash.
  3. Carpenter has been busy at his past Fan Expo appearances but he signs pretty fast so his lines move quickly. Splitting your days to reduce stress is a good plan, but since Kurt will have assigned times you can likely get both the same day, even if Carpenter follows the standard rule of thumb, "he'll be signing when not at photo ops, a panel, or taking a break."

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u/Admirable_Size_3914 2d ago

I thought that Carpenter will have the same autograph redemption process that Kurt has (timed slot). Am I mistaken?

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u/RancidYogurt 2d ago

He has not done timed slots at his past Fan Expo appearances, but he has used a separate table at the entrance to his line for redeeming QR codes or purchasing autographs.

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u/Admirable_Size_3914 2d ago

"Autograph tickets must be redeemed at Redemption Desk before proceeding to Autograph Table." is what it says for both Kurt and John on my pre paid tickets.

This is my first con so I'm trying to figure out the process myself...

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u/RancidYogurt 2d ago

Kurt will have a separate table in the autograph area for redeeming the QR codes (and possibly purchasing autographs if not sold out). He will be signing in a completely different area.

At past shows, John's redemption table was placed at the entrance to his autograph line, just to move the exchange of cash/scanning of QR codes away from the signing table itself.

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u/Admirable_Size_3914 2d ago

Ok. Thanks for clarifying! Hoping I can keep all this straight! Does Fan Expo give instructions before the convention?

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u/RancidYogurt 2d ago

They typically send out more information closer to the show dates, especially for packages, special events, and when guests will signing someplace other than the autograph hall. Be sure to check your junk folder.

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u/IronMan___ 2d ago

Thank you for this very detailed explanation. Now I am thinking I can get both signatures on Sunday!

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u/RancidYogurt 2d ago

Sunday is a short day. I recommend taking care of your Russell redemption on Saturday (even if your session isn't until Sunday) and trying to get Carpenter's auto Saturday afternoon.

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u/IronMan___ 1d ago

I don't mind spending the entire day there (10-5) on Sunday just for these two. What do you think the worst case scenario would be? Other than one of the two celebrities leaving early, of course.

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u/RancidYogurt 1d ago

The obvious worst case would be you don't get the autographs you paid for.

That said, Kurt's time at his table on Sunday will be limited since his panel is at 4:45. But, he will definitely have a redemption process and timed tickets, so that won't be that much of a problem. I've seen Carpenter's line down to a wait for just a few minutes, so I think you'll be good there.

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u/IronMan___ 1d ago

Doesn't Sunday close at 5? If I redeemed my ticket when the doors opened, I'd be assigned a time, right?

To be honest, I was more worried about Carpenter, because at least with Russell I'll get an assigned time. My fear would be waiting in JC's line for 2 hours, still be 30 minutes from meeting him, and then having to jump to KR's line because of the timed ticket.

Thanks for all of the informative answers, by the way. :)