Time for some more info about where we'll be and what we'll be up to! If you missed our first announcement, you can see it here.
Where are we?
Again this year, we're in the main hall. We're up by EB this year, see the map attached. Once the official map is released, we'll be able to give you an exact stand number and location.
Cosplays
In the last announcement, we mentioned that both Chloe and Matt will be cosplaying, so for anyone who's interested, Chloe will be going as Umbreon (and Misty on one day) and Matt will be going as Gengar!
Advice for anyone looking to attend the expo
Both Chloe and Matt have been going to expos for years, so here's some tips of the trade to get the most out of it:
- Bring water. It gets really hot and drinks can be very expensive. Without water, you may start to feel sick very quickly.
- Pick the day based on what you want to get out of it. If you want to beat the crowds but don't need long to look, go on Friday. If you love the atmosphere and want the most intense experience, go on Saturday. If you don't want to miss out on all the good deals but don't want crazy crowds, go Sunday. If you're going to go for a second day, Monday is always a good option as there's the awesome fireworks and you can snap up the last of the great deals.
- Pre-book your tickets. The wait can take literally hours and if you plan on going on Saturday, they often sell out of tickets. Avoid the huge wait and disappointment by booking early. It also works out a little cheaper.
- Carpool or catch public transport. Parking at these events can be quite pricey, car-pool there and jam some tunes to get yourself and your friends hyped!
- Ask us to bring items. There's no guarantee that we'll be bringing everything we stock (in fact, it's highly unlikely) because we have very limited space. Especially for those travelling from out of town, let us know what you'd like to pick up there and we'll get your order ready in a bag for you and make sure it's there. That way you won't miss out! Email us on info@cardmerchantnz.com to let us know what you're after
- Bring snacks. I would bring lunch too because the crowds are usually crazy around lunchtime, but at least bring some snacks. You won't have as much fun if you're starving.
- Cosplay. It's one of the best things about these expos! When else will you be able to dress up like a Charmander or a Dark Magician?! Cosplay is one of the best things about Armageddon, so go crazy. Just make sure your outfit is practical as it will be really hot and you won't have a lot of space.
- If you want the good deals, go on Saturday. A lot of the best deals sell out on Saturday because it's the busiest day. There will of course still be awesome bargains and cool things to look at every other day, but if you're really keen on getting the awesome bargains, go on Saturday.
- Get there early. There's always quite a long wait to get in. Turn up around an hour before doors open with a few friends and spend the time working out your game plan. Ask a staff member there for a map if there's not one online and work out what you want to see.
- Stay until the end of the day. It's much easier to get around during the last couple of hours of the day and the ques are way shorter because a lot of people go home. This is the best part of the day to look around because there's still the atmosphere, but you get a chance to do more.
- Bring cash. EFTPOS services go down every year because the servers get overloaded and it costs to withdraw cash at the venue. But remember to be safe with your cash! If you'll be bringing a bit, remember to keep it in a safe place. It may be best to split it up and put some in your bag, some in your pocket and some in a bag on a chain on your neck (and tuck it down your t-shirt)
- Get plenty of sleep the night before. They can be quite long days, so make sure you get plenty of rest.
- Have fun. It can be a little overwhelming at times because there are so many people,but just remember that everyone's there to have fun so try not to let anything bother you, this only happens once a year, so enjoy it!
Armageddon details:
Date: Friday 21st October - Monday 24 October
Venue: ASB Showgrounds, Greenlane
Tickets: We don't sell tickets (we're just a retailer there) but you can buy tickets here.
Website: http://armageddonexpo.com/nz/
