FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
GENERAL
Yes! We have arranged for a special room rate for convention attendees with the Sheraton Hotel Newfoundland. For more information on how to book your room with this rate go to our hotel page.
Pictures are generally allowed in all areas unless specifically noted. You will not be allowed to take photos when you’re standing in line to get a photograph/autograph. We know that seeing so many cool cosplays and creative works at the con can be exciting to snap a pic of but, please respect other people’s space and ask before taking a picture of them. Cosplay does not mean consent to photograph or touch someone else’s costume or person.
Of course! You may be asked to show the contents of your bag upon first entry by security.
Within the convention, there are one or two vendors that sell food.
The Sheraton Hotel also has a restaurant as well they will be running a canteen in the lobby of the hotel with quick and easy foods at reasonable prices.
There is an ATM on site. However it has been known to run out of money over the course of the weekend so we highly recommend getting cash elsewhere before heading to the convention.
We are happy to say that through the Sheraton Hotel that Sci-Fi on the Rock will have gender neutral washrooms, as well as gender-specific washrooms. All participants at the event are encouraged to use the washroom to which they identify. Gender-neutral washrooms will be marked on the map – they will be through the Oppidan/ Excelsior Gaming room.
We want all our attendees to be comfortable and safe at our convention.
You can find all our policies listed on our Policies page, including our Weapons Policy.
All information regarding the Costume Contest including rules, competition categories and how to apply can be found on our Costume Contest page.
You can park in the hotel parking lot or any of the metered spots nearby (metered parking is free on weekends). The hotel will have extended parking on Saturday and Sunday. Parking for Con-goers will be free at the Sheraton Hotel.
Yes, Metrobus Route 2, 3, 10 and 15 stop near the hotel. This information is as of 2023, please check the link for the most up-to-date routes!
Route 2: Military Road – 9 (Across from St. Thomas Church)
Route 3: Cavendish Street (at the entrance to Sheraton parking lot)
Route 10: Military Road – 9
Route 15: Military Road – 9
Be sure to check Metrobus’ website for updates on their services and any route changes closer to the event!
tickets
We offer a Day Pass and Weekend Pass each available at different price points for: General/Adult, Child (12&U), Family, and Student/Senior/Military. Unfortunately, we will not be offering VIP passes for the 2023 convention.
You can get a pass from our online store before the convention OR buy a pass in-person from the Registration Desk team in the lobby of the hotel. In-person pass sales open at 10:00 am on the Friday of the convention weekend.
Your ticket includes entry into the convention on the given day(s) which includes free entry to our vendor’s hall & artist alley, gaming room, any of our day and afternoon panels/workshops/Q&As, cosplayer meet & greets and the costume contest.
At the Registration Desk in the hotel lobby. You can pick up your wristband at the pre-paid ticket lineup (if you bought a pass online) OR buy in person at the Registration Desk. Be prepared to show your online receipt and any applicable ID.
Registration for all pass holders begins at 10:00 am on the Friday of the convention weekend.
A Child Pass covers anyone age 6-12. Children 5 and under get in for free.
A Family Pass will cover two adults and two children.
Reminder that children 5 & under get in for free.
Any child under the age of 12 requires adult supervision.
To be able to use a Student/Military/Senior Pass, you must have the corresponding ID as proof at the time of the convention when you pick up your wristband.
accessibility
The facility is wheelchair accessible, with elevators to accommodate wheelchairs, large costumes and strollers.
The Sheraton Hotel Newfoundland is non-smoking environment. (Smoking areas are located nearby outdoors.)
Elevators are open for all to use, but priority will be reserved for those with mobility, accessibility issues, or those with strollers. If you have any problem with accessing elevators, please alert any Sci-Fi on the Rock volunteer and it will be escalated to security or the committee.
Sci-Fi on the Rock recognizes the need for personal attendants and will of course allow for them to attend along with you as long as you have the proper ID for this. To make your registration process faster we recommend you let us know if you plan to come with a personal assistant by emailing us at info@scifiontherock.com.
Official service animals are, of course welcome at our convention. However, pets are not permitted as per the regulations of our convention space. While we recognize the value of therapy animals unless you have a certificate to show that your animal is an official service animal we will not be able to permit them into the convention.
Guests
If you are getting a paid photo/autograph with a guest, you can say a few words, but remember there is limited time scheduled for these events and lines are sometimes quite long. Please be considerate of those waiting for their turn. We ask that you do not crowd guests.
While the guests appreciate the thought and meaning you put into gifts for them, please remember, if you present a gift to a guest, do not be offended if they are unable to accept it. Most guests travel here with carry-on luggage only and simply don’t have room to take the gifts back with them. We ask that you do not give them gifts of alcohol as they cannot drink it on site due to building policies, and they cannot take it home on the flight (you can’t take more than 100ml of liquid in your carry on luggage). Please do not give guests candles, or items that have strong scents to them. We ask that you also refrain from giving them baked goods as some guests may have food allergies or other dietary restrictions.
When in line in for autographs and photographs, or even just in the room to see what’s going on with the celebrity guests, it is against policy to take photos of the guests at the autograph tables, without their knowledge or permission. If the volunteer, security, or committee member sees pictures being taken, we will ask you to delete them.
Interviews with guests are only allowed at the guests discretion and if they have been previously arranged and booked through our media team. If you are a local blogger, or a school reporter, etc, you cannot set up an interview on site, or ask a guest for a quick interview during an autograph signing session. All media must be cleared by our staff first.
It’s ultimately up to the guest’s discretion. Collectible cards, posters, headshots, books, toys, props haven’t posed a problem in the past. Guests do provide their own photos that they will sign for you if you do not bring something for them to sign.
Panels & Workshops
We have so many great things happening we are sure there is something for everyone! We have discussion panels, performances, Q&As with guests, instructional workshops, and hand-on workshops on many various topics, costume contest, karaoke, a dance, and more!
Usually, it’s out a month prior to the event. You should see it soon! You may find changes until a few days prior.
Right here! Many of our workshops are run by our fans and we couldn’t do it without you.
SCI-FI ON THE ROCK IN THE COMMUNITY
Each year the Sci-Fi on the Rock committee with the help of our attendees choose a different charity/non-profit to support.
If you have an idea for a charity or non-profit we can work with or support with our Outside Events team, please let us know! You can email outsideevents@scifiontherock.com or message us on our Facebook page.
We love getting out into the community! Email us at outsideevents@scifiontherock.com with information, dates, and your needs and we will do our best.
Great! We love doing events in the community and would love to hear about yours to see if we can fit it in. Please contact outsideevents@scifiontherock.com