Change of venue - moved from Earls Court to ExCel in London

News release on Starwars.com

Note - I editted the title to add more info. LAJ

That has a major impact on those that have already booked hotels.

It was interesting to note that tickets and hotel packages are going to be available at the end of November.

I've never even heard of ExCeL. Where is it in London anyway?

Its on the Docklands Light Railway - not too far from the tube, and easy enough to get to. Its where some conventions are held already (londonexpo)- I've been once and it was an ok place.

Edit: some hotel info here

http://www.londonexpo.com/hotels.shtml

It's about 10 mins out of Strafford - opposite end of London to Earls Court.

It is a much better venue though, no doubt - more space, more open and more facilities.

Total sympathy for those who booked hotels near Earls Court though - talk about pain in the butt!

I have never known any convention to change venue just like that

Please note that apparently within the next 14 days there will be hotel packages available for CE.

* sits tapping feet and wonders why they didnt do it all at once...?

At least some news about CE.
If it's really for the sake of more space I'm all for it.

So sorry for the people with hotel reservations.

Well I like more space!

So, I guess the banner in here needs to be modified?

Well I made a reservation for the hotel near earls court so I shall have to cancel it.
I am not so much fussed about where it is in london cause getting around is not a problem its just the fact today we find out not only theres a venue change but packages will be available as from the end of november which is only next week so really it would be nice to have a email tomorrow or something saying when this will be.
Considering I signed up to the site mailing list quite a while ago I would have thought something like this would have been sent to people who signed up.

I'll try and book a Travelodge or ibis about 15 minutes away then. That way, it won't be packed, and I can still walk there. Plus I can get it pretty cheap

Ouch for the people who've booked hotels. I think Excel is actually closer to me than EC was . . . Central line to Stratford and then a nice run down on the DLR.

ExCel is a better venue and when I was there in October, a small part of me wished it was going to be held there so it's funny how it's all worked out. However, it'll only be bigger then EC if they have access to all the units, which might not be possible. But having self contained units will work out better, and the Docklands is a great part of London.

A shame because of hotel reservations and all that, but easy to cancel and start again

Looks like we'll be having some ticket info come our way soon too.

ExCel is probably better for me as it's just a train and DLR ride away, so it swings and roundabouts which is to be expected given the size of London.

The nearest tube is Canning Town, which is on the Jubilee line.

From that tube station you can walk (but it may take a wee while) or get the DLR to Custom House. Custom House is also served by National/over-head trains. In fact there is a train that runs from Richmond direct to Custom House but may take a while.

C-c-c-check it out:Silverlink Route Map

takes me back, SFX held there second convention there in about 2002. I kid you not Me and my friend were the only ones in costume out of every one there

Does this mean the banner needs to be re-designed too?

SFX conventions Well, if they were as good as the magazine then that must have been a real blast, lol.

Heh, Matt ... you putting yourself forward for banner artist? I did the Earls Court one, so I'd be happy to see someone else have a go

Excel is an awesome venue. I've been to about 3 cons there. Nice and big, and nice and close to me.

I'm glad they changed the venue if it's that much better at the ExCel than Earls Court,

but I'm REALLY irked that I already had my hotel reservation and now I have to go through the whole process again!

It is not easy to make reservations when you're 9 time zones away!

Ah bummer, I have no idea where excell is.
It was daunting enough a prospect going to earls court, lol!
Can I get a train to excel from padington? Or do I have to get a bus or something?
Is anyone else from Wales going?

I'm scared daddy! =p