BotCon 2024: The 30th Wreckoning

[Sabrblade]

I hope they show off more of their apparently bottomless supply of rejected BotCon figure concepts. Those are always interesting.

They better! This is the 30th anniversary convention, so there's no excuse for them not to do something like that.

And they better let people take photos and video this time, too! They didn't allow that back at the 2014 convention's panel, and several of those concepts still haven't seen the light of day since that panel.

 

[Sabrblade]

https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1757480487919005780

 

[Quautobot]

Umm . . . why is the domain "botcon.com" available? This is slightly disconcerting. Had the page bookmarked and it led me to this, so definitely not a typo in the URL.

 

[Sabrblade]

Was wondering about that, myself, last night.

On a more positive note, BotConArchives.com is at least still up.

 

[abates]

Whois says botcon.com is registered to an unidentified company in Kentucky, which I assume is Night Shining Inc, so the domain itself doesn't seem to be lost. Seems like it might be a hosting problem with the site?

 

[Sabrblade]

Whois says botcon.com is registered to an unidentified company in Kentucky, which I assume is Night Shining Inc, so the domain itself doesn't seem to be lost. Seems like it might be a hosting problem with the site?

Checking botcon.com via Wayback, the site's ownership info says it was owned by BC Productions as late as 2023.

Night Shining recently severed its ties as an official affiliate of BotCon, and the company even closed down at the end of last year.

 

[Quautobot]

The page updated to an HTTP test page. Probably just a server issue.

 

[CoffeeHorse]

If the site does go down they could always visit the official BotCon Discord we set up for them.

Any day now.

 

[Sabrblade]

https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1765423962517897395

https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1765423973502718068

https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1765423981715148887

https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1765423990724505611

 

[Quautobot]

They also said in the replies of the same post on Facebook that tickets go up tomorrow along with the new website.

 

[Quautobot]

Website updated and tickets are up on Agabyss. Looks like they replaced VIP with "Premium Plus," which comes with less than VIP used to, but also costs less. Also, the box set is now only 2 figures, and there are 4 different options for the custom class.

 

[Quautobot]

Second guest announcement, Alec Willows!

 

[Sabrblade]

Here's a summary of all the news we have thus far:

Initial announcement

- The BotCon 30th Anniversary takes it back to where it all began this summer in Ft. Wayne, Indiana! -

This year marks not just the 40th anniversary of Transformers, but also the 30th anniversary of THE Original Transformers Collectors’ and Fan Convention… BotCon!

The show returns to Ft. Wayne, Indiana this June 27-30 for an anniversary celebration Transformers fans will be talking about all year long!

From our friends at Agabyss, the show promoter for BotCon:

You can make your reservations through our partner hotel, Courtyard by Marriott starting today. The convention itself will be held right across the street at the Grand Wayne Center, site for BotCon 1994, 2000, and 2002. Since those 3 conventions, the Grand Wayne Center has been expanded in to a new, much larger facility with amazing state of the art amenities. This is going to be the Transformers event of the Summer!

Make your reservation today through our online link and stay tuned for pre-registration later this month!

Please note, we have also opened Vendor and Artist registration. Vendor booth size has been expanded to a 10x10 space and the rate for a single booth and multiple booth options has been reduced/reworked this year to give any vendor more budget options. All of the details are in the online listing. Any questions, please contact us. You can secure your spot today by using the Vendor/Artist check out options below.

BotCon 2024 hotel block:
https://www.marriott.com/event-rese...link.mi?id=1706644612362&key=GRP&app=resvlink

Vendor Registration
https://www.agabyss.com/vendor-booth-space-for-botcon-2024-1

Artist Registration
https://www.agabyss.com/artist-table-space-for-botcon-2024

First guest announcement

BotCon ‘24 UPDATE

A NEW BotCon website is on the way. It will return tomorrow... after today’s messages. In the meantime let’s get a preview of the new exciting news we are rolling out this week - here and now!

Our first guest is Bumper Robinson! He provided the voice of BUMBLEBEE and BLITZWING from Transformers Animated!

Autographs start at $40 and pictures start at $30. All the details will be listed on the guest page.
Need your hotel room still? The block is filling up fast! Make your reservation now at https://www.marriott.com/event-rese...link.mi?id=1706644612362&key=GRP&app=resvlink

Artists & Vendors, response has been amazing so far! Don’t wait, lock up your spot today at https://www.agabyss.com/botcon/

See you all back here tomorrow for the new site launch and details on all the great ways to attend BotCon ‘24!

Oh, and remember, Kids 12 & Under are FREE! Kids don’t have to pay to be a kid at BotCon!

Attendee Registration opens

BotCon Attendee Pre-Registration is now LIVE!

ALL of the details can be found on our brand new website over at BotCon.com. Here are the bullet points before you go and check it all out!

* Daily passes are being pre-sold this year, listed at $40/$40/$25.

* The $99 weekend option returns for 2024. Like last year, this pass includes Friday-Sunday admission and Thursday evening early BC store shopping. 4 Days of BotCon activities!

* This is the big change. There are now TWO Premium package options. One for the budget-oriented and one for those that want some EXTRA extras! Make sure you choose the one that best fits what you want! PREMIUM PACKAGES ARE YOUR BEST CONVENTION VALUE FOR SURE!

* There are 3 custom figures this year, with various options depending on the package you choose. Make sure you look over the Premium/Weekend options before purchasing tickets. The Thursday class is ONLY open to Weekend/Premium members. There is also now a Saturday KIDS ONLY custom class available to add to your registration.

* Check back for additional add-on’s as they are made available.

* As revealed yesterday, the voice of Transformers Animated BUMBLEBEE - Bumper Robinson - is our first guest announcement! More guests to be announced starting next week!

Final notes:

- Kids 12 & Under are FREE! Kids never have to pay to be a kid at BotCon!

- NO HIDDEN FEES at registration. The price listed is the price you pay!

- All guest autograph prices will be announced well before the show and we strive to make our guests both accessible and affordable!

Since 1994, BotCon has been the PREMIER Transformers fan convention, offering hundreds of OFFICIAL exclusives and special guest appearances. With so many various types of comic-cons and themed shows out there, just know that BotCon will continue to be a fan friendly event that gives fans and families an awesome convention experience at an affordable price!

Second guest announcement and more registration details

Our NEXT BotCon 2024 GUEST ANNOUNCEMENT!

One of the most iconic voices in Transformers history, the spawn of Unicron himself, the one and only... BEAST WARS TARANTULAS AKA Alec Willows!

He will be joining us for all 3 show days at BotCon 2024 June 27-30 at the Grand Wayne Center Ft. Wayne, Indiana

BotCon offers you something others shows don't. AWESOME SWAG! From the Badge & Lanyard you get to attendee priority admission, when you sign up for Weekend or Premium Admission you get a FULL convention experience!

Spotlight on Premium and Premium Plus-
Premium ($229.95) includes:

* Badge/Lanyard
* Limited 2 figure Exclusive BotCon 2024 VS set
* Thursday Night Early Access to the BotCon Store and Exclusives
* Early Admission entry to the BotCon 2024 Vendor Room
* Convention Comic Program
* Exclusive BotCon 30th cloisonné pin
* Exclusive BotCon 30th art print
* Premium Access to ALL BotCon guest panels and guest autographs (prices for autographs determined by guests and listed WELL in advance)
* Early access to preorders for Botcon and Agabyss Exclusives
* 3 Raffle tickets for show prizes

Upgrade to Premium PLUS ($329.95) to receive:

* Limited Edition BotCon Crystal Wolf Freki & Crystal Armor Sturla
* Signed Guest Art Print (MULTIPLE guests)
* Priority seating for all panels
* 5 additional raffle tickets for show prizes

Don't wait! Grab your PREMIUM package today so you are all set to attend BotCon 2024. The ORIGINAL Transformers Fan Convention.

www.BotCon.com
https://www.agabyss.com/botcon/2024/

And don’t forget. Admission for Kids 12 & Under is always FREE at the show. Kids never have to pay to be a kid at BotCon!

 

[Echowarrior]

Well, it took me long enough, but I've signed up for the convention.

 

[Quautobot]

Update:

BotCon 2024 continues to March on!
With THREE updates!
* Additional details on this year's Custom Class offerings are now available. Check the image gallery for names and tentative class times. Each custom toy will include an amazing bonus feature, whether it be a new accessory or head sculpt. You know the legacy of the BotCon custom class toys, so you don’t want to miss out on this! You can order the classes through the add-on options when you order your Daily, Weekend, or Premium Pass. https://www.agabyss.com/botcon/2024/
* Hotel - it’s filling up fast! Make sure to reserve your room today! https://www.botcon.com/botcon-2024-hotel/
* Early Bird Pin - EVERYONE that registers by April 21st will get an exclusive collectible pin. NOTE! This pin is one of a series of EIGHT different pins, so if you want to get the whole set at BotCon make sure you get signed up by the 21st!
Check out BotCon.com for additional information and updates.
www.BotCon.com
We hope to see you this June 27-30th in Fort Wayne, Indiana!

 

[Echowarrior]

Glad that I signed up for all three custom classes.

 

[Sabrblade]

Another update:

Guest announcement, custom class info, & more

BotCon 2024 Thursday Roundup!

First up, our NEXT Guest announcement - “ME GRIMLOCK at BotCon this summer!”

You won’t want to miss meeting Gregg Berger, one DINOmite guest for sure! Check his Bio for all the details on his Generation 1 work on Transformers

Early Bird Pin - EVERYONE that registers by April 21st will get an exclusive collectible pin. NOTE! This pin is one of a series of EIGHT different pins, so if you want to get the whole set at BotCon make sure you get signed up by the 21st!

Additional details on this year's Custom Class offerings are now available.

* Thursday will feature the G1 Hound mold to be customized in to C-110 Jungle Shadow!
* Friday is the G1 Hot Rod mold to be customized in to G1 Side Burn.
* Friday Night/Saturday (Kids Only) is the all-new Beast Wars character Bumblebeast

Each custom toy will include an amazing bonus feature, whether it be a new accessory or head sculpt. You know the legacy of the BotCon custom class toys, so you don’t want to miss out on this! You can order the classes through the add-on options when you order your Daily, Weekend, or Premium Pass. https://www.agabyss.com/botcon/2024/

The Convention Hotel - It’s filling up fast! Make sure to reserve your room today! https://www.botcon.com/botcon-2024-hotel/

Check out BotCon.com for additional information and updates.

We hope to see you this June 27-30th in Fort Wayne, Indiana!

I'm guessing the Bumblebeast figure will be made from the Kingdom Waspinator mold (most likely using Legacy Buzzsaw as the color base), while the other two use the Retro G1 reissues of Hot Rod and Hound.

 

[Echowarrior]

Another update:

Guest announcement, custom class info, & more

I'm guessing the Bumblebeast figure will be made from the Kingdom Waspinator mold (most likely using Legacy Buzzsaw as the color base), while the other two use the Retro G1 reissues of Hot Rod and Hound.

I'm in agreement regarding Bumblebeast, but I hope the other two use more recent versions of Hot Rod and Hound.

 

[Sabrblade]

I'm in agreement regarding Bumblebeast, but I hope the other two use more recent versions of Hot Rod and Hound.

The update says it's the G1 molds.

 

[Quautobot]

"G1 Sideburn" and "Bumblebeast" both seem pretty clear who they're supposed to be, but "Jungle Tracker" is a bit more intriguing, as we've never had a character named Jungle Tracker. My working theory is that they created him to fill a gap in the JG1 toyline, because his ID is C-110 according to the BotCon team, and a quick search on the wiki proves that there is no C-110, the IDs jump straight from C-109 (Stepper) to C-111 (Punch-Counterpunch). I think we can rule out a G1 Hound repaint as being a "Doublespy," so that leaves him as a Targetmaster. I'm guessing that he'll be a third early-G1 toy repainted into a Targetmaster similar to Artfire and Stepper, which also aligns with what info they've put out for him being a "Sharpshooter" and his class including "new accessories" (probably a Targetmaster partner).