TwitchCon Europe is about to kick off! Whether you have been to multiple editions or this is your first time attending, you may have some questions about the convention, Rotterdam Ahoy, or the city itself. Here’s a list of some important things to keep in mind.
Preparation
Install the TwitchCon app
The app has a lot of useful information regarding the Con, like maps, timetables, lists of attending people, and a feed where you can share and read posts from other attendees. You can already install it, and while some features are not yet visible or active, you can already check out the schedule and plan which sessions you’d like to attend. Make sure to check the privacy settings though; last year the app also had a DM function that was turned on by default.
Every session you give a star will appear in the My Agenda section, giving you an easy overview of all the sessions that are important for you.
Book your Meet & Greets NOW
Meet and Greet applications have opened, and they will close on 26 May. It’s a different system than last year, as you now can request as many sessions as you want. For each you can say whether it’s your first, second, or third pick. Reservations will be assigned randomly among the requesters, and confirmation emails will be sent out no later than 28 May. While there may be walk-ins on the day if there is time, requesting now will give you the highest chance of getting in.
Meet & Greet policy in short:
You’re allowed to bring a +1, even if they don’t have a reservation. Of course, the chances of you and your friend getting at least one reservation are higher if both of you apply. Also know that M&Gs are slow, crowded, and the meeting itself is often rushed. Come prepared if there’s something you want to ask or give the streamer you’re meeting, and remember to check if the streamer you’re meeting has set boundaries or not. If you want someone to sign and write your name, write your name out first so they can copy.
BYOB: Bring your own bag
If you’re planning to bring a bag, make sure it’s one that will be allowed in. This means no backpacks, and any bag’s dimensions need to be smaller than 30 x 30 x 15 cm. Pretty much all bags will be checked, both on contents as well as size, and they can be quite strict on this rule. IRL-streaming backpacks are permitted, but they will be screened and tagged accordingly.
Get ahead of medical accommodations
If you need medical assistance or accommodations of any kind, be sure to timely put in your requests. The TwitchCon app can refer you to the form you need to fill out for this. There are wheelchairs and scooters available for rent, but they are limited in number so be sure you arrive early if you want to be certain you can use one. Most spaces will have accessibility seats as well, which are usually indicated with a paper with either a symbol or text.
Rotterdam
Public transport is your friend
The closest bus and metro station to Rotterdam Ahoy is called Zuidplein, and there are many bus and metro lines that stop there. The best thing you can do is use websites like ret.nl which help you plan your trips within the city, even including diversions etc. In most stations in Rotterdam you can usually check in with your debit card, credit card, or phone – if those allow it. If not, you can buy individual tickets or anonymous OV-cards at pretty much any major (train) station.
Or you can release your inner Dutchy and take the bike. There are plenty of ways to rent a bike, so we’ll refer you to rotterdam.info for more information on that. Just be careful, update yourself on traffic rules, and remember that metros don’t move for anyone.
Nourish the inner you
If you’re hungry, you can pretty much just walk into the city centre and you’ll find some place to eat. Keep in mind that restaurant kitchens usually close between 9 and 10pm, so you’ll want to get your orders in before then. If you’re looking for an atmospheric experience, it is recommended to check out the Witte de Withstraat. This street is filled with all kinds of restaurants, small and big, and it’s usually lively until pretty late.
Things worth seeing
Rotterdam is known for its harbour and maritime past, with plenty of museums about just that. It is also filled with interesting architectural structures, and of course much more. The TwitchCon app links to a guide on rotterdam.info which has a great list of things worth visiting.
A personal recommendation is the Markthal. This building is shaped like a horse-shoe and holds apartments, offices, and one of the biggest indoor markets in the Netherlands.
Safety is important
Rotterdam overall is rather safe, but it is still wise to avoid travelling far alone, especially to unfamiliar or quiet places. TwitchCon falls during a national holiday weekend, which means people will be free from school and work and the city will be busier than usual.
Always keep your important items like your phone, bank card, and your ID on you or in a closed bag that you never leave unattended.
You may also wish to use phone tracking safety apps like Life360, to allow you to find your friends if you get separated, or your phone if you lose it. Just be aware that these apps can be used nefariously as well, so only add people you know and trust to your circle.
TwitchCon
Be early for badge pickup
You enter Ahoy during TwitchCon via your personal badge, which you will need to pick up beforehand. If you are in Rotterdam on Friday, it’s heavily recommended to get your badge that day. This allows you to skip Saturday morning’s badge-rush, and gives you the opportunity to scout the area.
Make a checklist of things you need to bring
Last year you were allowed to bring food and drinks with you, but if you don’t you can always buy yourself something, either at the convention floor or from the supermarket across from the venue. If you’re planning to attend panels, you may want to bring a notebook and some pens. Also think of things like deodorant, a phone charger, hair ties, umbrellas, sunscreen, and pretty much anything you might need for a long day out.
Get yourself a copy of the map
Rotterdam Ahoy is huge, so it’s smart to check out the map before you go. It’s always good if you know where you can find the first aid room, the help desks in the arrival lobby and on the second floor near the escalators, and take note of the AFK room in case the convention bustle gets too overwhelming and you need a moment. Last year the distance between the smaller panel rooms and the busier areas like the experience hall and the meet & greet areas was quite far, so remember this when you plan your day. Considering phone reception isn’t always great, it’s also recommended to download or make a picture of the map.
Very scary but… Talk to people
Especially if you’re a creator, TwitchCon is an amazing place to network. Not only can you meet new cool people to create content with, there are a lot of brands advertising their services. Oftentimes they have handouts lying around, so you can check them out further when you’re back at your hotel or when you get home. There will also be quite a few booths that could be interesting for community-badge holders, if not in the Expo, then probably in the Artist Alley.
Don’t be intimidated by the Twitch Rivals Arena
This place is huge, crowded, loud, filled with a bunch of cameras and stern looking people with headsets waving you around, but the experience is so worth it. Imagine a sports game, but everyone is rooting for pretty much every team or good play. Whether it’s MCC Twitch Rivals or another event in the arena, definitely go check it out and feel the vibe.
General
Cosplay is not consent
A slogan most cosplayers will have heard before. Just because someone is dressed as your favourite video game character, doesn’t mean they’re always available to pose. Also, cosplay often takes a lot of time, effort, and money, so be careful with other people’s cosplay items and always ask first before touching or taking pictures.
Approach people with tact
Whether it’s cosplayers, your friends, or that big creator you really want an autograph of, there are moments where you don’t approach people to interact. General rule of thumb is that bathroom and food breaks are moments where you leave people be. Beyond that, always be sure to ask. But also don’t be afraid to talk to strangers when you’re e.g. waiting in line. The thing you’re waiting for or merch that someone has on them can make for very good ice breakers.
Remember social rules
It’ll be very crowded, so keep regular social norms in mind. Don’t block pathways, even if you’re trying to take pictures. There are no-film zones where you’re not allowed to record/livestream, but even beyond that it’s common courtesy to ask if people want to be included in something you’re creating. Also, it’s often recommended to bring deodorant to conventions like this one. Crowds mean it’ll get warm, fast, and thousands of people sweating in a crowded hall gets uncomfortable fast.
Give yourself enough time
Whether this is about badge pickup, food, meet and greets, strolling the artist alley, or bathroom breaks, it is very tempting to fill up your whole schedule with all the things you want to do and to forget other, probably more important things. When you plan your days, try to keep break time in mind, and also remember you will need to traverse from place to place. Don’t rush your day, because it will be over before you’ll get to enjoy it.
Don’t forget self-care
A lot of this has already been mentioned, but it’s important enough to mention again. Plan your food and toilet breaks and remind your friends to take them, too. The weather forecast for Rotterdam is currently mixed, so prepare accordingly. COVID is still floating around, and there’s always the dreaded post-Con flu, so bring masks if that makes you feel more comfortable.
There’s a lot of things to think about when you’re preparing for your TwitchCon trip, and at times you may feel overwhelmed by the amount of options and the FOMO, because even when you’re at the venue, you can’t attend everything. There’s only one thing you should never forget, no matter how hectic the day may be:
Have fun and enjoy the chaos!
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