Frequently Asked Questions:

Q: What is steampunk?

A: Steampunk is the science fiction of the steam age, re-imagined with the advantage of modern hindsight. Drawing upon the wealth of historical technology and the scientific fantasies of the Victorian and Edwardian periods, steampunk seeks to reinvent modern wonders such as the computer as the people of the age might have envisioned them. Following in the footsteps of Jules Verne and H. G. Wells, steampunk authors blend history, science and imagination into a world of wonder that might have been.

Q: Is it better to buy a daily membership each day, or to purchase a full weekend pass?

A: Purchasing a full weekend membership is more cost effective if you are to attend more than 1 day, and more so if you register in advance. Our daily prices can be found on the registration page of our website.

Q: What is a Platinum registration? What is it about and what does it offer?

A: Platinum memberships are a way to show extra support for the convention in advance. For those that help support us in this way, we wish to show our gratitude with several special benefits for your consideration. From early entry to the vendor's room, to priority seating at events. This also includes a full 4-day access to the expo, as well as a Saturday admission to Greenfield Village and the Henry Ford Museum. Platinum registration also includes a voucher to attend the Charity Masquerade Ball.

Q: I can only attend on Saturday, can I still go to The Henry Ford and Greenfield Village?

A: Yes. Both venues will still be accessible if you are only attending on Saturday. Tickets can be purchased at the convention.

Q: I am attending the convention from out of the state/country, what is the Henry Ford and Greenfield Village?

A: With a rich and diverse offering of exhibits, demonstrations, programs and reenactments, The Henry Ford celebrates yesterday’s traditions as well as today’s innovations. Five distinct attractions at The Henry Ford captivate and inspire visitors of all ages. Housing one of the largest collections of its kind ever assembled, Henry Ford Museum showcases the people and ideas that have fired our imaginations and changed our lives. Encounter ideas that change the world, travel through America’s past, embark on America’s greatest factory tour and more. It all comes together at The Henry Ford, America’s greatest history attraction.

Entering Greenfield Village is like stepping into an 80-acre time machine. It takes you back to the sights, sounds and sensations of America’s past. There are 83 authentic, historic structures, from Noah Webster’s home, where he wrote the first American dictionary, to Thomas Edison’s Menlo Park laboratory, to the courthouse where Abraham Lincoln practiced law. The buildings and the things to see are only the beginning. There’s the fun stuff, too. In Greenfield Village, you can ride in a genuine Model T or “pull” glass with world-class artisans; you can watch 1867 baseball or ride a train with a 19th-century steam engine. It’s a place where you can choose your lunch from an 1850s menu or spend a quiet moment pondering the home and workshop where the Wright brothers invented the airplane. Greenfield Village is a celebration of people — people whose unbridled optimism came to define modern-day America.

Q: Is costuming allowed? How does this work?

A: Costuming is not only allowed, but is highly encouraged. Show off your Steampunk side. The more people that dress up adds to the atmosphere, helping to bring out the future of yesterday. There are certain events such as our Charity Masquerade Ball that we require formal attire, and we do ask that you keep your costuming appropriate to our genre and culture.

Q: If I miss out on pre-registration, can I still purchase my badge at the convention?

A: Yes, registration is available at the expo itself. Certain options such as our Platinum memberships are only available in advance. Individual day passes will be available only at the show and cannot be sold in advance. Weekend passes can be purchased at the convention, but at a slightly higher rate than the advance passes.

Q: When will I get my badge?

A: If you pre-register, you can pick-up your badge at the convention. For the guarantee that you are able to collect your membership(s) properly, badges will not be mailed out. There will be a special line for pre-registered members that is separate from the at-con attendees.

Q: I'm looking to host a room party at the expo, is this allowed?

A: We do encourage parties at the show, and there will be opportunities to promote your party. If you are serving alcohol in your room, do so responsibly and be certain to properly card those at your party. Be sure if you are hosting a party that you follow hotel and convention guidelines.

Q: What is your weapons policy?

A: Our main policy dictates no live firearms, and all live-steel must be peace bonded by security. We understand the desire to have weapons as a part of your attire, and we ask that any and all props be checked with convention security. If you are unsure if a prop is acceptable, please contact convention staff in advance. Prop weapons will not be allowed at the formal ball. Security reserves the right to confiscate any weapon at any time. We also ask that any functioning death rays, freeze guns, cellular-condensers, particle smashers, and/or atomic rayguns be checked at the door. Please use discretion and common sense.

Q: I want to run a panel/workshop at the expo, how can I apply for this?

A: Please feel free to contact our head of events to see about running events at the show.

Q: I will be attending your convention and I would like to entertain while at the show. What is your policy on this?

A: If you interested in attending and performing and are not on our bill, you are indeed welcome to perform in certain locations during the event. Please feel free to contact our events coordinator to make further arrangements.