Frequently Asked Questions


Where is the con?

The Garrett Coliseum located at 1555 Federal Drive, Montgomery, AL 36107.

What are the hours?

The show opens to VIPs at 9:30am and to the general public at 10am Saturday and to VIPs at 10:30am and the general public at 11am on Sunday. The show closes at 7pm on Saturday and 5pm on Sunday. All AfterHours activities including the Sono Con Official AfterParty and late night programming will remain at the Garrett Coliseum. AfterHours activities are “adult” in nature – 18 and up to stay and 21 and up to drink.

Will my fandom be represented at the con??

Sono Con is a multi-genre event that celebrates ALL geek fandoms and we’ve made great efforts to provide a diverse Exhibitors’ Hall, Cosplay Contest, Special Guests, etc. so we’ll have a little bit of something for everyone!

Is this event only for children?

Sono Con welcomes everyone, from the youngest fan to the multi-year veteran! Also, Sono Con is an open space and does not discriminate on the basis of gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, religion, disability, etc. If you feel you are being harassed by anyone for any reason, please contact a Staffer immediately for assistance. We are here to help!

Where are the nearby accommodations?

Our host hotels for Sono Con 2019 are the Motel 6 on Coliseum Blvd and Hilton Garden on Montgomery East. Since we expect a pretty full house, we recommend booking your hotel in advance for availability!

Do I have to dress up?

Dressing up or “cosplaying” is not required, although it is encouraged. Feel free to enjoy Sono Con however you please, even if you are a first time cosplayer or an experienced veteran. The Cosplay Contest is a huge part of our show and we have several excellent cosplay guests to offer cosplay advice and several prizes to be won from our Cosplay Contest, as well!

Can I get back in if I have to leave?

Absolutely. All you need to do is show your badge and/or wristband when re-entering the con to staffers at the front entry.

Can I still get a shirt and/or a badge if I’m not VIP?

Yes. We will have a limited number of Sono Con t-shirts and badges left for sale at the Sono Con merch booth during the show, however when they sell out, that’s that so first come, first served!

What happens if I lose/find something?

We will have a Lost and Found bin at the Sono Con merch booth during the show for any items that are recovered so be sure to stop by if you’ve lost or found something.

Where are the restrooms? (See Floorplan)

There are restrooms immediately along the outer walkways of the coliseum away from the main floor. They are marked on the floorplan for your convenience. If you have trouble locating them or need assistance, please reach out to a Staff member for help.

What am I supposed to do about food?

The Garrett Coliseum provides concession stands serving food throughout the day located near the main entrance. Out of respect to our concession folks, no outside food or drink will be allowed in unless they sell out of everything in the concession stands.

Do I need a parent/guardian with me if I’m a child?

Children younger than 12 must be accompanied by an adult. Anyone 12 and older may participate without adult supervision.

Do vendors only take cash? Do guests only take cash? Will there be an ATM?

Most vendors and guests will take be able to take both cash or card transactions on purchases made in the Exhibitor Hall, however we recommend having cash anyway if wifi signals are unclear or if a vendor’s card processing capabilities are limited. Yes, there will most likely be an active ATM in the front of the Main Building for your convenience, but we still recommend bringing additional cash if and when it is completely emptied.

How come X guest isn’t here?

Sono Con staff is constantly working to bring special guests that represent a diverse array of fandoms and to interact with our attendees. They are here for you so please take time to visit with them and thank them for their time and participation. Each guest has their own pricings on autographs and pictures so don’t hesitate to ask! If you have special guest requests in the future, please submit them via the “Contact” section of the website at www.sonocon.org or e-mail them to sonoconteam@gmail.com.

Can I still participate in the Cosplay Contest if I didn’t make my costume?

YES! You can sign-up in person at the convention, too! Please refer to the rules and guidelines on the Cosplay page.

Can I still participate in the Super Smash Bros (or other) tournaments if I didn’t preregister?

YES! You can sign-up in person at the convention, too! Please refer to the rules and guidelines on the Tournaments page.

Who do I talk to if I need help or have a question?

There are several Sono Con Volunteers and Staffers that will be available throughout the day wearing a badge with the word “STAFF” on the back – feel free to ask any of them.

This is my first convention – is there anything else important I should know?

  1. Bring cash – you never know when you’ll need it!
  2. Wear comfortable shoes – you’ll be walking a lot and you’ll need them!
  3. Stay hydrated – it is easy to overlook when you’re having a good time!
  4. Prepare for weather – it may be cold or wet this time of year so be ready for it!
  5. Don’t be afraid to interact with people – this is a social event so enjoy it!
  6. Be open-minded – you will see some interesting stuff. EMBRACE IT!
  7. Most importantly, HAVE FUN!!!