What is included in my registration fee?

Day Registration gives you access to all we have to offer between 9am and 6pm on Saturday or Sunday. This includes the dealer room, guest star talks, autograph sessions and 'Photos With The Stars'.

Full Weekend Registration in addition to the above, you also get access to the evening entertainment (discos, games etc.) and fancy dress competition.

Full Weekend Dining Registration in addition to the above, you also get the Saturday night banquet and after-dinner cabaret.

Gold Ticket Registration is the same as Full Weekend Registration with added features:

• Admittance to the star cocktail party with buffet on Friday night, which gives you the opportunity to mingle with our guests in an intimate setting.
• Priority at the autograph sessions.
• A special souvenir gift.
• Seats close to the front at the talks.

All attendees will receive a convention booklet. There may be additional gifts in your registration pack, but this depends on what we can arrange and we won't know until closer to the event.

Please note that hotel charges are NOT included and are payable direct to the hotel.

Where is the SF Ball Held? / Venue

The event is held at the Carrington House Hotel, 27-31 Knyveton Road, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH1 3QQ, England.

There is free car parking for hotel guests with plenty of additional free on-road parking adjacent to the hotel.

Further Information on the Carrington House Hotel

Opening hours

The bar is open throughout the day and to hotel residents throughout the night as well (subject to hotel staffing).

To mark the start of the Ball there is an opening ceremony on Friday afternoon at around 6pm, and we finish with a closing ceremony on the Sunday afternoon.

Admission to the event

Upon arrival you should report to the registration desk where you will be given your convention pack. If you have not paid in full you will be asked to do so before admission will be granted. If you are fully paid-up, your badge will have been sent to you.

All attendees must wear their badge in a visible position at all times so that the crew and stewards can admit you to the event rooms. Failure to do so may result you being asked to leave the premises.

If you forget to bring your badge, or lose it during the event, you will be charged £3 for a replacement. The replacement badge will have the next available virtual queue number meaning you will lose your previous place in the queue.

Hotel Accommodation

Those who book early will have the opportunity to book accommodation in the Carrington House Hotel. Rooms in the hotel are strictly limited and issued on a first come first served basis. If we are unable to accommodate you we'll try to let you know at the earliest opportunity to enable you to find alternative accommodation.

We fully book all rooms in the Carrington Hotel for the Friday and Saturday nights of the event. It will not be possible to successfully book a room by going direct to the hotel, or using an internet hotel booking agent.

List of alternative local hotels

Booking, Payment and Confirmation

When registering by post you should complete a registration form, one for each attendee. These can be obtained by clicking the 'Booking' button on the menu above. Your registration fee should be paid in full. If registering by mail we accept payments by cheque, postal order, and credit card, additionally if registering in person we are more that happy to accept cash and if registering via the internet we can also accept payment by PayPal. If you use the internet service, we will contact you via your registered PayPal e-mail address to obtain your booking details.

Shortly after your payment has cleared we will send you your booking confirmation. Your badge(s) will be sent one month before the event at the latest. Confirmations and updates are sent via e-mail where possible. If you don't have an e-mail address we do ask that you send us 2 first or second-class stamps.

All payments must be made in Pounds (£) Sterling (GBP).
Cheque's should be made payable to SF Ball Ltd.

Programme / Schedule

Our event starts on Friday with the opening ceremony at about 5-6pm, then at 7pm fun, games and a disco downstairs. Gold ticket holders may also attend an exclusive cocktail party at around 7pm.

Saturday kicks off at 9am with guest talks and photos with the stars. The autograph sessions are scheduled for the afternoon. It's then time to prepare for dinner which is 6.30pm for 7.30pm. After the banquet it's cabaret time, followed by the fancy dress competition and the evening disco.

Sunday follows the same as Saturday during the day, with the closing ceremony late afternoon. Our final evening of fun, games and disco starts around 7pm.

These timings are intended as a guide only.

A full schedule will be provided in the event pack issued at the registration desk when you arrive.

SF Ball Ltd. reserves the right to change the programme as and when necessary.

Autograph Sessions

All ticket holders will be given the opportunity to take part in the autograph sessions.

There will be a 'virtual queuing' system where you are called for the autograph session in groups. Your position in the queue is determined by your badge number. If you have a standard full weekend registration the day you should attend the autograph session is also shown on your badge. Gold or Platinum badge holders can attend either (or both) sessions, and are free to join the autograph queue at any time. Watch the screens or information board to see when your number is called.

If you have an unavoidable need to change your day of signing please speak to the autograph session crew.

Standard Policy (applies unless otherwise stated):

• The event guide will be signed for free if accompanying a paid-for item for the specific guest. If you only want the event guide signed, it will be counted as a personal item and will be chargeable.
• All items to be autographed require a voucher which can be purchased during the autograph session. These vouchers must then be handed to the relevant liaison.

A maximum limit of 5 items per guest may be imposed if time is limited. Bags and other non-essential personal items are discouraged, and should be left at the bag-check area. No cameras, including mobile phone cameras, are to be used in the autograph room.

You may bring your own pictures to the autograph sessions, but please keep in mind that copied or fake pictures are not licensed and the actors are not allowed to sign them for legal reasons. However photos taken of you and the actor at another convention may be signed, as the photographer (you or a friend) hold the copyright.

SF Ball Ltd. reserves the right to change these prices and terms as necessary.

'Photos With The Stars'

On both days there will an opportunity to have your photo taken with the stars. Tickets are strictly limited and sold on a first come first served basis. Guest autograph is included in the price of the photograph.

Please note that it may take some time for our photographers to print the photos, so ensure you allow plenty of time.

Pre-Registration for next year (Earlybird Tickets)

During the weekend you will have the opportunity to pre-register Full Weekend or Gold tickets for next years event. If you choose to do so and pay in full you will get your ticket at the discounted 'Earlybird' price. After the event prices will revert to full price. Payment at the the event can be made by cash, cheque or credit card.

Earlybird Gold Tickets are subject to availability.

NOTE: By making your booking and paying your deposit you are entering into a legally–binding contract. You are expected to pay the remainder of the balance in good time, with the final date for full payment one month before the event.

Flexible Payment Scheme

1. The scheme is only available to those who have booked in advance at or before the previous SF Ball.
2. A non-refundable deposit of £40 per ticket is required to secure the booking.
3. Refunds are not permitted, however if you let us know before 24th December you may be able to transfer the balance (minus deposit payments) to the next SF Ball.
4. You must have at least half the amount paid by August, and full payment MUST be received by 24th December at the latest.
5. Failure to pay the full balance in time will result in the loss of your tickets and forfeit of any money paid.
6. Post-dated cheque's are NOT acceptable forms of payment.
7. All payments must be made in Pounds Sterling (£). Cheque's, postal orders, credit/debit cards and Paypal accepted.
8. Cheque's should be made payable to SF Ball Ltd and sent to SF Ball Ltd, Flat 3 Blighwood, 57 Surrey Road, Poole, Dorset BH12 1HF.
9. Paypal payments may be sent to sales@sfball.com quoting your name and badge number.
10. In the event of a Cheque being returned unpaid by the bank we reserve the right to levy an administration fee to cover our costs. This levy and all outstanding money must be paid in full before admission to the event will be permitted. At present this levy is £8 to cover our bank charges.
11. If rooms are available at the Carrington House Hotel SF Ball Ltd can reserve a room on your behalf. Should there be no rooms available you will be notified. It will then be your responsibility to arrange your own accommodation. SF Ball Ltd cannot be held responsible for any hotel expenses incurred by attendee. The hotel will be supplied with your name and address. Hotel fees will be payable at the event. DO NOT SEND US ANY HOTEL FEES.
12. IMPORTANT NOTE: By making your booking and paying your deposit you are entering into a legally-binding contract. You are expected to pay the remainder of the balance in good time, with the final date for full payment one month before the event.
13. Any misuse of the scheme may result in you being prevented from using the scheme for future events.

Fancy Dress Competition

After the cabaret on Saturday, there is a fancy dress competition. We encourage you to dress up and prizes are awarded for the best child and best adult costume as judged by our guest stars. Remember each years event is themed, we spend ages choosing a theme that gives you plenty of scope for imaginative costumes.

Dress Code

What you wear is entirely up to you, however we have a few ground rules:

• You should dress up for the Gold Ticket Friday cocktail party, but as long as you look smart that is fine. Sci-Fi costumes are also permitted. But please do not wear jeans.
• The Saturday evening is traditionally when many people dress up, either in fancy dress or a Ball gown / Dinner Jacket. Again, any smart wear is fine if you prefer. No trainers or sportswear (unless part of fancy dress!).

Basically, this event is for you to enjoy, so don't feel pressured… just go with what you are comfortable with. To get a better picture, why not take a look at the galleries under Past Events on the website. This has plenty of pictures to give you a better idea.

Poetry and Fiction Competition Rules

Q. Who can enter the poetry/fiction competition?

A. Anyone who's registered to attend the event can enter.

Q. Can I write anything I want?

A. Yes, but the winners will be science fiction or fantasy in the form of short stories, one-act plays or poems.

Q. Does my entry have to be based on a TV show?

A. No. You're very welcome to create your own characters, or to write about characters from your favourite show. Or you can bring together characters and settings from several different shows. It's entirely up to you.

Q. So how do I win?

A. You write a good story, play or poem. In the play or story categories, the judge is looking for interesting ideas, good characterisations, preferably an interesting plot that holds together and a strong finish.
In poetry, the judge is looking for good imagery, a well thought-out structure and creative use of language. Poems do not need to rhyme. There is no word-limit, but bear in mind that the judge want to attend the convention as well as reading entries, so anything over 4,000 words may not be read in full.

Q. Do I need to type my entry?

A. Yes, if you want the judge to like you. Please type it up and submit it on separate sheets of A4 paper (not perforated print-outs), preferably double-spaced for stories.

Q. Does my story have to be in English?

A. Regrettably yes. The judge speaks nothing but English and a smattering of Klingon, so if you want to be understood, stick to English.

Q. What if I don't win a prize?

A. Try again next year. Some of the best authors have been rejected many times before finally becoming best-sellers.

Guest Stars

We have been talking to many actors and actresses and other guests. Those that we have stated as confirmed have signed contracts with us, saying they will be at this coming SF Ball. However, our guests attendance is subject to working commitments. No refunds are given if a guest is unable to attend, however if possible we will replace the guest with a suitable alternative.

Come for the EVENT, not just the guests.

Charity Auction

There is a charity auction where you can submit your own items. If you have items for the auction you must notify us in advance for them to be included. Submitted items must be handed to a member of crew by Friday night at the latest.

Auction lists should be sent to info@sfball.com
or

Paul Smith
SF Ball Ltd 
Flat 3 Blighwood
57 Surrey Road
Poole
Dorset
BH12 1HF

SF Ball Ltd may restrict the number of items that will be auctioned. Submitting an item for the auction does not mean that item has been accepted as we usually have far more items than we are able to include.

Auction Lists should contain the following information:

• Name of person submitting list
• Percentage of auction price to be given to SF Ball Ltd"s charity, minimum 15%, our charity will gladly accept more!
• Full description of each item
• Reserve price (if any) for each item

'Filming and Photography'

Filming during the guest talks, cocktail party, Saturday banquet and Saturday cabaret is strictly forbidden. This includes the use of mobile phones with camera capability.

The taking of photographs is permitted throughout the hotel, except at the cocktail party and the autograph sessions. We ask that in the interests of our guests comfort, those using a flash camera do so at the beginning of each talk.

We reserve the right to ask anyone who does not abide by these rules to leave the convention.

Age Restrictions

Children under five are admitted free with their parent(s) or guardian(s). A meal is not provided unless prior arrangement is made.

Children under 14 are admitted at the child rate. If a dining ticket they are entitled to a child meal only, if they would like an adult meal a further charge may be payable.

Special Occasions / Announcements

We will be delighted to make announcements for special occasions such as birthdays, engagements etc. However, we must be notified in advance otherwise we will not be able to assist you.

Cancellation Policy

Unless the event is cancelled outright we operate a strict 'no-refund' policy on booking cancellations. This is standard practice for entertainment events.

It is possible to carry over payments to next years event as long as the cancellation is made earlier than 24th December. The deposit is not included in the transferable amount.

Returned Payment Policy

In the event of a Cheque being returned by the bank unpaid we reserve the right to levy an administration fee to cover our costs. This levy and all outstanding money must be paid in full before admission to the event will be permitted. At present this levy is £8 to cover the bank charges.

Health and Safety

You should keep your possessions with you at all times. Don't leave them unattended as it may cause a security issue.

It is the responsibility of all attendees to ensure the safety of themselves and others.

Weapons Policy

As this event actively encourages fancy dress which often includes accessories of a potentially dangerous nature please note we have a policy regarding these items.

• Any item prohibited by law is strictly forbidden on the premises.
• People carrying any potentially dangerous items should ensure they are handled in a responsible manner to ensure they do not become a danger to themselves or others.
• No weapon or other potentially dangerous item may be taken onto the dance floor.
• If a member of crew or hotel staff consider an item is contravening Health and Safety rules they have the right to confiscate it. Such items will be stored away for collection on your departure.

I have Special Needs, am I catered for?

We hope so, we endeavour to be totally inclusive. Please see our Special Needs page for further details.

I want to help, what should I do? Stewarding

If you want to help, why not Volunteer to become a Steward.

As a steward, we ask you to donate a minimum of one hour of each day to help out, usually that involves checking peoples badges at certain parts of the hotel, and generally helping people (we'll give you instructions). In return for your time, you get reserved seating close to the stage in talks.

Our stewarding page can be sound here.

If you would like to provide additional help contact the Steward Manager at the event. For further information contact security@sfball.com

Hotel Room Booking Policy

There are a limited number of rooms available at the Carrington House Hotel issued on a 'first come first served' basis.

When you book to attend the SF Ball, using the 'Earlybird' system, you can reserve a room in the Carrington House Hotel. This reservation in no way guarantees your booking will be successful as it is dependent on room availability, however the earlier you book the better chance you have.

SF Ball Ltd will endeavour to notify you as soon as possible as to the status of your reservation.

Convention attendees are responsible for booking their own alternative accommodation.

List of alternative local hotels

Hotel Smoking Policy

The Carrington House Hotel is a smoke free zone.

• Smoking is not permitted in any part of the hotel including the bedrooms.
• You are also not permitted to smoke at the front of the hotel.
• A smoking area is provided at the rear of the hotel.

Contacting Us

Full details on how to contact the event organisers can be found on our Contact Details page.

Privacy Policy

Privacy Policy

by SEQ Legal

We are committed to safeguarding the privacy of our website visitors; this policy sets out how we will treat your personal information.

(1) Credit

This privacy policy is based on an SEQ Legal privacy policy document available at www.website-law.co.uk. Commercial legal templates, including template terms of business for cleaning services, are supplied by SEQ Legal to customers around the globe.

(2) What information do we collect?

We may collect, store and use the following kinds of personal information:

(a) information that you provide to us for the purpose of subscribing to our website services, email notifications and/or newsletters;

(b) any other information that you choose to send to us.

(3) Cookies

A cookie consists of information sent by a web server to a web browser, and stored by the browser. The information is then sent back to the server each time the browser requests a page from the server. This enables the web server to identify and track the web browser.

We do not use "session" cookies or "persistent" cookies on the website.

We use Google Analytics to analyse the use of this website. Google Analytics generates statistical and other information about website use by means of cookies, which are stored on users' computers. The information generated relating to our website is used to create reports about the use of the website. Google will store this information. Google's privacy policy is available at: http://www.google.com/privacypolicy.html.

Our advertisers/payment services providers may also send you cookies.

Most browsers allow you to reject all cookies, whilst some browsers allow you to reject just third party cookies. For example, in Internet Explorer you can refuse all cookies by clicking "Tools", "Internet Options", "Privacy", and selecting "Block all cookies" using the sliding selector. Blocking all cookies will, however, have a negative impact upon the usability of many websites.

(4) Using your personal information

Personal information submitted to us via this website will be used for the purposes specified in this privacy policy or in relevant parts of the website.

We may use your personal information to:

(a) administer the website;

(b) send to you goods purchased via the website, and supply to you services purchased via the website;

(c) send statements and invoices to you, and collect payments from you;

(d) send you general (non-marketing) commercial communications;

(e) send you email notifications which you have specifically requested;]

(f) send to you our newsletter and other marketing communications relating to our business which we think may be of interest to you by post or, where you have specifically agreed to this, by email or similar technology (you can inform us at any time if you no longer require marketing communications);

(g) deal with enquiries and complaints made by or about you relating to the website;

Where you submit personal information for publication on our website, we will publish and otherwise use that information in accordance with the license you grant to us.

We will not provide your personal information to any third parties for the purpose of direct marketing.

All our website financial transactions are handled through our payment services provider, PayPal. You can review the PayPal privacy policy at www.paypal.com. We will share information with PayPal only to the extent necessary for the purposes of processing payments you make via our website and dealing with complaints and queries relating to such payments.

(5) Disclosures

We may disclose information about you to any of our employees, officers, agents, suppliers insofar as reasonably necessary for the purposes as set out in this privacy policy.

In addition, we may disclose your personal information:

(a) to the extent that we are required to do so by law;

(b) in connection with any legal proceedings or prospective legal proceedings;

(c) in order to establish, exercise or defend our legal rights (including providing information to others for the purposes of fraud prevention and reducing credit risk);

Except as provided in this privacy policy, we will not provide your information to third parties.

(6) Security of your personal information

We will take reasonable technical and organisational precautions to prevent the loss, misuse or alteration of your personal information.

We will store all the personal information you provide on our secure (password- and firewall- protected) servers. All electronic transactions you make to or receive from us will be encrypted using SSL technology.

Of course, data transmission over the internet is inherently insecure, and we cannot guarantee the security of data sent over the internet.

You are responsible for keeping your password and user details confidential. We will not ask you for your password (except when you log in to the website).

(7) Policy amendments

We may update this privacy policy from time-to-time by posting a new version on our website. You should check this page occasionally to ensure you are happy with any changes.

(8) Your rights

You may instruct us to provide you with any personal information we hold about you. Provision of such information will be subject to:

(a) the payment of a fee (currently fixed at £10.00); and

(b) the supply of appropriate evidence of your identity (for this purpose, we will usually accept a photocopy of your passport certified by a solicitor or bank plus an original copy of a utility bill showing your current address).

We may withhold such personal information to the extent permitted by law.

You may instruct us not to process your personal information for marketing purposes by email at any time. In practice, you will usually either expressly agree in advance to our use of your personal information for marketing purposes, or we will provide you with an opportunity to opt-out of the use of your personal information for marketing purposes.

(9) Third party websites

The website contains links to other websites. We are not responsible for the privacy policies or practices of third party websites.

(10) Updating information

Please let us know if the personal information which we hold about you needs to be corrected or updated.

(11) Contact

If you have any questions about this privacy policy or our treatment of your personal information, please write to us by email to admin@sfball.com or by post to SFB Events, Flat 3 Blighwood, 57 Surrey Road, Poole, Dorset, BH12 1HF, United Kingdom.

(13) Data controller

The data controller responsible in respect of the information collected on this website is SF Ball Ltd.