No changes yet. But fear not, surely there will be some.

This is the online program guide for Ropecon 2018. It is based upon Konopas (in Finnish) and should work with most browsers and mobile devices.

Maps

Ropecon 2019 is held at the Messukeskus Helsinki Expo and Convention Centre. The convention area spans across the Glass Gallery adjacent to the Southern Entrance, the Lower Gallery, Hall 1 and Hall 3, Messuaukio (Southern Courtyard) outside of Messukeskus, as well as rooms and facilities in all three floors of the Siipi Conference Centre. Accommodation area is located in Hall 2 with entry from the Glass Gallery. Childcare facilities, Play Corner and  multiple restaurants serve attendees in the Upper Gallery.

See Ropecon’s map of the venue for a more detailed look at the convention area. You can also take a look at the venue beforehand via a virtual tour of Messukeskus.

Con Magazine 2019 (in Finnish)

There are paper copies of this year’s Con Magazine available at the Info Desk. Although Con Magazine is mainly in Finnish, it features a map of the venue which might be useful. You can also view the Con magazine online here.

Konsti app

Use the Konsti app to sign up for tabletop role-playing games at Ropecon konsti.ropecon.fi. Using the app requires a password protected username. You can register a new username with a code available at the LARP & RPG Desk. After completing the registration, you can log in to the Konsti app using the new username and password. Registration information from previous years are not valid this year.

Sign-up for each game opens 4 hours before that game starts and sign-up ends 30 minutes before the games are scheduled to start. More info about the Konsti app /eng/konsti-app/ and from the LARP and RPG Desk at Southern lobby.

Getting to Ropecon

Ropecon 2019 | 26th – 28th of July 2019 | Messukeskus Helsinki Expo and Convention Centre
Messuaukio 1, 00520 Helsinki

Messuparkki Car Park: Ratapihantie 17
Siipi Parking Area: Ratamestarinkatu 13

Messukeskus Helsinki Expo and Convention Centre is located in the Pasila region of Helsinki. Pasila railway station is only a short walking distance (300 m) from the venue and there are many other public transportation options available.

There are two entrances to Messukeskus: the Southern Entrance near Messuaukio (Southern Courtyard) and the Northern Entrance near the Messuparkki Car Park.

• Approach map
• Map of the area
• Google Maps

Public transportation

• By tram: Lines 7 and 9
  
• By bus: All buses arriving or stopping at Pasila station
  
• By train: All commuter and long distance trains (with the exception of Allegro trains) stop at the Pasila railway station, from which there is easy access to Messukeskus via a pedestrian underpass. More accurate day-to-day information and possible changes or disruptions to schedules can be found on the HSL Journey Planner and VR Journey Search.
  
• By bicycle: Bicycle racks are located in front of the Southern Entrance and the Siipi Conference Centre. Nearest stations for city bikes can be found at Rautatieläisentori and Veturitori.
  
• By taxi: There is a taxi station by the Southern Entrance of Messukeskus. Taxis can drive right up to the entrance if needed.
• From the airport: Commuter trains I and P travel from the Helsinki-Vantaa International Airport to the nearby Pasila railway station. By train, this should take app. 30 minutes, with trains operating every 10 minutes during the day. Taking a taxi from the airport to Messukeskus should take app. 15 minutes.

For comparing prices of train and bus fares, we recommend using the Matkakeisari service.

HSL Journey Planner
Timetables for local buses
Timetables for commuter trains

Navigating the construction site at Pasila

There are some changes in the pedestrian routes and services available both within and around the Pasila railway station due to the ongoing construction of the new Tripla Center. In order to avoid the construction site and reach Messukeskus faster, we recommend using the pedestrian underpasses found at the northern end of the platforms. There are plenty of signs at the station to help visitors navigate the area and find available services.

The most up-to-date information on traffic arrangements and routes can be found on the HSL (Helsinki Regional Transport) website: www.hsl.fi/en. Information on services available at the Pasila railway station during the construction work can be found on the station’s website: www.pasilanasema.fi.

Parking

Messukeskus Helsinki has implemented a gateless Autopay parking system by EuroPark into its parking areas and parking can be paid for beforehand. Entry to the Messuparkki Car Park, which is open 24/7, is located by the Northern Entrance. Address for a GPS device:  Ratapihantie 17.

Siipi Conference Centre parking area is also available for attendees.Address for a GPS device: Ratamestarinkatu 13.

Paying for parking during the convention:

A one-day parking fee of 12 € includes single-entry parking for 24 hours. By purchasing in advance there are discounts for subsequent days: 16 € for 2 days, 24 € for 3 days etc. Parking fees are paid electronically through the Autopay system.

Any parking space can be used free of charge when using a valid disabled parking permit. There are 20 marked accessible parking spaces available on the first level (P1) of the Messukeskus Car Park and near the Northern Entrance. No parking fees will be collected as long as you declare your vehicle registration number to the Info Desk before exiting the parking area

Charging stations for Tesla electric cars (20A 13.8 kW) are located on the second level (P2) of the Messukeskus Parking Hall. There are five charging stations available and they can be used free of charge. Regular parking fees still apply.

Please remember that sleeping inside vehicles, including camper vans and camping trailers, is not allowed in any of the Messukeskus parking areas.

Storage and Lost & Found

Cloakroom located at the Southern Entrance is open throughout the convention for storing clothing, small bags and other small items. Mattresses, sleeping bags, luggage and other large items can be stored at the Luggage & Large Item Storage located near the western end of the Glass Gallery. Lost items can be inquired for either at the Info Desk during the convention, or via email (loytotavarat@ropecon.fi) after the convention.

Accessibility

For us at Ropecon, it is important that everyone interested in role-playing games and gaming as a hobby are able to enjoy the convention. Messukeskus Helsinki Expo and Convention Centre provides an accessible venue for attendees with physical disabilities and mobility impairments.

Both Southern and Northern Entrance are equipped with automatic doors. A wheelchair accessible elevator provides access to programme on all three floors of Siipi Conference Centre. There are multiple accessible toilets within the venue. All restaurants and cafes that are open during the convention at Messukeskus are wheelchair accessible.

An audio induction loop is available upon request for rooms hosting presentations and panel discussions. Please inform the Info Desk about this at least 30 minutes before the programme starts so we can make the necessary arrangements.

Naturally, personal assistants and caretakers can enter the convention free of charge. While no pets are allowed at the convention area, service dogs who are on duty are more than welcome at Ropecon.

Accessible parking

Any parking space can be used free of charge when using a valid disabled parking permit. There are 20 marked accessible parking spaces available on the first level (P1) of the Messukeskus Car Park and near the Northern Entrance. No parking fees will be collected as long as you declare your vehicle registration number to the Info Desk before exiting the parking area.

Although there are some accessible parking spaces within the Conference Centre parking area as well, we recommend using other options as there is elevation and a pretty steep hill on route to the Southern Entrance.

Food, Drink & Accommodation

Messukeskus Helsinki Expo and Convention Centre has renewed their selection of restaurants within the venue. Meals are served during the day and in the evening, while snacks and beverages are now available around the clock – good news for those gaming until the early hours of the morning!

Restaurant	Fri	Sat	Sun
Platta*	5pm – 1am	5pm – 1am	9:30am – 5pm
Open Lobby	24/7	24/7	24/7
Eat & Meet	3pm – 9pm	12 noon – 9pm	12 noon – 4pm
Helsinki Cafe	3pm – 9pm	9:30am – 9pm	9:30am – 5pm
Hesburger	3pm – 12 midnight	9am – 2am	9am – 6pm
Wok’n’Curry	3pm – 10pm	8am – 10pm	8am – 6pm
Olohuone	3pm – 9pm	3pm – 9pm	11am – 4pm
Porridge breakfast at Olohuone	–	8am – 11am	8am – 11am

(*) Platta’s kitchen is open until 12 midnight

Nearby services:
Map of restaurants and services near the venue

Nearby restaurants:

• Subway at Pasila railway station, Ratapihantie 6
• Nepalese restaurant Mero-Himal, Veturitori 2
• Pasilan Pizza Palvelu, Asemapäällikönkatu 3
• Thai Asia Take-Away, Ratamestarinkatu 3
• Mala, Opastinsilta 10

Nearby grocery stores:

• Lidl, Ratapihantie 3
• K-market Pasaati, Asemapäällikönkatu 3
• R-kioski at Pasila railway station, Ratapihantie 6

Water stations

There are three water stations at the venue. The first one is located in Hall 3 near Cafe 3, the second one in the Lower Gallery opposite of the restaurant Wok’n’Curry near door 3.1 and the third one in the Upper Gallery near the staircase and doors to Hall 5. Please note that there are no drinking cups available at the water stations.

Accommodation

A 24h sleeping bag accommodation area is available for all attendees of Ropecon free of charge throughout the convention. With a weekend ticket, you can enter and exit the accommodation area whenever you wish between Friday evening and Sunday afternoon. With a one-day ticket, you can spend one night at the accommodation area.

Accommodation area is located in Hall 2 of Messukeskus. Entry to the accommodation area can be found at the western end of Glass Gallery, next to the Southern Entrance. To access the area, walk past the Luggage & Large Item Storage, enter through the doors and down the stairs.

On arrival, a sleeping space will be appointed to you from the hall by our staff. Since no sleeping equipment is provided by Ropecon, bringing along a mattress, a pillow and a warm blanket or a sleeping bag is recommended to make sleeping on a cool concrete floor a more comfortable experience. Please remember that the accommodation area is only for sleeping, not for storage. You must clear out your sleeping space of all item when you exit the accommodation area. Mattresses and other sleeping equipment can be stored at the Luggage & Large Item Storage, which is also located at the western end of Glass Gallery near the accommodation area.

Accommodation area opens at 9 pm on Friday. Everyone must vacate the area by 3 pm on Sunday the latest. Staff members are present at all times to provide assistance and supervise the area.

Accommodation on a one-day ticket

For those with one-day tickets, please note that access to the venue and to the accommodation area ends at 9am on the day after purchasing the ticket. You can update your one-day ticket into a weekend ticket at any time for 12 €.

Ropecon for Children

Ropecon is an excellent event for families and attendees of all ages. There are plenty of games suitable for beginners, children and families featured at Ropecon, especially at the Experience Point. Select tags “child-friendly” or “family-friendly” on Ropecon’s online programme guide to find suitable games and programme. Our staff at the Gaming Desk and at the Experience Point as well as staff in Vendor Hall will also gladly help you find more child-friendly games.

Childcare facilities

A baby changing room is located in Hall 3, near Cafe 3. Baby changing stations can be found in accessible toilets on the 1st and 2nd floor of Siipi as well as in toilets near the Northern Entrance. Baby pots are available in both of the accessible toilets in Siipi.

Play Corner

Play Corner is located along the Glass Gallery, near the midpoint of the passage. Play Corner is a place where children can play, eat and relax under their parents’ supervision. Facilities available at the Play Corner include a water station, a microwave, a small fridge and a toilet with a baby changing station. Although a staff member is present, please note that Play Corner is not a childcare service: parents are responsible for supervising their children at all times.

Opening hours: Fri 4pm – 10pm / Sat 10am – 10pm / Sun 10am – 4pm

Strollers

The venue is accessible for strollers and using them indoors is allowed. Elevators can be used to access different floors. Please note that hallways and rooms may get crowded at times, making it more difficult to move around with a stroller. Stroller parking is available free of charge at the Glass Gallery, located near the end of the Luggage & Large Item Storage.

Child-friendly programme

Nearly all programme featured at Ropecon is child-friendly. However, some programme items may not be suitable for children 15 years or under, or may be prohibited from people under the legal age of 18. Any possible age restrictions can be found in the programme descriptions in Ropecon’s online programme guide.

For more information on games and other programme recommended especially for children, visit our online programme guide and click the tag “Child-friendly”. You can bookmark interesting programme items by clicking the star icon and view all your favourites as a scheduled list in the “My convention” tab.

Vendor Hall

Hall 3

Vendor Hall is located in Hall 3 of Messukeskus. It offers an abundant selection of role-playing games, art, handcrafted items and so much more. Ropecon’s traditional Flea Market can also be found within the Vendor Hall. Great deals and unique handcrafted treasures await you!

Vendor Hall opening hours: Fri 3pm – 9pm, Sat 10am – 7pm, Sun 10am – 5pm

Lower Gallery

More vendors and exhibitioners can be found along the Lower Gallery. Some vendors are open 24h throughout the convention.

Promotional stands

Various role-playing game and gaming related associations, clubs and events showcase their activities in the Lower Gallery, near the Southern Entrance and by the Lounge Area in Hall 3.

Safety and Security

Info Desk 24 h during the convention

+358 45 136 2946

Harassment contact persons:

+358 44 781 5518

First Aid Station

First Aid Station is located near the Northern Entrance of Messukeskus. The nearest pharmacy is Pasilan Apteekki (Ratapihantie 9) which is open only on weekdays and Saturdays. However, Yliopiston Apteekki (Mannerheimintie 96) is open 24h every day. In Finland, the emergency number is 112. For more information about safety and security, please continue reading below.

Emergency preparedness

• Identify emergency exits within the venue in advance.
• In case of an emergency, use the emergency exit closest to you to leave the area.
• Keep roads clear so that emergency vehicles can access the area.
• Always follow the instructions and orders of the security stewards.

Code of Conduct

In order to create a safe and successful convention for all attendees, there are certain rules and safety regulations which must be followed at Ropecon. Trained and licensed security stewards approved by the Finnish police will be ensuring safety and security at the convention. Instructions given by the security stewards and the organisers must be followed at all times.

The code of conduct can be simplified into a few key points:

• Follow the rules, safety regulations and the law
• Use common sense
• Be considerate of others

Inappropriate behaviour

As organisers of Ropecon, we want to ensure a safer space and thus a more enjoyable convention experience for all attendees. Any kind of harassment or bullying is not allowed at Ropecon, so please remember to treat everyone with respect during the entire convention weekend. Read more about the anti-harassment policy of Ropecon.

If any of the other attendees, security stewards or organisers tells you that your behaviour or actions are inappropriate and asks you to stop, you must listen to them and stop immediately.

If you have any questions about the anti-harassment policy of Ropecon, please feel free to contact our harassment contact persons (+358 44 781 5518) or visit the Info Desk.

Prop policy

Weapon and gun replicas are only allowed at Ropecon when they are a part of organised programme, e.g. during battle demonstrations.

If a weapon or gun replica or some other large contraption is an essential part of your costume, it must remain attached to the costume at all times during the convention. Swinging around anything longer than your arm is not allowed at the convention.

In addition, please note that all swords, knives or any similar costume weapons must not contain any sharp edges. Likewise, all gun replicas must be clearly marked (see the instructions below).

All airsoft weapons must have their magazines and gas chambers emptied and disarmed at all times. Pointing a weapon – marked or not – at other people is not allowed.

Foam weapon fighting and other similar activities have their own dedicated areas and time slots within the programme. Please refrain from swinging around foam weapons elsewhere within the convention area.

How to mark gun replicas

All gun replicas must be clearly marked as follows:

• The muzzle and barrel of the gun must be covered with red tape for the length of at least 2 cm.
• The grip or stock of the gun must be clearly marked with red tape, which must be visible even when the gun is attached to the costume.

If you have any questions or need further instructions on how to mark gun replicas, please consult the nearest security steward or the Info Desk. There will be red tape available for marking gun replicas at the Info Desk.

You can mark your gun replicas at home before arriving at the venue. Security stewards have the right to check gun replicas during the convention.

If you see someone within the convention area with a gun replica that has not been marked appropriately, contact the nearest security steward as soon as possible so that we can check it.

Alcohol, smoking and illegal substances

Ropecon is a drug and alcohol-free event: the use of alcohol or any illegal substances is strictly prohibited.

Both the possession and use of alcohol is prohibited within the convention area. Intoxicated attendees are not welcome at Ropecon and will be escorted out of the convention area. Any prohibited substances or items will be confiscated if necessary, and Finnish police will always be notified if any illegal substances are found.

Fazer restaurant within the venue will be serving alcoholic beverages to customers who are 18 years and older in accordance to their licenses and the Finnish law. However, please remember that returning to the convention area while intoxicated is not allowed.

Smoking, electronic cigarettes included, is only permitted outside within the dedicated smoking areas.

Passages and open spaces

All passages, hallways and open spaces at the venue must be kept unobstructed at all times.

Sitting in staircases is not allowed, and neither is setting up a picnic or a camp in the middle of a lobby or a hallway.

Please remember that sleeping at the venue is only allowed within the designated accommodation area in Hall 2.

Spontaneous programme

Organising spontaneous programme during the convention is allowed, provided that it does not cause any inconvenience or disturbance to other attendees or to the scheduled programme of Ropecon, e.g. by obstructing passages or by making loud noises near rooms with ongoing programme.

Since there are no additional fees for attending programme at Ropecon, charging a fee for spontaneous programme held within the convention area is not allowed.

PLEASE NOTE: Fire eating or breathing and other similar performances may require special permits or insurances, and as such cannot be organised without consulting the organisers of Ropecon in advance. Security stewards have the right to stop any activities or programme they deem too risky at any time.

Costume etiquette

When choosing what to wear to the convention, it is advised to keep in mind that Ropecon is a family friendly event. Thus, certain amount of clothing is required.

Feel free to dress up in a costume if you feel like it. However, please note that you need to be able to show your face, as some programme may have age limits that require checking each attendee’s ID before entering.

Showcasing or implementing into costumes any symbols which are not in accordance with Ropecon’s values or incite hatred against marginalised groups of people are strictly prohibited without specific permission from the organisers of the event. Regardless of one’s costume, any behaviour that aims to incite fear or harass other attendees is strictly prohibited.

Bouncy castle

There is a bouncy castle within the convention area with the following safety rules in place:

• No shoes
• Max. 7 people bouncing at any time
• Be mindful of others, especially people who are smaller than you
• No pushing

Other noteworthy rules

Unfortunately, pets are not allowed at Ropecon. Please do not leave your pets waiting outside or inside a vehicle in the immediate vicinity of the venue either, even if your pet is used to this. Naturally, guide dogs and assistance dogs are welcome to the convention area.

Attaching advertisements, posters, signs or your friends to the walls or other surfaces of the venue with tape or by any other means is strictly prohibited.

Commercial activity within the convention area is limited. Please contact the organisers for further information if necessary.

Help keep the convention area nice and clean for everyone by disposing of your trash where it belongs: in the recycling bin.

The venue (Messukeskus) is located in the Helsinki city centre – please be mindful of residents in the area, even when outside of the actual convention area.

Let’s make Ropecon a safer experience for everyone

The organisers of Ropecon want to ensure that the convention is a safe space and pleasant experience for everyone. Any kind of bullying or harassment are not allowed at Ropecon. Please be considerate of others and treat people with respect throughout the convention weekend. You can read more about the anti-harassment policy of Ropecon.