ACE Newbies! | ACE Convention

ACE 2025 Newbie Information

Newbie Information

Are you new to ACE? A big Texas welcome to you because we are so glad you are coming! Your first convention can be overwhelming, and we want to make it as easy and comfortable for you as possible.

Check-In:

Attendees registered for Monday's pre-day classes can check in on Monday (11/10), check-in time TBD.
Early Bird Check-In: Time TBD.
Regular Check-In: Time TBD.
Our registration desk will be located in the common area in front of the Hill Country Ballroom.

Need to know:

The best way to learn is to practice at the nightly jams. This is also how you will meet all the wonderful people at our convention. Don't be afraid to sit down and join in.
Get plenty of rest and drink water; it's hot and dry here.
Bring extra money/budget for the vendor room; going wild in there is easy!

Frequently Asked Questions

What do I bring?

First, yourself!
Notepad and pencil/pen for drawing or taking notes
Here are some suggestions for what to bring in your kit(s). Keep it small; there's plenty to buy in the vendor room
- Face Painting: A few of your favorite colors/splits, black and white paint for linework, brushes, a few sponges, and a practice board
  - Classrooms will have disposable cups and water for painting
- Balloons: Small assortment of balloons, hand pump
- Airbrush: Airbrush guns, a few airbrush paints, and a small compressor
  - If you need a compressor, contact us so we can reach out to local artists to see if anyone can share theirs
  - Makeup remover/makeup microfiber cloth, etc.
Water bottle and snacks
Sweater/hoodie (it gets chilly indoors)

What should I wear?

We want you to feel comfortable and enjoy your time here. During the convention, you'll walk around the hotel, participate in hands-on classes, and jam with other attendees at night. If you volunteer as a face painting model during the classes, you will be asked to take professional photographs for the convention's portfolio. Therefore, we recommend casual and comfortable attire!
While we will be indoors for most of the event, feel free to bring your swimsuit for the pool. The average temperature during this time will be a high of 71°F and a low of 50°F. However, Texas weather can change quickly, so check the forecast before you arrive.
Some attendees enjoy dressing up according to a theme with their friends during the nightly jams, but no specific themes are planned as of now—updates to follow.

Is there anything I should do to prepare to paint ourselves and others?

You can volunteer or be selected by the instructor to be painted during live teaching sessions. If you want to be painted in class, please arrive with a clean face and minimal or no makeup. Many participants also use their arms as a canvas for practice. After class, you will have the opportunity to be professionally photographed for the convention portfolio. Most attendees choose to wear their artwork for the remainder of the day, often prompting others to stop and ask for pictures.

What are the food options near the hotel?

The Red Pepper Bar & Grill restaurant is conveniently located inside the hotel.
A few local places are only a 6-8 minute walk away: Pluckers Wings, Easy Tiger, Another Broken Egg, Artipasta, Vivo, Lima Criolla, and The Boiling Crab.
You can also check out food delivery options like Uber Eats and DoorDash to see what is available in the area to deliver to the hotel.

Additional tips and things to know:

Please print out the daily schedule and circle or highlight the classes you want to take, or write them down.
Some classes will have limited space, so have a backup class in mind. Try to get there early to get a seat.

Good Vibes Guide: ACE Code of Conduct

RESPECT EVERYONE

Let's create a welcoming space for everyone! Be kind, considerate, and respectful of each other's boundaries and identities.

Harassment or discrimination isn't cool and will not be tolerated.

ASK FIRST

Do you love taking photos or videos? Great! Just remember to ask for permission before snapping a pic or recording someone. Respect everyone's privacy, and don't share personal info without consent.

STAY PROFESSIONAL

Whether you're a guest, vendor, or staff member, maintaining a professional atmosphere makes the convention enjoyable for all attendees. Be on time, follow the schedule, and handle disagreements calmly and politely.

FOLLOW THE RULES

To ensure everything runs smoothly, please adhere to the venue's rules and guidelines provided by the convention organizers. This includes being mindful of activities and items that might not be allowed in the space.

SPREAD THE CHEER, KEEP IT CLEAR!

Please tidy up your space when you're done so the next person can enjoy a clean environment. Let's keep things shiny and bright for everyone!