GenCon 2011 - I've started saving

[Rob Lang]

GenCon is the world's largest roleplaying game convention. I've been to GenCon UK and several other Cons but nothing comes close to the hugeness of GenCon. It is, I'm told by very reliable sources, something you need to do as a gamer just once.

So, I've started saving for 2011. Zach of RPGBlogII has offered a place at his house and recommends I get a 'press pass' (as a blogger). This brings the cost down to about £900 (flights and food and a bit of spendy cash). That's rather a lot to spend just on me having a 'holiday' by myself and not with the family.

However, I do have a "life plan" that involves me leaving the chrysalis of computer programmer and becoming a full-time writer. If I can get Icar published through Print on Demand (POD) and demonstrate the ability to be a self-marketer and sell some POD books then the novel I'm writing might have a better chance with an agent/publisher. That's the plan. Gen Con fits into that plan because networking is where the industry thrives. If I can get Icar printed under an imprint (leaving the PDF free) then that will make me look even more legitimate.

Additionally, I will be trying to fly the flag of free RPGs. I might even try to run a few (perhaps my own, better still other people's).

Has anyone else been to GenCon anyone fancy going next time? We could have a 1km1kt meetup/booze up!

[jeffmoore]

I plan to attend Gen Con Indy in 2011. I've been before but it's been several years and 2011 seems like as good a time as any to make the trip again. Let's talk some more, perhaps we can meet up. I do remember that if there are specific games you want to play that it's really important and helpful to pre-register for those as much as possible. Not that I prolly need to tell you. You seem to be the very much "advanced planny" kind of guy.

Regards,


Jeff Moore

[Rob Lang]

[kumakami]

wish I could....cash being such a rare animal these days....

I keep wanting there to be a 1km1kt thing at a con.....like running a 24-game compo at a can....with prizes

[maledictus]

Free rpg's are often denigrated ("it's free, it must not be good" thinking). It would be great if you could demostrate at the GEN CON that the work of the philanthropists are as good as any and that they are free products out there of very high quality.

Also, i could recommend you to make some memorabilia or souvenir to give for free (as postcards of renders from ICAR), people love taking home free stuff and it's an excelent publicity.

I should start to save for a con myself, but it's more likely I would save for the San Diego Comicon, sorry.

[Corone]

Huzzah!
I have such sights to show you...

I've got hoplessly addicted to Gen-Con and very glad that a lack of children and working for cubicle 7 helps me to afford it! It is at least 10 times the size of anything in the UK and just fab.

If you can book things early they will be cheaper.
This is very much the case for plane flights I susepct.
Hotels are cheaper if you book through gen-con as they get a discount although it isn't very huge.

The Embassy Suites seem to have the largest rooms
Each room there is a suit of effectivly 2 rooms, one with a double bed and another with a fold out sofa bed.
So with an extra foldaway bed you can get 1 single person on the rollaway and a couple in each bed for 5 people in one room. Cuts down the costs somewhat.
The Union Station is possibly the quietest nearest the con centre,
although the Marriott is right next door.
However, any hotel in the downtown area will only be 10 minutes from the con centre at worst.

They do have a programme of events for non-gamers, ranging from belly dancing lessons to crafts as well as films and seminars. So depending on how gamer friendly your other half is you might convince them to join you.
Indianapolis does have a lot of nice restaurants and places to hang out in the evening as well.

If you want to run a game you have to submit the game details and a short description by March at the latest.
(I usually work out a blurb that sounds cool and then try to write an adventure to fit it over the next few months!)
People can book games around May/June, and if you arn't online the minute the booking opens you may not get a ticket for the games you really want to play.

I'd be happy to offer any advice on places to stay and things to do there to anyone going.
I've certainly not seen everything but I've been about five times now so I can warn of some of the pitfalls.

I'm getting excited about next year just thinking about it again!

[koipond]

Hey Rob,

I'm there every year. So if you get everything done let me know and I'd love to meet up too.

[Apc107]

I wish i could go to gen con, but alas im am only 14, only have $26 bucks(that i am using to buy phantasy star portable 2 for psp). And again my mom's college things stomps on my progress, she is only working part time (only working for 100 bucks on weekends, so woes me, OH WOES ME!!!!)

[Keeton]

I'm booking plane tickets this week! PM me if you want to hang out.

[Rob Lang]

Sadly, I have had to shelve my plan. I AM GUTTED. I bet if you wore a 1km1kt T-shirt, loads of people would come and say hi!