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Gen Con Has Doubled In Size Since 2010

This year's Gen Con set a new record, with 61,423 individual attendees (that's 197,695 turnstile). The annual growth since 2010 has been 9%, and it has more than doubled its attendance since then. Of course, Indianapolis hasn't doubled its number of hotels, so it's not all good news! Next year's convention moves back to August, starting on August 4th, 2016.

This year's Gen Con set a new record, with 61,423 individual attendees (that's 197,695 turnstile). The annual growth since 2010 has been 9%, and it has more than doubled its attendance since then. Of course, Indianapolis hasn't doubled its number of hotels, so it's not all good news! Next year's convention moves back to August, starting on August 4th, 2016.

Here's the full press release for those who enjoy press releases!

Gen Con 2015 Continues Six-Year Streak of Record-Breaking Growth

INDIANAPOLIS (August 3, 2015)Gen Con 2015 has set an all-new attendance record with a unique attendance of 61,423 and a turnstile attendance of 197,695, creating a six-year span of record growth. Since 2010, Gen Con has more than doubled in attendance. Year-over-year, Gen Con has experienced 9% attendance growth, primarily driven by 4-Day and Family Fun Day badge sales. Gen Con also has raised more than $38,500 for the convention’s Official 2015 Charity, The Julian Center.

Gen Con 2015 also was the first time that the convention held more than 400 exhibiting companies and sold out the retailer-and-educator-focused Trade Day. The convention was Co-Sponsored by Mayfair Games and Paizo Inc.

Gen Con will return to Indianapolis for its 49th convention on August 4-7, 2016.

Gen Con 2015 Quotes
“Another year, another life-changing Gen Con! While it always seems impossible, the global Gen Con community continues to find ways to keep coming up with new, bigger ideas on how to make each Gen Con the best yet. On behalf of the entire Gen Con team, I would like to thank our attendees, sponsors, exhibitors, volunteers, event organizers, local partners, and the city of Indianapolis. Gen Con appreciates your warm welcome and Hoosier hospitality.” - Adrian Swartout, CEO/Owner of Gen Con LLC

“The ‘Best Four Days in Gaming’ is always a fun time in Indy, and this year was no exception. Gen Con is an important contributor to Indy’s economy, and more importantly, a great partner organization. The entire city enjoys this convention, and I was delighted to once again welcome Gen Con to Indianapolis.” - Greg Ballard, Mayor of Indianapolis

“After 13 years of hosting Gen Con, it’s clear that Indy gets Gen Con and Gen Con gets Indy. Gen Con is a one-of-a-kind cultural event that energizes our city and drives more than $67 million in annual economic activity. Central Indiana’s hospitality community is incredibly appreciative of our partnership with Gen Con and we are proud to be the home of the world’s longest-running and best-attended hobby gaming convention. We congratulate Gen Con’s leadership team on yet another year of record-setting attendance in Indy.” - Leonard Hoops, president & CEO of Visit Indy.

"What an amazing four days in downtown Indy! With so much to do and see, Gen Con continues to be the most dynamic and exciting convention to grace Indianapolis. The weather was perfect and the Convention Center and Georgia Street are close to so many activities that really showcased downtown Indy as a great place for people to gather and enjoy themselves. Sun King is grateful for our partnership with Gen Con and look forward to working to make next year even better." - Clay Robinson, Co-Founder, VP of Marketing, Sun King Brewing Co.

“We are extremely grateful to the organizers of Gen Con and all those responsible for the many charity events as well as the generous, friendly attendees this weekend. Everyone was so friendly and interested in learning more about our work helping those who are dealing with domestic and sexual violence in Indianapolis. Thank you for selecting The Julian Center as your charity. Your generosity truly helps us save lives and empower hundreds of women, men and families to live safe, independent lives.” - Catherine O’Connor, President and CEO of The Julian Center.
 

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soulcatcher78

First Post
While the dealer hall was especially cramped Thursday - Saturday my final run on Sunday didn't seem to be nearly as busy (immediately after it opened at 10AM). Demos were in full swing the entire time (picked up a couple of new items after getting to play them) and I think I got more demo time this year than any previous visit.

Hotels for conventions are always a pain and the downtown Indy hotels have finally figured out that they are going to fill ALL the rooms no matter what. I book as soon as possible so that I don't have to play the lottery (which I've not won in 7 years) but it can be pricey if you don't share your cost with a room mate(s).
 

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Celebrim

Legend
I really hope that it doesn't leave Indy, as it is almost ideally situated for me and I'm looking forward to starting on the Con circuit in a few years when my girls are older.

If it wants to stay in the Midwest, which it should to avoid competition with DragonCon on the East coast and numerous West coast conventions, the only way to go up in size from Indiapolis is Chicago. Chicago is a generally a bigger hassle to visit than Indy though, and it's farther from me and I like to root for the underdog.
 

eyeheartawk

#1 Enworld Jerk™
I really hope that it doesn't leave Indy, as it is almost ideally situated for me and I'm looking forward to starting on the Con circuit in a few years when my girls are older.

If it wants to stay in the Midwest, which it should to avoid competition with DragonCon on the East coast and numerous West coast conventions, the only way to go up in size from Indiapolis is Chicago. Chicago is a generally a bigger hassle to visit than Indy though, and it's farther from me and I like to root for the underdog.
Chicago has more than enough convention center space in Mcormick Place and without question enough hotel space. Seems like the most likely scenario to me.
 

Nylanfs

Adventurer
... and that explains why we couldn't seem to get away from our booth except for super short bathroom breaks during the whole show. I think I need more volunteers for next year, because I felt like I didn't get to actually see most of the cool stuff this year. Don't get me wrong, is was great talking with so many people at our booth. One of these years, I'd just like to go as a consumer instead. :)
And you have John to help. When we have a booth a lot of the time it just me covering the whole four days. :)
 

Nylanfs

Adventurer
Chicago has more than enough convention center space in Mcormick Place and without question enough hotel space. Seems like the most likely scenario to me.
I does NOT have the connected hotel space though. The hotel space listed is spread out over a wide area.
 

beholdsa

Explorer
Coming to Gen Con for the first time this year, and having previously mostly gone to larger cons on the coasts - Otakon, Dragon*Con, PAX East, etc. I have to say that Gen Con felt amazingly spacious to me. I think it's fine where it is for quite a few more years.
 

Queer Venger

Dungeon Master is my Daddy
From my own personal experience attending the last 2 years, Gen con has outgrown Indianapolis, the sheer size of it cannot be accommodated in this city.
 


fjw70

Adventurer
While the dealer hall was especially cramped Thursday - Saturday my final run on Sunday didn't seem to be nearly as busy (immediately after it opened at 10AM).

Really? I went just on Sunday and it was way busier than it had been in past years (2012 was the last time I went). Sundays use to be a pretty relaxing day without huge crowds but this year was just as busy as I remember the other days being. It was way too crowded for me. But my boys had a great time so I will probably be back.
 


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