Going to GenCon Indy for the first time

[Mathew_Freeman]

Oh, I see. Where are you changing?

Can't remember where it said, but there was an option for a long stay-over between flights, which I'll take as and when I book it. I'm holding off for a while - I need to get myself a credit card to put all of this on as I'm fairly sure you can't book a £700 flight on a Maestro card!

Here's another question for those who have been - how easy is it to run an impromptu game at GenCon? I'm thinking of taking something simple to run, maybe Esoterrorists.

Marimacc - thanks for the link, I'll take a good look at that!

 

[pedr]

I would imagine that you can book a £700 flight on a Maestro card, if there's enough money in your current account ... but you're far better off using a credit card as (in many circumstances*) if you have a legal claim against a company whose goods and services you purchased using a credit card, you also have a claim against the credit card company. In other words, if the airline goes bust you can get your money back. It's no substitute for travel insurance, of course, (it wouldn't help you actually get home, just reduce the financial fallout, for instance!) but it's an extra level of protection you don't get if you give the money directly to the company yourself.

(* I am sure there are exclusions to this principle and it may only apply to goods and services purchased in the UK. It also doesn't apply if the value is below £100)

 

[beldar1215]

I don't think anyone mentioned this, but comfortable shoes are a must. You will be walking tons!!! Also, the Exhibitor's hall is what I like to call Geek Nirvana! That is actually one of my favorite parts!

Beldar

 

[maddman75]

Here's another question for those who have been - how easy is it to run an impromptu game at GenCon? I'm thinking of taking something simple to run, maybe Esoterrorists.

Any time I've gone with the idea of 'well if I get a chance I'll throw together a game of X' it never happens. People schedule tight - schedule a game and look for players on ENWorld. Most years I spend far more time gaming in the hotel than I do participating in any kind of official event.

 

[Mathew_Freeman]

I don't think anyone mentioned this, but comfortable shoes are a must. You will be walking tons!!! Also, the Exhibitor's hall is what I like to call Geek Nirvana! That is actually one of my favorite parts!

Beldar

Comfy shoes noted. Thinking of getting a new pair closer to the time but wearing-them-in for a couple of weeks before I go.

Any time I've gone with the idea of 'well if I get a chance I'll throw together a game of X' it never happens. People schedule tight - schedule a game and look for players on ENWorld. Most years I spend far more time gaming in the hotel than I do participating in any kind of official event.

I'll do that then. Hopefully the attraction of one of those strange people from across the Pond will ensure I get players.

 

[nerfherder]

Hopefully the attraction of one of those strange people from across the Pond will ensure I get players.

It worked for me


In 2007, I played in 6 or 7 games, as that gave me time to get orientated and chill out in between games.

In 2008, I arrived Tuesday afternoon, left Monday, and played in 12 games. Two were pickups, one was an official game, and the other 9 were arranged either here or at Circvs Maximvs. 12 was probably a bit overkill, but I came away feeling like I had got the most of my time over there, even if I ended up exhausted!

 

[Crothian]

I'll do that then. Hopefully the attraction of one of those strange people from across the Pond will ensure I get players.

As long as it doesn't conflict with any of the events I'm running; I'm in!

 

[coyote6]

This thread is making me want to go this year. But I'm trying to buy a house, so I really don't know if I can afford it.

Argh! So. Tempting...

 

[Mark]

This thread is making me want to go this year. But I'm trying to buy a house, so I really don't know if I can afford it.

Argh! So. Tempting...

Could you buy a house in Indy?

 

[Lanefan]

One other bit of advice: when designing your schedule, and where there's a choice, put the events you really want to remember as early as possible in the week because by Saturday afternoon the lack of sleep seriously starts to take hold, believe me!

Also, whatever amount of time you're putting aside for the Exhibit Hall (and Auction Store, and art show), double it and add 30.

Another thing to keep in mind is there's slowly starting to be more stuff happening on the Tuesday evening; it's all informal and off the grid, but it's a chance to get yet more gaming etc. in.

If time allows, check out the RAM pub around the corner from the Con. center - they go all out for GenCon.

Lan-"no GenCon for me this year, back in 2011 I hope!"-efan