D&D General GaryCon Cancelled Because Of Caronavirus Pandemic

Gary Con, which was due to take place this month in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, has been cancelled because of the Coronavirus pandemic.

The convention started in 2008, established by Gary Gygax's son, Luke Gygax, after the D&D Co-reator passed away. Here's the full announcement.

"... our highest priority has to be taking care of people and especially our family. The incredible staff, volunteers, and game masters, Gary Con has been proud to host the celebration of Gary’s life with a continued emphasis on creating fun, friendly and high quality gaming experiences for our attendees. It is with that priority in mind that we have decided, after many hours of internal deliberation and consultation with the Grand Geneva leadership, that we should cancel this year’s event. We decided that the health and well-being of our gaming family comes first. We continued planning and did everything in our power to make Gary Con run as normal, we are convinced that following both government guidance and our own judgement concerning the COVID-19 virus is the best course of action."

Gary Con XII Cancelled Due to the Increased Risks of COVID-19 - GaryCon

As I said yesterday in a post about the public health emergency in Wisconsin, I would be posting an update within the next 24 hours. Gary Con is more than just a gaming convention, it is a celebration of the life and works of my Dad, Gary Gygax, and his love of gaming. The spirit…

garycon.com

The Grand Geneva Resort, which was hosting the event, has allowed the event to be cancelled with no fee. Reservation fees will be refunded soon, and those affected will get a discount in 2021.

 

[Eltab]

Maybe they can find a way to use GoToMeeting (or similar) for presentations, roundtables, and any special-guest discussions they had planned. It won't "be just like being there" but it's the closest they can get under the circumstances.

GenCon and Origins, could you fit in an extra event or two?

 

[billd91]

I’m bummed, but it’s the right decision.

 

[Zardnaar]

Well it's bad for old people and people not in the best health.

So double damned.

 

[Flamestrike]

Well it's bad for old people and people not in the best health.

So double damned.

But this is a convention of neckbeards...

Oh wait.

 

[Zardnaar]

But this is a convention of neckbeards...

Oh wait.

And gamers. Not sure if carrying a bag of Cheetos counts as exercise.

 

[Scrivener of Doom]

Well it's bad for old people and people not in the best health.

So double damned.

Yeah, that's GaryCon in a nutshell.

Sorry to see this happen but it makes a lot of sense - especially when it's a con that attracts some of the highest risk individuals in this hobby.

 

[LuisCarlos17f]

It is the right, we can't allow these innecesary risks. Who would want to go when you know what it may happen? Now it is not the time to have fun.

 

[TheIdeaOfGood]

Sad to hear this, but it's not particularly surprising. I reckon 2020 will go down in history as the year of cancellations. Here in Germany, they closed down all cinemas, museums, clubs etc. until April 19th.
Fortunately, most people have been understanding and civil about this...besides, of course those a**hats who decided to buy all the toilet paper and noodles they could get their grubby little hands on.
In a First World Country. Where food is being thrown away on a daily basis because we produce too much. Some people worry me much more than the virus.

To be honest, it was only a matter of time until a global pandemic would hit us, given the number of people on Earth and our constant encroachment into the wild.
We can only be glad it's harmless to most people (alas, not all. My parents are both over 70 and I am worried sick about them) and it's happening in the digital age where being locked down does not have to mean being alone.

I wish everyone and their loved ones health and safety and that we all make it out of this unscathed. My prayers are with you. Gods keep you and give you strength.

 

[IcarusATB]

Maybe they can find a way to use GoToMeeting (or similar) for presentations, roundtables, and any special-guest discussions they had planned.

Well, they're at least doing that for some of the Events, if DMs still wish to run them.
Table Top Events: Virtual GaryConXII