GenCon SoCal Post Thoughts

[Luddite]

I was only able to make it up to the Con for Saturday. And I was wondering what other peoples' impressions of it were.

To me, it was smaller then I expected. It was fun, and I got to demo a few games I have never played before, but still it seemed very small. Next year I plan to attend a few actaul games, (assuming I can go up for more then one afternoon) But it still did not seem like a lot was going on.

Anyone else care to post their impressions of the event?

-The Luddite

 

[Hand of Evil]

I would have to think time of year had a lot of impact on attendance.

 

[Mistwell]

It was small, compared to GenCon East. However, compared to other west coast gaming conventions, it was double the size.

I think it will get bigger next year. Advertising was pretty slim for this one. And it is hard to convince people to come to an unproven commodity. But, overall, I think it was pretty darn good.

 

[Henry]

I'm glad to see this thread, because Peter Adkison was hoping for at least 2 to 5 thousand attnendance, according to a Mortality chat he held this year. Anyone know what attendance figures worked out being for it?

 

[BrooklynKnight]

Yes, i do.
Ok, At Gencon peter stated that He hoped for around 4000 people to attend.
The final numbers sit around 6500 or 7000.

So yes its much smaller then gencon indy but he anticipated the lower turnout.

In later years it should grow exponentially as companies that did well here spread the news and attract more exhibitors, and as people who enjoyed themselves come back and bring friends.

Next year it will be in December again, but the year after that it will be moving to November. This should draw more people because those wanting to attend dont have to decide between Gencon or a Family Trip.

If you came for one of the many Pro-Tour Tournys like Yu-gi-oh or MTG then you were set as they were packed with people.

The Mini Tourny had 96 people who signed up, more then expected.

The BOEF Sold out, twice...

Many companies there seemed to look pleased.

All in all it was a good con.

 

[Henry]

Good to hear, expecially the numbers. I'm hoping it works fof him, because the West Coast could use a good primarily gaming convention, if I understand other people's complaints correctly.

 

[Hand of Evil]

Good to hear, expecially the numbers. I'm hoping it works fof him, because the West Coast could use a good primarily gaming convention, if I understand other people's complaints correctly.

Also glad to hear.

 

[diaglo]

Good to hear, expecially the numbers. I'm hoping it works fof him, because the West Coast could use a good primarily gaming convention, if I understand other people's complaints correctly.

screw the Rest Coast

they couldn't game worth a hoot, if they had fixed d2s.

we all know that the East is where true gamers hang.

 

[Luddite]

Yes, i do.
Ok, At Gencon peter stated that He hoped for around 4000 people to attend.
The final numbers sit around 6500 or 7000.

So yes its much smaller then gencon indy but he anticipated the lower turnout.

Good to know that it did do well. I am not sure if the Anihiem Covention center is that good of location. I personaly think the San Diego would be better, (though there is some bias since I live in SD ).

What made it seem small, was the fact that the Covention Center was so big. Except for the Exhibition area and the gaming areas, there wasn't any "wondering" groups of people to be found.

-The Luddite

 

[Brown Jenkin]

Even though we have Gen Con Indy here the question came up in our group whether anyone was going to SoCal. Everyone who was even somewhat interested also pointed out that there is no way they can do a Con between Thanksgiving and Christmas. I hope that the move to November works out but it better be the very beginning since the real issue was missing so much work in a short period. As much as we enjoy gaming, family always takes precedence so Thanksging week and Christmas weeks are lost weeks and any weeks pre/post those particular weeks. Even mid December is bad since that leaves the schedule off-on-off-on-off which is too much off time in too short a time frame. Wouldn't End of January-early February be a better time giving those of us in the middle of Winter more of a reason to attend.