Going to GenCon Indy for the first time

[Mathew_Freeman]

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

Good advice, thank you!

Tuesday evening sounds great to me - I hope I can make it to something. And pubs are always something that's welcome.

This weekend is my free time to work through all this stuff and look at what's available, make up some sort of timetable and get sorted out.

 

[megamania]

Can't add any advice other than enjoy your time. Some year I get to go. 2024 is the 50th ann of DnD? Maybe then

 

[Turtlejay]

Man, do you guys have wives (bosses)? Mine is often jealous enough of my weekly gaming, let alone a week long trip to another country (for you. for me, Indianapolis might as well be).

I'm very envious of you all, and hope you try not to rub it in much for those of us unable to go...

Jay

 

[Nai_Calus]

The obvious answer is a divorce.

I may go this year since I now live like two hours away. My mother likes the city so I may convince her that she needs to take a few days to go up there and have a good time while abandoning me at the convention center each day... (Otherwise I, in my infinite cheapness, would end up driving in every day from where I live, rofl.)

 

[Piratecat]

Yay!

One of the wonderful things about these sites is that in addition to GenCon's many excellent official games, Circvs Maximvs and EN World have unofficial pickup games where the only folks you'll be playing with are other regulars here on the boards. I find these absurd amounts of fun; excellent role players, great GMs and you're gaming with people you already sort of know. It's one of the things I love best about Gen Con.

I'm in for your Esoterrorists game (or whatever you run), by the way, if at all possible.

 

[Mathew_Freeman]

Yay!

One of the wonderful things about these sites is that in addition to GenCon's many excellent official games, Circvs Maximvs and EN World have unofficial pickup games where the only folks you'll be playing with are other regulars here on the boards. I find these absurd amounts of fun; excellent role players, great GMs and you're gaming with people you already sort of know. It's one of the things I love best about Gen Con.

I'm in for your Esoterrorists game (or whatever you run), by the way, if at all possible.

Well now I've got to run it! It'll be fantastic to finally meet you, Piratecat, as randomling told me about how much fun she had when she came over. I'll make you a deal - I'll hold a space in my Esoterrorists game if you can hold a space for me in something of yours!

In answer to Turtlejay, funnily enough you've hit the nail on the head - I split up with my wife in late 2009, and one of the unintended consequences is that I decided to put money aside to finally do this!

Note: I don't recommend ending your relationship so you can go to GenCon.

 

[Mathew_Freeman]

Just booked my four-day ticket on the GenCon site. I am unfeasibly excited by this, plus, it was less than I was expecting really. $80 seems like a good deal, although I know I have to pay for the events still.

Hopefully, what with a number of free ENWorld games, plus some time in the Trade Hall, the Ennies and whatever I can do for free the total cost won't be too high. But my shiny new credit card can cope, I'm sure.

Happily, I got called in today to my bosses boss' office to be told I was getting a £700 raise as of this month, which was frankly astonishing and awesome in equal measure. Looks like my budgeting is going to be a little easier!

 

[Mark]

Congrats on the raise!

 

[FunkBGR]

I highly recommend getting in on a ENWorld or Circvs game if possible. I played in PirateCat's pirate-y-swashbuckle-y-craz-y game last year, and it was a blast.

I also recommend that if you have the time, volunteering for the ENNies booth. It's a great way to meet people.

Also - go to the ENies!

Every year I go and find something new to completely try out. Last year, I participated with a group of people in the DCC Tournament, and got 2nd place. The first year, I tried out some of the various 4e stuff around. This year, I think I'm going to see about some of the miniatures games, see if that's something I want to start doing.

 

[JediSoth]

Could you buy a house in Indy?

Starting 2/1, there will be a house for sale in Indy a mere 15 minutes from the Convention Center. It's ready for immediate possession!

Man, do you guys have wives (bosses)? Mine is often jealous enough of my weekly gaming, let alone a week long trip to another country (for you. for me, Indianapolis might as well be).

After 2/5, I'll be married again, and she's coming to Gen Con with me! Even insists on a hotel room, despite us living a mere 15 minutes from the convention center.

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I tend to limit myself to two-three events per day; I also have to work a shift in the ENnies booth and attend the ENnies, plus I organize a gathering for the folks at OK--Your Turn, so I have to schedule around those activities. 4 hours in the morning and 4 hours in the afternoon and something in the evening gives me enough time to eat, sleep, bathe, and run into the Dealer Hall should someone bring something to the table that is just TOO cool not to buy right then and there (and the times that I haven't bought it at the Con, it's always several months before I'm able to get it after Gen Con ends).

Never underestimate the value of eating and sleeping and ESPECIALLY proper bathing at the Con.