Is Gen Con worth going to?

[kkoie]

Unfortunately, all this info applies to Gencon for this year only - the last year it will be in Milwaukee. After it moves in 2003 to Indianapolis, IN, I have no clue what it will be like. Hopefully, I'll be there that first year to find out!

I can't speak for GenCon, but I can speak for Indianapolis in that you would be quite hard pressed in not finding something to do here. It's a large town (1,000,000+ if you include the suburbs) with plenty of attractions and oodles of nightclubs/bars. I know it's 1.5 years away, but if you know you are going in that year then do research ahead of time about the city if you plan on doing anything outside of the convention.

 

[RatPunk]

Indianapolis rocks!

The move to Indianapolis should only help it. More room for gaming, more hotel space, a more con friendly atmosphere. But then I live in Indy, I'm biased.

Biased or not, it's the truth!

Indianapolis is easier to get to than Milwaukee from anywhere in the country (several major airline hubs, more major highways come into Indy than any other city in the country).

The Indy Convention Center is frickin' HUGE. It's much bigger than Midwest Express.

Tons of hotel space within walking distance, as well as restuarants, theaters, museums, stores (including a mall), baseball, etc, etc, etc.

Indianapolis has worked hard to make itself THE convention city in the midwest and it shows.

Gamers will not be disappointed.

But then, I'm biased too.

 

[Gargoyle]

GenCon is a blast for the simple reason that there are more gamers in one place at one time than at any other point in the space-time continuum all year. I enjoy the impromptu "pickup" games the most. Aside from being a gamer's paradise, there's plenty to do in Milwaukee as well. Bring as many friends as you can, as even non-gamer friends will have a good time people watching and partying.

If you're going to go, I'd register soon. The lack of hotel space is the biggest problem. You'll probably have no problem getting a room, but if you wait it will be of low quality and farther away from the convention than you'd like. I prefer the Hilton because of its proximity to the convention hall and the mall. Food is cheap if you eat at the food court.

 

[Barendd Nobeard]

It's a blast and well worth going!

Barendd- Don't hold out on him. Tell the story of the "beardless dwarf". It's one of those thins that could only happen at a convention and all the more reason to go!

OK, twist my arm.

I didn't just talk to Sandra Garritty. She altered a mini for me, to make a beardless dwarf to match my Living Greyhawk character. You can see a picture of the altered mini at http://www.wayson.net/games/minis/Barendd.html.

It's tough finding a beardless dwarf mini, but now I have an original! And it could only happen at a convention.

And I think a lot of people have neat stories like that. Meeting someone (writer, game designer, actor, etc.) that makes the con a little more special.

Now, if you'll excuse me, I have to go worship at the shrine to Sandra I have constructed in the garage....

 

[Don21584]

I went there for the first time last year. The only bad thing about it besides the huge crowds (which is to be expected) was James Marsters from Buffy didn't show up to do his Q&A. I didn't want to see him but my friends who I was with really did, and we wasted a long time waiting around for him to show up.
And the artwork that's shown there is phenominal, to say the least.

 

[KidCthulhu]

You should definitely go. GenCon is a blast. But if you just show up, you may find your experience somewhat sub-optimal. There are so many things to do, that if you don't make some kind of list, you can wander around missing everything.

The best thing about GenCon is the gaming. Play systems you don't get to play at home. Meet people. I'm an RPGA girl, but there are other excellent groups running games (NASCRAG). Sign up for games. The Cthulhu Masters event run by Chaosium has been my sole reason for going for 4 years now, and if you like CoC, get a ticket early for this one. Some pick up games can be good, but I find you're taking more of a risk, quality wise.

Check out the seminars, and note times and such. If you want to see a special guest, make the time for that. There's plenty to do, it's just a case of prioritizing.

Do leave yourself time for just hanging around breathing in the geekyon particles. And for wandering the vendor's hall.

For me, GenCon is all about seeing friends that I only see once a year. I drink, I laugh, I lock Cthulhu players in a room and drive them insane.

 

[Wolfspider]

I can't wait for it to move to Indy 'cause I'll finally be able to go to it. What are the 2003 dates?

 

[Holy Bovine]

GenCon is worth it. I went two years in a row (1994&95) and really wanted to go back again this year. However finaces and health will keep me away this time.

Look for me in 2003 though - wild cows won't be able to keep away from it. Its going to be a great time!

 

[Paragon]

CAN I GET A HELL YA!!

I think every gamer should go to gencon at least once.

Paragon

 

[Gargoyle]

I went there for the first time last year. The only bad thing about it besides the huge crowds (which is to be expected) was James Marsters from Buffy didn't show up to do his Q&A. I didn't want to see him but my friends who I was with really did, and we wasted a long time waiting around for him to show up.
And the artwork that's shown there is phenominal, to say the least.

I heard that he did show up incredibly late due to his plane being delayed. Someone at Wizards commented that he stayed for a long time to sign autographs etc, even though he didn't have to.