Who attends GenCon?

[DonTadow]

It's interesting to me how many of the respondents of this thread started going right around the same time I stopped (late 90s through move to Indy). What was it made you decide to start attending at that particular time? The change in management (from TSR to WotC and eventually GenCon LLC)? The release of 3E? Did the move to Indianapolis itself make any of you decide to start attending? I'd think the rise of the internet would've made people less likely to attend conventions (since a lot of what were, for me, the big appeals of the con -- finding rare stuff in the dealer room and auction, interacting with the designers and 'industry celebs' -- is now much easier to do online than it was in the pre-'net era) but if anything the opposite seems to be true -- is it because you've met people from distant locations online and the con provides a central location to all meet up in person?

The story that got me to go is wierd. When I first decided to go, I had just bought a 3e book, but magic was more of my game. I was also a big board game fan. I had never heard of gencon before wotc sent me the big program book and a week after i received it i got really into all the advertised games they had. I asked the girl i was dating at the time if she wanted to go. She was actually the bigger d and d nut. She agreed to go. We were both excited about this 3e hype, the multitude magic tournaments and the large amount of boardgames.

Of course, by the time i got down there, i wasn't with her anymore and had gotten back with my ex. This was the year before they upgraded the registration system. It amazed me how unsecure it was. they didn't even check our Ids when they gave us our badges and game tickets.

 

[Capellan]

I'll be going this year. It'll be my 3rd (4th if we also count Gencon SoCal's).

Spending wise, the traders' hall is a big danger. Apart from that, I'll probably limit myself to an entry badge and only a handful of events. The rest of my time will be spent catching up with folks and playing in pick-up games.

 

[Zaruthustran]

I've gone every year since they went to Indy. It's the best con for tabletop gaming of all kinds, and as long as they keep that focus I'll keep attending.

In addition to admission and travel costs, keep in mind that almost all of the scheduled 4-hour games cost money. The range is typically $3-12, with most games at $6. Even pickup games are supposed to charge event tickets for play, but of course nothing's stopping you from grabbing some floor space or gaming in a hotel room.

So, budget $30-$100 for games (depending on your enthusiasm for scheduled games) and, say, $50-$100 for impulse buys (dice, cool minis, indy games, etc.). And at least $10 per meal for food (not counting booze).

 

[Henry]

It's interesting to me how many of the respondents of this thread started going right around the same time I stopped (late 90s through move to Indy). What was it made you decide to start attending at that particular time?

I started in 1993 because I had always wanted to attend the "mythical and magical Gencon" in the birth-state of D&D, but that was the first time I had both the money, confidence, and a fellow friend willing to go with me. I had much fun in 1993, 95, and 99, but as of 1999, I had not planned to go ever again, because it was losing a bit of luster for me. Then, 3E showed up on the horizon, and my life was never the same again. With 3E came Eric's site, and acquaintences and friendships that I hold to this day. If I had the money to go each year, I'd go in a heartbeat, but more to meet up with people I know from online than to enjoy the dealer halls, the various games, etc.

You're right, the dealer hall has lost a lot of its luster because of the internet, but there is still the instant appeal of having mad-money in hand, and hundreds of people with product RIGHT THERE instead of having to wait for shipping; plus, the touch and see factor still makes the hall appealing over internet shopping. Similarly, local cons and meetup sites alter the appeal of the myriad games found there, but there is still so much to be said for the immersion factor of gaming, gaming, gaming for 4 days straight (5 days if you get into the wednesday festivities with the early arrivers!)

 

[Mark CMG]

I've been going to GenCon, on and off, since 1976. Sometimes on the cheap, sometimes a bit more flush. It's always fun no matter how much I spend.

 

[Clefton Twain]

I can't say I regularly go. I've only been once (two years ago) and I'm going again this year. I want to get in more on the ENWorld Con this time.

Does anyone know if we're making up badges this year? I want one. Better yet, gimme three! That way I won't forget what my name is.

--CT

 

[Jeff Wilder]

I've gone to GenCon every year, less two, since 1984. That makes, um, 21 GenCons. Yikes. I'll be there again this year.

My first year, I was 16 and on a shoestring budget. We camped in Racine (about 25 miles from Milwaukee), and we averaged about three hours of sleep a night. I ate on maybe $3.00 a day.

Nowadays, I'm annoyed if my hotel isn't connected to the convention center via skywalk, I can't make it to Friday afternoon without needing a nap, and my budget is ... substantially larger.

If only I could combine elements of my GenCon experiences ...

 

[paradox42]

I'm in essentially the same boat as Henry as far as why I started when I did- I'm in my early 30s now, so doing the math will tell you that my first Gen Con was when I was in my early 20s. I had wanted to go since I was in my teens, but only in 94 did the money, time, and buddy come together to permit me to actually make the trip. We were driving from Memphis, and straight shot Memphis to Milwaukee took us about 11 hours. We arrived in the wee hours of Thursday morning and had trouble finding our hotel; it took us until close to 7 to actually find it and get checked in. So we missed most of Thursday, but the other three days were golden.

My buddy couldn't make it the next year, but by then I was in Champaign, IL, 6 1/2 hours closer- so I made another trip. And I've made it a point to go every year since then. Last year it was a rather devastating blow to not be able to afford the trip- and a signal to some of my friends just how serious and horrible my money situation really was. Fortunately, this year that's greatly improved, so I should be able to make it.

 

[BOZ]

i've gone most years since 1996, and i've gone with my wife every year since it moved to Indy (except she didn't come with me the year our baby was born). since it started up in Indy, i've met up with people from ENWorld and NTLevery year as well, sometimes for gaming and sometimes just to hang out, and sometimes for both.

 

[Varianor Abroad]

I went in 1984 and then 20 years later in 2004. Attended in 05 and 06 as well. Plan to go this year! Can't wait.

I spend about $200 on gaming products every year. Don't forget to factor in eating out and beer money. There are 1E adventures on the schedule every year. But the best way to guarantee one is to DM one!