GenCon Survival Guide

[netherspirit]

I was wondering if any of the veteran GenCon attendees would share any knowledge, advice, or tips they have about what to expect for all us GenCon newbs?

Any tips or advice on anything GenCon related would be much appreciated.

Other admins, I know there are a couple of GenCon threads but I didn't want something like this to get buried in there, if you feel the need to merge this go right ahead. I just thought it would be a great resource to us newbs.

Please only post things you think people should know, also feel free to ask questions, such as "How much money should I bring?" or "Is it recommended to bring a backpack or something of that nature." Try to keep it to GenCon Survival related as much as possible, thank you :)

[LilNewbie]

1. Comfortable walking shoes.
2. Prepurchase some snacks (maybe some bottle water/cokes too) and leave in your Hotel Room for late night grumblings.
3. Hit the Dealer's room everyday. New things appear throughout the con.
4. Enjoy the demos and don't forget the swag. :D
5. Make sure to take time to people watch outside one of the exit/entrances to the dealer room. It's a highlight of the con.
6. Hit the Miniature gaming room everyday to check out the cool displays.
7. Enjoy some the local eateries in Indy. There are some good places and there is one place that usually does GenCon themed menus and offers late night gaming in the back with full food/drink service....The Ram is the name of it, iirc.

More to come.

Newb.

[funrun]

I believe parking in the convention garage was $15, and I *think* you have to pay that anytime you go in and out of the garage. Whatever the exact amount was, it really sucked.

[netherspirit]

Yes, parking in that garage is always expensive for big events. I used to go to the convention center for Magic Tournaments all the time.

That is where I will be parking, because its right there. I plan on bringing a cooler with munchies and drinks in it. We don't have a hotel room or anything, so we will be driving back and forth, about 40-50 minutes each way.

[Hahnarama]

1. Comfortable walking shoes.

Ya you would be surprised how HUGE an event this is.

2. Prepurchase some snacks (maybe some bottle water/cokes too) and leave in your Hotel Room for late night grumblings.
Only go out for dinner. I know the onsite stuff is outrageous. $4 for a SLICE of cheese pizza. Eat a HUGE breakfast and eat BEFORE you start downing free drinks at the free happy hour.


3. Hit the Dealer's room everyday. New things appear throughout the con.

Yup I have been there as dealers are buying bricks of figures and taking the Ultra rares out and dumping the rest for next to nothing.

Also remember this. WOTC for example will only sell X amount of new con exclusive each day.(They want people to get a shot every day vs saying sorry we are sold out the rest of GC) Last year it was SW and the new Axis and Allies Minis crap.

4. Enjoy the demos and don't forget the swag. Very Happy

Last year I demo-ed (sp) Navia Drapt for 90 minutes and I walked away with 2 starter sets and some boosters. The game makers like to see you show interest. They send you home with free games to show all of your buddies.


5. Make sure to take time to people watch outside one of the exit/entrances to the dealer room. It's a highlight of the con.

No comment!


6. Hit the Miniature gaming room everyday to check out the cool displays.

I think I spent 15 minutes there total.


7. Enjoy some the local eateries in Indy. There are some good places and there is one place that usually does GenCon themed menus and offers late night gaming in the back with full food/drink service....The Ram is the name of it, iirc.

Forget the Ram. Yes they have GC themed stuff but it's always packed, except for Sat night when most folks are burnt out. Plus some Indy townies have been know to try and go there and hastle us nice gamer folk. But the Ram staff is very happy to have you there.

[Hahnarama]

I almost forgot

http://mypage.iu.edu/~wrporter/

Randy's site has everything you need to know about GenCon

[LilNewbie]

We went to the RAM on Wednesday night, iirc, before all the hubbub and it wasn't crowded and they let us order of the gencon menu but you are right about it being crowded.


Newb.

[bunjee]

I'm counting on Hahn to organize my non-Con experiences.

[Hahnarama]

I'm counting on Hahn to organize my non-Con experiences.

Well if I am to Hold Court I say we make a walk and go to the Rathskeller

http://www.rathskeller.com/

or maybe the Ungly Monkey for some midget tossing

http://www.theuglymonkey.com/

or we could try Howl at the Moon

http://www.howlatthemoon.com/indianapolis_tonight.html

[Hahnarama]

http://www.iccrd.com/conv/Maps.aspx

Maps to the local area. (hotels, bars, places to eat......)

[lilwis]

These are some great tips for the noobie starter packs like myself.

Thanks Hahn for the useful links as well!

[Hahnarama]

These are some great tips for the noobie starter packs like myself.

Thanks Hahn for the useful links as well!

Just sharing the wealth. I just happen to love local.

Take the time to dig into The Keepers, aka Randy's, site. He has a LOT of helpful info.

26 DAYS!!!

[bunjee]

Just sharing the wealth. I just happen to love local.
I'm sure your wife is happy to hear that! :lol:

[GaryLASQ]

do they allow laptops into the convention hall and if so do many people bring them?

[netherspirit]

do they allow laptops into the convention hall and if so do many people bring them?

Good question, I would like to know that as well. I can't see why they wouldn't allow them though...I am sure vendors use them.

[GaryLASQ]

i figured people at the convention running booths and games have them. just wondering if it's common place to see the average joe walking around with one.

i saw the hotspot list on http://mypage.iu.edu/~wrporter/ but another question i have is are there any unsecured hotspots within the convention?

[LilNewbie]

There were a lot of Laptops last year but the WiFi was not free in the convention center even though it was advertised to be free.

Newb.

[GaryLASQ]

yeah, i just went to the community area on the gencon site and did a "wifi" search. noticed it won't be free this year either.

[bunjee]

most hotels offer free wifi now, so you'll be able to hook up at the end of the day.

[Hahnarama]

Just sharing the wealth. I just happen to love local.
I'm sure your wife is happy to hear that! :lol:

Ya I know it breaks your heart, if you have one, but no Seattle gals allowed! :P

[Hahnarama]

do they allow laptops into the convention hall and if so do many people bring them?

I don't see why not, there is every type of recording device know to man there. This is an event where they want stuff to be seen.

Curious why do you need a laptop on the floor?

[Hahnarama]

Just throwing this idea at the wall and see if it sticks.

I have a few PDFs of the Convo Hall, local hotels, places to eat etc....

if anyone would like these I will put them in the download section.

Let me know.