Gen Con Tips and Tricks

How to Make the Most of Your Convention Experience

Gen Con, the largest tabletop gaming convention in North America, is an unforgettable experience filled with new game releases, exciting events, and a bustling vendor hall. Whether you’re a first-time attendee or a seasoned veteran, these tips and tricks will help you navigate the convention smoothly and make the most of your time at Gen Con.

Pre-Event Planning

• Buy Tickets Early: Gen Con 2025 badges are already on sale, along with housing registration for hotels downtown and within the housing block. Event registration opens at noon on May 18th, so be prepared to lock in any high-demand events. If you’re unsure which events to sign up for, consider purchasing generic tickets that can be used for various activities throughout the con. Also, don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone—attendees are friendly and welcoming, especially to newcomers. Be sure to check the Gencon website for any updates on ticket sales or events!
• BoardGameGeek Game List: Around late June, BoardGameGeek releases a list of all the games being sold at Gen Con. You can mark your interest, filter by games you want, and see their booth locations. Pay attention to games with a high number of hearts, as they tend to sell out quickly. If a game is in high demand, you may want to go straight for it when the vendor hall opens at 10 AM on Thursday.
• Create a Schedule: Know when your events are and plan time for food and breaks. Your feet, back, and arms will thank you after carrying games around all day. Consider scheduling a trip to your hotel or car to drop off purchases before heading to your next event.
• Parking: If you’re staying outside of downtown or too far to walk, secure parking in advance at this link.

Packing Essentials

• Comfortable Shoes: Expect to walk multiple miles each day, so wear well-broken-in sneakers.
• Water Bottle: Staying hydrated is key. There are refill stations throughout the convention center, and bringing water flavorings can help if you dislike fountain water.
• Portable Phone Charger: Your phone will be essential for maps, event schedules, and snapping photos of cool booths, games, and cosplays.
• Backpack: A mid-sized backpack is ideal for carrying games without being too bulky in crowded aisles.

Navigating the Convention

• Arrive Early: If you’re looking to buy hot-ticket games, arrive early. Some attendees line up hours before the vendor hall opens at 10 AM to secure exclusive releases.
• Make a Game Plan for Booths: Popular booths get busy fast. Prioritize your must-have games within the first 30 minutes of opening, then explore the aisles for hidden gems.
• Take Breaks: Rest your legs, eat, and rehydrate. Use this time to read rulebooks for new games or browse the event list for later activities.
• Check Out Indie Games: Some of the best finds at Gen Con come from small publishers. Indie booths often have unique games not found in major retailers, and you may even get to meet the designers themselves!

Meeting People & Networking

• Join Game Demos: If you’re unsure about a game or just want to try something new, participating in demos is a fantastic way to test games before buying.
• Attend Panel Discussions: Industry panels provide great insights into game design and trends.
• Be Open to Meeting New People: Gen Con is filled with friendly gamers who share your passion. Whether it’s at a gaming table or while waiting in line, don’t hesitate to strike up a conversation!

Shopping Tips

• Look for Deals Early: Some booths offer exclusive discounts or early bird specials.
• Visit Will Call for a Free Bag & Coupons: Grab a free bag for your purchases and a coupon book with discounts and freebies from various vendors.
• Snag Free Swag: Many exhibitors give away promo items, so keep an eye out for freebies.
• Set a Budget: It’s easy to overspend at Gen Con, so establish a spending limit in advance.

Post-Event

• Recap and Share Your Experience: After the convention, share your thoughts and new game finds on social media. I’d love to hear about your Gen Con experience—reach out here and let’s chat!
• Follow Up on New Games: If a game you wanted sold out, check with publishers on social media or their websites to see when restocks will be available.

By planning ahead, packing wisely, and staying flexible, you’ll have an amazing time at Gen Con. Whether you’re chasing hot new releases, meeting industry pros, or just soaking in the excitement, these tips will help you make the most of your experience. See you at Gen Con!