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Post by Stu Venable on Jul 23, 2013 13:40:50 GMT -8
So a couple days ago my wife declared, 'you're going to Gencon next year.' So apparently, I'm going to Gencon next year.
Since I'm a planner, I'm going to book a hotel room and buy plane tickets as soon as I can. I'm also going for one reason: to meet and game with people I want to meet, and those people are listeners (and some podcasters as well). Also: sorry SirGuido, I call dibs on next year's press pass (btw, did that work out?)
So I have a couple of questions for those of you who've gone in years past.
1. What are the good hotels near the convention center to stay at. I tend to carry a lot of shit with me, so 1/2 mile -- especially in mid-western heat and humidity is right fucking out.
2. I plan on running games - probably only a couple -- but I intend to keep them off of the normal schedule, as I want members of the listener community to be able to sign up. So with that said, is there an open gaming room? Is the noise level bearable? Can you reserve tables for private games. Or should I just rent a suite in the hotel and just host games at the conference table?
3. I would like to do a show while I'm there as well. Anyone know a contact for events and seminars and such?
I would also like to organize a meet up or two.
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SirGuido
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Post by SirGuido on Jul 23, 2013 15:44:05 GMT -8
Take it! I only used it last year, I bought my own last year. Having the press pass really only helped when doing interviews(I could point to the press section as verification that I was doing a legit interview), and it gave me access to the press room where I could get free soda.. that I don't drink, free water... that you can get anywhere else, and guaranteed charging space and internet. So that was cool, but I didn't really need to use it.
1. Hyatt or Marriott are the ones connected to the convention center proper.
2. I'd go with the suite route, there are tables available but being able to schedule them would probably be tricky.
3. Can't help ya there.
I will make a 150% effort to be there next year. Period.
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sbloyd
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Post by sbloyd on Jul 23, 2013 16:29:19 GMT -8
Do enough jackers go to warrant reserving a suite for gaming?
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Post by Stu Venable on Jul 23, 2013 17:23:55 GMT -8
Don't know. It'll be a couple months until I can book a room anyway.
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sbloyd
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Post by sbloyd on Jul 23, 2013 17:52:12 GMT -8
Not trying to be a wet blanket or anything. Just would hate to see you put down the money to sit in an empty room.
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Post by uselesstriviaman on Jul 23, 2013 19:43:22 GMT -8
1. Gen Con Housing infoRooms ain't cheap. They're not horribly expensive, but there's a pretty hefty Indy hotel tax that can jump up and bite you if you're not aware of it. Guido's correct that the Hyatt and Marriott are connected to the convention center via skywalk, but they're definitely not the only two. There are also the Westin, the Crowne Plaza and (I think) a Courtyard Mariott also so close that you don't actually have to step outdoors at all. (And with the August heat in Indy, you'll be glad of that!) 2. I've heard reports that in recent years, the open gaming areas have been moved. I'm not sure where. I know they DO have open gaming areas, though. As for noise levels, I don't think you'd probably have to worry much about that unless you're playing in the Dealer Hall or something. 3. FAQ for new Gen Con GMs. You'll probably find the info you need in there someplace. And this might actually early enough that I could potentially butter up my bride enough to convince her to let me go... again.
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Post by muntjack on Jul 24, 2013 6:11:47 GMT -8
This will be my first time going this year. If I can save money up and get the time off next year, I'm totally up for a meet up!
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dnddad
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Post by dnddad on Jul 24, 2013 17:33:41 GMT -8
I usually go, my cousin lives in Indy, and somehow has a lifetime supply of Ben/Jerry's ice cream. I'm not going this year as we have a new baby on the way and I'm not making as much as I used to. I'll go to support the jackers next year.
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Post by willh on Jul 26, 2013 5:44:07 GMT -8
When it comes to housing, you will want to be ready at your computer and book it the second the housing block opens up. I usually try to stay at the Embassy Suits. it's about two blocks from the convention center, but they have an open bar during happy hour, free breakfast in the mornings, and it's closer to a lot of the restaurants in the area. It's also the hub for after hours gaming in my circle of friends. It is a bit more expensive, but the rooms are all suits so you can comfortably share the room to divide costs.
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Post by ericfromnj on Aug 1, 2013 10:59:28 GMT -8
I am officially jealous
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Post by SirGuido on Aug 1, 2013 11:31:30 GMT -8
I've spoken with a few people regarding the live podcast recording. What I'm gathering is that you will need to schedule it just like any other event and they will charge for the tickets unless you pay up front. I'm also being told that if you need to use their outlets(and duh... podcast equipment) then you will have to pay an additional fee.
Now every year they do a podcast called This Just In From GenCon and I know the folks who did that one last year and I sent a few messages out to those folks to ask about what they did for their daily shows and see if what they did could work for you.
Just wanted to let you know I'm still working it!
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Post by Stu Venable on Aug 1, 2013 12:56:07 GMT -8
Appreciate it. I've started saving for the expenses and put in for the vacation time, so it's becoming very real.
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Post by SirGuido on Aug 1, 2013 13:44:05 GMT -8
Very awesome. I'm more looking forward to next year than I am this year.
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sbloyd
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Post by sbloyd on Aug 3, 2013 5:30:38 GMT -8
Don't the Booters do a podcast thing from Gencon?
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Post by SirGuido on Aug 5, 2013 3:10:16 GMT -8
Don't the Booters do a podcast thing from Gencon? I may be wrong, since I don't listen very often anymore, but I don't think they've gone to GenCon the last few years. I was listening to The Dice Tower, a board gaming podcast, yesterday and they mentioned that they have a live podcast recording set up for this year so I reached out via Twitter asking for some advice but I haven't heard back yet.
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