Gen Con Indy, The Best Four Days in Gaming, Indiana Convention Center, Indianapolis, IN, August 15-18, 2013. If you’re reading GTM, the odds are that you’ve either a) heard of, or b) have attended a Gen Con. With more than 45 years of history as North America’s premier game convention, Gen Con still continues to grow each year, attracting thousands of new game enthusiasts.
For those that have yet to attend a Gen Con, there are countless reasons to make this year your first foray into the “Best Four Days in Gaming!” However, the Gen Con team managed to narrow it to ten. Here’s why you should pack your dice and plan to attend Gen Con Indy 2013: 10. Trade Day (August 14) continues to grow at a record pace. Trade Day badge sales have more than doubled year-over-year, ensuring that this year, a record number of participants will attend again. Trade Day programming will comprise dozens of seminars, lectures, and panels, including sessions from manufacturers, retailers, and industry veterans. This event is open exclusively to game industry professionals and those in education, ensuring a high-quality day of mutual learning opportunities. 9. Refresh and unwind at Gen Con’s Georgia St. programming. Partnering with Sun King Brewing and numerous local food trucks and vendors, Gen Con has transformed the Georgia St. area into an oasis from the excitement of the convention center and surrounding hotels. This year, enjoy the first-ever Gen Con Indy beer garden. Sample a one-of-a-kind Gen Con exclusive beer, and engage in conversation with the gaming community.
8. Witness Family Fun Day’s surging popularity. The next generation of the game industry will be on-site and ready to experience a day packed with gaming. On Sunday, August 18, Gen Con Indy will transform, serving as host to thousands of new faces, many of whom have never seen a game convention. Many of these attendees will be alpha gamers, incorporating their families into their Gen Con experiences for the first-time. Sunday is sure to bring youthful enthusiasm to the Best Four Days in Gaming! 
7. Get a relaxing massage. Four days of games and entertainment can leave you feeling a bit worn out. The Gen Con team has partnered with Enroute Spa to offer massage services inside of the Indiana Convention Center. A short massage can get you ready for another eight-hour RPG mega-session! 6. Network. Gen Con features attendees from all 50 states and more than a dozen countries. A universal gaming audience, Gen Con is the ideal place to connect with the larger gaming world. At the show, you can meet new possible business partners and customers. Get valuable insight into the industry from your peers, just from good conversation! 5. Learn about new gaming companies. The Exhibit Hall features more than 300 exhibitors, many with new games debuting, but Entrepreneurs’ Avenue plays host only to game companies that did not take exhibit space in prior years. Want to see scrappy start-ups, unique products, and fresh faces? Check out Entrepreneurs’ Ave, located inside the Exhibit Hall.
4. Take part in one of more than 10,000 events. Gen Con’s system features more events than ever, offering opportunities to play in RPGs, board games, card games, panels, seminars, anime, film, art, and more! With a Gen Con badge and corresponding event ticket, you can hop in any open event session..
2. Discover hundreds, perhaps thousands of new game titles. Each year, hundreds of new games debut at Gen Con Indy, not including the hundreds of expansions and releases that support existing popular game titles. There is no better place in North America to find out about new hot titles, or try a new game in-person before purchasing them for your business. 1. Sign-up to exhibit at Gen Con Indy 2014. After seeing the scope, excitement, and expanse of Gen Con Indy 2013, you may decide to exhibit at the show yourself. You can meet with Gen Con’s Exhibitor Development personnel to begin your preparations to exhibit in 2014. To start the 2014 conversation now, contact exhibitors@gencon.com. |
3. Ride in style with Gen Con’s Transportation partner- GO Express Shuttle. In 2013, Gen Con has partnered with a local vendor to provide efficient connections to the Indiana Convention Center and several participating hotels. Grab a shuttle pass and save cash that you would have used on downtown parking or taxis. Hotel in a suburban location? Don’t stress! The shuttle service also will connect many participating suburban hotels.