Isn't it swell that Gen Con is getting a new logo in honor of our 100,000th download.

As of Sunday, January 5, everyone can begin submitting events for Gen Con 2025. The rules and process behind this is encapsulated by the Event Host Policy (<a href="https://files.gencon.com/genconeventhostpolicy.pdf " rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">link</a>). Your hosts Ben and Quarex walk you through almost everything you need to know from that policy so you can submit your own events for Gen Con — because the only thing cooler than the Gen Con Live Auction is running your own events.

Episode 96: Event Submissions for Gen Con 2025

Round 2: Roll Dice!

On this episode, Your Other Host Ben has collected five interviews from the board game space: <ul><li>Emily from Pink Hawk Games (<a href="https://www.pinkhawkgames.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">link</a>), whose first published game Knitting Circle is finishing its <a href="https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/flatoutgames/knitting-circle" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Kickstarter</a> and whose next game, Pirates of the High Teas, will be crowdfunding in March—click the <a href="https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/pinkhawkgames/pirates-of-the-high-teas" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">link</a> to commit early and get exclusive rewards!</li><li>John from Gamey (<a href="https://gamey.fun/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">link</a>), who was demoing Galaxy Fighters, a game coming to crowdfunding in 2025 (<a href="https://gamey.fun/products/galaxy-fighters" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">link</a>)</li><li>Danielle from Wise Wizard Games (<a href="https://www.wisewizardgames.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">link</a>), who demoed Push Push Penguin (<a href="https://www.wisewizardgames.com/penguin/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">link</a>) and talked with us about Pack the Essentials (<a href="https://www.wisewizardgames.com/pack/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">link</a>)—both of which are available for pre-order</li><li>Mark from Next Big Project, who was demoing the next big party game called Terrible Influence coming to Kickstarter in 2025 (<a href="https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/terribleinfluence/terrible-influence" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">link</a>)</li><li>Christopher from Capstone Games (<a href="https://capstone-games.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">link</a>), who was demoing Butterfly Gardens (link) and Pagan: Fate of Roanoke (<a href="https://capstone-games.com/product-category/pagan/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">link</a>)</li></ul> You won't want to miss it.

Episode 95: A Second Helping of PAX Unplugged Interviews 

Round 1: Listen!

On this episode, Your Other Host Ben has collected four interviews from the RPG space: <ul><li>Jon from Beadle and Grimm (<a href="https://beadleandgrimms.com/collections/frontpage" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">link</a>), who are making big waves beyond just D&amp;D and Magic the Gathering -- and remember that they're taking late pledges for their Star Trek Party Games on Kickstarter <a href="https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/beadleandgrimms/star-trek-murder-mystery-escape-room" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">here</a></li><li>Joe from Inkwell Ideas (<a href="https://inkwellideas.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">link</a>), who are producing very useful and eminently practical products for GMs</li><li>Clint Black from Carolina Game Tables (<a href="https://carolinagametables.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">link</a>), who is not a country singer but in fact a game designer and third generation furniture manufacturer who has merged his two passions</li><li>Richard from R. Rook Studios (<a href="https://r-rook.studio/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">link</a>), who along with Plus One Exp (<a href="https://plusoneexp.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">link</a>) and its Zine Club (<a href="https://plusoneexp.com/pages/rpg-zine-club" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">link</a>), are highlighting different voices and stories that we're now telling in the indie RPG scene</li></ul> You won't want to miss it.

Episode 94: A First Course of PAX Unplugged 2024 Interviews

Shows where you ought to go in January, February, March, and April.

In this episode, Ben and Quarex march you through many of the gaming conventions you need to know about in January, February, March and April, including (but not limited to because of character constraints): <ul><li>Midwinter Gaming Convention in Pewaukee, Wisconsin, from January 9-12 (<a href="https://tabletop.events/conventions/midwinter-gaming-convention-20251 " rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">link</a>)</li><li>Philadelphia Area Gaming Expo in Oaks, PA from January 16-19 (<a href="https://tabletop.events/conventions/philadelphia-area-gaming-expo-2024 " rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">link</a>)</li><li>Ohayocon in Dayton OH from January 31-February 2 (<a href="https://ohayocon.online/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">link</a>)</li><li>CascadeCon in Bellingham, WA from Jan 30 - February 2 (<a href="https://cascadecon.games/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">link</a>)</li><li>Niagara Boardgaming Weekend in Grimsby, ON, from January 23-26 (<a href="https://www.niagaraboardgaming.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">link</a>)&nbsp;</li><li>CanCon in Canberra, AUS, from January 25-27 (<a href="https://cgs.asn.au/cancon/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">link</a>)</li><li>Rocket City Gamefest in Huntsville, AL from Feb 2-4 (<a href="https://www.rocketcitygamefest.com/ " rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">link</a>)</li><li>Winter Fantasy in Fort Wayne, IN from February 5-9 (<a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/WinterFantasy/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">link</a>)</li><li>Williamsburg Muster in Williamsburg, VA from February 16-18 (<a href="https://www.odmsclub.com/conventions/WM_index.html " rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">link</a>)</li><li>Gamers of Winter in Harrisburg PA from February 15-17 (<a href="http://www.gamersofwinter.net/ " rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">link</a>)</li><li>Dreamation in Morristown PA from February 20-23 (<a href="https://dexposure.com/d2024.html " rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">link</a>)</li><li>Evercon in Wausau, WI from February 28-March 2 (<a href="https://www.evercon.org/thisYear/home " rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">link</a>)</li><li>Games with Trains is at the B&amp;O Railroad Museum in Baltimore MD on March 1 (<a href="https://www.borail.org/events/games-with-trains/ " rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">link</a>)</li><li>Gameface Con in Baltimore, MD from March 8-9 (<a href="http://www.gamefacecon.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">link</a>)</li><li>Cleveland ConCoction in Cleveland, OH from March 8-10 (<a href="https://www.clevelandconcoction.org/ " rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">link</a>)</li><li>Gary Con in Lake Geneva WI, from March 20-23 (<a href="https://garycon.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">link</a>)</li><li>Adepticon in Milwaukee WI from March 26-31 (<a href="https://spikeybits.com/adepticon/hotel-reservations-milwaukee-event-guide/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">link</a>)</li><li>Alamo City Game Convention in San Antonio, TX from Mar 28-30 (<a href="https://www.acgamecon.net/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">link</a>)</li><li>Break Out Con in Toronto, ON from March 14-16 (<a href="https://breakoutcon.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">link</a>)</li><li>LepreCon in Dublin, IE, from March 22-24 (<a href="https://leprecon.ie/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">link</a>)</li><li>RathaCon in Athens, OH on April 13&nbsp;(<a href="https://www.therathacon.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">link</a>)&nbsp;</li><li>Raven Con in Richmond, VA from April 25-27 (<a href="https://www.ravencon.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">link</a>)</li><li>Final Three Con, in NOVA from April 25-27 (<a href="https://final3con.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">link</a>)&nbsp;</li></ul> You won't want to miss them!

Episode 93: The Slow March to New Gaming Conventions

The real reward was the lines we didn't stand in. 

On this episode, Ben recaps his experience at Sunday of PAX Unplugged 2024. On this episode, we're talking about (some of) the games Ben played: <ul><li>Ziggurat, a board game from Mindware (<a href="https://www.mindware.orientaltrading.com/ziggurat-a1-14194073.fltr " rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">link</a>)</li><li>Butterfly Garden, an elevated reprint from Capstone Games (<a href="https://www.acdd.com/butterfly-garden-ctgbfg01.html" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">link</a>)</li><li>Galaxy Fighters by Gamey (<a href="https://gamey.fun/products/galaxy-fighters " rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">link</a>), coming to Kickstarter in March </li><li>The Black Mold of Claus Manor, written by Mike Martens and distributed by Plus One Exp (<a href="https://plusoneexp.com/products/black-mold-of-claus-manor-by-mike-martens" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">link</a>)</li></ul> We're also talking about the events Ben didn't attend, as well as the controversy pre- and post-show. Ben even grades what he did right and wrong, and why he's gotta go all three days next year. You might even hear the rarest of all things: an apology? (Ben might suggest you get in line, or maybe find another game to play.)

Episode 92: Plugging into PAX Unplugged 2024

Precapping PAX Unplugged 2024

It's smack dab at the beginning of the holiday season in December, and only one convention is bold enough to hold itself out for attendance: PAX Unplugged 2024 (<a href="https://unplugged.paxsite.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">link</a>) from December 6-8 in famously sunny Philadelphia, PA. On this episode, your hosts Quarex and Ben discuss: <ul><li>What press badges mean</li><li>The Venn diagram between line cons and gaming conventions</li><li>Badges and hotels</li><li>Parking through SpotHero (<a href="https://spothero.com/city/philadelphia-parking" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">link</a>), which is not an affiliate link</li><li>Places to eat</li><li>Using the PAX Nav app (link to <a href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.greencopper.pax" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Google Play</a> and the <a href="https://apps.apple.com/us/app/pax-app/id1671655541" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">App Store</a>)</li><li>Signing up for events, especially with groups like Indie Games on Demand (<a href="https://www.indiegamesondemand.org/events/pax-unplugged/ " rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">link</a>) and Lurking Fear (<a href="https://warhorn.net/events/lurking-fears-at-pax-unplugged-2024 " rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">link</a>)</li><li>Exhibitors to check out</li><li>Games to demo</li><li>The 3 Ps: Paint &amp; Take, the Puzzle Room, and PAX Uprising</li><li>The concert that everyone's excited about</li><li>And the 4th P: Pinny Arcade! (<a href="https://www.penny-arcade.com/pinny-arcade " rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">link</a>)</li></ul> And as promised, here's the link to the Sprites and Dice Guide to PAX Unplugged 2024 (<a href="https://www.spritesanddice.com/features/guide-pax-unplugged-2024-edition/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">link</a>) and the very late breaking PAX Unplugged Quickstart Guide (<a href="https://unplugged.paxsite.com/en-us/info/quick-start-guide.htm" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">link</a>). If you're even thinking about attending PAX Unplugged this year, you won't want to miss this.

Episode 91: One Line to Rule Them All

BUT FIRST... please pass the mashed meeples.

On this episode, Ben and Quarex meet up in a spooky Midwest town like Eerie, IN or Normal, IL and give thanks for the bounty of podcasting, conventions, family, and of course dreamers.

Episode 90: Giving Thanks for Conventions

It's a labor of love, of course. 

On this episode, Ben and Quarex talk about the conventions they attended this fall that don't rhyme with Namevole John. This includes: <ul><li>Vintage Computer Festival Midwest in Schaumburg, WI (<a href="https://vcfmw.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">link</a>) </li><li>Flat Con in Bloomington-Normal, IL (<a href="https://www.facebook.com/flatconblm/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">link</a>)</li><li>Save Against Fear (<a href="https://www.saveagainstfear.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">link</a>), organized by the Bodhana Group (<a href="https://www.thebodhanagroup.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">link</a>)</li></ul> Let us know on social media what convention you've attended since Gamehole Con!

Episode 89: Laboring Our Way Through Fall Convention Season

Head of the Gen Con VIG Program

On this episode, we are elated to talk with Mike Boozer about the Gen Con VIG Program. The Gen Con Very Important Gamer Program (<a href="https://www.gencon.com/attend/VIG" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">link</a>) is a way to supercharge your Gen Con experience. While the badge is pricey, we talk with Mike about all the ways that the VIG Badge and VIG Companion badges provide bang for your buck. Tickets are limited each year, and you'll want to email VIG@gencon.com between November 15 and December 15 to throw your name in the ring.

Episode 88: Our Very Important Guest, Mike Boozer

A PODCAST!  A PODCAST HAS FOUND US!  BARRICADE THE E-DOORS!

In "All Year I Dream About Gaming Conventions," your hosts Ben and Quarex discuss how to prepare for, how to get to, and how to have the best time at gaming conventions

All Year I Dream About Gaming Conventions

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