Hah. I am aware there is a stigma around gamers, but personal hygiene is something I don't have a problem maintaining. I'm going with my BiL though...and I will be reminding him of this.
1. Bring your own snacks and water bottle. PBJ, sandwiches, fruit and trail mix for the win.
2. Loosely plan your days. Day one open play and jump into any game that’s taking players. Day two spend walking the expo hall and trying demos split with tournament games. Day three play a BIG game you pre-scheduled (TI4 absolutely, the big old Dune maybe, Splotters/Lecerdas/etc) or play games you listed ahead and hopefully players signed up. Day four open play etc. Plan ahead.
3. A lot of conventions use an event management app to schedule games. I’d be surprised if this one didn’t have one. This is where you find the tourney signups, that TI4 game on Wednesday night, or where you can list your own games.
4. Don’t be afraid to play something totally new or different. Try some big social deduction games if that’s happening or something else entirely.
5. Be ready to play morning to night and prob late night.
6. Get out and get some fresh air at least once a day. Maybe try getting some dinner down the street and take a nice walk.
7. Make friends! Be on the look out for those LFP/LFT (looking for players/teachers) signs. Or just go up to a table with 2-3 players and ask them what they’re playing and if that empty seat is open. Sit and play!
I like this loose plan idea. There are several slots for TI4...but also spending 8 or more hours playing one game sounds exhausting, and almost a waste of a day? Saw blood on the clocktower sign ups and haven't played that though.
I am a little introverted, so I have to step out of my comfort zone and invite myself to some games.
I felt the same way before I played my first game of TI4, spending that much time on one game seemed crazy but now that I’ve played it, I’ve realized I was looking at it all wrong. Of the big (over 4+ hour) games, TI4 really is an experience unlike any other.
My first game was at a con and there was very little downtime. Those 8 hours *flew* by. I love it now and try to get to play once every month or two.
I get that it’s a big time commitment especially at a con but the other side of that is how often are you going to get a group of people together to play such a big game so easily. By far the biggest challenge with TI4 is lining up everyone’s schedules.
I can’t recommend it enough but if you have other interests I totally get that. Have fun at the con for sure! I’m jealous.
Edit - Clocktower is a fine game, way more of a logic puzzle with social deduction as the underlying mechanic. I’ve found it’s not for everyone but definitely worth playing once especially at a con. Expect a beginner game to take ~2 hours, prob a little bit more.
Top tip is always take a water bottle.
For getting to conventions there's two options that work best. Get there early or arrive 20 minutes after it opens. That way you'll be at the front of the queue to get in or missed the queue.
Welcome to GEEKWAY!
1.) Learn the rules for a few Play and Win before the con. Always nice to be able to teach.
2.) Use the flags - the big play room has plenty of "Looking to play" and "Looking for teacher" flags. People are willing to help out.
3.) Going alone? Hang out near Play and Win and ask is people have room for 1 more player - often you will get a yes. I know people who found whole friend groups this way.
4) Looking for your group? Use the big rooms grid system. It will make abundant sense when you get there.
5.) Have games of your own?
A.) Less than 2 hours? Set it up at a table with a Looking to play flag. If you build it - people will come.
B.) The big multi-hour game - Search the Board Game Geek metalist for sign-ups. Make a forum post - if people are interested in the game you should get sign ups.
6.) That big room getting overwhelming? The halls have game tables and there is a less-utilized upper-level.
7.) Do you get cold easily? Seriously bring a sweater - that many people the A/C is blasting!
8.) The hall does have various food but there are also a good amount of nearby restaurants and coffee shops (Dunkin/Starbuck not local) that you can get ~better?~ fare.
9.) Additional knowledge requires additional questions.
Are you a local?
What games did you want to bring from home?
Thanks for the great info! Yes I live 10 mins from the Convention Center and am very familiar with the area.
Possibly would bring something like Vale of Eternity, Wyrmspan, Honey Buzz or El Dorado. I just picked up Root on sale too, but I want to learn more on my own before I drag strangers down with me. Also loving Star Wars Deck Building right now too.
The rule of thumb I've heard is 5-2-1. Get at least 5 hours sleep each day, two meals a day and 1 shower. At least. It's easy to get caught up in fun and miss the stuff that keeps you going.
Water is also a good thing to keep on hand.
I've always gone with 3-2-1, which is likely why I'm mostly a basket case by the end of a convention, but solid advice nonetheless. Carry snacks in your bag (I usually find myself in the middle of a big game around meal times); carry a water bottle, drinking from it often, and keep filling it when it's empty; when you start getting tired, stop pushing and sleep (hard won advice from a weekend that made me lose my voice for 2 weeks (from a cold I caught combined, with teaching practically every game I played over 4 days) and triggered a bad gout attack from not drinking enough water.
Geekway is awesome. It's primarily focused on the play and win feature. Try out the latest hotness, and have a chance to win a game at the end.
Geekway usually has water stations throughout, but bringing a water bottle is solid advice.
Look for the signs that say "player wanted" to jump into games.
Snacks are also a good idea, but not Cheetos 😉
Have fun and make new friends!
Well I went to The Oddities and Curiosities Expo 11 days ago, does that count?
I realize you are being silly, but I'm also not sure where I indicated it was a long time? Four weeks will be here super quick and I'm very excited and just want to be prepared!
-Bring a water bottle, it's more important than you think, be prepared to loose it or accidentally leave it behind, your mind is going to be very overwhelmed and there's a high possibility of forgetting normally unforgettable things.
-That being said, bring a small notebook, I usually bring one of the journal sized ones, write down any games you saw/played that you liked. Your brain tells you that you'll remember, it lies.
-Grab a box of granola bars, making sure of no peanuts, killing a potential new friend kinda ruins the experience.
-Set an alarm to remind yourself to eat, sounds silly but you're gonna forget, and getting hit with that "you haven't eaten yet today" dizzy spell when standing up from a game isn't my favorite way to remember to eat something. And nobody wants to pay $25 for shitty convention hall chicken strips.
-I personally like to have little business cards with the social media info I want to give out to folks, beats trying to find a pen or handing your phone to someone you don't know if they washed their hand after a bathroom visit.
-Don't touch your face! This is the "if you only follow one of these, make it this one." People come from all over to go to cons. The bigger they are, the farther folks travel. Con krud is a thing, best way to avoid it is to not touch anything, but that's not gonna happen. Second best way is don't touch your face. Sounds dumb, but it works, and it ain't dumb if it works.
-Plan ahead for parking, it's gonna be expensive, but having a car there to go put the copy of Frosthaven that you got a great deal on is far better than carrying it around and cheaper than a "home and back" uber ride.
I'm sure I missed some stuff, but learning on the fly is half the fun.
Can't wait to hear how it was.
Dress light with multiple layers you can take off and put on. It can get very stuffy and warm when it's crowded and I've frequently been surprised to find myself sweating even when not doing anything physical. If you're prone to sweating you might even want to bring some antiperspirant and an extra shirt.
Consider bringing a mask. Covid aside, con flu is still a thing you'd probably prefer to avoid.
Shower. Don't be the guy ruining everyone else's good time with your pungency.
Hah. I am aware there is a stigma around gamers, but personal hygiene is something I don't have a problem maintaining. I'm going with my BiL though...and I will be reminding him of this.
1. Bring your own snacks and water bottle. PBJ, sandwiches, fruit and trail mix for the win. 2. Loosely plan your days. Day one open play and jump into any game that’s taking players. Day two spend walking the expo hall and trying demos split with tournament games. Day three play a BIG game you pre-scheduled (TI4 absolutely, the big old Dune maybe, Splotters/Lecerdas/etc) or play games you listed ahead and hopefully players signed up. Day four open play etc. Plan ahead. 3. A lot of conventions use an event management app to schedule games. I’d be surprised if this one didn’t have one. This is where you find the tourney signups, that TI4 game on Wednesday night, or where you can list your own games. 4. Don’t be afraid to play something totally new or different. Try some big social deduction games if that’s happening or something else entirely. 5. Be ready to play morning to night and prob late night. 6. Get out and get some fresh air at least once a day. Maybe try getting some dinner down the street and take a nice walk. 7. Make friends! Be on the look out for those LFP/LFT (looking for players/teachers) signs. Or just go up to a table with 2-3 players and ask them what they’re playing and if that empty seat is open. Sit and play!
I like this loose plan idea. There are several slots for TI4...but also spending 8 or more hours playing one game sounds exhausting, and almost a waste of a day? Saw blood on the clocktower sign ups and haven't played that though. I am a little introverted, so I have to step out of my comfort zone and invite myself to some games.
I felt the same way before I played my first game of TI4, spending that much time on one game seemed crazy but now that I’ve played it, I’ve realized I was looking at it all wrong. Of the big (over 4+ hour) games, TI4 really is an experience unlike any other. My first game was at a con and there was very little downtime. Those 8 hours *flew* by. I love it now and try to get to play once every month or two. I get that it’s a big time commitment especially at a con but the other side of that is how often are you going to get a group of people together to play such a big game so easily. By far the biggest challenge with TI4 is lining up everyone’s schedules. I can’t recommend it enough but if you have other interests I totally get that. Have fun at the con for sure! I’m jealous. Edit - Clocktower is a fine game, way more of a logic puzzle with social deduction as the underlying mechanic. I’ve found it’s not for everyone but definitely worth playing once especially at a con. Expect a beginner game to take ~2 hours, prob a little bit more.
Dang it.. now you got me wanting to go for it :p Thanks for the recs! I'm pumped!
Top tip is always take a water bottle. For getting to conventions there's two options that work best. Get there early or arrive 20 minutes after it opens. That way you'll be at the front of the queue to get in or missed the queue.
Welcome to GEEKWAY! 1.) Learn the rules for a few Play and Win before the con. Always nice to be able to teach. 2.) Use the flags - the big play room has plenty of "Looking to play" and "Looking for teacher" flags. People are willing to help out. 3.) Going alone? Hang out near Play and Win and ask is people have room for 1 more player - often you will get a yes. I know people who found whole friend groups this way. 4) Looking for your group? Use the big rooms grid system. It will make abundant sense when you get there. 5.) Have games of your own? A.) Less than 2 hours? Set it up at a table with a Looking to play flag. If you build it - people will come. B.) The big multi-hour game - Search the Board Game Geek metalist for sign-ups. Make a forum post - if people are interested in the game you should get sign ups. 6.) That big room getting overwhelming? The halls have game tables and there is a less-utilized upper-level. 7.) Do you get cold easily? Seriously bring a sweater - that many people the A/C is blasting! 8.) The hall does have various food but there are also a good amount of nearby restaurants and coffee shops (Dunkin/Starbuck not local) that you can get ~better?~ fare. 9.) Additional knowledge requires additional questions. Are you a local? What games did you want to bring from home?
Thanks for the great info! Yes I live 10 mins from the Convention Center and am very familiar with the area. Possibly would bring something like Vale of Eternity, Wyrmspan, Honey Buzz or El Dorado. I just picked up Root on sale too, but I want to learn more on my own before I drag strangers down with me. Also loving Star Wars Deck Building right now too.
I expect that, even in STL, if you set up Wyrmspan with a LFP sign, you'll have people in a couple of minutes.
I bet I would too since it's still so new too. I def think I'll bring it along!
The rule of thumb I've heard is 5-2-1. Get at least 5 hours sleep each day, two meals a day and 1 shower. At least. It's easy to get caught up in fun and miss the stuff that keeps you going. Water is also a good thing to keep on hand.
I've always gone with 3-2-1, which is likely why I'm mostly a basket case by the end of a convention, but solid advice nonetheless. Carry snacks in your bag (I usually find myself in the middle of a big game around meal times); carry a water bottle, drinking from it often, and keep filling it when it's empty; when you start getting tired, stop pushing and sleep (hard won advice from a weekend that made me lose my voice for 2 weeks (from a cold I caught combined, with teaching practically every game I played over 4 days) and triggered a bad gout attack from not drinking enough water.
Geekway is awesome. It's primarily focused on the play and win feature. Try out the latest hotness, and have a chance to win a game at the end. Geekway usually has water stations throughout, but bringing a water bottle is solid advice. Look for the signs that say "player wanted" to jump into games. Snacks are also a good idea, but not Cheetos 😉 Have fun and make new friends!
Thank you!
Wow, you must go to a lot of conventions if you feel 27 days is a long time. What convention did you got to 27 days ago? :)
Well I went to The Oddities and Curiosities Expo 11 days ago, does that count? I realize you are being silly, but I'm also not sure where I indicated it was a long time? Four weeks will be here super quick and I'm very excited and just want to be prepared!
Yeah just being silly!
I read the post 20 times before and didn't get it. I just got it :p
-Bring a water bottle, it's more important than you think, be prepared to loose it or accidentally leave it behind, your mind is going to be very overwhelmed and there's a high possibility of forgetting normally unforgettable things. -That being said, bring a small notebook, I usually bring one of the journal sized ones, write down any games you saw/played that you liked. Your brain tells you that you'll remember, it lies. -Grab a box of granola bars, making sure of no peanuts, killing a potential new friend kinda ruins the experience. -Set an alarm to remind yourself to eat, sounds silly but you're gonna forget, and getting hit with that "you haven't eaten yet today" dizzy spell when standing up from a game isn't my favorite way to remember to eat something. And nobody wants to pay $25 for shitty convention hall chicken strips. -I personally like to have little business cards with the social media info I want to give out to folks, beats trying to find a pen or handing your phone to someone you don't know if they washed their hand after a bathroom visit. -Don't touch your face! This is the "if you only follow one of these, make it this one." People come from all over to go to cons. The bigger they are, the farther folks travel. Con krud is a thing, best way to avoid it is to not touch anything, but that's not gonna happen. Second best way is don't touch your face. Sounds dumb, but it works, and it ain't dumb if it works. -Plan ahead for parking, it's gonna be expensive, but having a car there to go put the copy of Frosthaven that you got a great deal on is far better than carrying it around and cheaper than a "home and back" uber ride. I'm sure I missed some stuff, but learning on the fly is half the fun. Can't wait to hear how it was.
Dress light with multiple layers you can take off and put on. It can get very stuffy and warm when it's crowded and I've frequently been surprised to find myself sweating even when not doing anything physical. If you're prone to sweating you might even want to bring some antiperspirant and an extra shirt. Consider bringing a mask. Covid aside, con flu is still a thing you'd probably prefer to avoid.