Gen Con 2016 Call for Volunteers!

That's what you get for having 5 Stars.

Of course, I am running all 3 PreGen, gotta have 4-stars to GM, Specials. So I guess that's what I get for having 4 Stars.

The 4-star 5-star rule for special goes into effect after GenCon. I have two stars, almost three, and I have run the all the specials for the past few years. I just can't run the 'exclusives' after GenCon.

Here are some of my questions presented in no particular order.

• I already paid for a badge. UndeadMitch already answered the question that I could contact Gencon customer service to get a refund. But how does this impact my ordering of event tickets?
  
• How do I prove to them that I am getting a GM badge from Paizo?
  
• I have access to 2 of 3 Evergreens. Should I purchase the one that I don’t have so I can prep for it?
  
• I may not be in town by Wednesday at 6PM. What time will HQ open Thursday morning so I can get what I need to get from them? I think 7:30 but want to make sure.

The GM badge from Paizo will drop into your account in the next day or so Tonya has said. That will show GenCon that you are being paid for by Paizo.

As long as you have A badge on your account, you should be fine with buying tickets...that might be a question to ask to GenCon itself though.

If you want the 3rd evergreen, then sure buy it. If not, prepping one of the 2 you have should be fine.

HQ was usually open at 7:30 at the latest the last few years. I think that's what they're quoted times are, but the HQ leads tend to show up a little early too, especially the first day of the con.

You can always keep the badge you bought and get a refund at the show. I did this two years ago and it wasn't very difficult to do.

Thanks Sniggevert!

In addition to scheduled events, we are asking all GMs to be prepared to run the evergreen scenarios (5-08 The Confirmation, 6-10 The Wounded Wisp, and 7-10 The Consortium Compact) should the situation arise.

Does this mean we have to be prepared to run ALL of these, or can we just pick one, and use that as our "go to" should we need it?

We consider the three evergreens to be something that all GMs should be familiar with and ready to run at any time. Of course, having the materials for those three on top of your regular schedule can be a challenge especially if you are flying to GenCon. So, I am trying to get a few materials boxes built for them that would be stored at HQ and eligible for sign out by GMs who have to run them as an alternative to their normal sessions. No guarantees, but since we are asking you to prep extra stuff, the least we can do is have the maps, pawns, and handouts for them. Of course, if any of those scenarios are actually on your schedule, do not depend on HQ to provide the materials.

I already paid for a badge. UndeadMitch already answered the question that I could contact Gencon customer service to get a refund. But how does this impact my ordering of event tickets?

As long as there is a valid badge on your account at all times, there is no problem. Once the free badge drops in, you can petition GenCon suctomer service for a refund of your purchased badge. Any event tickets you buy are attached to your account, not the badge. It is just required to unlock event registration.

How do I prove to them that I am getting a GM badge from Paizo?

Once the free badge is processed, it will appear in your account as a 2nd badge. You won't have to prove it to them because they can see both of them on your account.

I have access to 2 of 3 Evergreens. Should I purchase the one that I don’t have so I can prep for it?

This is a question I will forward to Tonya. We cannot pre-emptively just drop all three evergreens into the account of every GM and since we don't know who might need them, its harder to deal with. Buying them yourself is certainly an option. They are only $4 afterall, but I would encourage you to work with your VO team to be a GM at a local event that is receiving prize support whether that be a regional event or a convention. That would get you access to the the scenario you are running.

I may not be in town by Wednesday at 6PM. What time will HQ open Thursday morning so I can get what I need to get from them? I think 7:30 but want to make sure.

No problem. Any GM packets not picked up on Wednesday afternoon will b available at HQ during normal hours. We typically open the room about an hour before the first slot starts and will be available all day. Stop by anytime.

Gary Bush wrote:

I have access to 2 of 3 Evergreens. Should I purchase the one that I don’t have so I can prep for it?

This is a question I will forward to Tonya. We cannot pre-emptively just drop all three evergreens into the account of every GM and since we don't know who might need them, its harder to deal with. Buying them yourself is certainly an option. They are only $4 afterall, but I would encourage you to work with your VO team to be a GM at a local event that is receiving prize support whether that be a regional event or a convention. That would get you access to the the scenario you are running.

Last year I contacted the PFS Coordinator about the evergreens that I didn't have at that time. At some point The Wounded Wisp was added to my account. I expect that if they are not added automatically to my account this year, I will ask again.

Another question, this time about GM rewards.

The blog post says t-shirts are for "new volunteers". I actually got 4 of these when I GMed at GenCon a few years ago, but I've since given away one of mine. I'd actually like to get extras, if possible, so I can give them away as an encouragement to new GMs at our local store.

Am I not allowed to get more shirts since I already got them once? As I said, I already gave away one, so I only have 3 for myself, and I'm scheduled to GM all 4 days this time around, so I could really use one more, at least.

... I would encourage you to work with your VO team to be a GM at a local event that is receiving prize support whether that be a regional event or a convention. That would get you access to the the scenario you are running.

This is how I was able to get The Confirmation. Not sure what other cons there are in my area but will look into that.

I got the Wounded Wisp from the Humble bundle.

As you said, it is only $4 so not a big deal.

Jordan Agudelo wrote:

Got The Sun Orchid Scheme all weekend. Already ran it once local. Gonna love seeing peoples reaction to this scenario.

I got Bid for Alabastrine all weekend. Hasn't even come out yet.

Venture Agents just received the scenario. Somewhat odd during the middle of month.

I've got a few pointers for Sun Orchid Scheme. Just message me and I'll reply to questions or queries.

I've just finished sending out the schedules for HQ volunteers. If you don't receive yours by tomorrow morning and think that you should have, please contact me directly at genconpfslead@gmail.com.

schedule and badge dropped. Thanks for all the hard work!!!!

Will we be e-mailed room assignments just like in previous years?

For those who are watching ticket sales, we are shifting tickets for the Friday night special to adjust for demand. That means some GMs will have their tier assignment changed to meet the demand. This change will occur long before you will need to actually start prepping.

Another question, this time about GM rewards.

The blog post says t-shirts are for "new volunteers". I actually got 4 of these when I GMed at GenCon a few years ago, but I've since given away one of mine. I'd actually like to get extras, if possible, so I can give them away as an encouragement to new GMs at our local store.

Am I not allowed to get more shirts since I already got them once? As I said, I already gave away one, so I only have 3 for myself, and I'm scheduled to GM all 4 days this time around, so I could really use one more, at least.

We issue T-shirts every two years, on an as needed basis. So if you got yours a few years ago, you are eligible for a new batch. Please send an email (with number and size) to genconpfsvolunteer@paizo.com, so that I can update your info.

Will we be e-mailed room assignments just like in previous years?

Yes. It won't happen until June though.

Fromper wrote:

Another question, this time about GM rewards.

The blog post says t-shirts are for "new volunteers". I actually got 4 of these when I GMed at GenCon a few years ago, but I've since given away one of mine. I'd actually like to get extras, if possible, so I can give them away as an encouragement to new GMs at our local store.

Am I not allowed to get more shirts since I already got them once? As I said, I already gave away one, so I only have 3 for myself, and I'm scheduled to GM all 4 days this time around, so I could really use one more, at least.

We issue T-shirts every two years, on an as needed basis. So if you got yours a few years ago, you are eligible for a new batch. Please send an email (with number and size) to genconpfsvolunteers@paizo.com, so that I can update your info.

That email address didn't work.

I see on the GenCon website that each events could have a GM assigned. Will the GenCon events be updated with actual GM names?

Doubtful. We've never done that before and with periodic cancellations and changes from now til the event, not really worth the effort. Besides, it's not critical that the names of each GM be published.

However, there is a tradition of some GMs posting their schedules on the GM boards for all to see so people can seek out their favorites, though there is no guarantee you will get a particular table. I started the thread for this year this afternoon.

edit: here

So, we've experienced some cancellations and have some availability for more volunteers, mostly RPG GMs, but also ACG and Quests. If you have not already done so, scroll up to the top of this page, read the open call information and follow the link at the bottom to the online application. I will be getting a change log report from Tonya this week that will include added volunteers. If you are on that list, I may be able to find a suitable place for you. A couple of hotel room spaces have opened up but they will go quickly (first come first serve) so get your application submitted ASAP for consideration.

This is my first year, I am all in and Tier 1. So in it, to win it! But, don't worry. I will bring filler games we can play on slow times. :D

For those who are watching ticket sales, we are shifting tickets for the Friday night special to adjust for demand. That means some GMs will have their tier assignment changed to meet the demand. This change will occur long before you will need to actually start prepping.

Looks like it's about time to shift them again. Lots of tickets available for tier 1-2, and the others are almost sold out.

Bob, Tonya, and team have been on the ball getting this balanced out.

Looking at the current offers on the Gencon event finder, I see that there is a fair amount of available seats for the scenario I have been assigned.

Do assignments have a possibility of being changed (ie, being assigned another scenario) before the con?

I already understand I need to prepare the Evergreens.

Thanks

Event tickets have only been on sale for 2 days. The die hards have signed up, but I'd expect lots of casual players, or those trying to keep a flexible schedule, to buy tickets at the last minute, or just show up on game day with generic tickets.

To my knowledge, they won't re-assign your scenarios, other than maybe pulling you to do an evergreen if necessary.

Ok good to know.

How common/unusual is it for a table not to fire?

When mustering are tables set at 4 players or set full at 6?

Are tables allowed to go to 7?

Last year if your table didn't fire, sometimes you ran an evergreen or kids academy, if I remember correctly. All my tables were full except one, which was 7. The one with 7 people, I was asked first if I wanted a 7th.

To my knowledge, they won't re-assign your scenarios, other than maybe pulling you to do an evergreen if necessary.

Last year, a few weeks into ticket sales, some of the scenarios offerings were adjusted. Affected GMs were notified that their assignment had changed. I'm not sure how many this actually affected, but it was probably less then ten tables per slot.

If tables/scenarios are adjusted based on ticket sales this year, I actually expect this may have a bigger impact on GMs. That's because it appears that Bob has done an excellent job assigning GMs a minimum number of scenarios to prep for. As I am only preparing for one scenario to run at GenCon, if Bob changes my schedule, he'll be doubling my preps :-) But, realistically, I'd rather prep a scenario that is in demand than sit at an empty table.

Gary,
Over the last couple of years, it seemed like about ten or so tables didn't make per session, specials excepted. That may be better or worse this year, it is hard to say. All of mine happened last year, though one was a last second switch to The Confirmation!

It depends on a number of things. From my own observations (which are admittedly anecdotal and should be taken with about a shaker of salt), when players are getting assigned to tables it tends to go alphabetically, so depending on where you fall in the alphabet you might have a better or worse chance of a table making. Additionally, Sunday tables have in my prior experience been pretty fickle, out of two GenCons I have both of my Sunday slots not go off.

It depends on a number of things. From my own observations (which are admittedly anecdotal and should be taken with about a shaker of salt), when players are getting assigned to tables it tends to go alphabetically, so depending on where you fall in the alphabet you might have a better or worse chance of a table making. Additionally, Sunday tables have in my prior experience been pretty fickle, out of two GenCons I have both of my Sunday slots not go off.

LAst year, if you had a table of yours not fire, you were put on a priority list for your next slot so you would be one of the first to get a table. This way, you didn't end up getting all of your slots off.

Makes sense. I figured HQ probably had something like that in place, but it never really mattered with my two slots that didn't make.

The other risk was higher tier stuff, excepting the specials. Anecdotal evidence made it seem that be 7-11s were less likely to get sold.

Thank you all for the responses.

Sorry if my questions are noobish, but hey, I am a noob to GenCon! :)

Traditionally, 7-11 scenarios are more likely to cancel than lower level stuff, but we have some ideas and new procedures to mitigate some of that. Cancelled tables don't help anyone and could put our ownership of the entire ballroom at risk.
Its interesting to note that for specials, to opposite is true. 7-11 have a much higher demand than normal scenarios. Just one of those things we have to watch and manage in real time. Predicting how many tickets are needed for each scenario/slot/table is as much luck as it is science.

Predicting how many tickets are needed for each scenario/slot/table is as much luck as it is science.

And this what you get paid the big bucks for right!? :)

since there was a call for more volunteers any idea when we may hear about if we were accepted as volunteers?

I will be pecking at it a little bit, but to be honest, my focus is back on PaizoCon. When I return home from Seattle, my attention will return to GenCon.

Tonya Woldridge wrote:

Fromper wrote:

Another question, this time about GM rewards.

The blog post says t-shirts are for "new volunteers". I actually got 4 of these when I GMed at GenCon a few years ago, but I've since given away one of mine. I'd actually like to get extras, if possible, so I can give them away as an encouragement to new GMs at our local store.

Am I not allowed to get more shirts since I already got them once? As I said, I already gave away one, so I only have 3 for myself, and I'm scheduled to GM all 4 days this time around, so I could really use one more, at least.

We issue T-shirts every two years, on an as needed basis. So if you got yours a few years ago, you are eligible for a new batch. Please send an email (with number and size) to genconpfsvolunteers@paizo.com, so that I can update your info.

That email address didn't work.

It was supposed to be genconpfsvolunteer@paizo.com, with no S before the @. I have edited it. (And our postmaster has made it a viable alias anyway.)

I'm assuming we'll get the scenarios we're supposed to GM added to our downloads for free. When can we expect that to happen? I've got one that's already available, and pretty complicated, so I was hoping to start reading it very early, hopefully within the next week or two.

I'm assuming we'll get the scenarios we're supposed to GM added to our downloads for free. When can we expect that to happen? I've got one that's already available, and pretty complicated, so I was hoping to start reading it very early, hopefully within the next week or two.

Generally; in the past, it's happened w/in a couple weeks of the show. That might change this year, but err on the side of caution and assume it won't happen early

I'm assuming we'll get the scenarios we're supposed to GM added to our downloads for free. When can we expect that to happen? I've got one that's already available, and pretty complicated, so I was hoping to start reading it very early, hopefully within the next week or two.

Granting scenarios and the timing thereof are more the purview of the organized play coordinator; because she's out for a few days enjoying some time off, I'll give a provisional answer.

The intention's to get scenarios out to Gen Con GMs with considerable time to prepare, and it definitely makes sense to drop already-published adventures to GMs once we have the files ready. This might already be the policy. I'll discuss it further once the team's all back together later this week.

John, should I message Tonya or someone else about con support while she's off? (Meant to ask during the weekend, since the con in question is Thursday.)

John, should I message Tonya or someone else about con support while she's off? (Meant to ask during the weekend, since the con in question is Thursday.)

Email her, CC me, and it might be possible to resolve the matter. I understand she resolved pretty much every pending request before PaizoCon in anticipation of taking a short vacation this week.

I hate that I found out about volunteering so late. I have never been to Gen Con before though I've always wanted to go. This is likely my last opportunity to go for quite some time as I'll be having my first child in December and I doubt I would be able to make this kind of time after that. Please consider my volunteer application if it's not too late!

I hate that I found out about volunteering so late. I have never been to Gen Con before though I've always wanted to go. This is likely my last opportunity to go for quite some time as I'll be having my first child in December and I doubt I would be able to make this kind of time after that. Please consider my volunteer application if it's not too late!

You should definitely go to the convention, even if they don't need you as a volunteer. It's something worth experiencing at least once.

And congrats on the upcoming child!

Fromper wrote:

I'm assuming we'll get the scenarios we're supposed to GM added to our downloads for free. When can we expect that to happen? I've got one that's already available, and pretty complicated, so I was hoping to start reading it very early, hopefully within the next week or two.

Granting scenarios and the timing thereof are more the purview of the organized play coordinator; because she's out for a few days enjoying some time off, I'll give a provisional answer.

The intention's to get scenarios out to Gen Con GMs with considerable time to prepare, and it definitely makes sense to drop already-published adventures to GMs once we have the files ready. This might already be the policy. I'll discuss it further once the team's all back together later this week.

Thanks for the quick response.

I intentionally waited until after PaizoCon to ask. And as I said, I was hoping to start reading in a week or two. Definitely not a rush yet, with Gen Con still over 2 months away. But the earlier, the better.

Steven Schopmeyer wrote:

John, should I message Tonya or someone else about con support while she's off? (Meant to ask during the weekend, since the con in question is Thursday.)

Email her, CC me, and it might be possible to resolve the matter. I understand she resolved pretty much every pending request before PaizoCon in anticipation of taking a short vacation this week.

Email sent in regards to 2D Con

Thank you, John, for helping out with this!