After years and years of putting it off, I want to attend a convention (or more) in 2010. Some of my gaming buddies want to make it a group trip, which makes things cooler.
PaizoCon is pretty much a given, if we can get in (assuming limited number of slots like last year). We're only a few hours south, so we plan on road-tripping up to Seattle and hanging out up there for a week.
GenCon and DragonCon are the other two conventions that come to mind. GenCon is an obvious draw, as we're all gamers, but DragonCon has a massively impressive guest-list, and to be perfectly honest, seems like there's more to do there.
All of us want to hit up GenCon, but we're not really interested in gaming in the convention - we'd mostly like to check out the new stuff, get exposure to stuff that the locals don't stock, meet some people, etc.
One thing we're trying to wrap our heads around is budgeting for the con. We've got a handle on airfare and admission (considering the VIG for GenCon) and what not, but hotels aren't the easiest to plan for - the websites don't list con-rates, and apparently, you can't book a hotel for GenCon without registering for some goofy deal via the City of Indianapolis(which I don't really want to do right now).
So, my question goes out to you fine folks who have attended GenCon or DragonCon in the past:
What did it cost you? What was your breakdown, as far as expenses and what not?
Our goal is to bring about $500-$600/each for spending money (books, etc.) and $300/each for meals/drinks/whatever. Rounding up, make it an easy $1K.
What did you pay for hotels? If you took advantage of the VIG program, how did that help?
On the note of the VIG, were there any limitations for companion badge holders that bothered you?
For DragonCon, what hotel ends up being "the best"? It appears that the con is held across multiple hotels?
Any special things to note for this?
THANK YOU!
Director of Narrative
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At Gen Con this year, our hotel room (from Wed – Mon) was a little over $800 (split between two). My flight was $225 from Austin. Regular four day badge was $60ish. I honestly didn’t track what I spent on food and drinks, and strangely enough, I spent a little over $100 on goodies in the dealer hall.
Hope this helps.
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We stayed at the Embassy Suites for GenCon this year; the suite cost $167 a night, plus $26.72 in taxes and $20.00 a day for hotel parking ($213.72 per day, total). The Embassy Suites is a nice place to stay if you've got a group that is sharing a room. The elevators can be a pain in the butt, but that's not too big of a deal... :)
There are plenty of restaurants in the area; you can go fast food, but my group never does, honestly. Free breakfasts help quite a bit with expenses; in fact, some days we'd eat a late breakfast, skip lunch, and just eat an early dinner. There's a great variety of restaurants around the convention center; I'd be happy to make some recommendations.
I'd highly recommend GenCon overall. There's plenty to do other than gaming- my group (myself and three friends) actually spend most of our time in the Exhibitor Hall, throwing in a few games (Pathfinder Society, Magic, etc.) here and there. Indianapolis is a fantastic city, as well, and is very "gamer-friendly." We look forward to it all year.
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I also get VIG and stayed at the Embassy Suites, but I took a cab rather than driving, so parking was out. It's about $25 one way to the airport, if I remember right. They have rooms with 2 queen beds plus a sofa that unfolds into another bed, so depending on your group size and composition, it can be a pretty good deal. The management might not allow 6, but 4 in a room like that should be OK. The best things about VIG are that you are almost guaranteed your room of choice, and I think there's some event registration preference. Pretty much the only way not to get the room you want as a VIG is to sign up for it late, and want a hotel connected to the convention center.
Thanks for the responses!
Does the VIG get you discounted hotel rates, or do you pay the same as any other GenCon attendee?
The VIG website mentions the mixer with Peter Adkison, which your VIG gets you into, plus you can buy one extra ticket to that.
Since you can get up to three VIG companions, does this basically mean that you and one other person can go, or do the companions get into that particular event as well?
Thanks for the responses!
Does the VIG get you discounted hotel rates, or do you pay the same as any other GenCon attendee?
The VIG website mentions the mixer with Peter Adkison, which your VIG gets you into, plus you can buy one extra ticket to that.
Since you can get up to three VIG companions, does this basically mean that you and one other person can go, or do the companions get into that particular event as well?
You can buy tickets to that event for your companions.
You don't get a discount on hotels, only guaranteed housing (with a pretty good chance of getting your first (of three) choices).
I got it this year for the first time. My wife was my companion. I personally won't do it again. For me, the perks didn't meet the price. The swag was good (but I won't end up using most of it), the lounge was by far the best perk.
Save the $500 and spend it at the Paizo booth. I ended up doing both (literally). LOL!
I traveled to Gen Con this year for the first time in ages and the cost was very reasonable. Started out by ordering my badge for $60 and signing up for a few games. I flew out of NC round trip for $156 - that included taxes and fees! My first night in Indy (Wednesday night) I stayed near the airport at the Ramada - $51 bucks!
Thursday morning, took a cab into the city ($21.00) to the Omni where my buddy had reserved a room Thursday - Sunday. They allowed me to stow my luggage and I went to the show; came back around 2:00pm and checked in.
The hotel was roughly $160 a night, but split in half, my total cost was something like $258 and some change. The Omni was freakin' excellent in every way - close to the convention center; even connected to the convention center via sky walk; nice quiet rooms, wonderful staff. I'd stay there again in a heartbeat...but not without a roomie to split costs.
Edit: And there is a bus that makes regular trips to and from the airport for $7.00 one way! Can't beat it!
Like others have said regarding food, you can eat cheap or you can break your wallet. I like a good breakfast so I walked to the corner and ate at the Steak and Shake on Friday and Saturday mornings - ate like a horse for less than 7 bucks!
There are two great breweries/sports bars opposite one another, The Ram and er...I can't remember the other one, but I spent most of my sit down eating time at the Ram - great staff, great food, reasonable prices, excellent beer. And they cater to gamers during Gen Con - meaning they rename their beers and show movies on the big screen in the bar. Super place and the best freakin' reuben I've ever ate...period!
On food, I probably spent something like $100 bucks or so - I packed several snacks and water on the plane and for the show - yeah I know they are taboo inside the con, but I refuse to pay con prices for food.
As for things to do, it's unlimited. The Indy Zoo is very good and close to the convention center, there are several places to shop downtown, lots of museums and art galleries, and if you like football, the new Colts stadium hovers over all of it. I was lucky to get to see a pre-season game - lots of friendly folks, tailgating (brat and beer for 6 bucks; I had several!), just a great city.
Anyway, in total, the trip cost me roughly $600-650 - a few bucks more than I wanted to spend, but all in all, I had a great time and will go back again.
As for Dragon Con, it's a bit more pricey, especially if you stay near the convention. It's been a few years since I went there, so I'll let someone else weigh in on the specifics - Dragon Con is just ending today so be patient for a few days while folks recover. :)
Three of us stayed at the Hilton, so split three ways, it wasn't too bad as I recall - something like $150 or so each. We drove there from NC and that saved on airfare, however, we got raped on parking - something like $25 bucks a day! Just ridiculous. Food was reasonable - about the same as Indy. Cost more to get inside the con - badges are more expensive.
Tons to do in Atlanta! And the show has become a cosplay lovers paradise with a huge parade - I watched it online yesterday - lots of artists, actors, and such - comic books, games, movies, bands - it's a party!
And you can stay on the outskirts of downtown and take the Marta (the subway) into the city - pretty cheap alternative to driving and parking. Of course, if you're flying in then don't rent a car - just walk or Marta it around town.
Great information, thanks!
The VIG package is still up for debate - from what I saw of the swag the VIG got, it's cool, but ultimately not very attractive/useful for myself or my group.
I guess we need to finally sit down and decide if the lounge access, the mixer (and apparently, the added cost per VIG companion) and other VIG events are worth the extra money, or if it's better to just spend all that green on more books/minis/dice/whatever...
Kyle: You didn't find the lounge worth the added expense - what if you were travelling with 3 companions, and you all split the cost of the VIG/companion badges?
$200/each, vs. $68/each is a little easier to swallow...
PaizoCon. :D
Wayfinder, PaizoCon Founder
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Indeed...PaizoCon III. Being a "local" of sorts, this should be on the top of your list for 2010.
As for it being "sold out", it certainly is possible, now that the juggernaut that is Paizo has tons of momentum, and will continue to build up steam; but, this year's PaizoCon wasn't sold out. And there's nothing preventing that cap being raised...if the demand is there.
Kyle: You didn't find the lounge worth the added expense - what if you were travelling with 3 companions, and you all split the cost of the VIG/companion badges?
$200/each, vs. $68/each is a little easier to swallow...
For $200 each... that would probably make it worth my while, but right at my upper limit of what it's worth. Essentially you'll be paying $132 for access to the VIG lounge, a very peaceful hour in the dealer hall on Thursday, and some swag that you can split up, and a guarantee that you'll get a close hotel (which like I said wasn't an issue this year).
One big pain in the butt was the registration on site. On Thursday, I wanted to cancel a couple of prereg events and sign up for new ones. The registration opens at noon. The registration tables in the VIG lounge didn't open until FOUR! So if I needed to try to get into something that was almost already sold out, I had to go into the regular 2-hour line or wait until 4. And then, they didn't have the ability to give you refunds there, so you had to go back out to customer service, wait in line, and then get your refund. Very poorly handled, especially being the 3rd year of the VIG program.
Sorry, but what's this "VIG" thing you're talking about? I guess it means Very Important Guest, and not about having a visit from Fat Tony's baseball-wielding colleagues.
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When I go to GenCon I stay at the Crowne Plaza Union Station because it's within EASY walking distance, and once I joined their "Priority Club Rewards" I don't have any issue with booking ahead of time, I usually book right after badges go on sale. I don't get any discount on the room associated with the con, but I'll "pay for the convenience".
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CEO
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Indeed...PaizoCon III. Being a "local" of sorts, this should be on the top of your list for 2010.
As for it being "sold out", it certainly is possible, now that the juggernaut that is Paizo has tons of momentum, and will continue to build up steam; but, this year's PaizoCon wasn't sold out. And there's nothing preventing that cap being raised...if the demand is there.
We should be announcing Paizocon dates sometime pretty soon. And I think we will be able to increase the cap a bit so hopefully nobody who wants to come will be left out. This year's Paizocon was a highlight for me and with one year under our belts I think that Paizocon III will be even better, if you can actually imagine that! Watch our blog for more details coming soon. Soon I tell you. :)
-Lisa
Indeed...PaizoCon III. Being a "local" of sorts, this should be on the top of your list for 2010.
As for it being "sold out", it certainly is possible, now that the juggernaut that is Paizo has tons of momentum, and will continue to build up steam; but, this year's PaizoCon wasn't sold out. And there's nothing preventing that cap being raised...if the demand is there.
We should be announcing Paizocon dates sometime pretty soon. And I think we will be able to increase the cap a bit so hopefully nobody who wants to come will be left out. This year's Paizocon was a highlight for me and with one year under our belts I think that Paizocon III will be even better, if you can actually imagine that! Watch our blog for more details coming soon. Soon I tell you. :)
-Lisa
Well? We're waiting... ;-)
Seriously, if I take one vacation next year it will be Paizocon. (It will also be my first Con.)
Now... about that blog.
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I am planning on attending Paizocon III - it will be my FIRST con, despite many many years as a gamer.
This thread is very interesting and valuable. Could those who attended this last Paizocon provide similar info please. How much did they spend for a room and where? How much was food? How much was the actual con etc.
I will be flying from Pennsylvania, so plane fare will be an obvious expense for me as well. Anyone fly from the East Coast this last time?
Thanks!!!
We set the dates today for Paizocon III.Woot!!!
I assume that Josh will be making a blog post once he has all his ducks in a row.Aw, man...
I'm really looking forward to it!
-Lisa
Such a tease.
;-D
We set the dates today for Paizocon III. I assume that Josh will be making a blog post once he has all his ducks in a row. I'm really looking forward to it!
-Lisa
Where is the blog post?!??!?!?
Sorry, I had a lot of fun at Paizocon II, so I'm impatient about news for next year's con.
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CEO
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We set the dates today for Paizocon III. I assume that Josh will be making a blog post once he has all his ducks in a row. I'm really looking forward to it!
-Lisa
Cool!
Now it's even more important ... any chance anyone can answer any of the cost questions from above ??? :)
The costs are one of the ducks that need to be rowed. :)
-Lisa
The costs are one of the ducks that need to be rowed. :)
-Lisa
...
It's too early, I read only Lisa's reply and let me tell you, out of context it is capable of causing brain-lock.
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We set the dates today for Paizocon III. I assume that Josh will be making a blog post once he has all his ducks in a row. I'm really looking forward to it!
-Lisa
Cool!
Now it's even more important ... any chance anyone can answer any of the cost questions from above ??? :)
The costs are one of the ducks that need to be rowed. :)
-Lisa
Understood! :)
Could anyone that was able to attend last year give some costs? How much for your room? Where did you stay? How much were tickets etc?
I'm just trying to get a ballpark idea here ...
Thanks!
Understood! :)
Could anyone that was able to attend last year give some costs? How much for your room? Where did you stay? How much were tickets etc?
I'm just trying to get a ballpark idea here ...
Thanks!
Tickets last year were $35 for all three days. I stayed at Casa de Timitius, but from what I understand the hotel costs were reasonable with the convention discount, and decent food is within walking distance and the banquet ticket (was $5 to $10 I think) was worth far more, given the selection that we got.
I got it this year for the first time. My wife was my companion. I personally won't do it again. For me, the perks didn't meet the price. The swag was good (but I won't end up using most of it), the lounge was by far the best perk.
Save the $500 and spend it at the Paizo booth. I ended up doing both (literally). LOL!
Mooched on Kyle's extra VIG companion slots so it was great for us, but the $500 pricetag on the main badge is way too much. (1 VIG gets you 3 companion badges at $100 each)
We stayed on the outer freeway ring for ~$100 a night, split 2 ways, but the drive and parking was a hassle. Parking is really expensive down there. I'd rather spend the $25 a day on books. Plus we missed out on some of the local parties. Game tickets were $6 to $8 for what we signed up for, but there were several free events. We spent $30 for 2 days on games.
So next year, we'll pre-reg as much as possible, (the on-site reg lines were insane!) save up for a downtown spot, and party like rock stars.
PaizoCon. :D
Oh, we're definitely there for that.
That's an easy/inexpensive one to get to (no airfare), since we're just down the Five in smelly Albany... :)
I'm curious how many other Oregonians are going to invade the glacier-ridden city of Seattle. :)
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We set the dates today for Paizocon III. I assume that Josh will be making a blog post once he has all his ducks in a row. I'm really looking forward to it!
-Lisa
Cool!
Now it's even more important ... any chance anyone can answer any of the cost questions from above ??? :)
The costs are one of the ducks that need to be rowed. :)
-Lisa
Lisa,
Any idea how soon we might see those dates, as well as additional info?
Soon is so ... vague ... :)
Thanks!!!
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CEO
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Lisa,
Any idea how soon we might see those dates, as well as additional info?
Soon is so ... vague ... :)
Thanks!!!
Well, vagueness is all I have for you right now. Josh has been out this week with a sick child at home, so that has slowed the process down a bit. We want to get the info out as soon as possible, but with those ducks not being rowed and all, I don't want to promise a specific date other than as soon as we can. :)
-Lisa
Here's hoping it's the weekend of June 12-13! For reasons why, see this thread.
I'm not worried about specific dates at this point, Lisa, but is it likely to be June or July?Almost assuredly it will be in June.
-Lisa
CAUTION! She's a GM. ;)
'There is almost assuredly nothing behind that door.'
Hopefully I'll be able to make PaizoCon next year. Now I just have to convince the wife that Seattle should be one of our rare vacation destinations. :)
I'm not worried about specific dates at this point, Lisa, but is it likely to be June or July?Almost assuredly it will be in June.
-Lisa
Sweet, I can make it a Birthday trip.
Lisa: Any guesstimate on price for 2010's Paizocon? Similar to last year?
I've got two more here that want to attend, so it may be up to me to be watching the website to ensure we all get a pass.
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CEO
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Lisa: Any guesstimate on price for 2010's Paizocon? Similar to last year?
I've got two more here that want to attend, so it may be up to me to be watching the website to ensure we all get a pass.
I am guessing that it might be a touch higher since some of the prices have gone up, but it should still be very reasonable.
-Lisa
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I'm not worried about specific dates at this point, Lisa, but is it likely to be June or July?Almost assuredly it will be in June.
-Lisa
I am moving back to the states in May... June may be too soon for me.. :-(. I will try though, If I come I will bring some more Ducks to row up!
QUACK! QUACK! QUACK! Those ducks in a row yet?
QUACK! QUACK! QUACK! Those ducks in a row yet?No, but their breast meat was delicious with a nice merlot!
-Lisa
This is not the dragon you are looking for.
Paizo are currently running around lining up ducks in the hope of appeasing my palate. The Dragons, by dint of their highly skilled operatives, won season zero of Pathfinder Society (hence the events manager's tight-lipped position on this very subject on the PFS forums) and so naturally (and properly) Paizo have had to invite me, as official boards representative of the dragons faction, to PaizoCon '10. However due to some sort of health and safety regulations (ridiculous nonsense, I consider, since as a black dragon of my age and magnificence there is very little which causes me to feel either unhealthy or unsafe) and a requirement of some pettifogging bureaucratic nincompoops to supply my 'fingerprints' for some sort of travel documentation before I will legally be permitted entry to the country there is some doubt over whether I will be able to attend without encountering most of the United States' armed forces; anyway, to cut a long story short, Paizo are supplying me with ducks in an attempt to placate me with gourmet food in the hope that they can render me amiable enough to waive my right to attend.The duck a l'orange, last night, I must say was quite good, almost as tasty and citrus flavoured as the three plump halfling chefs that prepared it.
I trust that that clarifies why Paizo are so busy lining up ducks.
This is still not the dragon which you are looking for, but oh look, over there, it is an african swallow laden with coconuts. What exactly is its air speed velocity?
QUACK! SMURF! QUACK!
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CEO
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Actually Lisa, I've had a thought. The first two weeks of June would be out for me as I'll have at least one exam then and won't know the exact date(s) until February, so the last two weeks of June would be better (for me, anyway).
The dates have actually already been set, we are just waiting for the signed contract from the hotel to come back so we can make an announcement. That, and for Josh to come back from the edge of death and for Erik to come back from his Minnesota sport tour de force this weekend (which will end poorly when his Vikings are beaten soundly at home by my Packers).
-Lisa