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Good morning - errr - evening, Pathfinders!
Last night, inspired by some excellent information from Will Johnson regarding attending Pacificon on Budget, I’ve started a new handout for our players. Creatively titled “Pacificon on a Budget”, it contains a couple of alternative hotel options, some food advice, and of course, a reminder that in addition to supporting the local gaming community, GMing three sessions also provides a free badge to the convention. I’ve linked to the rough draft here, but I know that some of you must also have some advice in this area. So come on, share some tips with me, so we can share them with others.
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Depending on the region, there are often a lot of benefits for helping out at the con. Whether it's the free badge that most cons give away to free rooms at the big conventions like GenCon and Origins. Always check with both the GM organizers for the game(s) you want to play as well as the volunteer section for the overall con itself. These things do take away from time you have to just sit and play, but they can make attending much cheaper.
If you are travelling, split fuel costs. I travelled to Origins with 4 people in the car and it looks like we'll be doing at least 2 for GenCon. This will save a lot of money, especially when the other option is flying.
As above, splitting room fees with as many people as is feasible will help tremendously. Travelling will also make you friends in the local community which can equal to crash space.
Dollar menus at fast food may not be tasty, but they can be your friend. Even so, I'd suggest having at least one good meal every 2 days of a con. Talk to locals for where the good deals are hidden or do your research ahead of time. Some of my favorite and inexpensive places to eat at GenCon tend to not be the crowded ones.
My trip to GenCon this year is going to be incredibly inexpensive (save for when I find time to go to the dealers hall). Of course, I'm running every slot of the convention. 8 slots of Pathfinder (1 OF) and 2 slots of Heroes of Rokugan. All I have to worry about is getting there and food.
Obviously, some of these won't work with everyone, but it's a start. I LOVE the convention scene. I LOVE meeting and playing with new players. Paizo and other companies I've dealt with have been very kind with awarding thier judges, but I'll say here what I say to them every time. I don't do it for the Freebies. I don't do it for the boons or the free product. I don't do it for the store credit. I do it because I LOVE gaming.
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I have a lot to say on this subject as the Director of one of the most affordable 4-day conventions in the US. SCARAB Gaming Convention Take a look at our shop and compare page.
Going to a convention can be a significant expense if you don't have someone who can help you plan it.
If you are flying in - look for free shuttle services.
Food - ask if they have a food court or cantina and if so find out what the prices are like. For example we sell a 16oz soda for $1 most conventions that I attend are selling 8oz sodas for $2. If you are a soda drinker that adds up.
Hotels and Con Registration - book early and often. Meaning book your room but stay on top of the online specials and other deals in the area and if you can find one cheaper within walking distance jump on it. Pre-reg and Registration Specials? We are running one right now - it ends today as a matter of fact, many conventions do, jump on them if you can. Another great example that SCARAB uses is the concierge bag - our first 100 concierge bags last year had a retail value of $125 the second 100 were worth $80 and so on and so on. If you can get your money back out of the concierge bag that also makes a difference.
Roommates - See if the convention has a facebook page or forums that you can advertise for some roommates on. Its hit or miss but can be a huge cost savings.
Group Discounts - Some conventions offer group discounts.
Volunteer and GM discounts - Many cons offer a chance for volunteers and GMs to get a little $$$ back with very little effort.
I can talk for hours on this subject. We have helped several conventions in the area plan for their events to help keep costs low. Which is another great point, look for conventions that are doing everything they can to keep costs low.
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Realize that not every con has a store with food open 24 hours a day nearby. For this reason I like to bring a whole loaf of bread with a bottle of peanut butter and jelly. It comes in handy when you have a craving during midnight madness or when you were too busy between rounds or your previous slot ran over time.