Gen Con '18 Preparations Advice


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I've got everything squared away for my one day trip down to Indy this year.

Next year I want to spend 3 days down there though, this is assuming that it remains in Indianapolis. I have a good idea of what I need to set up and when, but I'm fairly certain that others on the boards have done this multiple times, so I'd love to hear what others do to prepare.

Some info:

I live in Indiana, so getting to Indy isn't much of an issue.

I haven't been involved with organized play at all and I doubt volunteering at a major convention would be a great place to start.

I'll need a hotel room and a good place to park my car for long periods of time assuming the hotel isn't a close walking distance.

Anyone have some advice, time frame to make reservations, etc?

I'll check back tomorrow and answer any other questions.

Thank you for any advice you can give.

Grand Lodge

Well, it will be in Indy the next few years, at least, because they've got a multi-year contract.

We generally make reservations at hotels on the north side of town. We've never had any problems making reservations even a month in advance because we don't try to get ones downtown.

Parking: best place I've found is the huge parking ramp just to the east of the basketball arena where the Pacers play. Always seems to have room and prices are good.


Thanks for the advice Michael.

That sounds pretty close to what I was thinking.


Pathfinder Starfinder Roleplaying Game Subscriber

If you're not physically tied to being 'close', the rates get a bit cheaper and so does the accessibility. I'd avoid anything south by the airport, because those will be higher due to the airport proximity.

Be mindful if you park in any municipal parking structure, they close on the weekend and will not open until Monday morning, so your vehicle will be trapped there during that time.

Even if you haven't been involved in Organized Play, drop by the Sagamore Ballroom and see if you can get some Quests in (for Starfinder, at least) or try to hit the exhibitor's booth in the Dealer's Hall.

If you go to the Dealer's Hall, always in motion one must be. The crowds are... significant.

Movement and flow is important.

Be mindful of one's location and do not stop dead in front of a particular booth, instead work with traffic flow to get there.

Deodorant.

Clean Clothes.

Bathing.

It may seem common sense, but there are many who do not follow these simple guidelines and it makes life miserable for everyone else. Don't be that person.

Food, Drink:

Bring your own if you can, and try to avoid purchasing from the convention center if you have a choice and you're on a time table.


I went to Gen Con last year Wei Ji. It was definitely an experience.

The crowds were substantial, but I've gotten pretty good at moving my bulky frame around the crowds. It does help that I can see over almost everyone, so seeing gaps is much easier.

Basic hygiene I got covered. Spending days camping with the Boy Scouts made me acutely aware of young campers that didn't bathe once in the whole week. I will definitely not be the guy that smells terrible.

Actually, this year I'm going solo to Gen Con since my friends had obligations and/or were late to get tickets. Since I'm on my own, I wouldn't mind stopping by the Sagamore that just wanted to see what organized play is all about, Pathfinder or Starfinder for that matter.

Heck, it'd be nice to meet some of you fine folks.

*Hotel on the north side of town.
*Avoid municipal parking structures.
(It looks like the Virginia Avenue garage or Dennison garage is what Michael referred to)


I found Sean Reynolds' Gen Con Tips, Rules, and Things to Bring helpful. I'm attending for the first time this year, and I'm taking to heart his first tip: play games you don't get to play at home.

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