As the title says, I'm travelling from the UK for GenCon and I'm a complete noob for GenCon on the US. I've attended several GenCons (around 20 years ago) in the UK and lots of other conventions but nothing as big as what you've got over there.... so some advise please..
Matt
Eventually Gen Con will post a list of all the events including games that it has scheduled. Then you can buy tickets for the ones that interest you. There will also be some pick-up games here and there in hotel lobbies, etc.
GMing something as an official event would require submitting it, you'll want to read this document on how to do that: https://files.gencon.com/genconeventhostpolicy.pdf
You'll notice that finding events will begin on May 19th and that's when you can find the games and events you'd like to play/participate in which, I'm pretty sure, includes the 5k.
The 5K is the Orc Stomp. It's a course through White River State Park. No, there's no showers or storage, so if you're far out and don't have a connection to someone who would let you borrow a shower, might be best to skip it.
Matt,
I am also in the UK and was considering attending but had given up hope as I was not able to get a hotel room within 5 miles of the convention centre. Oh, and I also went to some of the UK Gen Cons years ago: London, Reading and Bognor. Maybe we were at the same UK ones!
You inspired me to be more intrepid in my efforts to attend. Do you mind if I reach out to you privately? I don't think these forums have PMing but maybe we can connect elsewhere, e.g. EN World.
Please let me know in this thread.
Thanks,
Zander
Is there a group of non-noobs that I can hang out with that can show me the ropes?
( I'm also coming in from the UK )
There's a Wednesday night social event that's pretty good for meeting folks, and a non-American accent tends to mean that people will notice you & say hello.( I'm also coming in from the UK )
All answers greatfully recieved. Matt
First piece of advice, aim to arrive Wednesday Afternoon so you can pick up your badges and ticket from Will Call before the convention starts. You don't want to be stuck in a huge queue when everything's happening around you.
Event registration goes live 19th May, and you can build a wishlist for two weeks before that. Keep an eye on Gen Con social media and email newsletters as they'll announce it ahead of time.
I've stayed 25 minutes away a couple of times, and this year again if I don't get a closer room, there's plenty of Uber/Lyft drivers in town for the convention so getting there and back is pretty easy.
There are a *lot* of events, with more being added every week in the run up to the convention, covering a whole gamut of games, seminars, workshops, live games, and more. You can still see last year's event listing here to get an idea https://gencon.eventdb.us/ Gen Con is BIG, it can be a couple of city blocks between events if you're unlucky. Most people recommend leaving at least 30 minutes gap between events to find your next one, hit the bathroom, grab a snack, etc.
The open gaming area in the JW Marriott ballroom is a great place to meet other gamers, you'll also naturally meet people in the Will Call queue, in events, while you're eating. It's a friendly convention and people are happy to talk about all the new games and events they've tried. Depending on your hotel there might be people gaming in the lobby and open areas too.
It's nice to stay downtown but not mandatory. I've stayed pretty far out of town a few times and have never had an issue getting an Uber or taxi.
If you are inclined, you should absolutely GM something. There is information on the site about registering to host events.
Gen Con will release the game schedule in May (with new events continuously being added up until the Con) that you can register to play/participate in. There will also be a lot (too many to count) of non 5e games to play. The schedule will have the game listed and a description of the game to make sorting them easier.
You'll have no problem meeting people at Gen Con. Someone mentioned open gaming at the JW Marriott. There is typically open gaming at all of the local downtown hotels. Some of my best Gen Con experiences have been pick up games.
Someone above mentioned the Wednesday "get together." Keep checking the website, forums, Facebook and Discord for folks posting about other social events.
If you care to run the 5K Orc Stomp I highly recommend it. I just took an Uber to and from my hotel last time I ran it.
You're going to have a great time! You'll be around thousands of like minded people and my guess is that you'll have so much fun you'll be back next year!
I'm the event organizer for a group of independent GM's. We all run our own events, but we group together to share experiences, ask questions, and generally support each other. If you want to run an event (or events) send me a message and we can help you get set up.
Note that event submissions are due by March 10, which is coming up pretty quick.
Mike
Lots of good advice here already. If you want to do the 5k either sign up during the event registration or they often allow you to register the day before the race, usually the registration is in the Crowne Plaza hotel. The shower thing will be difficult, but maybe you can find a fellow brit to help you out. The events catalogue will be released before the registration date so you can see what kind of games you would like to try to register for. I am, like some of the other posters, would be happy to answer any other questions you have and can share some advice with you.