freebiegrabber wrote:
If this year is anything like last year, then you can expect the following parties:
WEDS. night:
THE STINK: the Grand Hall at Union Station (across the street from the Crowne Plaza) a general meet up / mixer. Expect: some SWAG; displays from gaming groups; side games including the ice breaker "passport" game, a cash bar; and the ability to mix and mingle. Several groups are regularly represented: The GenCon United Nation; Kentucky Fried Gamers; The Gamer Wenches; Dead Gamers Society; etc.
Several nights:
GEORGIA STREET "PARTY TENT" (just outside the doors of the Convention Center; they temporarily close it to traffic): Sun King Brewery's beer garden and Brew Tapping; concerts on a stage; food trucks; giveaways; etc.
INDY BREW BUS Brewery Tour - "Hop on the Indy Brew Bus and let us show you around Indy's booming craft beer scene! Choose from regularly scheduled or private tours on our bright green school buses that provide a behind-the-scene experience complete with samples, brewery passports and a beer guru tour guide! Each tour will visit four local breweries, spending approximately 35 minutes at each location. Feel free to order a pint of your favorite, or get a growler to go and we’ll keep it cold for you on the bus!"
FRIDAY & SATURDAY nights:
Legendary DrunkAss Party (hosted by DrunkAssGames) – an annual party at The RAM. "Enjoy a catered, private event with beer, food, & some epic designer drinking games. Enjoy swag & prizes! All participants will enjoy a delicious meal provided by the RAM, while we present to you some fantastic designer drinking games. Enjoy games and tournaments throughout the evening to win sweet prizes! Come meet some awesome new friends, learn epic new designer games to share with friends back home and enjoy some excellent food & locally brewed beer by the RAM."
SATURDAY night:
The Secret Cabalist Meetup – an annual event; a York, Pennsylvania based gaming club founded by the hosts of The Secret Cabal Gaming Podcast. “We want to promote getting up off your lazy ass, leaving the house and joining your friends and family for social activities.” “Even though you'll typically find gaming happening, these events are a social gathering were cabalists comes to share a drink, meet one another and have a party. This is our gift back to the cabalists for all the support they show us throughout the year. We host an amazingly large raffle in which we give out hundreds of games donated by the founders, publishers and fellow media creators.”
ALSO:
Adult Anime Show
Glitter Guild Burlesque
Crossplay Contest - and annual event, featuring the "best genderbends and/or crossplays."
I wouldn't necessarily call the Adult Anime Game Show (went in 2017, did not enjoy it), Burlesque (fun!), or costume contest (have not been) parties, per se, but the first two at least did have cash bars in the event rooms themselves.
I did the brewery tour last year to get away from all the crowds for a bit, and it was actually quite fun, and you will all be friends by the end. :) Note that the cost of the ticket is for the transportation and maybe a couple tasters- it does not include the cost of any full-size beers at the breweries.
For ticketed "event" parties, there is also the Cosplay Deviants VIP party. I have not been, but it is a ticketed event offsite and you get to hang with the models. I believe it is around $40 and it includes cover and drink.
When I asked last year, I think the Legendary DrunkAss party was also $40 and included food and 1-2 drinks.
I am sure a lot of the bigger companies host private parties, but I imagine you have to ingratiate yourself to someone to get an invite. I know one of my friends goes to the Japanime company party every year.
