Miss that gaming convention vibe? Why not run one at home?
What I like about gaming conventions is hanging out with my friends and feeling like a gaming rockstar. I used to look for this combination in attending big conventions. But now I think home conventions are even better. This topic is huge so I’m just going to highlight my own experiences at the highest level without getting in to too much detail. If you want more, please post a comment below.
I used to think big conventions were great because vampires ran a bar in the middle of a dealer hall and gave you a free beer or a life size troll (statue) guarded a two story castle (prop but really did have two floors) in the same venue. Or when a large NFL game let out, all those fans stood in line at a popular restaurant while the gamers were whisked right in to a private room. As I said in the opening though, what those long ago cons really captured was hanging out with my friends while feeling like a gaming rockstar. Easier to do this at home now that all the vampires are gone and the castles torn down.
What is a Home Convention?
My home convention is a small private gathering of gamer friends in my home (or you could split the cost of a private rented space) occurring over a long weekend. I provide the space; everyone chips in on food and the gaming.
Why Have a Home Convention?
Same reason you have any weekend event with friends. Fun. But you also get to game. And you don’t have to pay to play games.
And people will want to come back. I’m on Charlie Con 7 this year and people take two days off of work and will drive four hours to attend. I’m no large convention, but in my gaming circle my convention is quite popular. My buddy Phil had that plaque up above made for me and sacrificed a whole set of metal dice to the cause. And Mike (and others) have given me RPGs just because he’s (they’re) awesome.
You also avoid the danger of contracting con crud.
What About the Dealer Hall?
I’m looking at RPGs every day so not a concern for me. But a visit to your Favorite Local Game Store with your convention group is a great idea.
What About Meeting RPG Creators?
You’re on the internet. Meeting an RPG creator across the world in 2024 is easier than getting in touch with TSR back in the 1980s. If you have an RPG creator nearby and you get to know them online, invite them to your next home convention. Plus, we’re all RPG creators.
What About the Vampires?
If you want to dress up as vampires at a home convention, now’s your chance. Stormtrooper outfits and being a trollslayer (that one really is dedication) are also awesome.
Logistics
I throw out two or three dates that will work for me to the group. I get back what dates are best. Those are the dates. Everyone attending attends when they want and for as long as they want. I provide lodging and game space; everyone provides games and food. People come and go as needed and no one does anything they don’t want to do. Want to nap instead of play Zombicide Chronicles? Go for it. Dress up as a vampire and serve me a free beer (and not even the cheap stuff)? Please do.
I don’t plan out the game play hour by hour like big conventions. But I have plenty of ideas in mind ahead of time. I also schedule breaks including a movie night. Because I’m old and I get tired and need some downtime even during a home convention. I also try to stop by 1 AM and get at least six hours of sleep. And eat some fruits and veggies every day of the convention. And drink plenty of water.
Old Stand Bys
Regardless of anything else, we always play Talisman (D&D Adventure Generator Using Talisman the Board Game). I prefer edition 4.5 because the owner goes first. And I spent hundreds of bucks on that game over the decades. I mix and match the supplements differently each year.
Is It Really that Easy?
Yes. If you’ve invited people over to play a boardgame or RPG, this is just like that. But for four days. I’ve been to my brother and his friends home convention (it was great of course) and I’m running my seventh in October. Everyone who loves RPGs and hanging out with friends should start hosting and attending these conventions. Because it’s fun and you get to see your friends and game lots. And (I can’t emphasize this enough) no con crud.
Your Turn: How did the last home convention you hosted or attended go?
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