GenCon: An Amazing Convention of Geeks, Gaming, and More!
GenCon 2012: The Ultimate Geek's Gaming Convention
In August of 2012, I joined my fellow geeks in a trial of my geekhood. In other words, I attended my very first gaming convention. Saturday was a whirl of costumes, games, vendors, artists, contests, seminars, entertainment, and much more. While the convention lasts four days, I was limited to just one day--Saturday.
Word to the wise: one day is not enough. There is just too much to see and do!
So will I go to Gen Con in 2013? Well, let's just say I'm already planning my costume..
Photo Credit: All photos on this page were taken by Belinda342
More Than Just a Gaming Convention
Gen Con is far more than just a gaming convention. There is something for everyone here...and yes, I do mean everyone! Geeks, of course, are the main focus for the convention--and there is plenty to occupy their time. Tables abound throughout the entire convention center (which, by the way, is huge!) for people to sit down and play one of their favorite games. If you are interested in joining a gaming tournament, there are lots to choose from. And just walking through the vendors is an all day process.
But what if you aren't all that much of a geek? No worries, friend. There are several seminars offered for people with varying interests. If you are a writer, you are in luck, as there are several writer workshops that you can attend. Do you like to watch anime? Not only are there several anime vendors sprinkled through the hall, but there are also several "screening" rooms where you can take a break from your walking and catch a great anime episode.
Not a geek, writer, or anime fan? Well, GenCon thought of that too. They also offer what they call Spouse Activities. So if you are attending just to please your significant other, there is plenty that you will find of interest. From a place to get a wonderful massage to a crafting room where you can sit and just enjoy your favorite craft--or learn a new one!
Trust me, you won't be bored at GenCon, no matter what your tastes are! And if you love to people watch, then this is an incredible place to practice that. Costumes abound here, and there really aren't any rules when it comes to them either. I saw several Steampunk costumes, and a spattering of super heroes, but there was also a fantastic Captain Jack Sparrow, and others too numerous to mention. I've included a video a little down the page of the 2012 GenCon Costume parade. Watch it and you'll see what I mean!
Artist Vendor Spotlight
Nene Thomas: Fantasy Artist
The GenCon 2012 exhibition hall was packed with fantastic vendors and artists. Each of them seemed even more brilliantly talented than the last. It was really, really hard to pick a favorite...until I wondered into Nene Thomas' booth. My heartbeat quickened and I gazed longingly at all of the absolutely incredible artwork displayed before me. Several already had SOLD signs on them, and no wonder.
Her display featured her prints, some already matted and framed, bookmarks, postcards, her 2013 calendar, and more. This is one of my favorites from her collection.
More Nene Thomas on Amazon
Nene's collection on Amazon includes calendars, puzzles, limited edition art prints, posters, figurines, and more. Here are just a few of my favorites.
Nene Thomas Carousel Horse Angel CHECK PRICE
Nene Thomas ~ WIND MOON CHECK PRICE
Misty Bride, Nene Thomas 1000 PC PuzzleCHECK PRICE
A Few More of My Gen Con Favorites - Visit Their Websites!
As I said earlier, it's hard to choose favorites among so many talented people. There were booths that sold nothing but dice and dice bags, booths that concentrated on role-playing games, and pretty much everything in between too.
I collected the websites of a few of my favorites. I hope you'll visit them too. They deserve it!
- Dragon Pets
This is the booth where I bought my GenCon Souvenir for the day. They made the most awesome rubber dragons that you've ever seen. The really cool part is that they are long rubber dragons that will wrap around your wrist so that you can wear them! Th - Aradani Studios
This artist came in a very close second to Nene Thomas. His artwork was fun and lively...and he several prints that featured incredible wolves! (A sure fire way to win my heart.) Check out his Yin-Yang wolf print! - Welcome to My Whimsy
Beautiful little figurines--all made by hand. The artist herself was manning her booth. An incredible lady...and incredible figurines too. Please take a look!
GenCon Indy 2012 on YouTube
Where is GenCon?
For the past several years, GenCon has been held at the Indianapolis Convention Center in Downtown Indianapolis. The convention center has a lot of space and facilities to offer the convention goers, and the Skypaths of downtown connect the center with several area hotels and more. You don't even have to go outside to go from one to the other!
While the convention hall doesn't offer a lot of variety in the way of food, there are several area restaurants (including TGI Fridays where we had dinner) within a block or two of the center. You can also access the Circle Center Mall thru one of the skypaths--they have a pretty good foodcourt there too.
One word of warning, though, if you want a room at one of the connecting hotels you'd better move fast...they sell out very quickly! If you are lucky enough to snag one, expect to pay a premium price for it. The hotels know they can get it!
