All Year I Dream About Gaming Conventions

On this episode, Your Other Host Ben has collected four interviews from the RPG space:Jon from Beadle and Grimm (link), who are making big waves beyond just D&D and Magic the Gathering -- and remember that they're taking late pledges for their Star Trek Party Games on Kickstarter hereJoe from Inkwell Ideas (link), who are producing very useful and eminently practical products for GMsClint Black from Carolina Game Tables (link), who is not a country singer but in fact a game designer and third generation furniture manufacturer who has merged his two passionsRichard from R. Rook Studios (link), who along with Plus One Exp (link) and its Zine Club (link), are highlighting different voices and stories that we're now telling in the indie RPG sceneYou won't want to miss it. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Ben and Quarex march you through many of the gaming conventions you need to know about in January, February, March and April, including (but not limited to because of character constraints): Midwinter Gaming Convention in Pewaukee, Wisconsin, from January 9-12 (link)Philadelphia Area Gaming Expo in Oaks, PA from January 16-19 (link)Ohayocon in Dayton OH from January 31-February 2 (link)CascadeCon in Bellingham, WA from Jan 30 - February 2 (link)Niagara Boardgaming Weekend in Grimsby, ON, from January 23-26 (link) CanCon in Canberra, AUS, from January 25-27 (link)Rocket City Gamefest in Huntsville, AL from Feb 2-4 (link)Winter Fantasy in Fort Wayne, IN from February 5-9 (link)Williamsburg Muster in Williamsburg, VA from February 16-18 (link)Gamers of Winter in Harrisburg PA from February 15-17 (link)Dreamation in Morristown PA from February 20-23 (link)Evercon in Wausau, WI from February 28-March 2 (link)Games with Trains is at the B&O Railroad Museum in Baltimore MD on March 1 (link)Gameface Con in Baltimore, MD from March 8-9 (link)Cleveland ConCoction in Cleveland, OH from March 8-10 (link)Gary Con in Lake Geneva WI, from March 20-23 (link)Adepticon in Milwaukee WI from March 26-31 (link)Alamo City Game Convention in San Antonio, TX from Mar 28-30 (link)Break Out Con in Toronto, ON from March 14-16 (link)LepreCon in Dublin, IE, from March 22-24 (link)RathaCon in Athens, OH on April 13 (link) Raven Con in Richmond, VA from April 25-27 (link)Final Three Con, in NOVA from April 25-27 (link) You won't want to miss them! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode, Ben recaps his experience at Sunday of PAX Unplugged 2024. On this episode, we're talking about (some of) the games Ben played: Ziggurat, a board game from Mindware (link)Butterfly Garden, an elevated reprint from Capstone Games (link)Galaxy Fighters by Gamey (link), coming to Kickstarter in March The Black Mold of Claus Manor, written by Mike Martens and distributed by Plus One Exp (link)We're also talking about the events Ben didn't attend, as well as the controversy pre- and post-show. Ben even grades what he did right and wrong, and why he's gotta go all three days next year. You might even hear the rarest of all things: an apology? (Ben might suggest you get in line, or maybe find another game to play.) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's smack dab at the beginning of the holiday season in December, and only one convention is bold enough to hold itself out for attendance: PAX Unplugged 2024 (link) from December 6-8 in famously sunny Philadelphia, PA. On this episode, your hosts Quarex and Ben discuss:What press badges meanThe Venn diagram between line cons and gaming conventionsBadges and hotelsParking through SpotHero (link), which is not an affiliate linkPlaces to eatUsing the PAX Nav app (link to Google Play and the App Store)Signing up for events, especially with groups like Indie Games on Demand (link) and Lurking Fear (link)Exhibitors to check outGames to demoThe 3 Ps: Paint & Take, the Puzzle Room, and PAX UprisingThe concert that everyone's excited aboutAnd the 4th P: Pinny Arcade! (link)And as promised, here's the link to the Sprites and Dice Guide to PAX Unplugged 2024 (link) and the very late breaking PAX Unplugged Quickstart Guide (link).If you're even thinking about attending PAX Unplugged this year, you won't want to miss this. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode, Ben and Quarex meet up in a spooky Midwest town like Eerie, IN or Normal, IL and give thanks for the bounty of podcasting, conventions, family, and of course dreamers. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode, Ben and Quarex talk about the conventions they attended this fall that don't rhyme with Namevole John. This includes: Vintage Computer Festival Midwest in Schaumburg, WI (link) Flat Con in Bloomington-Normal, IL (link)Save Against Fear (link), organized by the Bodhana Group (link)Let us know on social media what convention you've attended since Gamehole Con! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode, we are elated to talk with Mike Boozer about the Gen Con VIG Program. The Gen Con Very Important Gamer Program (link) is a way to supercharge your Gen Con experience. While the badge is pricey, we talk with Mike about all the ways that the VIG Badge and VIG Companion badges provide bang for your buck. Tickets are limited each year, and you'll want to email [email protected] between November 15 and December 15 to throw your name in the ring. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

While at Gamehole Con 2024, our Alternate Social Media Aimee recorded about 10 interviews. These five recordings are curated from the following exhibitors: Michelle from Crafted, a girl-powered, coffee-fueled decor designer…with a laser and questionable power tools (link)Susan from Delvingwood, who durable, affordable, gaming gear for roleplayers, wargamers, and board gamers (link)Jason from Drink the Paint, a creative dynamo with a dark sense of humor (link) Jim from Dyna Maps, who merges old-school style and simplicity with modern materials and design to create a Dynamic Mapping System (link) Joshua from Lone Colossus Games, a a tabletop games company focused on creating TTRPG supplements and systems (link) Check them out, even away from the convention! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With the help of alternate social media intern, Aimee, your hosts recap their experience at Gamehole Con 2024 in autumnal Madison, WI. This episode is jammed pack with commentary about the games, the vendors, and you guessed it — the dreamers that made Gamehole such a blast to attend. Unless you were stuck in Maryland, and also have to fill out the episode summary. And you're not known to be exceedingly bitter about missing things like this. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On Saturday, August 3, Ben and Quarex recorded a live episode from Meeting Room 12 of Lucas Oil Stadium, where we were joined by many dreamers who bought tickets (or handed us generics). This is the first half of that episode, where we discuss Gen Con 2024 in the moment — the second half of the episode lives exclusively in the hearts and minds of those in attendance. Enjoy this episode while Quarex and our growing team of social media interns recover from Gamehole Con. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Did you know that All Year I Dream About Gaming Conventions has a Discord? Join up here to meet your heroes while you still can: https://discord.gg/q6hkw5YSCbIn our precapisode of the very imminent Gamehole Con, your hosts Ben and Quarex get you ready for the next four days of gaming in Madison, WI. In a brisk 15 minutes, we're talking:ParkingBusesThe weather insideThe weather outsideFood of the submarinal varietyFood of the pizzanal varietyFood that's the very bratbest and bratwurstNepalese foodIndian foodMexican foodThe beer that we've eatenThe auctionThe games Quarex is playingThe games Ben wishes he wasThere's also a counter for the number of times we mention Alternate Social Media Intern, Aimee!Best of all, you can meet Quarex (maybe) if you're both at Isthmus-hole Con? Much like the convention, you won't want to miss this episode. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

When he wasn't donating blood or running far too many games, your other host Ben interviewed a number of vendors on the exhibit hall floor. Given the long form nature of some of these chats, we picked three interviews for this episode:WizKids (link)Deck of Player Safety (link)Plus One Exp (link)/ RPG Zine Club (link) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

When he wasn't posting pictures of the convention or helping coordinate our live podcast recording, Substitute Social Media Intern Brian interviewed a number of vendors from the exhibit hall floor. We picked five interviews for this episode: Baird Crafted (link)The Bracer's Initiative (link)Gen Con Games Library (link)Lost Boy Games (link)Tabletop Tycoon (link) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dreamers, important news has rustled your hosts from our brief hibernation after Gen Con. Origins Game Fair (link), held in Columbus in June, as well as Super MAG Fest (link), held in the Washington DC area in January, both announced their schedules for badges, hotels, and event submissions. As one or more of your hosts should be at these conventions, we want to make sure you're well informed so you can attend. Additionally, we also run down our Dreamer recaps of Dragon Con, held back in August and September. Other things mentioned in this episode include:RPG Familiar on YouTube (link)Super MAG Fest Music Guests (link)Cowabunga Pizza Time (link)Bit Brigade (link)Super MAG Fest Streaming (link)Origins GM How To (link) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode, Quarex and Ben start to get you ready for PAX Unplugged, the Penny Arcade Experience convention in Philadelphia, PA from December 6-8! Because the convention doesn't have its events in gear quite yet, your other host is focusing on what you can get ready for -- whether it's the travel to and around the City of Brotherly Love, parking your Titularmobile downtown, buying a full-price badge for you and your children (except on Sunday), and anything else that you need to know now. Badges (link)Hotel Block (link)Downtown Hotels (link)Parking (link)Featured Events (link)Don't worry — both your host and your other host will be back with a PAX Unplugged precapisode once more is known! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode, Ben and Quarex preview GAMEHOLE CON in Madison, WI from October 17-20. Quarex will be in attendance with Alternate Social Media Intern AimeeMadison Airport (link)Alliant Energy Center (link)Hotels by the Convention Center (link)Parking at the Gamehole (link)Badge Registration (link)Events! (link)Dealer Hall List (link)If you're also attending Gamehole, let us know through social media! We'll be back with a precapisode in October ahead of the convention! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode, Ben and Quarex regale our dreamers about conventions we've attended since May 2024 that isn't called Gen Con or Origins. These include:Fargo Core Con (link)CONvergence (link)Kitsunekon (link)Risu Con (link)Phoenix Con (link)Coulee Con (link)Also mentioned in this episode:Shuffle Dungeons from Zero Strategy Games (link)The Silver Throat Himself, Keith David (link)Keeper's Den Tables (link to Facebook)Player Card Holders for your Actual Human Child and Others in your Life (link) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode, we interview John Wells, who is the beating heart behind Quarex's favorite roaming convention — QUAD CON. In addition to regaling us with stories about this convention, we learn just how many shows John goes to all around the world.If you're interested in running games, or showing up as a vendor, you can reach out to John via the Quad Con website (https://quadcitycon.com/).You can also attend at the following locations (updated regularly as Quad Con books new shows): September 8 Dubuque Five Flags Event CenterSeptember 21-22 Champaign IL Market Place Shopping CenterSeptember 28-29 Omaha Oak View MallOctober 5-6 St Cloud MN Crossroads CenterOctober 12-13 Brookfield WI Brookfield Square Mall October 20 St Charles MO Steel Shop Event CenterOctober 26-27 Des Moines Merle Hay MallNovember 2-3 Peoria Northwoods MallNovember 16 LaCrosse WI Valley View MallNovember 23-24 Madison WI East Towne MallDecember 7-8 Davenport Northpark MallDecember 14-15 Des Moines Merle Hay Mall Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With Origins, Gen Con and Dragon Con done and dusted by September 2, what's a poor gamer to do? Why, find some autumn gaming conventions to attend!On this episode, we talk about: WGG Con, Westchester NY - August 31-September 1 (link)Tabletop Scotland, Edinburgh UK - September 6-8 (link)Cuse Con, Syracuse NY - September 19-22 (link)Granite State Comic Con, Manchester NH - September 20-21 (link)Edmonton Expo, Edmonton CA - September 19-22 (link)Barrage 2024, Havre de Grace, MD - September 27-28 (link)Essen Spiel, Essn, DE - October 3-6 (link)Con on the Cob, Richfield/Akron, OH, October 3-6 (link)Star City Comic Con ("SGC Con"), Not Really Washington DC, October 4-6 (link)Brasil Game Show, Sao Paolo, BR, October 9-13 (link)Traveller Con, Lancaster, PA, October 11-13 (link)Flat Con, Bloomington, IL, October 11-13 (link)Gamehole Con, Madison, WI, October 17-20 (link)New York Comic Con, New York, NY, October 17-20 (link)Rock Con, Rockford, IL, November 1-3 (link)Effing Con, Effingham, IL, November 1-2 (link)FLAG Con, Ithaca, NY November 8-10 (link)Save vs. Fear, York, PA, November 7-10 (link)Euro Quest, Annapolis, MD, November 7-10 (link)MEPACON, Bethlehem, PA, November 7-10 (link)BGG Con, Dallas, TX, November 13-17 (link)Shorehammer, Ocean City, MD, December 6-8 (link)Tsunami Con, Wichita, KS, December 6-8 (link)PAX Unplugged, Philadelphia, PA, December 6-8 (link)You won't want to miss it! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode, we give out the eight six inaugural GOTCs for our games of the convention. These are in part voted on by our dreamers at large, who we saw playing all through Gen Con and maybe Origins? We also give our Judge's Spotlight for those near and dear to our hearts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, your hosts break down the drama, scandals, and even pain points from our time at Gen Con 2024. Such topics include: The Gate 10 Eviction Housing Block CancellationsCounterfeit Blackmoor? Infamous judging at the Secret Lair Tournament True Dungeon PricingGen Con Beer You won't want to miss it. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hey you, don't listen to that, listen to this. This is the heavy, heavy monster pod -- the nuttiest pod around. So if you've come in off Maryland Street and you're beginning to feel the heat: well, listen buster. You better start to move your feet to the rockinest, rock-steady beat of Indianapolis. In part 2 of our first two-parter on Gen Con 2024, we talk about everything about Gen Con 2024 that isn't the games. Listen up as you're making plans for next years! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Quarex and Ben have finally pulled together their thoughts about the Great Midwestern Spectacle of Gaming, Gen Con 2024. In this first of two two-parters, your hosts discuss the games, events, and exhibitors that made attending worth it. Can of Worms (link)Butter Princess (link)D&D Player's Handbook 2024 (link)Grimdark Future (link)Goonies Never Say Strategy Game (link)Tales of the Valiant (link)Larian Studios (link)Rathskellers (link)DeVir Games (link)Games Plus (link)Cubicle 7 (link) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Good tidings we bring to you and your kin, especially if you're attending the pride of the convention scene in Southeastern U.S.—DRAGON CON!1!!!1!!! (https://www.dragoncon.org/). Dragon Con is held this year from August 29 to September 2 over a long Labor Day weekend. Combining the five day experience of Origins, the August dates of Gen Con, and the nerdy joy of Mardi Gras, you can attend if you can only get to Atlanta... which Ben and Quarex can't, sadly. NOT MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: a subscription to Dragon Con TV is a mere $10 and can be obtained here: https://dragoncon.tv/. Why not watch the cosplay parade on your laptop while you play Azul? It'll be just like you're there. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

While Ben recovers from con crud, your hosts go over the key dates for Gen Con 2025 — whether you're an exhibitor, a VIG-in-training, or just someone who dreams about Gen Con year round, you won't want to miss it. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For the second year in a row, Quarex and Ben record their quick hits from right after Gen Con! This year, they took the Quarexmobile to the Elf n'Moon, which has to be the most wonderful thing in all of Indiana. Go and check it out, because much like this episode, it's nice.Elf n Moon: https://elfnmoon.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Quarex and Ben both had busy days on day 1 of Gen Con. Having forgotten they wrote a script for this episode, you get some real raw thoughts about our day 1 experience. You won't want to miss it. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Quarex and Ben are both in Indianapolis, and we sure didn't record anywhere that we talked about over the weekend. Nevertheless, listen in for the hot goss and spilt tea about the traffic, the weather, and why the auction registration didn't start on time. Listen in tomorrow, when Quarex gives us the skinny on what happened with Gate Ten. (You won't want to miss it.) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the last of our precapisodes for Gen Con 2024, we devote time to the Gen Con exclusives that you just can't live without... or can you? Gen Con PHBs: https://www.dndbeyond.com/posts/1778-how-to-get-the-2024-players-handbook-six-weeks Star Trek Adventures 2E: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/gp6UDmTHDLkNoK9N/?mibextid=xfxF2i Exclusive Kelly's Heroes card for Con-Quest: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/EgTWrEq1xAkCdD5P/?mibextid=xfxF2i WizKids Exclusive Minis: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/vFrtaLDtvjrJCkeG/?mibextid=xfxF2iThe Art of Elaine Ho: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/vmRj3225rhBxMcXj/?mibextid=xfxF2iCryptozoic Games Egregious Ephemera: https://cryptozoic.com/blogs/articles/gen-con-2024-prBCW's Genevieve Card Sleeves and Boxes: https://www.bcwsupplies.com/blog/2024/06/20/2024-gen-con-bcw-products/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the second of our precapisodes, we highlight the food trucks, restaurants, and other Indy activities you'll want to check out while at Gen Con Indy. You won't want to miss it. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the first of our three Gen Con precapisodes, we looking at the games, the vendors, and the events our dreamers must check out at Gen Con. FIRST, the games!Mutton Bustin' (booth 1233): https://www.25thcenturygames.com/store/mutton-bustin-1Skyfall RPG (booth 2965): https://capycat.games/ A.E.G.I.S. Combining Robot (booth 2939): https://zephyrworkshop.com/aegis/Turnip (booth 255): https://www.rosegauntlet.com/pages/turnipMinecraft Explorers (booth 2001): https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/413403/minecraft-explorers Lords of Baseball (booth 2236): https://www.mrbgames.com/products/pre-order-lords-of-baseball-board-gameNext, the exhibitors! Larian Studios (booth 2811): https://larian.com/The Arcane Library (booth 2856): https://www.thearcanelibrary.com/Harebrained Designs (booth 2559): https://www.harebraineddesign.com/MIT Press (booth 256): https://mitpress.mit.edu/campaign-game-studies/ Dryad Tea (booth 1742): https://dryadtea.com/Goodman Games (booth 109): https://goodman-games.com/Finally, those events!OUR LIVE PODCAST RECORDING: https://www.gencon.com/events/251393Design an RPG Module LIVE: Plots, Themes, NPC’s and Setting: https://www.gencon.com/events/250231 Traitor Tots: https://gencon.eventdb.us/keyword.php?searchBy=traitor+totsD&D for Kids (Motley Kids): https://www.gencon.com/events/261598 MOAR Storytime Events from Japanese History: https://www.gencon.com/events/247624Dungeon Crawl Classics—Enter the Dagon: https://gencon.eventdb.us/keyword.php?searchBy=enter+the+dagon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode is special because Quarex lost a bet so he had to talk all about Pin Bazaar. What is Pin Bazaar? You'll have to listen in to better understand this collectible, FOMO driven program at Gen Con. The Pin Bazaar page for Gen Con 2024 (link)Our guide to finding all the Pin Bazaar offerings -- just start at Aisle 100 and keep moving to the right (link) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With Gen Con a mere 9 days away and many badges completely sold out, Ben and Quarex talk about different ways that you can get your game on at Gen Con with maximum flexibility! In this episode, we discuss:How to coordinate with your Convention Friends (TM pending)!Semi-ticketed events like Indie Games on Demand (link) and the First Exposure Hall (link)!Demoing games in the exhibit hall! Marshaling the troops using social media! Enlisting Rando Calrissians in the ballrooms of the JW Marriott and the Sheraton!Gaming at the airport! Best of all, Quarex loses a bet, so you get a bonus episode #63! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Gen Con isn't just about games -- it's also about celebrating games and handing out awards, too. In this episode, we highlight four awards shows: the Diana Jones Award (Wednesday, July 31), the Gen Con Film Festival (Thursday, August 1), the ENNIES (Friday, August 3), and the super secret Gen Con Art Show Awards (Sunday, probably?). Links to groups and voting below: Diana Jones Award (link)Vote for the ENNIES! (link)Gen Con Film Festival Awards Ceremony (link)Ennies Cocktail Reception and Silent Auction (link)20204 ENNIES Awards (link) Quarex, let's get off the stage before Peter queues up the orchestra. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this very special episode, one of the Gen Con Event Managers comes and talks with us about events at Gen Con. Marian provides some inside baseball knowledge about how the event sausage is made, and even directs Ben to his soon-to-be new favorite event: POGS AFTER DARK (https://www.gencon.com/events/266763). We also discuss how to create new event listings while Gen Con's still going on, cat videos in the GM room, and how the new hotel construction will impact the growth of events over the next few year. Marian also gives a satisfactory answer for why exhibit hall creep may not be as likely as your hosts think. Most importantly, while your hosts are reading between the lines, we get yet more evidence that Gen Con is cruising to another sellout of one or more days. BUY THOSE BADGES NOW, DREAMERS. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This year, Gen Con is trying out something new to help newer attendees acclimate to the convention. This involves a seminar, a passport that probably doesn't let you travel to Canada by authority of Peter Adkison, and some exclusive sounding pins. But what exactly is a "Session Zero"? Your hosts got ahold of the Session Zero Hero himself, David Havelka, to get to the bottom of that question. Wednesday Session Zero: https://www.gencon.com/events/264195Thursday Session Zero: https://www.gencon.com/events/264196Friday Session Zero: https://www.gencon.com/events/264197Saturday Session Zero: https://www.gencon.com/events/264198Sunday Session Zero: https://www.gencon.com/events/264199 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we talk about the unsung hero of an amazing Gen Con experience. No, it's not speed painting or the jigsaw puzzle tournaments. It's the lowly generic ticket (link), which is the gateway to great fun. Listening in to hear our tips on how to best use generic tickets, and some of our favorite stories about generics! We even include some stories from our dreamers about their generic ticket experiences. Don't forget, we're recording live from Lucas Oil Stadium on Saturday night at 9 pm! You won't want to miss it, and you can even catch the recording with a single generic ticket!https://www.gencon.com/events/251393 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Did you know that, when he isn't writing elfgames and Gumshoe tales, renowned RPG author Kevin Kulp is a consultant on fatigue, alertness, and shift work? We are absolutely blessed that he joined us this episode to talk about the most important thing to prepare for ahead of Gen Con 2024 -- making sure you get safe amounts of sleep! If you're coming to Gen Con 2024, you may be able to meet Kevin during a game of Swords of the Serpentine or even at Pelgrane Press Booth # 529! You can also check out Kevin's other work at the following links: Swords of the Serpentine, the Ennie winning GUMSHOE game of swords and sorcery (link)Time Watch, where you play as secret agents defend the timestream from radioactive cockroaches, psychic velociraptors, and human meddlers (link)13th Age Bestiary, which is everything you want in a lore-laden and beautifully illustrated monster manual (link)Hoot Owl Trail, a fantasy steampunk Wild West shoot 'em up that's "D&D with spurs" (link) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the fourth of our five Gen Con prepisodes, we talk about the best practices on how our dreamers can prepare to get around the Indiana Convention Center. From visiting your event spaces on Wednesday to cushioning your schedule to the benefit of wearing a good old fashioned watch, Ben and Quarex have your back. And if you want to hear the story that hit the cutting room floor, that's available to the dreamers who are at the Gag Reel membership level on our Ko-Fi page. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode, we help our dreamers prepare to eat to their heart's content (while gaming to their hearts content). We discuss such interesting topics as: Bringing food to Gen Con IndyBuying food from stores around the convention center Purchasing food from the convention center food court Restaurants and food trucks Bars, taverns and speakeasiesYou won't want to miss it as you prepare for Gen Con 2024! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we discuss everything with wheels that isn't a work of Robert Jordan and how it affects your Gen Con. Where do you park your car? How do you get from the airport? How do you get around the city during peak convention hours? You want to be prepared for the one-way, two-way, and none-way streets of Indianapolis, IN. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the first of our prepisodes for Gen Con 2024, we talk about all the packing considerations for our favorite convention. Whether you fly, drive, or jog to Indianapolis, you won't want to miss our considerations, recommendations, and perturbations about the whole process. While you're at it -- you don't have to be friend of the pod Ed to pick up a branded t-shirt from our Tee Public store at https://www.teepublic.com/user/ayidagc. (Both you and Ed would be a lot cooler if you did.) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

At the cusp of our first anniversary (and fifty-second episode), Ben and Quarex reflect on the first year of casting pod. Buy us a coffee on Ko-Fi! https://ko-fi.com/dreamaboutgamingconventionsWear your dreams at our Tee Public store! https://www.teepublic.com/user/ayidagcTell all your friends you've got our pod in your head! https://www.facebook.com/DreamAboutGamingConventions Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Ben and Quarex recap their time spent in Columbus OH at Origins Games Fair 2024. You won't want to miss it! But first -- a dreamer highlight from Scotland!Tabletop Scotland (link)UK Games Expo (link)And don't forget to fill out your survey from Origins! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matsuricon (link) is a Columbus, OH anime convention over Labor Day Weekend (August 31 - September 2). Because they have a growing board game and RPG element, they got a booth at Origins this year. John was so kind to take an interview with limited prep, and y'all should check out this diverse and inclusive convention in Ohio's capitol.Both your hosts have frequented Tangled Earth Arts (link) at various conventions over the years, whether it's buying gifts for our Actual Human Partners or jewelry from our Actual Human Children. Check out Addy's convention schedule to see where you can pick up her jewelry.Your hosts have long contended that the problem with scented candles is that you don't want to finish them. Alex at Epic Meltdown (link) have fixed this problem by adding a dopamine rush to finishing the candle -- they've added dice, charms, and other tchotchkes inside! (Oh, the joy of a blind pull tugging on the the heartstrings of these dice goblins.)Blackspoon Press (link) publish fantasy cookbooks. If Hero's Handbook and Flavors of the Multiverse seem like typical cuisine lazily superimposed onto to fantasy stereotypes, why not check out Blackspoon's take on the topic?Horrible Adorables (link) started out making soft sculptures and designer toys of fantasy creatures. They just released their first board game, Familiars and Foes, where you play familiars trying to save your spellcasting companions from a kidnapping. The art is adorable and the game is a blast -- check it out at your FLGS! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ben and Quarex recorded 10 interviews with exhibitors while attending Origins Game Fair 2024. These are five of the interviews, which focus on game creators.Zero Strategy Games (link) is a publisher of indie games in Central PA. They are currently playtesting their new game Shuffle Dungeons at area conventions and on their Discord server ahead of its imminent Kickstarter campaign. (You can even check out the game on our YouTube channel, where we added pictures to the talking in this newfangled video medium.)SFR, Inc. (link) publishes is the publisher of fine dice games. This episode is probably the only place where you can hear the story about how a small group of enthusiasts saved Dungeon Dice from the trash heap after TSR was purchased.Hectic Electron Games (link) is a local Columbus game company that makes silly games that also say something about the world. We were blessed that Chrys took time out while flying solo at their busy booth to talk about Raccoon Sky Pirates, their story RPG with board game spice. Ben picked up a copy at Origins (on his own dime) and is excited to get to play it with his friends who straddle both sides of the tabletop gaming world.Foxhen Creatives (link) came to Origins to demo their family friendly card game where you collect food, make snackrifices, unleash chaos, and lead your cult of trash animals to victory. They recently concluded the Kickstarter for the game, but you can still preorder the game, game mats and artwork on PledgeBox.Jack Berkenstock is the executive director of The Bodhana Group (link), a non-profit that utilizes tabletop games for therapy, skill building and educational goals. They run a gaming convention called Save Against Fear (link) that at least one of your hosts really hopes to attend in November.Until July 11, you can back their new RPG, Branch Riders, on Kickstarter! With help from Onyx Path Press, Branch Riders was designed for fun but built for therapists, educators, and parents who, if they wished, could use the system to help players work on important goals. Telling good stories is at the heart of Branch Riders. Using it for therapy is just one more benefit it provides. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's Thursday night, and both Ben and Quarex are in Columbus for Origins Game Fair! Of course we had to record a live episode about what is proving to be a great convention. (Shortly thereafter, a 7YO smoked everyone at a competitive game of Azul.) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Quarex and Ben are both going to be in Columbus for Origins Game Fair! In this episode, we talk about plans for getting to and getting around the convention. Most importantly, the lads talk GAMES!Spot Hero Columbus: https://spothero.com/city/columbus-parkingBoard Game Geek page for new games at Origins: https://boardgamegeek.com/geekpreview/66/origins-game-fair-2024-previewAdulthood! https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/416780/adulthoodCascadero: https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/401216/cascaderoCascadito: https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/401217/cascaditoDEFRAG: https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/376284/defragPanda Panda: https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/408542/panda-pandaPanda Royale: https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/398996/panda-royaleChicago 68: https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/416028/chicago-68Bacon: https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/365742/baconWinans Coffee and Chocolate: https://winanschocolate.com/MELT BAR AND GRILLED: https://meltbarandgrilled.com/locations/columbus/Block's Bagels: http://www.blocksbagelsdeli.com/ The voice recorder app that Quarex is downloading: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.media.bestrecorder.audiorecorder&hl=en_US&pli=1AND DON'T FORGET TO CHECK OUT OUR MERCH AT OUR TEEPUBLIC STORE! Show the world you dream about gaming conventions at: https://www.teepublic.com/user/ayidagc Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Yesterday, Wizards of the Coast set the Gen Conosphere aflame with its sponsored announcement trumpeted their return to Gen Con:Join us to experience the release of Bloomburrow, the latest Magic: The Gathering set, or to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Dungeons & Dragons.You can expect panels, events like Game Knights Live and D&D Live, play events, and more from both brands throughout the weekend! Visit us at booth C114 in the event hall alongside Hasbro Pulse!But what do these two paragraphs actually mean? In this hot take, Ben and Quarex shamelessly speculate about what it all means for our dreamers in 2024 and beyond. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode, Quarex provides a convention review of Sioux City Geek Con, a free convention in Sioux City, IA! More importantly, we're joined by Isaac Vega of Rose Gauntlet Games about the Rose Gauntlet Foundation, a 501 (c)(3) charity that's the official charity partner of Gen Con 2024!The Rose Gauntlet Foundation and their Core Values https://www.rosegauntlet.com/pages/rose-gauntlet-foundation-aboutRose Gauntlet Gameshttps://www.rosegauntlet.com/products/keystone-north-america-standard-editionhttps://www.rosegauntlet.com/products/wild-gardens-preorder...and others posted soon!Select games Isaac has designed, pre-Rose Gauntlethttps://www.plaidhatgames.com/board-games/ashes-rise-phoenixborn/https://www.plaidhatgames.com/board-games/forgotten-waters/https://www.fantasyflightgames.com/en/products/dead-of-winter/Designers that Isaac recommends: Anything by Incredible Dream: https://www.incredibledream.com/Moon Bunny by Hot Banana Games (coming to Kickstarter in the fall of 2024)Anything by Magpie Games: https://magpiegames.com/Banana Chan of Game & a Curry: https://www.gameandacurry.com/bananachan/And go to the Artist's Alley at Gen Con! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.