If you're reading this, it's because you're probably considering attending an upcoming Gary Con and looking for more information about the convention. You're probably also new to our site and wondering where to begin. So why don't we start at the very beginning?
What is Gary Con?
Gary Con is an annual gaming convention held in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin. But Gary Con is more than just a convention. It is intended to be a living memorial to E. Gary Gygax, the father of role-playing games. It is a time for family, friends, and anyone whose life was changed as a result of the work of Gary Gygax to gather, remember, and toss a few dice around. Gary Con is also actively working with non-profit groups to raise money to build a monument in Lake Geneva celebrating the life and accomplishments of Gary Gygax.
What types of games are played?
All kinds! Gary Con does not restrict which games we will allow to be played. That being said, Gary Con certainly does retain an old school flavor and we've historically seen many of the earlier games. AD&D (1st Edition), Star Frontiers, Paranoia, and Chainmail are some of the classic games frequently played. But we encourage you to bring and play in any game you please.
Do you have vendors or an exhibit hall?
Yes and no. We do not have an exhibit hall, however, we do allow a select number of vendors to set up tables at the convention.
Is there open gaming?
Yes, absolutely! Gary Con 0 and Gary Con I were both 100% open gaming. As we've grown, we realized there was a need for registered events as well, but our open gaming tradition will always be a part of Gary Con. We plan to have several open gaming spaces: one for RPGs or whatever you can think of, plus a board game room where our Games Librarians will be sure to provide you with stacks of classic games if you need to take a break from the main gaming areas.
What is there to do in Lake Geneva?
You can check out Lake Geneva's website here. In the interest of full disclosure, we will point out that we get such great rates on the hotel rooms because this is the off season for Lake Geneva. The weather in March can vary greatly from a pleasant sunny 60s in the outdoors to freezing rain and snow. If the weather is lousy, the hotel has a nice indoor pool and Lake Geneva has a small movie theater. If you want to take a day trip, Wisconsin Dells, the indoor water park capital of the world, is a short 2 hour drive north.
Will there be any RPGA events?
Gary Con does not have an RPGA presence yet. If, however, you are a Wizards Play Network Organizer and would like to run some events, please contact us via the website.
