Press Kit
Welcome to Gary Con
Gary Con, brought to you by the Luke and Bouchra Gygax Family, is a memorial convention that began following the funeral of TSR (Tactical Studies Rules) and D&D (Dungeons & Dragons) founder E. Gary Gygax, who passed away on March 4, 2008.
From nostalgic dungeon crawls to cutting-edge indie game systems, Gary Con offers a unique opportunity to honor the roots of tabletop gaming while embracing its ever-evolving future.
At Gary Con, the focus is on bringing people together to share their love of games in an inclusive and welcoming environment. Whether you’re rolling dice and moving figures on a tabletop landscape, exploring board games, or slinging cards in a competitive match, there’s something for everyone. It’s a place of community where lifelong friendships are forged, new players are welcomed, and the spirit of gaming thrives. If you’re passionate about tabletop games, Gary Con is your chance to connect with a community that shares your enthusiasm and to experience the joy of gaming in its purest form.
Gary Con guests, sponsors, and exhibitors include legends, notables, publishers, artists, creators, makers, etc. in the gaming industry—you may get to meet and mingle with the heroes who made the nostalgic fantasy and gaming content of your youth or become friends with a new, iconic industry professional running an event as a celebrity game master.
Gary Con is more than just a gaming convention—it’s a heartfelt tribute to Gary Gygax, the father of role-playing games and co-creator of D&D, and a celebration of the community he inspired. Held annually in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin (the birthplace of RPGs), Gary Con began as a memorial gathering of friends and family and has grown into a vibrant event welcoming gamers of all ages, backgrounds, and experience levels.
“…the gaming community made me realize that my dad, Gary Gygax, had a huge impact on many people—something I hadn’t fully comprehended before then and wouldn’t truly appreciate for some time yet… I wanted to celebrate his life and [the] good times we shared… I can speak for my brothers and sisters when I say it is cathartic to host such a wonderful gathering. You all have helped us transform what would normally be a sad time of mourning and dour remembrance into a lively celebration of our father’s life, the strength of our community, and the great new heights that lie before us all.”
– Luke Gygax, Gary Con X Event Guide, 2018
FAQ
WHAT IS GARY CON?
Gary Con is an annual game convention, in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, celebrating the life and works of Gary Gygax, the “Father of Role Playing Games.” Attendees celebrate by doing what he loved so much in life, playing games! People can join Gary’s children, friends, and fellow game enthusiasts as they celebrate a life well played.
WHEN/HOW DID GARY CON BEGIN?
Gary Con is a memorial convention that grew following the funeral of TSR and D&D founder E. Gary Gygax who passed away on March 4, 2008. His son, Luke Gygax, thought it would be appropriate to have a gathering in the American Legion Hall in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, to remember his father. At this celebration, an attendee suggested Luke hold it yearly.
WHY IS LAKE GENEVA IMPORTANT TO THIS CONVENTION?
It’s where Dungeons & Dragons (D&D) was born in 1974 and where Tactical Studies Rules (TSR), the company that created D&D, was headquartered in 1973 before creating D&D. Lake Geneva and Wisconsin are still home to many of the creative people who created and continue to contribute to the popularity of D&D to this day. For the Gygax Family, this is their hometown and the best possible place to celebrate and remember the many achievements of their father.
WHAT IS THE NUMBER OF ATTENDEES FOR GARY CON XVIII (MARCH 19-22, 2026)?
More than 3,500 badges between exhibitors, special guests, and attendees. As of Wednesday, February 25, 2026 there are 3764 badges. – Gary Gygax “Naturally, every attempt has been made to provide all of the truly essential information necessary for the game: the skeleton and muscle which each DM will flesh out to create the unique campaign… which is challenging, where the unexpected is the order of the day, and much of what takes place has meaning and reason within the framework of the game “world”.- from Gary’s Preface to the AD&D Player’s Handbook Fun & Games in a world of miniature things and limitless possibilities. Crafting reason and mechanics for imagination and make believe. Ambassador of Fantasy advocating the pastime of pretending. Icon of creativity and dynamics. Gary Gygax featured in FUTURAMA.
WHAT IS THE CURRENT NUMBER OF EVENTS FOR GARY CON XVIII (MARCH 19-22, 2026)?
More than 2,500 scheduled events between in-person/ onsite and online/virtual conventions. As of Wednesday, February 25, 2026 there are 2917 scheduled even