Did you get Conned? (Did you go to a Wargame Convention?)

[Whiterook]

The Summer season is winding down, and many of the big gaming conventions (GenCon, Origins, CosimWorld Expo, World Boardgaming Championships, etc.) are now behind us. Yes, there are quite a few gems left to attend before 2024 closes out, but with one season left ahead of us in the not too distant future, many a dance card has already been full and put away.

Did you go you any?

Sadly, it was a slow year for me… I have the Compass Games Expo coming up in November, but I missed their may edition; I didn’t make it to Origins yet again, nor the Chattanooga Memoir ‘44 Tournament, nor any of the Advanced Squad Leader tournaments, which were all prospects when the year started. I guess I’ll count myself lucky to have gotten to my November expo! Hey, life is kinda crazy for all of us, to one extreme or another, so perhaps not the most surprising of results 

…there’s always next year! — any plans?

For me, I’m planning on the May edition of the Compass Games Expo (being an hour away, it’s kinda mandatory!). Thusfar, I am planning a big trip to San Antonio, Texas, next Summer for a big drum & bugle corps extravaganza show, and a trip to Hampton Breach in New Hampshire, so money is already scheduled to be tied up for those… so any gaming conventions/expos/tournaments are likely to be minimal; however, I am considering the Memoir ‘44 Tournament, scheduled for a move to Washington, D.C., this year (my old works stomping grounds), and an outside chance on the Tussle in the Tundra ASL Tourney, which was held in Vermont this year.

Whatever your plans may be, of you go a-gamin’, safe travels and roll them dice!!!

[Whiterook]

It’s been a slow year for me once again, unfortunately. I’d thought of going to a few, but the only event I will be attending is Compass Games Expo this November. I spent most of the Spring and Summer with leg issues and procedures, so I didn’t do much traveling at all, so the wargames circuit fell off the radar, but I’d like to go to two or three next year, if I can swing the cost.

[luckyluke]

Hey Em!

Sounds like you’ve got some exciting (and well-planned!) trips and events ahead—it’s always good to have a mix of gaming and other adventures on the horizon!

For my part, it’s been an interesting year of conventions. I had the pleasure of showcasing *Fast Movers* at Play in Modena, the biggest tabletop convention here in Italy. It was a great opportunity to introduce the game through a couple of introductory scenarios, which really helped newcomers get into the flow without feeling overwhelmed. That approach turned out to be a hit, and it was rewarding to see people enjoy the game! Recently, I also attended World Games Days, which was a bit smaller but still a blast. I got to show the game to about six experienced wargamers for some valuable, constructive feedback.

For the rest of the year, I’m looking forward to *De Bello Ludico* in November. It’s held in Bracciano, a beautiful town near Rome with a medieval castle overlooking the lake. Bracciano also has an interesting aviation museum at Vigna di Valle, which was once a base for seaplanes, including the famous Schneider Trophy aircraft. *De Bello Ludico* is a smaller, more intimate event, but it’s a great chance to connect with other enthusiasts and dive into historical games in this unique setting.

I’m sorry to hear it’s been a slow year for you, and I hope the leg issues are behind you now. Glad you’re still able to make it to the Compass Games Expo in November, though! I think it’s a great idea to aim for two or three events next year if things work out. It’d be awesome to catch up on what you’ve missed in the wargames circuit.

In 2024, I’ll definitely consider a few more events, though nothing as big as GenCon or Origins since I’ll be sticking closer to home in Italy.

Hope you have a blast at the Compass Games Expo in November, and fingers crossed for that Memoir '44 Tournament move to D.C.! It’s always good to have a few familiar places on the travel list. And of course, safe travels and happy rolling wherever your gaming adventures take you!

[Whiterook]

Oct 25, 2024 11:29:15 GMT -5 luckyluke said:

Hey Em!

Sounds like you’ve got some exciting (and well-planned!) trips and events ahead—it’s always good to have a mix of gaming and other adventures on the horizon!

For my part, it’s been an interesting year of conventions. I had the pleasure of showcasing *Fast Movers* at Play in Modena, the biggest tabletop convention here in Italy. It was a great opportunity to introduce the game through a couple of introductory scenarios, which really helped newcomers get into the flow without feeling overwhelmed. That approach turned out to be a hit, and it was rewarding to see people enjoy the game! Recently, I also attended World Games Days, which was a bit smaller but still a blast. I got to show the game to about six experienced wargamers for some valuable, constructive feedback.

For the rest of the year, I’m looking forward to *De Bello Ludico* in November. It’s held in Bracciano, a beautiful town near Rome with a medieval castle overlooking the lake. Bracciano also has an interesting aviation museum at Vigna di Valle, which was once a base for seaplanes, including the famous Schneider Trophy aircraft. *De Bello Ludico* is a smaller, more intimate event, but it’s a great chance to connect with other enthusiasts and dive into historical games in this unique setting.

I’m sorry to hear it’s been a slow year for you, and I hope the leg issues are behind you now. Glad you’re still able to make it to the Compass Games Expo in November, though! I think it’s a great idea to aim for two or three events next year if things work out. It’d be awesome to catch up on what you’ve missed in the wargames circuit.

In 2024, I’ll definitely consider a few more events, though nothing as big as GenCon or Origins since I’ll be sticking closer to home in Italy.

Hope you have a blast at the Compass Games Expo in November, and fingers crossed for that Memoir '44 Tournament move to D.C.! It’s always good to have a few familiar places on the travel list. And of course, safe travels and happy rolling wherever your gaming adventures take you!

Those locales sound lovely, and the game conventions sound great! Are there a good deal of miniatures-type conventions in Italy? Around here, there are more board gaming events than miniatures, but the miniatures events there are held, are wonderful! 

I’ve never been to GenCon… maybe once day, but I’ve come to appreciate the smaller venues… like Compass Games Expo keeps registration to about a 100 people and limit the at-the-door attendees, and I like the smaller amount of people, which still fills up a ballroom and about three other smaller rooms.

Some year, I’d like to host my Stargate SG-1 miniatures game, so I get where you’re coming from with your game…which I really would love to play someday when it’s published!