GenCon is THE tabletop game convention in the states, or at least that is what I have been told. I figured it was time that I went to a big board game convention to show off Robit Riddle to the world, well to the 50 or so people that I got to show it to.

This will be a three part series on my preparations, experiences, and reflections of GenCon 2015 as a first time attendee and game designer.

Part 3: The Recovery

My flights were delayed and all the usual joys of airline travel kicked in on the way back. I waited in airports, and relaxed. I also got to meet everyone else that was leaving GenCon and got stuck as well.

At this point I felt very at ease talking with people. Forcing myself out of my comfort zone was the greatest thing that happened to me at GenCon. This is one skill that I am very happy to have. I will have to keep using this new found pastime in order to keep it fresh.

While on the planes I would write articles, like this one, and record more notes from the show. After getting back to my bed after midnight I crashed. The next day I recovered physically and mentally. Trying not to tax my system at all.

I will be heading back next year for GenCon, hopefully with a game that is published, or on kickstarter.

Lessons Learned:

I thought I was ready, but I wasn’t, and that is good.
Going by myself was hard, but worth it from the forced networking perspective.
Learn to read body language.
FEPH hall is amazing and well worth the money; get guaranteed players, and can squat and get more playtests.
Write down who you meet, how, where, and what you talked about.
Take lots of notes, don’t rely on feedback forms, they are meant to supplement great notes.
Take pictures of people playing your game.
Play other designers' games.

Next year:

Read Bamboozled Brothers steps section on talking to publishers and follow it
Make arrangements early
Use Airbnb maybe, closer is better, more networking is better
Use Uber or Lyft always
Suitcase check on last day at nearby hotel (none in convention hall, what the?!?)