Gamers, grab your cloaks + ready your cosplay, because the best four days in gaming are less than a month away. Gen Con 2023 is Thursday, Aug. 3-Sun., Aug. 6 at the Indianapolis Convention Center (ICC) and Lucas Oil Stadium.
Here’s what you need to know to make your time at Gen Con poggers (that’s gamer speak for exciting).
🧙♂️ What is Gen Con?
Gen Con was born in Lake Geneva, WI + the current name is a shortened version of the original title: The “Lake Geneva Wargames Convention.” Since then, Gen Con has become the largest tabletop gaming convention in North America — this year, it will have 14,000+ events.
Gen Con made its move to the Circle City in 2003, where it has remained since. Last year, the convention drew 50,000+ people and brought in $57 million to Indy’s tourism, entertainment, and food industries.
🔮 Convention highlights
Trade Day | Wednesday, Aug. 2 | 9 a.m.-5 p.m. | JW Mariott Hotel, White River Ballroom E | This event held prior to the start of the convention offers 70+ events for attendees and is designed to provide hands-on training, share research, B2B and network opportunities, and professional development opportunities.
Film Festival | Thurs., Aug. 3 | 7 p.m. | ICC | Short films made by gaming aficionados from across the world will be screening on-site throughout the day + winners will be announced that evening.
37th Annual Costume Contest | Saturday, Aug. 5 | 4 p.m. | ICC, Main Stage in the 500 Ballroom | A costume parade will march through the halls followed by the contest — you can dress up as your favorite character or watch from the audience.
Auction & Consignment Store | Duration of convention | Various times | ICC | Bid on your favorite action figures and peruse thousands of items.
Exhibition Hall | Duration of convention | Various times | ICC | Thousands of gamemakers, publishers + outfitters will be there to show you what’s new.
Art Show | Duration of convention | Various times | ICC | Meet industry legends + up-and-coming artists, find the perfect gift for the art enthusiast in your life, or just explore and immerse yourself in the world of art.
🧩 How to attend
25th Century Games’ booth in the exhibition hall at Gen Con 2021.
Photo by @25thcenturygames
- Get your badge. Badges get you into Gen Con + the primary attractions, like the auction or the exhibition hall.
- Get your tickets. Tickets will reserve your seat for a particular event in advance for a small fee.
- Check out the map. With so much happening, you’re going to want to plan in advance where you need to be at what time.