Milwaukee would also rock, be a homecoming for old time gencon goers.
Chigaco, at the airport hotel again.
Or, take it north and use Toronto, canada. Ottawa, Ontario has a great convention centre with 1000 hotel rooms within walking distance and great restaurants/pubs/etc nearby.
Perhaps Seattle itself...doesn't have to be in the midwest, and you can go three days early for some skiiing nearby.
Miami? some fun in the sun for Winter fantasy?
Chigaco, at the airport hotel again.
Well, the particular airport hotel that WF was at before they moved it to Fort Wayne was torn down last year.
(Not that there aren't tons of others.)I know that RPGA has said that they'd like to have DDXP in the east, given that, of the three other cons that RPGA HQ attends, two are in the Midwest (Origins and GenCon), and the other is on the west coast (PAX).
Some of the final contenders were Chicago, Columbus, Pittsburgh, St. Louis, and . . . something coastal. . . Philly?
When they started projecting the radius that people were most likely to see as a driveable distance (based on some surveys they'd requested be filled out at DDXP) they eventually settled on Pittsburgh as being easily accessible for people to drive to, and for being a smidge closer to New England than final choice #2 (Columbus).
With Pittsburgh falling through, my guess would be Columbus, but I imagine all of their major contenders are on the list at this point.
http://www.coxconventioncenter.com/
http://www.okfordcenter.com/
http://www.okccvb.org/index.php?src=directory&view=partners&submenu=meeting_venies&query=Type.eq.venue&refno=69&srctype=partners_detail_venues
If Pittsburgh is a no-go, it seems DC goes back to being the best choice (although Columbus or Chicago or Cleveland would be better for me ;) ).
It's not that big -- most anywhere could probably handle it. The main thing to worry about are flights. The people that do come do so from all over so you'd want a decently large city with a decently busy airport.
If Pittsburgh is a no-go, it seems DC goes back to being the best choice (although Columbus or Chicago or Cleveland would be better for me ;) ).
Actually, if I overheard correctly, flights are one of the more minor considerations. I think the DDXP survey they did showed that once you get to beyond a 6'hour drive, people opt to fly more often than not. Any large city can handle flight traffic, especially if they're an airport hub.
So their goal was to find a place that, within a 6-hour drive, hit the most people possible, with a decent airport.
After drawing lots of circles on maps that's how they got to Pittsburgh and Columbus. Because New England got such a good DDXP draw in the past, and Pittsburgh is a little closer to New England - Pittsburgh edged out Columbus.
I'm probably shortcutting, missing details, or flat-out wrong (stranger things have happened) but that's what I recall hearing.
Again, however, availability of hotels for the window of time they're looking for will surely be a factor at this point as well.
It'd be nice if it had been noted that the details weren't finalized when they posted the location as Pittsburgh. I'm going to take a $50 hit to cancel my hotel booking now.
I think it was finalized, but something has come up to cause a cancelation. What that might be could be anybody's guess.
I heard an ugly rumor that the hotel charges $25 a day for parking. . . it's not inconceivable that that would be a deal breaker if the RPGA wasn't aware of that at first and wanted to negotiate a lower rate (or to have it canceled completely for DDXP attendees).
Or the hotel may have backed out at the last minute if something else came along and wanted to toss more money at the hotel.
It sucks regardless, of course.
I heard an ugly rumor that the hotel charges $25 a day for parking. . . it's not inconceivable that that would be a deal breaker if the RPGA wasn't aware of that at first and wanted to negotiate a lower rate (or to have it canceled completely for DDXP attendees).
Well, the Marriott at Gencon was $27 per day. The Hyatt at Crystal City (former home of DDXP for the past three years) was $20 per day, but they negotiated a flat rate of $40, at least for judges. Parking is almost always my biggest expense at a major con.
Well, the Marriott at Gencon was $27 per day. The Hyatt at Crystal City (former home of DDXP for the past three years) was $20 per day, but they negotiated a flat rate of $40, at least for judges. Parking is almost always my biggest expense at a major con.
Man. . . I'm so glad I ride-along with friends who insist I chip in for nothing more than gas. . . and getting to pay my share of that is an uphill battle.
Parking costs had better not have been the problem.
It'd be nice if it had been noted that the details weren't finalized when they posted the location as Pittsburgh. I'm going to take a $50 hit to cancel my hotel booking now.
I have friends struck with Priceline tickets and hotel rates for pittsburgh.
Is the RPGA/Wizards/Hasbro going to refund them the money?
Either would WolfStar if he needs a place to crash! I got a house now!
I have friends struck with Priceline tickets and hotel rates for pittsburgh.
Is the RPGA/Wizards/Hasbro going to refund them the money?
Not sure why they would expect Wizards to refund money that people spent on a convention that was not 'officially' kicked off on the official site and for which the hotel had no knowledge.
Not sure why they would expect Wizards to refund money that people spent on a convention that was not 'officially' kicked off on the official site and for which the hotel had no knowledge.
That was Sarcasm
But what is official announcement? I used to think when they posted it that Pittsburgh was the city for DDXP.
I promise not to believe anything more Wizards tells me.
That Dawn of Defiance modules will come out on time. "check"
That D&D insider will be ready for the 4ed launch date."check"
That Pittsburgh will be the location for DDXP. "check"
That Spellplague will not ruin the Realms. "jury is still out"
I called the Pittsburgh hotel after GenCon and they had no knowledge of the event, so I didn't try to register a room. Glad I didn't. I hope it's in Columbus, since I live here, I won't have to pay for a room.
Either would WolfStar if he needs a place to crash! I got a house now!
Alas, I'm skipping DDXP due to a wife due to deliver on Feb 13th. ^_^
Alas, I'm skipping DDXP due to a wife due to deliver on Feb 13th. ^_^
Which wife? :P
-SYB
Which wife? :P
-SYB
:angelhide
Actually, if I overheard correctly, flights are one of the more minor considerations. I think the DDXP survey they did showed that once you get to beyond a 6'hour drive, people opt to fly more often than not. Any large city can handle flight traffic, especially if they're an airport hub.
So their goal was to find a place that, within a 6-hour drive, hit the most people possible, with a decent airport.
After drawing lots of circles on maps that's how they got to Pittsburgh and Columbus. Because New England got such a good DDXP draw in the past, and Pittsburgh is a little closer to New England - Pittsburgh edged out Columbus.
That's basically what I said. I'm sure there are places in Youngstown, Ohio or Altoona, Pennsylvania that could handle the size of the con and be within the 6-hour drive circles but likely have insufficient airports/traffic.
Not sure why they would expect Wizards to refund money that people spent on a convention that was not 'officially' kicked off on the official site and for which the hotel had no knowledge.
Oh, I don't know. Maybe because we were TOLD exactly when and where the convention would be, and TOLD to "book your travel and make your plans." I guess the solution is not to believe anything Chris Tulach says?
Alas, I'm skipping DDXP due to a wife due to deliver on Feb 13th. ^_^
Wow congrats on that...WolfStar as a daddy, now that is something scary!
That's basically what I said. I'm sure there are places in Youngstown, Ohio or Altoona, Pennsylvania that could handle the size of the con and be within the 6-hour drive circles but likely have insufficient airports/traffic.
If you thought murders in DC were bad, you really don't want the Con to be held in Youngstown
Oh, I don't know. Maybe because we were TOLD exactly when and where the convention would be, and TOLD to "book your travel and make your plans." I guess the solution is not to believe anything Chris Tulach says?
I was at the announcement. I honestly don't remember them saying to "book your travel." I do remember them saying you could make plans to attend since we knew the date ahead of time (e.g. requesting off work, etc.).
I was at the announcement. I honestly don't remember them saying to "book your travel." I do remember them saying you could make plans to attend since we knew the date ahead of time (e.g. requesting off work, etc.).
For your reference, those words appeared in the official announcement on the RPGA website. They have since been removed.
Wow congrats on that...WolfStar as a daddy, now that is something scary!
Heyyyy. If I can help wrangle a few hundred gamers at GenCon, raising one kid shouldn't be too bad. . . right?
*looks around* RIGHT?
. . .
uh-oh.
Heyyyy. If I can help wrangle a few hundred gamers at GenCon, raising one kid shouldn't be too bad. . . right?
*looks around* RIGHT?
. . .
uh-oh.
Sorry dude. I hate to break it to you but running Gencon is a break from the kids. Goodbye to sleep and make sure you have a DVR or you'll never watch an uninterrupted show again.
I blame the Teletubbies for at least 50% of that drop.
I'll swear on whatever holy book you want that my IQ dropped 50 points after my daughter was born. And it wasn't all that high to begin with . . .
I'm SO debating putting this into my sigfile.
Warning appreciated.
Sorry dude. I hate to break it to you but running Gencon is a break from the kids. Goodbye to sleep and make sure you have a DVR or you'll never watch an uninterrupted show again.
Well, the good news is I don't really watch much TV. But, yeah, I'm gonna miss my computer I think. C'est la vie.
Heh...Altoona....That would just be surreal...
The little convention center we have could handle it, but the closest mid-sized airport is an hour drive.
Never a lack of hotels, McCarran is able to handle a lot of traffic, always something to do.
Oh, and it is well within my driving range. ;)
I'd love to know why there aren't good gaming Cons in Las Vegas. It'd be a great place to go for a convention, and I'm _way_ outside of driving range.
If you build it, they will come.
If you build it, they will come.
You say that, but there almost has to be some legitimate reason why not...
Still, the town is _built_ for hosting conventions, a _lot_ of parents would love to take their kids ("So I drop you off for 16 hours and you're fine while I go, uhh... sight see?"), there's so much to do before and after the show, plenty of hotels, etc.
You say that, but there almost has to be some legitimate reason why not...
Still, the town is _built_ for hosting conventions, a _lot_ of parents would love to take their kids ("So I drop you off for 16 hours and you're fine while I go, uhh... sight see?"), there's so much to do before and after the show, plenty of hotels, etc.
I (obviously) can't speak for anyone else, but if you build it *I* will come.
Possible reasons against Vegas working that I can think of are:
1) Outside driving distance of the bulk of the country. This is one of the factors they are/were considering for DDXP's new location and shouldn't be under-estimated. Many people only go to cons that are "local" to them.
2) Cost. Sure, there's a ton of conventions that happen in Vegas all year, but are the costs comparable to other hotel-based conventions, or is there a "Vegas Premium" in effect?
3) Competition. A Gaming/D&D convention is an entertainment convention. Vegas is built on entertainment of all sorts. Would those shows, museums, casinos, and more draw people away from the con?
If these factors were addressed and compensated for you might have a shot. Can't do anything about driving distance, but if you got a good deal with a hotel/convention center, and billed all the other entertainment attractions as "fun for the non-gamer(s) in your family" you'd have a good building ground.
Who knows, maybe DDXP might still land there. Anything is possible.
(what blatent attempt to go back on-topic? What are you talking about?)I (obviously) can't speak for anyone else, but if you build it *I* will come.
Well, there are two gaming conventions I know of held in Vegas that would suit RPGA gamers.
NeonCon, (http://www.neoncon.com/), which is actually coming up shortly, at the end of October, over Halloween weekend. Events confirmed for it this year include LG, LFR, Pathfinder Society and other games. Last year, for the first "public" year, I know that there was no real problem with people not showing up. Lots of tables, lots of players.
ConQuest Vegas, (http://www.conquestvegas.com/), which is going into its second year, wll be held the weekend after GAMA, April 17-19, 2009, doesn't have its schedule up, yet, but had a whole RPGA gaming section last year. Lots of LG, which was the active RPGA OP opportunity. And I know that there were plenty of tables with gamers at the time. And the RPGA section is organized by the same people who are doing the organization for NeonCon, the SinCityOGREs (http://vegasgamers.org/)
Sorry, Vegas-serving plug... concluded. ;)
Well, there are two gaming conventions I know of held in Vegas that would suit RPGA gamers.
NeonCon, (http://www.neoncon.com/), which is actually coming up shortly, at the end of October, over Halloween weekend. Events confirmed for it this year include LG, LFR, Pathfinder Society and other games. Last year, for the first "public" year, I know that there was no real problem with people not showing up. Lots of tables, lots of players.
ConQuest Vegas, (http://www.conquestvegas.com/), which is going into its second year, wll be held the weekend after GAMA, April 17-19, 2009, doesn't have its schedule up, yet, but had a whole RPGA gaming section last year. Lots of LG, which was the active RPGA OP opportunity. And I know that there were plenty of tables with gamers at the time. And the RPGA section is organized by the same people who are doing the organization for NeonCon, the SinCityOGREs (http://vegasgamers.org/)
Sorry, Vegas-serving plug... concluded. ;)
Ooooohh.
*makes notes* Now I just have to follow-up with the wife. . . .
That's fantastic to hear, though. I also will be following up with my wife
Lets have one Southeast!!!!!
What a concept...
Orlando would be cheap hotels are a bargain there and southwest always has affordable flights...
Or even in DC at a different hotel?
How about Atlante (i really dont like Atlanta but it should be considered)
Well, there are two gaming conventions I know of held in Vegas that would suit RPGA gamers.
NeonCon, (http://www.neoncon.com/), which is actually coming up shortly, at the end of October, over Halloween weekend. Events confirmed for it this year include LG, LFR, Pathfinder Society and other games. Last year, for the first "public" year, I know that there was no real problem with people not showing up. Lots of tables, lots of players.
ConQuest Vegas, (http://www.conquestvegas.com/), which is going into its second year, wll be held the weekend after GAMA, April 17-19, 2009, doesn't have its schedule up, yet, but had a whole RPGA gaming section last year. Lots of LG, which was the active RPGA OP opportunity. And I know that there were plenty of tables with gamers at the time. And the RPGA section is organized by the same people who are doing the organization for NeonCon, the SinCityOGREs (http://vegasgamers.org/)
Sorry, Vegas-serving plug... concluded. ;)
Isn't there an industry trade show in LV as well?
I am going to toss in my recommendation: Seattle.
Isn't there an industry trade show in LV as well?
Yes. I guess I should have been clearer on my post about ConQuestVegas. It is not just the weekend after GAMA, it is in the same venue as GAMA.
Last year, at the first ConQuestVegas, it was the weekend before GAMA, at the same venue...
Anyone see the pattern, there? ;)
So you have stuff up northeast, central, and west...
Lets have one Southeast!!!!!
What a concept...
Orlando would be cheap hotels are a bargain there and southwest always has affordable flights...
Or even in DC at a different hotel?
How about Atlante (i really dont like Atlanta but it should be considered)
While DragonCon (Atlanta, Labor Day weekend) isn't just a gaming convention, they traditionally host quite a few RPG (and RPGA) sessions.
And, I know that there is at least one gaming convention that happens in Orlando.
I1) Outside driving distance of the bulk of the country. This is one of the factors they are/were considering for DDXP's new location and shouldn't be under-estimated. Many people only go to cons that are "local" to them.
I recall that, when they originally moved Winter Fantasy out to the east coast (after many years in Wisconsin, then Chicago, then Fort Wayne), the reasoning was to put a "bigger" (relatively speaking) RPGA event on the east coast, since GenCon Indy and Origins were in the Midwest, and GenCon SoCal was on the west coast. (GCSC has since gone away, but has been "replaced" by the RPGA's presence at Penny Arcade Expo in Seattle.)
I don't know if that thinking is still entering into the RPGA's decision-making process on the issue.
We all know that "soon" is relative, so I wouldn't keep hitting refresh all night, but hopefully something will go public Mon-Tues.
Grand Wayne Convention Center
Fort Wayne, IN 46802
www.grandwayne.com
Hi guys, I went to D&D Exp. in VA last Feb. and loved it. It was a great time to meet the new 4th ed. It was also very convenient for someone who lives in the North East corridor. Northern Virginia is easy to get to from all the way up in Boston to down in Norfolk VA.
Fort Wayne isn't. Not even a little bit easy to get to. I will consider it but sadly this isn't nearly as convenient for me. I hope Wizards will endorse and support a convention on the east coast the way they did D&D Exp. Last year.
If they insist on the midwest maybe Chicago?
The dawn of 4e has brought about one marketing miscue after another.
I heard due to cost factors and lateness of booking, it was either Ft. Wayne or no event at all. Midwest has a huge player base so hopefully it will be successful. Hopefully next year, with more time to plan, it can get a move a little eastward to get within easier driving distance of coasters.
It's all about cost. No one was more disappointed when the show was moved away from Pittsburgh, but it was all about cost. I don't know for sure, but I have a strong feeling the "it was either Ft. Wayne or not at all" rumor was probably true.
Fort Wayne makes it very driveable for the Tennessee crowd. We'll be representing in force.
-Sutro
January 29 - February 1, 2009
Grand Wayne Convention Center
Fort Wayne, IN 46802
www.grandwayne.com
Hi guys, I went to D&D Exp. in VA last Feb. and loved it. It was a great time to meet the new 4th ed. It was also very convenient for someone who lives in the North East corridor. Northern Virginia is easy to get to from all the way up in Boston to down in Norfolk VA.
Fort Wayne isn't. Not even a little bit easy to get to. I will consider it but sadly this isn't nearly as convenient for me. I hope Wizards will endorse and support a convention on the east coast the way they did D&D Exp. Last year.
If they insist on the midwest maybe Chicago?
Chicago, is a universally fantastic location for a con. It's got the set up and plenty of space. However, Chicago, although it's my kind of town, is the singularly MOST expensive place to have a convention. I really believe you are correct when you say Ft. Wayne was chosen because it is cheap. For that reason I also beleive that we will never see a Chicago convention.
In my favor, and perhaps mine alone, the location choice of Ft. Wayne is perfect FOR ME. It's in my home the wander state. Couldn't be happier. See you there if you're going.
Chicago, is a universally fantastic location for a con. It's got the set up and plenty of space. However, Chicago, although it's my kind of town, is the singularly MOST expensive place to have a convention.
Yup. For the size that DDXP is, both McCormick Place and the Rosemont Convention Center are *way* too big. Even the smaller hotel-based venues that would be big enough to host it would probably break the bank for the RPGA.
And, yeah, the Chicago area has very few gaming conventions, which I think is largely due to the cost. COWS puts on a few RPGA cons out at College of DuPage, and there's a group called Concentric which also puts on several small cons a year, including some RPGA stuff, but that's about it. The RPGA player base in Chicago tends to travel quite a bit, to cons in Wisconsin, Michigan, and downstate Illinois (heck, I just drove home from FlatCon in Bloomington).
I really believe you are correct when you say Ft. Wayne was chosen because it is cheap.
Also, keep in mind that, back when it was still known as Winter Fantasy, this convention was held in Fort Wayne for several years. So, the RPGA does have some experience with the venue (which is actually pretty nice). And, yeah, I'm sure that it's far more affordable for the RPGA.
It's not terribly convenenient to fly into (especially compared to the DC venue, which was literally across the street from Reagan National), but it's close enough to me in suburban Chicago that I may consider going this year.
I am very happy with the choice of the location because I live less than a mile from the Grand Wayne Center. Fort Wayne is a great place for gaming cons. Thank you RPGA for bringing your con back to Fort Wayne.
Congrats. People who live in Dayton OH are the lucky duckies in '09, with Origins, GenCon, and now DDXP on their doorsteps. Sadly, I'm already planning on heading to Indiana for GenCon, and another trip all the way out there (from PA) is just too much for me. Perhaps in '10...
1. Newly remodeled convention center. Both Dave Christ and Wizards folks have visited the site recently and the convention center is wonderful. The amount of space we'll have this year is generous for such a nice convention center.
2. Attendance. Most folks that attended D&D Experience (and Winter Fantasy) drive to the show and are within 6 hours' driving distance. Well over 80%. Bringing the show back to Fort Wayne means that we also position the show in a better driving radius to be most accessible to the largest number of D&D gamers in the US. Our best-attended D&D Experiences/Winter Fantasies were in Fort Wayne.
In '10 you can come to PAX out here in Boston!
I would love for us to do something with PAX East in '10. We'll see if it's in the cards. (It would also be a great excuse for me to visit Boston.)
On Topic!
Fort Wayne is a fantastic location! Still awaiting some of that wonderful DM volunteer info... even though it's still months away ;)