Comments | rpg_slaves: School Me on Gen Con

eyebeams in rpg_slaves

School Me on Gen Con

Jul 13, 2003 22:52

I'm going to Gen Con this year. It's the first large convention I've ever been to and the first time I'll actually meet face to face with my employers. So I have a few questions ( Read more... )

Comments 6

mouseferatu July 13 2003, 20:40:04 UTC

Well, I've only been to one--last year's GenCon. I didn't do much gaming, except for one Mummy game run by Colin Suleiman. I spent a lot of time just wandering around talking to folks, as I intend to do again this year.

I'm afraid I don't remember what it cost me last time. It ain't gonna be cheap, though. :-/

I only went to one writing seminar last time, and it was really not especially helpful to people who are already in the industry. I'd say just look over the schedule and see what jumps out at you.

rhiawolf July 14 2003, 10:17:12 UTC

I've only been to 1 GenCon, too, plus a few smaller cons. So here are my answers, in my limited experience ( ... )

mearls July 14 2003, 14:37:04 UTC

1. For me, business has always been randomly inserted into bits of the con. Usually, it happens over dinner or lunch. OTOH, I've hammered out contracts at a publisher's booth. Just remember that you have four days, so you can take your time with things. I tend to at least walk up and say hello to an editor I've worked with ( ... )

mytholder July 14 2003, 16:37:12 UTC

I've been told that bringing business cards is a good idea for a freelancer.

Avoid eating in the convention centre, obviously, as it tends to be cripplingly expensive.

satyrblade May 3 2004, 14:48:23 UTC

>1. When do you talk business at these sorts of things, as opposed to just enjoying yourself ( ... )

satyrblade May 3 2004, 14:50:13 UTC

* Be cool. Keep a calm center in the chaos. Speak well. Respect others (fans and pros alike) as you yourself would like to be respected. Let yourself be casual around people you know, but keep a bit of reserve around those you don't. Remember that almost everyone WANTS to be friendly, but that doesn't equate to immediate friendship. You can and probably will make new friends at a con - that's one of the reasons people go to them - but keep in mind that friendship and intimacy have to be earned ( ... )