I'll be attending for the first time this year. Anyone going? Or any tips from a veteran attendee on how to get the most out of it?
Origins Anyone?
Thu, 06/08/2017 - 10:06
Thu, 06/08/2017 - 15:08
#1
I have gone every year for
I have gone every year for the last 11 but I can’t help you on how to get the most out of attending since I attend as an exhibitor. I do know one thing; take advantage of the free gaming. Most exhibitors will run games in their booth. I work with Mayfair and we run hundreds of games over the weekend no charge.
Drop by and see me. I'll likly be running Star Trek Five-Year Mission.
Our gameing booth will be in the game hall, oue sales booth will be in the exhibitors hall.
David E. Whitcher
Thu, 06/08/2017 - 15:45
#2
Hey!
I just registered for
Hey!
I just registered for Origins on a whim and hope it is a step towards being published. This will be my first time to Origins, too. I did notice a couple of designer workshops listed in the program under "Origins University". I plan on checking out as many as those as I can. Also, there is a "publisher speed-dating" event if you want to pitch your prototype. Personally, I am hung-up in development and haven't tested my games well enough.
I am really looking forward to it, though it is very overwhelming. I would be interested to hear any advice for first-timers, too.
Thanks for posting!
Fri, 06/09/2017 - 09:17
#3
Javenknight wrote: I am
I am hung-up in development and haven't tested my games well enough.
I am glad you realize this. Many new designers don't. I have done submission testing with Mayfair Games for more than a decade and it’s amazing how many are not ready to show. The game should be 90-95% Done. The last bit can be refined in development once you are under contract. It fairly normal for publishers to want to make changes.
David E. Whitcher
Fri, 06/09/2017 - 20:39
#4
I'll be there. Wednesday and
I'll be there. Wednesday and Saturday nights I'll be running large games of Sailpower in the miniatures hall. Saturday afternoon I'll be running demos of my game, Escape from Nemo's Island, in the Unpub Prototype Alley (rooms C171 and C172).
If you like board games, definitely get a Board Room ribbon. It gets you access to the board game library, which is quite extensive.
Once you get tired of the food court food, go across the street to North Market for a lot more variety, and better quality food.
Sat, 06/10/2017 - 08:21
#5
Origins Awaits!
Spaff,
This is my second time attending Origins, having worked our booth last year. Like my first year, however, I'm travelling with friends who have gone nearly 15 times. We'll be accompanied this year by my daughter and it's her first time to any convention.
From a logistics standpoint, to David's comment, play games! In contrast to what GenCon has become, Origins remains focused on gaming. Also, bring a small backpack with some water and granola bars, as you'll walk a lot and unless you want to pay $20 for convention food, you'll thank me later.
So, depending on your age, level of fitness, and stamina, pace yourself, as it's a multi-day event. Last year, we stayed up playing games until 2 in the morning and then back up at 7 for breakfast and over to the hall at 9 as an Exhibitor. The adrenaline kept me going, but I also run 4-5 miles a day.
Whatever you do, have fun!
Cheers,
Joe
Sat, 06/10/2017 - 09:01
#6
Be prepared to walk. A lot.
Be prepared to walk. A lot. Even walking to your room in the host hotel is 14 minutes.
If you need something for the week bring it with you. There really isn't any places close to buy anything.
The market across the street has the best food for everyone ! Make sure to check it out.
Don't buy games early. It sucks carrying it around all day lol.
Mon, 06/12/2017 - 18:19
#8
Love the Press
Spaff,
I'm already a published designer, but if you want to conduct an interview with someone who is a long-time BGDF contributor, I'll be happy to chat.
Cheers,
Joe
Tue, 06/13/2017 - 19:31
#10
I'll be there!
I'm meeting
I'll be there!
I'm meeting with some publishers about a game design and hanging out in the Unpub area.
It'll be my first time attending. I can't wait!
Wed, 06/14/2017 - 07:09
#11
Hope to see you!
Gabe,
While there will be 14K others milling about, hope to catch-up with you at the event!
Cheers,
Joe
Wed, 06/14/2017 - 10:54
#12
Joe,
Definitely!
Gabe
Joe,
Definitely!
Gabe
Thanks for the tips everyone!
I'll actually have a Press Ribbon for the event (didn't get confirmation until after I posted the thread), so I'll be balancing a couple hats, but will be there all 5 days and hopefully can fit everything in!
I'm going to interview and showcase three unpublished designer's attending Origins. I know a couple of you said you'll have prototypes there- if you're unpublished and are interested in an interview I'd love to show preference to the BGDF community!
Let me know and we can schedule a time during the convention.