How important is it to purchase event tickets in advance? I see that alot of the events will accept generic tickets if there is room, but how often does that happen? Do most events fill up?

This is my second year at GenCon, last year I didn't get to do as much gaming as I would have liked due to being a little overwhelmed by everything and Gaurdian6 taking up alot of my time. This year I'd like to get invovled in more games and try some new ones  but if possible I'd like to leave some flex to my schedule. Are there certain events that almost always fill up or certain ones that will usually have extra openings?

It all depends on what events you are doing. For instance if you are going to do True Dungeons you do need to buy tickets the day of. There are also a lot of other events that fill up fast. I know alot of the BYOV LARPS tend to fill up fast. But to be honest a lot won't fill up tomorrow, but I always get everything out of the way the first day. That way it is good and done and I don't have to worry about any of the events I want to filling up. 

Welcome to the forums!

Popular events are BYOV Larps, specifically Harry Potter Larp and many D&D Rpgs. Also True Dungeon fills FAST. I know that Nascrag RPGs always accept generics, and many early games seem to have missing players. SPA events usually have only enough materials slotted for the number of tickets available, but some board games may be able to squeeze an extra slot. The Rogue Judges happily accept generics, depending on the event, because they often have an extra copy of the game laying about to start another group up if needed.

Good luck and again, welcome!

It really depends on the game and its rep on just how fast it'll fill up. Don't quote me on this but I think it was last year (or was it the year before) that Can of Whupass - a 20-player game - filled up fresh out of the starting gate.

Pre-registration is the way to go if you want to guarantee your slot in a game. If it doesn't matter, if you want to throw the dice to see if you can get in to a game, go with the generics. And if you change your mind about a game you've pre-regged for, you can always stop by the Customer Service desk and return it. (Just do so well before the game starts and please don't forget about the return fees (5%, I think).)

Please also note though that the construction and subsequent scattering of the events last year threw things off a bit. A game I was in was sold out through pre-registration but only half of the players showed up, offering lots of opportunities for those with generics.

NDGeekboy:

It really depends on the game and its rep on just how fast it'll fill up. Don't quote me on this but I think it was last year (or was it the year before) that Can of Whupass - a 20-player game - filled up fresh out of the starting gate.

Oops!  I quoted you. 

 You are correct about Whupass.  We sold out all 20 slots in well under three hours.  This year we're offering 25, but for this and other popular events you want to be attempting registration early and often. 

This isn't universal, but a decent rule of thumb is that if an event says "generics welcome" then they either probably won't sell out, or they're offering additional spots in their game.  And then there are huge games like NASCRAG where you shouldn't even bother registering online for them because they welcome any and all generic tickets. 

I'd make a list of the events that you want, assign them high or low priority, and then try to register for them in order of fewest to most slots available.  I hope you get into everything you want.

David Wulatin

Evil Fleet Productions 

 Thanks for all the responses. I had planned on getting true dungeon tickets for sure, I've heard how fast that fills up. Other than that I've been looking at alot of CGM's and board games, but also a couple of RPG's. I know I at least want to get in on a Firefly RPG so I guess I'll get that ticket early. 

Thanks again for all the info. 

My understanding is that all events submitted by the deadline (except for a few corrections and the Wed. games) are in the system. 

To the OP, be sure to get any TD and RPG tickets you are sure about ASAP.  Some RPG's don't sell out, but many do and do so fast.  Some LARP's sell fast, but many don't.  TCG tournaments don't sell out really, and neither do the large miniature games, with some exceptions. 

Xefe:

My understanding is that all events submitted by the deadline (except for a few corrections and the Wed. games) are in the system. 

The KFG Wednesday games slotted in hotels are included in the registration system as of last night.  You can search in the actual registration area (registration.gencon.com) or on the highprogrammers website (gencon.highprogrammer.com)

Draven:

Xefe:

My understanding is that all events submitted by the deadline (except for a few corrections and the Wed. games) are in the system. 

The KFG Wednesday games slotted in hotels are included in the registration system as of last night.  You can search in the actual registration area (registration.gencon.com) or on the highprogrammers website (gencon.highprogrammer.com)

Excellent! 

Does everyone have their events picked out they want to reg for, listed out in a spreadsheet with alternatives? Check to make sure you can get logged in smoothly? Spread misinformation to improve your chances of getting the events you want?

To the one who mentioned Firefly.... Make sure you look under Serenity, not Firefly. I played a Dragonlance game with Margaret Weis Productions last year, and they are running some Serenity games. They were horrible, attrocious (Actually they were fantastic and knew their stuff. The best game I was in all week, and it was a Sunday game. I'm definitely playing in at least one of their games this year if I have to bring my own chair.... See the last sentence above.)

atstepchild:

Does everyone have their events picked out they want to reg for, listed out in a spreadsheet with alternatives? Check to make sure you can get logged in smoothly? Spread misinformation to improve your chances of getting the events you want?

I just downloaded the most recent update and need to get my Wednesday lined up. After that, I'll be checking and rechecking priorities and the back-ups. With luck, I'll be done before the ball drops tomorrow at 3 Central.

Just use the HighProgrammer site.... it'll help stave off premature balding. Much easier to use and better results.

Maybe so, but this way I can work offline and the phone'll be open for use <g>

Well, here's hoping it all goes, at least, relatively smoothly tomorrow.

GlitchMike:

 Thanks for all the responses. I had planned on getting true dungeon tickets for sure, I've heard how fast that fills up. Other than that I've been looking at alot of CGM's and board games, but also a couple of RPG's. I know I at least want to get in on a Firefly RPG so I guess I'll get that ticket early. 

Thanks again for all the info. 

Oh yes, Firefly sells out super fast. Be sure to get that asap. And if it happens to be called "Some People Juggle Geese", you're in for a treat.

Good luck to us all tomorrow!

Now just to be sure, me being in Chicago, thats Central Standard time, event registration begins at 3PM, right?

Yes, 3pm Central, and True Dungeon will open first at 11am Central time.

1 hour and 10 minutes to go. That means you should have your browser logged in, events loaded and ready to roll for True dungeon in about 10 minutes. Then you keep refreshing your screen hoping they make a boo-boo and open it 30 seconds early.