Wizards & Blizzards
Scene Reports
This is a place where we share information about conventions we've attended. They are intended to be informational and not a critique or rating.
Trekonderoga Gaming Invitational
Ticonderoga NY Dec 13-14 2026 Amy Larson Pearson
Overall Experience
First of all, let me clarify that the Trekonderoga Gaming Invitational was a private event hosted by a gaming instigator for a small group of Star Trek fans and role playing gamers at the Star Trek set located in Ticonderoga, NY. (Not to be confused with the Trekonderoga Star Trek fan event held at the same location.) We wanted to report on this event because it was such a great idea and suggests other site specific gaming events you and your friends can create.
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The basic premise was simple and brilliant: visit the Star Trek sets created by superfan James Cawley, show up in uniform, and play the Modiphius Star Trek Roleplaying Game on the actual sets. This glorious intersection of nerdery was masterminded by our friend George, who contacted James with the (admittedly crazy) idea of renting out the facility for a full-day private event. Once that was approved, George recruited three game masters who together created a game module for three groups that would be played simultaneously on the set.
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James is one of those rare visionaries who has built and outfitted these sets using a mix of hand-built scenery, working electronics, and even a few original-series relics. It is very clearly a labor of love. Our group was instructed to enjoy the space while being extremely careful—overenthusiasm is a known hazard when fans encounter something this special.
With a hilarious, respectful group of players, accurate uniforms, and thoughtful play, we managed to create a truly magical experience—one that took immersive role-playing to an entirely new level.
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Why This Con Is for You
This experience is ideal if you are both a Star Trek: The Original Series superfan and a tabletop role-playing gamer. That overlap is the sweet spot that makes this event worth the effort.
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Pulling it off does require organization. Coordinating with the venue took time, the logistics of play required dedicated game masters, and Ticonderoga is fairly off the beaten path. That said, if all of this sounds exciting rather than daunting, we wholeheartedly recommend going for it.
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The owner and staff initially thought we were a little nuts—but once we settled into play in engineering, the holodeck, and Bones’ laboratory, they realized we were harmless, respectful, and genuinely invested. By the end of the day, they seemed open to hosting more gaming groups in the future.
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This experience sent our group down a rabbit hole of researching other immersive locations that might be willing to host games. Star Wars? Professor Xavier’s School for Gifted Youngsters? This event convinced us that immersive gaming can go far beyond D&D in a wine cellar.
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Why This Con May Not Be for You
This event definitely requires a love of Star Trek: The Original Series and a willingness to lean in—Starfleet uniforms included (go-go boots and wigs optional, though encouraged if you’re me).
It also takes time, budget, and initiative. If traveling to upstate New York to play a few hours of games sounds like too much work, this probably isn’t the experience for you.
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Ticketing Process
Booking the venue was handled largely over the phone, which initially raised some concerns about how smoothly the day would run. George spent a lot of time wrangling attendees—making sure we all had uniforms, understood how to treat the sets respectfully, and arrived on time.
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We received regular communications from George throughout the planning process, which went a long way toward ensuring everyone had a great experience. If you’re considering running a gaming convention of any kind, a small private event like this is an excellent place to start.
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Theme of the Con
Star Trek.
Obviously.
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Facilities
The Star Trek Tour sets are genuinely impressive. It’s remarkable what one talented and dedicated fan can create. The facility includes the bridge, engineering, the captain’s quarters, sickbay, the transporter room, and connecting hallways—complete with lighting, screens, and sound effects.
Our group played in engineering, accompanied by the steady thrum of the warp core, which added a wonderful layer of immersion. The staff were welcoming and kicked things off with a full tour and plenty of Star Trek trivia.
The building was a bit chilly—we were there during the museum’s off-season—but no one minded.
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Food Options
We wanted to maximize our time on set, and food and drinks aren’t allowed inside, so beverages and snacks stayed in the parking lot. When we broke for lunch, we found several nearby spots across the street that were able to accommodate our group quickly and easily.
Sadly, no replicators..
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Travel
The Star Trek Tour is located in Ticonderoga, NY, about 90 minutes from the Albany airport and nearly a five-hour drive from New York City. George arranged lodging at the Lodge at Schroon Lake, roughly 30 minutes away.
The Adirondacks in December were absolutely stunning, and the Lodge was warm, welcoming, and generous. The bar and restaurant hosted not only our group but also locals and other visitors enjoying a winter getaway—making it a perfect home base for the event.
Pig Faced Orc Con
Bakersfield, CA October 25th 2025
George Krstic
Overall Experience
Pig-Faced Orc Con was a unique, almost boutique gaming experience—very focused, very small, and very welcoming.
The gaming was fantastic, and the vibe was even better. I was genuinely taken aback by how intimate and warm the whole event felt. Games were spread across the make-up room, dressing area, and stage of a small indie theater, which made everything feel even more engaging.
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We also learned that the con serves as a touchpoint for both a Fresno wargaming club and the local RPG community, giving us the chance to connect with two sides of gaming culture that rarely overlap at the same event.
My crew and I will definitely be returning next year—and some of us may even be running games.
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Why This Con Is for You
This is a very intimate convention focused on RPGs and wargames from the ’70s and ’80s, hosted by a friendly staff dedicated to making every session enjoyable. It’s grassroots and sincere—everyone attending, GMing, or organizing was simply there to have fun, tell jokes, and roll dice.
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The crowd was multigenerational and very welcoming. I was lucky enough to play a session of Gamma World with a grandfather, his son, and his grandson—and we had a blast swapping jokes and memes across decades of gaming experience.
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Why This Con May Not Be for You
It’s a very small, one-day con capped at 40 attendees, and it’s focused on old-school and retro-school games. This year’s venue was a small warehouse/community theater in the middle of the Bakersfield desert with no walkable food options (though a small snack café was available on-site).
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Ticketing Process
Tickets were available through Tabletop Events for $5 each, and all individual game sessions were free. Tickets were also available at the door.
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Theme of the Con
Old-school through and through. If there was an old TSR game you always wanted to try, chances are someone was running it at PFOC. Despite being complete strangers, we were welcomed like long-lost friends. And after the small adventure of driving out and finding the venue, it almost felt like we were being congratulated for completing a quest to discover one of the nerdiest gaming events out there—and honestly, it felt great.
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Facilities
Originally held in a library in Northern California, PFOC has grown enough that the organizers needed a temporary new venue. This year, it took place at The Empty Space Theater in Bakersfield. Though small and rustic, it was a blast playing on a stage set for that evening’s Dracula production. The organizers mentioned they’re looking for a larger venue next year, but it will remain somewhere in Bakersfield.
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Food Options
There was a small pop-up café on-site with limited offerings. Everything else required a drive, with most options being fast food due to the industrial area. The brief breaks between sessions didn’t leave much time to wander off.
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Travel
Bakersfield sits roughly halfway between Las Vegas and Los Angeles, making it a bit inconvenient for many travelers. For most of us, it was about a two-hour drive north of LA. Parking was limited, but workable thanks to the low attendance cap.
Gamehole Con
Madison, WI October 16th-19th, 2025
Chip Pearson
Overall Experience
Gamehole Con continues to be my favorite convention of all those I attend. Alex and his crew set a high standard that I wish more conventions would follow. The facilities are well appointed, the volunteers are incredibly helpful, and events run smoothly with no obvious glitches. The attendee mix is excellent—lots of locals, plenty of folks from around the Midwest, and a strong national and international presence.
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Attendance this year was estimated between 6,400 and 6,500, which makes it a substantial and energetic event. There’s strong representation across card games, board games, historic miniature wargames, and of course, tons of tabletop RPGs. In addition to True Dungeon, the convention launched its own organized play program, Wardens of the Eastern Marches. While I didn’t participate, everything I heard was positive, and players seemed to love it.
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The charity auction was another highlight: full of great items, entertaining to watch, and raising money for a good cause.
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Why This Con Is for You
You like playing games—full stop. This con attracts a wonderful cross-section of the gaming community. A number of TSR alumni from the OD&D, AD&D, and 90s eras were present, running games and chatting with attendees. They were relaxed, friendly, and incredibly generous with their time.
The age range is equally broad: from original-era gamers to kids under 10. There’s even a dedicated kids’ track, making it easy to bring children or grandkids. Grognards and blue mohawks mix together effortlessly throughout the weekend.
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Why This Con May Not Be for You
If your priority is celebrity sightings, autograph sessions, or photo ops with famous personalities, you may walk away disappointed. While there are some well-known YouTube and online personalities present, Gamehole Con is firmly gaming-first, not celebrity-focused.
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Ticketing Process
Gamehole Con uses its own proprietary registration software, and it works very well. You can register yourself, family members, and coordinate games with friends easily. Aside from occasional external issues (such as AWS outages), the system supports the convention seamlessly.
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The pricing philosophy is smart: badges are modestly priced, but each game carries a fee. This keeps the con accessible to people who simply want to attend and join open pickup games. Tickets generally start at $2, with higher prices for premium events or games run by special DMs.
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Theme of the Con
The heart of Gamehole Con is simple: playing games and making friends. The organizers curate excellent game sessions and also provide lots of additional activities. The charity auction was lively and meaningful, the Friday night party brought everyone together, and the inaugural Mad Orc 5K gave fitness-minded gamers a fun way to participate. The con excels at creating opportunities for people to connect.
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Facilities
The event takes place at the Alliant Energy Center in Madison, WI—a classic civic convention complex built in the 1980s. It’s a bit dated, but functional and spacious. This year marked the first time the con expanded into the New Holland building, which came with a few growing-pains that will no doubt be smoothed out in future years.
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There’s ample room to move around, though restrooms—like at any convention—get busy and could use more frequent upkeep by day’s end. Parking is abundant and free, and the organizers have been working with the city to demonstrate the event’s economic benefit. Interestingly, Gamehole Con has become Madison’s second-largest tourist event, making it a major boost for the local economy.
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Food Options
The Alliant Energy Center’s built-in food options are fairly standard for an aging convention facility. Fortunately, Gamehole Con has found a great solution: a lineup of food trucks with outdoor seating in a pleasant pavilion area. With October trending warmer in recent years, this setup should only get better.
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Nearby restaurants can get crowded, especially those within walking distance. We opted for a supper club about ten minutes away and were seated immediately—prime rib and old fashioneds included. Because so many attendees drive, there are lots of options within a short radius, including downtown and the university area.
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A standout convenience is the RV parking with electrical and water hookups. We stayed on site in our rig at a very reasonable cost, and we saw plenty of trailers, vans, motorhomes, and even tents close to the entrance. It’s the only convention I know of that offers RV accommodations right on site.
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Travel
For us, coming from the Twin Cities, Madison is an easy four-hour drive. The city does have a regional airport, but it’s small, and some travelers may find better flight options into Chicago, followed by a two-hour drive. As mentioned earlier, on-site parking is abundant, making this a particularly easy convention to attend by car. The venue sits right off a major highway and is straightforward to access.
Arnecon
Saint Louis Park, MN October 10th-12th , 2025
Amy Larson Pearson
Overall Experience
ArneCon is a young convention in its third year in the Twin Cities, honoring the legacy of Dungeons & Dragons co-creator Dave Arneson. As a St. Paulite living only blocks from the Arneson family home, I’m always interested in learning more about the game’s Minnesota roots. The convention is supported by the Arneson family and highlights how the game grew out of Arneson’s original Blackmoor group.
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Attendance is intimate—somewhere between 150 and 300 people. It’s hard to estimate because games are spread across many smaller rooms, and the hallways stay fairly quiet. The focus is on old-school games and special guests, including people from the original Blackmoor table. This year’s guests included Sandy Petersen, David Megarry, Ronin Wong, Justin Alexander, and more.
The vendor hall is small, but if you want real conversations with an indie creator, this is the place—publishers actually have time to chat.
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Why This Con Is for You
Although ArneCon is small, I’ve played nothing but high-quality games there over the years. The players have consistently been generous, engaged, and friendly. The GMs were well prepared and ran fascinating sessions. For example, Ronin Wong ran a playtest of Mutant, a pioneering sci-fi game created in 1972 that never found a publisher. And yes—we played it on Dave Arneson’s original game table, a converted ping-pong table. How cool is that?
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This is the con for you if you want serious, focused gameplay and a chance to explore the history of tabletop RPGs while connecting with thoughtful, passionate gamers.
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Why This Con May Not Be for You
ArneCon is all about the games, so choose your sessions carefully and keep an eye on late additions. I joined Justin Alexander’s Mothership game at the last minute and pulled a few friends into it—absolutely worth it. But if you’re hoping to shop, the vendor hall is sparse and mostly limited to books. And if you want a high-energy convention with spectacle and big events, this quiet, low-key con may feel a little sleepy.
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Ticketing Process
ArneCon uses Tabletop.Events. It has the usual limitations of that platform, but it works well enough. My schedule changed several times—multiple games were cancelled—but I was able to pick up replacement games that were added later. Don’t get too attached to your schedule; be flexible and check for updates. The con hosts communicated about late-added games very well.
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Theme of the Con
ArneCon leans into the historical roots of the hobby—Blackmoor, OD&D, Dungeon, and the legacy of Dave Arneson. That said, there are plenty of DMs running modern games as well, and it’s wonderful to see the throughline from the earliest days of the hobby to the present.
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Facilities
The convention is held at a DoubleTree in Minneapolis in October—a beautiful time to visit Minnesota. There’s plenty to do in the area, including excellent local game stores. However, the event space is somewhat spread out and confusing, and the signage had us sharing hallways with a sales training session. The hosts did their best with maps and directional signs, and they were extremely friendly. Personally, I’d love to see the convention move to St. Paul—Dave Arneson’s hometown—and into a venue that doesn’t smell like an indoor pool.
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Food Options
The organizers improved food availability this year, with the hotel offering grab-and-go options. Still, after several years attending, I’ve learned to bring my own snacks and drinks. There’s only one bar serving everyone, and it’s not always staffed to handle the crowd. You don’t want to miss chunks of your game waiting in line, so come prepared.
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Travel
This is my home convention, so getting there was just a quick trip across town. But traveling in from out of state is easy—Minneapolis is a Delta hub with direct flights to most major cities. The hotel seems comfortable, and there are many restaurants within walking distance. You can easily Uber in and stay onsite for the weekend. And because ArneCon is held in October, you get beautiful weather, low snow risk, and a great time to explore the city. Parking was plentiful, and the directions were straightforward.
Las Vegas Open (LVO)
Las Vegas, NV October 2nd-5th 2025
George Krstic
Overall Experience
Overwhelming, frustrating, and amazing all at once—the Las Vegas Open was my second 40K tournament, but it definitely won’t be my last. I learned a ton, met many wonderful gamers, attended some truly unique events, and even managed to grab painting classes with a few of the world’s top miniature artists.
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Billed as the largest Games Workshop–focused event in North America, LVO absolutely delivers on scale. Walking past hundreds of tables was an incredible sight, and the sheer variety of armies and terrain alone was worth the price of admission.
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That said, it became clear very quickly that getting even basic information was a you problem. The website had almost no usable details, the help desk had even less, and while staff and volunteers were friendly, no one seemed to actually know anything. It felt a bit like I was back in Jersey City where “Nobody knows nothin’!” I eventually discovered that befriending a con veteran was essential even find my games.
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While the classes, game sessions, and spectacle of the armies were absolutely top-tier, the lack of organization and reliable information was an unnecessary hurdle. As a result, I’m not sure I need to return to LVO, and I may avoid future events run by this organizer.
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Why This Con Is for You
LVO showcases an incredible number of wargames—every type you can imagine, plus a handful of RPGs and card games. The venue was massive and packed with tables, terrain, and armies of every style. Almost every tabletop wargame was represented, with an obvious emphasis on GW titles. If you’ve ever wanted to see fully painted armies clashing across beautifully built battlegrounds, this event is a must.
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Why This Con May Not Be for You
It’s loud, huge, expensive, and disorganized—plus, it’s in Vegas. The con is geared primarily toward competitive players, so if you prefer narrative-focused or chill, friendly gaming, this one is probably a pass.
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Ticketing Process
Passes and events were available through the Frontline Gaming web portal, but—consistent with the theme—core information was sparse. Many essential details had to be gathered in person on the convention floor.
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Theme of the Con
Competitive Warhammer—40K and Age of Sigmar—is the main draw, supported by a broad range of other wargames. As a feeder event for higher-level GW tournaments, many players show up ready to compete seriously and climb the rankings. More relaxed games tended to happen after-hours.
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Facilities
This was LVO’s first year in the World Market Center. The venue was enormous, well-air-conditioned, and never felt crowded. Food, dining areas, and restrooms were all conveniently on the same floor, so you never had to stray far from your table. With an outdoor mall across the street, there were plenty of walkable dining options ranging from casual to upscale.
The con hotel was an Uber ride away and reasonably affordable but being right on Fremont Street meant it was very loud. (If you love ’70s/’80s rock and heavy metal—as I do—you’ll be fine.)
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Food Options
On-site cafés, food trucks, and a variety of walkable restaurants were available—and of course, this is Vegas, so excellent dining isn’t hard to find.
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Travel
Easy access via McCarran International Airport, followed by a quick 15-minute Uber ride to the old strip. Fremont Street is only a few blocks away, and several quirky museums are nearby as well.
North Texas RPG Con
Irving Texas, 5-8 June 2025
Chip Pearson
Overall Experience
We had an amazing time at North Texas RPG Con (NTX), and I can see why it’s one of the conventions people rave about. The volunteer staff embodied true Texas hospitality—warm, friendly, and welcoming. The printed guide was deluxe, packed with useful information, and even included a complete game listing in print. Super old school! I wish I’d read it earlier, since it explained so much.
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The con featured a wide range of great gaming systems, and the vendor hall was a treasure trove—mostly publishers, many of whom brought back issues and out-of-print gems.
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Why This Con Is for You
This convention is all about the games. If you love playing a variety of mostly old-school RPGs, you’ll feel right at home. The gaming rooms were spacious, with plenty of elbow room and little background noise. Communication with your party was easy. On the flip side, when conversation paused, the rooms went very quiet.
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The vibe here is special—like a homecoming. Many attendees were reconnecting with old friends, and the community energy was strong and welcoming.
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Why This Con May Not Be for You
From its origins, NTX has been dedicated to old-school tabletop gaming. The official site notes:
“Originally founded in 2009 by Doug Rhea and Mike Badolato, the con focuses on old school tabletop gaming including Original Dungeons & Dragons and other pre-2000 RPGs.”
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And the convention delivers on that promise. If your interest lies mainly in newer RPGs, you may have a harder time finding what you want. While there were a few younger attendees, the crowd definitely skews older. If you attend conventions for cosplay, spectacle, or big fan-driven excitement, this may not be your scene.
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Ticketing Process
NTX uses Tabletop.events as well as anyone. However, there’s a two-step process I completely missed as a first-timer: first, an initial round of seat sales, and then a later wave when more tickets are released (similar to Gamehole Con). Fortunately, a helpful volunteer walked me through it.
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The swag bags were great—I especially love my new tote bag!
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Theme of the Con
This is, first and foremost, an old-school gaming convention. Events were spread across ballrooms, meeting rooms, and hotel suites, giving players plenty of space. It was easy to hear DMs and fellow players. Interestingly, even with 600 registered attendees, the con felt smaller because of how spread out it was. I rarely saw more than 80 people in one place at a time, though groups constantly shifted between spaces.
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As a 57-year-old white guy with a shaved head and beard, I felt I blended right in with much of the crowd. But far from being stereotypical “grognards,” the community was incredibly welcoming and cool.
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Food Options
Overall, food quality was solid. Food trucks, however, weren’t consistently present—which threw me off until I realized too late that their schedule was printed in the guide (pro move for next time).
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The on-site restaurant served good meals but slowed down during peak hours since it was the only option. Adding a small service bar in the gaming area would be a simple improvement.
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Facilities
The location works well for the convention, with plenty of good gaming spaces. That said, having traveled a lot for work, I found this Westin a little below brand standards. Still, it was clean, and the staff was very kind and helpful.
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With only one restaurant and bar on-site, service sometimes lagged during peak times, but staff remained attentive and food was solid. Outside options were limited, since the hotel sits in a cluster of other hotels near the airport in a light industrial area—not exactly a dining hotspot.
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Travel
Travel was easy. The hotel shuttle from DFW took just 10 minutes, and there was ample parking for those who drove.
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GenCon Indy 2025
July 31-Aug 3rd 2025, Indianapolis, IN
Chip Pearson
Overall Experience
Wow—what a show! This is the largest gaming convention I’ve ever attended and likely the biggest event in the world dedicated to RPGs. This year was sold out. While official attendance numbers haven’t been released yet, organizers believe it will surpass last year’s record of 71,000. That’s an 8% increase in the city’s population during the event, with a heavy concentration around the Indiana Convention Center. From there, the convention sprawls into Lucas Oil Stadium (home of the Colts) and fills hotel conference rooms and meeting spaces for miles. We booked late and ended up staying 1.5 miles away at the Bottleworks Hotel—where even the conference rooms were packed. It’s massive!
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Why This Con Is for You
The sheer scale of the event is breathtaking. There’s truly something for everyone: board games, RPGs, tabletop war games, card games, panels, and workshops. The vendor hall is enormous and diverse. We stopped by Shadowdark, Goodman Games, Chessex, and even Games Plus—the only vendor offering collectible games and modules from the TSR era. All ages are welcome, and families with kids are plentiful. Compared to other cons we attend, the crowd here definitely skews younger.
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Why This Con May Not Be for You
If you prefer a narrower focus—say, OSR TTRPGs—it might feel harder to find than at smaller, more specialized conventions. The broad approach means some niche interests are represented more lightly. Because of the scale, I rarely bumped into the same people twice, even though I knew friends were there. Meeting up required careful coordination across a wide area. With so much happening, finding what you care about most takes effort. A better “interest finder” tool would really help surface specific gems among all the treasure.
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Ticketing Process
This year brought a new website, and it works beautifully. Moving away from Tabletop.events, the new platform is fast, intuitive, and handles a huge amount of information: events, ticketing, maps, vendor lists, and more. One of GenCon’s best features is mailing out badges in advance—what a relief! Many conventions still require long on-site check-ins, but here, badges arrived in our mailbox weeks ahead, letting us jump straight into events.
Event registration is ticket-based. Some tickets arrive in the mail, others electronically. Depending on the DM, tickets may be strictly collected—or not at all.
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Theme of the Con
This truly is the convention for everyone. Whatever your interest, there’s at least a little something for you—though it might be several blocks away.
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Food Options
The Convention Center area offers plenty of bars, restaurants, and food stands inside the event halls. The food truck plaza has expanded, providing tons of excellent options. Surprisingly, I couldn’t find a beer truck or bar inside Lucas Oil Stadium, the food truck plaza, or the main ICC. Not a dealbreaker—we ended up at a great local dive, the Whistle Stop.
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One standout: the city itself embraces the event. Restaurants, hotels, and shops were well-prepared and welcoming.
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Travel
Indianapolis is easy to navigate. The airport is straightforward, and ground transportation is abundant. Our hotel was about two miles from the con (thanks to booking late), but Ubers were never more than a five-minute wait. Traffic was heavy near the ICC, but the city handled it impressively well.