News for Gen Con Volunteers
Badge registration and housing has opened for Gen Con 2016, along with all the chaos and disappointment of not getting a hotel within walking distance of the convention center. When that happens, Baldman Games always get an influx of inquiries about volunteering for BMG at Gen Con. Well, here are some details.
The call for volunteers will not go out for another a couple of months, as details and schedules are hammered out among Baldman Games, Gen Con, and other parties. However, below is some information to help you decide if you want to volunteer:
- Baldman Games uses a specific schedule at Gen Con. Between Thursday morning and Sunday afternoon, Baldman Games divides the time in 14 four-hour slots. Thursday through Saturday, the days are divided into 4 slots: 8am – 12pm (noon), 12pm – 4pm, 4pm – 8pm, and 8pm – 12am (midnight). On Sunday, only the first two slots of the day occur: 8am – 12pm (noon), 12pm – 4pm.
- If you volunteer to run games for Baldman Games in at least 4 slots, you get a free 4-day Badge ($90 value). If you have already purchased a badge, that’s OK. You will get a refund on your badge if you volunteer! As you can see, volunteering for 4 slots is less than 1/3rd of your time at Gen Con.
- If you volunteer to run games for Baldman Games in at least 8 slots, you get a free 4-day Badge ($90 value) and a share of a hotel room. The hotel(s) housing BMG’s volunteer block are always within easy walking distance of the Convention Center. Rooms are shared with other BMG volunteers, and generally we put 3-5 people in a room. Volunteers at least have ½ of a double bed. If there are other BMG volunteers you wish to room with, those preferences are taken into account whenever possible.
- When possible, other perks are provided for BMG volunteers. The perks are an extra and never promised, but we will announce those as we know more.
Origins News
Based on announcements from Wizards of the Coast, we are expecting Origins to be at least as busy as Gen Con this year. We will be reaching out for Origins volunteers AFTER asking for Gen Con volunteers, even though Origins takes place 2 months before. (Just the way scheduling works.)
The schedule for Origins is often different from Gen Con, so the perks for volunteering are different as well. As the Origins schedule is finalized, those perks and requirements will be announced.
Winter Fantasy Has Arrived!
Winter Fantasy begins on Wednesday, February 3rd. We are set for volunteers and registration is closed, but it is not too late to attend. Badges and tickets can be purchased onsite, and this convention is a great place to learn more about BMG offerings and talk to leaders in the gaming industry in a more intimate environment. Wizards of the Coast staffers Mike Mearls and Chris Lindsay will be on hand to talk about topics like the DMs Guild and run games. Adventurers League staff will be attending as well to run games and answer campaign questions.