Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some of the most common questions we get here at AcadeCon. Hopefully it can answer some of your own:
Q1: Why is the convention called AcadeCon?
AcadeCon grew directly out of our podcast The RPG Academy, so originally our con was called The RPG AcadeCon which was a mixture of Academy & Convention. Now it’s just shortened to AcadeCon.
Q2: How do I register for events?
We first set a date for VIPs to register for events. Then a week or so later, we open event registration to all other badge holders. This usually happens in early to mid October. Watch the Events page for updates.
Q3: When will the Event listing be live?
We typically begin soliciting event submissions from our Faculty and Special guests in mid-August, then GMs and everyone else around the end of August. The first draft of the Event Listing typically goes live around the first week of September. Watch the Events page for updates.
Q4: How much do games cost?
There are no per game fees. Registration is simply a seat reservation to guarantee you a spot in the game(s) you want. It is first come, first serve.
Q5: Do I need to register for events?
Nope. You can jump into games that have open seats and join or host open play events. We will have on-site registration as well.
Q6: What are Demo tables?
Demo tables are tables dedicated to a single game or game company for them to conduct demos / play tests of their games. Demo games can be scheduled or walk up and play or a mixture of both. The games being demoed are able to be sold from the Demo tables, but those games only. Other merchandise requires a Vendor table. Demo tables are $50 for 2022 and secure the same table for the entire weekend and up to 2 badges for the Demo team.
Q7: Are Demo badge holders able to do other things at the con?
Yes! Demo badge holders can host other games/events or join into existing games or open play events. They are not able to register for events, nor do they get door prize tickets. Otherwise they function like a regular badge.
Q8: What’s the deal with Vendor Tables?
Our Vendor tables are areas of either 8′ x 7′ or 12′ x 7′ and ring the outer walls of the main gaming room. Each vendor can use one or two 2.5′ x 7′ table and 2 chairs as provided by the DCC, if they wish – but are welcome to bring their own set up if they prefer. The cost for the 8 ‘ x 7′ area is $65 in 2022 and $85 for the 12′ x 7′ and if a Vendor needs additional space they can purchase additional 8′ x 7′ area for another $65. If a vendor requires dedicated power to their booth there is a $135 facilities charge (which is handled directly with the DCC). Our main entrance vendor spot is 12′ x 12’ and costs $125. A vendor is offered up to 4 badges for salespersons/helpers. Additional vendor spots do not add another 4 badges. Additional badges can be purchased for $10 each.
Q9: Are Vendor badge holders able to do other things at the con?
Yes! Vendor badge holders can host other games/events or join into existing games or open play events. They are not able to pre-register for events. Nor do they get door prize tickets. Otherwise they function like a regular badge.
Q10: What’s the deal with VIP badges?
VIP badges were only offered through the Kickstarter and no more are available for 2022. As a VIP badge holder you are invited to our VIP meet n greet on Thursday night before the Con. You are able to pre-register for events during a 1-week window before all the other non-VIP badge holders. Each year in March/April we hold a Faculty Retreat which is a 3-day (okay, more like 2.5 day) gaming event which VIPs are invited to attend. We don’t cover travel/lodging costs but you are able to attend what is otherwise a private event.
Q11: What other types of events will be held at AcadeCon?
In addition to scheduled and pick up RPG/Board/Card games – we also will have panels on game design and DMing/GMing games. We will have live podcast events. Live Entertainment events like an improv comedy show and a live session of Geek Wars Trivia hosted by The DungeonMaster’s Block Podcast.
Q12: What time does registration open at the event?
We hope to be on site and ready to begin registration by 7:30 a.m, but let’s say 8:00 just to be safe.
Q13: What are the hours of the event?
Gaming hours are Friday and Saturday 9:00 Am – 11:00 PM (with all attendees required to be out of the convention center by 11:30 PM). Sunday 9:00 Am – 6:00 PM (with all attendees required to be out of the convention center by 6:30 PM).
Q14: How does the open play library work?
We have a free to use Open Play Library that all badge holders are able to use. We ask for an ID which we hold while you check out the game. When you’re finished you can get a new game or your ID back. The open game library follows the same hours as the gaming room. F/S 9a – 11p and Sunday 9a – 6p
Q15: How does the Play to Win games work?
We are once again partnering with Double Exposure to host a Play to Win games. These games work similarly to the open play library where you need an ID to check out the game. The difference is each member of the group that plays that game may put their name into a drawing to win that game. Every time you play you may enter the drawing again. The Play to Win drawing will be held at 2:00 PM on Sunday. Winners do not need to be present to win, but must collect their prizes before the end of the Con. No prizes will be mailed. Any prizes not claimed become property of The AcadeCon and will be recycled next year or added into the Open Game Library.
Q16: How do the door prizes work?
Every gaming badge holder (so not Demo or Vendor badges) will be given a number of raffle tickets that can be entered into individual prize drawings. No additional tickets will be sold. The door prize drawings will occur several times during the event.Winners do not need to be present to win, but must collect their prizes before the end of the Con. No prizes will be mailed. Any prizes not claimed become property of The AcadeCon and will be recycled next year or added into the Open Game Library.