Considering Gencon

[dshavers]

I'm considering attending GenCon for the first time this year, and I was wondering if anyone could share their thoughts on how the painting competition was, and any opinions on the classes that were offered. I haven't seen anything yet about possible events, but hopefully they will post them up soon.

 

[Chern Ann]

Gencon had quite a good attendance last year, but since it's not 100% focussed on miniatures your mileage may vary; good if you like RPGs and boardgames, not so hot if you aren't interested in other genres. I know that there were quite a number of seminars and classes and a dedicated painting area.

We've been working very closely with AdeptiCon staff, and James Wappel (he painted our Great Eagle and Giant Owl, as well as a lot of our other stuff) as well as other painters that make their living painting professionally will be giving classes and seminars at Adepticon this year. I haven't been myself but I've been told that it is not uncommon to have seminars covering all 4 days. In addition, you'll probably get quite a lot of free miniatures just by showing up.

 

[dshavers]

I was really wanting to attend Adepticon this year, but the main reason I would attend would be for the competition and the seminars. Unfortunately 90% of the seminars are already sold out. So I was looking at Gencon as an alternative.

 

[laurence]

I wish I could attend Gencon! You're lucky! The standard of painting in the competition is always top notch. And there always seems to be nice surprises. If I were you, I'd get involved in as many mini-related activities as possible. 'Cause there'll be some of the greats there for sure! Lone Brushman (elouchard) is money! I'd be hoping he was there. Don't know? I've only ever followed the event through this site. Wishing I can go there one day!

 

[Kaledor]

I have been attending Gen Cons since 1979 and just FYI there was a multi golden deamon and GW staff slayer sword winner that entered... he didn't place. Alexi entered, as we all know she is another multi slayer sword winner, she didn't win but placed.

The competition even though there is NOT hundreds of entries it is a tight competition. The thing I like the best is the painters actually hang around and talk with each other. Some of the industries best sculptors and painters are there to ask questions of or even attend seminars by them.

I would say go to Gen Con and enjoy the show!

p.s. if you're like me I dumped over a grand at the coolminiornot both!

 

[dshavers]

Sounds like a convention I defiantly don't want to miss, if giving the opportunity to attend.

 

[PaintMinion]

The competition is great, and so nice to see things like this in person. I'm a bit prejudice as I'm the one in charge of it, though. ;-) I can tell you that last year we had over 100 classes, speed painting tournaments with multiple manufacturers, the annual Paint & Take (free mini painting), demos, and tons of exhibitors doing their best to make us buy great stuff. There's minis in the Gen Con Auction, games, tournaments, and pick up games. Gen Con is just accepting events now, so we won't know the full score this year until submission closes. Check the Gen Con forums, and when Events are loaded, look under MHE - Miniatures Hobby Events for classes and other fun activities.

Good luck! Hope to see you there!

 

[dshavers]

Thanks everyone for your replies! Hopefully I'll meet a few members there this year.

 

[DaRat]

GenCon is mind bogglingly big the first time that you go.

The classes at GenCon are generally very good, though some instructors are better than others (at least for my learning style). Event lists for GenCon don't usually go up until April-May (just before event registration).

Like all classes, it's a good idea to bring your favorite brush, pen, paper, an appropriate mini, and a few paints. The classes vary from everything provided hands on to lecture/demonstration, so it's a good idea to bring supplies just in case you want to follow along.

Hotel reservation started a couple of weeks ago. If you want a hotel within walking distance, you should get a badge (so that you can get a housing code) and hope that there is a hotel in the block still. If there isn't, put yourself on the waiting list now.

If you are interested in a minis only con, ReaperCon comes up at the end of May in the Dallas area. It's a small intimate con around Reaper Miniatures minis and games. ReaperCon does have a general (open to minis from all manufacturers) painting competition as well as various classes.