Here is the scoop on 2024’s gaming conventions and festivals. I’ve been keeping tabs, and I must say, the line-up this year looks more promising than ever. Whether you’re a seasoned attendee or a newbie eager to join the fray, here’s the breakdown for the gaming events you won’t want to miss in the USA and the UK.
USA Gaming Conventions 2024
Fan Expo Portland 2024
Date: January 12-14
Location: Oregon Convention Center, Portland
Details: A great way to kick off the year, for sure.
Dice + Diversions 2024
Date: January 12-15
Location: Hilton Atlanta Northeast
Details: For all board game aficionados out there.
SCARAB 2024
Date: January 12-15
Location: Columbia, SC
Details: A mix of RPGs, board games, and more.
Dice Tower Cruise 2024
Date: Jan 14-21
Location: Departing from Ft. Lauderdale
Details: Gaming on the seas – quite the experience!
The Geek Boat 2024
- Date: Jan 15-20
- Location: Carnival Freedom
- Details: More maritime gaming action.
Super Magfest 2024
- Date: January 18-21
- Location: National Harbor, MD
- Details: A fest for all things electronic and gaming.
MegaCon Orlando 2024
- Date: February 1-4
- Location: Orlando, FL
- Details: A must-visit for fans of all things geeky.
AggieCon 2024
- Date: February 2-4
- Location: Texas A&M University Memorial Student Center, College Station, TX
Anime Gaming Con 2024
- Date: February 3-4
- Location: Big Fresno Fairgrounds, Fresno, CA
Running GAGG 2024
- Date: February 9-11
- Location: SUNY Geneseo, Geneseo, NY
ConVoluted Con Cruise 2024
- Date: February 10-15
- Location: Carnival Paradise, Departing from Tampa, FL
Fan Expo Vancouver 2024
- Date: February 17-19
- Location: Vancouver Convention Centre, Vancouver, BC
PrezCon 2024
- Date: February 19-25
- Location: DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Charlottesville, Charlottesville, VA
Gamicon 2024
- Date: February 23-25
- Location: Cedar Rapids Marriott, Cedar Rapids, IA
OwlCon 2024
- Date: February 23-25
- Location: Rice University, Ley Student Center, Houston, TX
Imagi-Con 2024
- Date: February 24
- Location: Tupper Lightfoot Memorial Library, Brundidge, AL
Khroma Kon 2024
- Date: March 1-3
- Location: Hilton Baltimore Inner Harbor, Baltimore, MD
PeoriaCon 2024
- Date: March 2-3
- Location: Peoria Civic Center, Peoria, IL
Dice Tower West 2024
- Date: March 6-10
- Location: Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino, Las Vegas, NV
JoCo Cruise 2024
- Date: March 9-16
- Location: Holland America’s ms Nieuw Amsterdam, Departing from Fort Lauderdale, FL
Founders & Legends Convention 2024
- Date: March 16-18
- Location: Grand Geneva Resort & Spa, Lake Geneva, WI
Adepticon 2024
- Date: March 20-24
- Location: Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center Hotel, Schaumburg, IL
Gary Con 2024
- Date: March 21-24
- Location: Grand Geneva Resort & Spa, Lake Geneva, WI
PAX East 2024
- Date: March 21-24
- Location: Boston Convention and Exhibition Center, Boston, MA
Hotlead 2024
- Date: March 22-24
- Location: Best Western Plus The Arden Park Hotel, Stratford, ON
Zenkaikon 2024
- Date: March 22-24
- Location: Lancaster County Convention Center, Lancaster, PA
Washington State Gaming Expo 2024
- Date: March 29-31
- Location: Washington State Fair and Events Center, Puyallup, WA
Midwest Gaming Classic 2024
- Date: April 5-7
- Location: Wisconsin Center, Milwaukee, WI
RodCon 2024
- Date: April 6
- Location: University of Northern Iowa, Rod Library, Cedar Falls, IA
Fan Expo Cleveland 2024
- Date: April 12-14
- Location: Huntington Convention Center of Cleveland, Cleveland, OH
Geek Pride, Nationwide
- Date: April 20-21
- Location: Minneapolis Convention Center, Minneapolis, MN
Also, a special nod to the international mentions: UniCon & Game Expo Minsk 2024 on March 18 in Minsk, and Insomnia Gaming Festival #i72 on March 29 in Birmingham.
UK Gaming Conventions 2024
Pocket Gamer Connects London 2024
Date: Jan. 22, 2024 – Jan. 23, 2024
Location: The Brewery, London
Details: Leading international conference series for the global games industry.
EGX London 2024
Details: The UK’s most significant video games event. Keep an eye out for the final dates.
UK Games Expo 2024
Date: May 31 to June 2
Location: NEC Birmingham
Details: A staple in the UK gaming community.
Insomnia Gaming Festival 2024
Location: Typically at NEC Birmingham
Details: Dates for 2024 are still on the horizon.
Brighton Anime & Gaming Con 2024
Location: The Old Ship Hotel, Brighton
Details: A blend of gaming and anime culture, with dates TBA.
London Games Festival 2024
Date: April 9, 2024 – April 27, 2024
Location: London
Details: A city-wide celebration for global games professionals and players.
W.A.S.D 2024
Date: April 25, 2024 – April 27, 2024
Location: Truman Brewery, London
Details: Central playable and interactive feature of London Games Festival.
Develop:Brighton 2024
Date: July 9, 2024 – July 11, 2024
Location: DoubleTree by Hilton Brighton Metropole, Brighton
Details: Brings the entire UK gaming industry together.
This year’s events cater to a diverse range of gaming interests, from traditional board games to cutting-edge electronic experiences. And remember, gaming is about community and shared experiences. So, if you’re planning to attend any of these events or have other gems to add to the list, let’s chat! Because, after all, gaming’s true essence lies in the connections we make.
Taiwan Gaming Conventions 2024
Taipei Game Show 2024
Date: Jan. 25, 2024 – Jan. 28, 2024
Location: Taipei Nangang Exhibition Center
Details: Features online gaming, arcade games, and gaming peripherals.
Poland Gaming Conventions 2024
DevGAMM Poland 2024
Date: Feb. 28, 2024 – Feb. 29, 2024
Location: Amber Expo, Gdańsk
Details: Uniting game industry professionals from Eastern Europe and beyond.
Reboot Develop Blue 2024
Date: April 22, 2024 – April 24, 2024
Location: Moscone Center, Krakow
Details: One of the biggest games industry events.
Digital Dragons 2024
Date: May 19, 2024 – May 21, 2024
Location: ICE Krakow Congress Centre
Details: One of Europe’s largest business events for the digital entertainment sector.
Germany Gaming Conventions 2024
Hamburg Games Conference 2024
Date: March 5, 2024 – March 6, 2024
Location: Altonaer Museum
Details: A permanent date in the calendar of the international games industry.
NextGen Game Development Conference 2024
Date: March 6, 2024 – March 7, 2024
Location: Cologne
Details: An event for industry professionals, innovators, and enthusiasts in the gaming world.
Devcom 2024
Date: Aug. 18, 2024 – Aug. 20, 2024
Location: Koelnmesse, Cologne
Details: Europe’s biggest game developer conference.
Gamescom 2024
Date: Aug. 21, 2024 – Aug. 25, 2024
Location: Koelnmesse, Cologne
Details: World’s largest event for computer and video games.
What is a Gaming Convention?
In its simplest form, a gaming convention is a gathering or event dedicated primarily to the world of gaming. It’s where gaming communities, developers, publishers, and fans converge to celebrate, showcase, and experience the diverse universe of games. From video games to board games, role-playing games (RPGs) to esports, gaming conventions can encompass a wide range of genres and formats.
A typical gaming convention might offer:
- Exhibition Areas: Where developers showcase their latest games or upcoming releases. You might even get a chance to try them out before they hit the market!
- Panels and Workshops: Led by industry experts, these sessions provide insights, tips, and discussions on various gaming topics.
- Tournaments: Gamers compete in popular games, often with exciting prizes up for grabs.
- Cosplay: Attendees dress up as their favorite game characters, with some conventions holding contests to reward the best costumes.
- Merchandise Stalls: Where you can snag some exclusive gaming merchandise.
- Networking Opportunities: A chance to meet fellow gamers, developers, and industry insiders.
What Should You Take to a Gaming Convention?
Heading to your first gaming convention or just want a refresher on the essentials? Here’s a checklist:
- Tickets & ID: Sounds obvious, but always double-check before you leave home.
- Comfortable Footwear: Conventions can be vast, and you’ll be doing a lot of walking.
- Backpack: To carry your belongings and any merchandise or freebies you pick up.
- Portable Charger: You’ll be snapping pics, checking schedules, or maybe playing games on your phone. Ensure you have juice all day.
- Water & Snacks: Stay hydrated and energized, especially if you’re planning to be there all day.
- Cash & Card: While many stalls will accept cards, some might only take cash.
- Notepad & Pen: Useful for jotting down any game titles you’re interested in, new friends’ contact details, or insights from panels.
- Hand Sanitizer & Mask: Depending on the ongoing health guidelines, it’s good to be prepared.
- Cosplay Repair Kit: If you’re dressing up, bring a small kit for emergency repairs – safety pins, tape, etc.
- Schedule & Map: Most conventions provide these, but it’s always good to have a plan ahead of time.
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