Just had CANCON 2020 and I think it will be my last. My first was '93 or so at Melba College.
I get there and it's exactly the same as it has been for the last 5 years or so. The same two participation games. The same people.
The traders are the same, limited range.
The highlight for me the last few years has been the expanding second hand pavillion. 2 years ago I snagged a complete Twilight 2000 and Phoenix Command box sets for $10 USD each.
Anyway I was denied entry to the second hand stall this year due to my small bag. New rule apparantly. They said to put my bag in my car and that I should have checked facebook.
I don't own a car to put my bag in and anyone I know at the con is focused on their games so I didn't want to leave my bag with them incase it got snatched by someone in the hordes of passers by. I'm also not a facebook person. My bag IS my car, I carry a first aid kit, basic toilerires, walkman, foldable shopping bag, sunglasses etc..it's my survival kit.
People in general seemed a lot more paranoid and scared of my mere presence in the trader area this year because I had a bag. I felt unwelcome and not like spending the $400 USD cash I had brought.
It was funny I was in a games shop in Sydney CBD a week earlier and was denied entry to the wargames area unless I left my bag at the counter. A boxed wargame wouldn't even fit in my bag and I declined as I didn't feel welcome.
One trader at Cancon that was friendly was Eureka but they didn't have their full range. I would have bought some AB late WW2 Americans but they didn't bring them.
So CANCON seems pointless to me now. I'll just shop online like everyone else and stay home.
I remember a large variety of participation games in the past, and different games every year, more interesting stock at traders, less suspicion and paranoid behaviour and just a better Con.
I think the world and Australia is changing too, people are scared and less open, relaxed, especially younger people I think?
Maybe it's about me too, maybe I don't look like the average gamer? As I get older maybe I look more suspicious.
Who knows, I just think it's the end of an era for me.