"Convention Game Space" Topic

On another topic Gweirda asks the following, which I figure would make a great topic for conversation all on its own.

How much space do cons give a GM for running a game? Sure, there's the actual gaming table space --but what about space for the containers the terrain came in?…or for the troops not-yet-deployed?…or for the usual conglomeration of bric-a-brac (markers, charts, keg…) that is required to run a game?

My games typically run in size from 4x6 at the smallest up to 6x14 or 4x16.

I generally stow my containers under the table, or given space but not a side table, I'll stack them to table height to lay my rules out on, or to stage figures. When I request a side table, most small cons have been able to set me up in an area so I had access to at least a single 6 or 8 foot long 18" wide conference table. An alternative is to take a long table on one end like an L and use the extra non-game surface for staging and rule materials.

What about the rest of you?

At Legends in the Fall, we always make sure each gaming table setup also includes set up tables for the gamemasters.

At the many conventions that I have attended. Often it is the spill over that affects the space required. The containers for the terrain adn castings. Some shopws iwll have a half table at the main table slot for that purpose. It requires a little additional space but it limits friction with neighboring tables.

Just put your boxes under the table during the game.

mjc

Under table. You can always request a slightly larger table than you need and use the unused portion for your junk.

Most conventions are at a premium for space because our hobby takes up a relatively large area in ratio to the number of people attending.

I just bring along my Bag of Holding link and have no issues…

I put the storage containers for my games under the table and line them up so that I can use them as 'undertable side tables' to store reserves, dead, markers, etc until I need them.

I have seldom seen conventions with sufficient space for dedicated side tables, especially in the main game area. GM's will often pile their stuff on the nearest empty space, which can become an issue when that table's next game comes along to set up. Don't be that guy.

If I have extra space, I will use a side table for the mins. I usually stash my stuff under the tables

Game hosts at Enfilade use the space under the table. That has been the best solution. We've optimized our space for gaming, movement, and vendors. There is no unallocated space for tabletop storage. The sole exception is when the nextdoor table is unused, which is fairly rare on Friday and Saturday. Sundays are a bit more spacious. I think the space under the table is more secure anyway.