"Historicon 2022 Thank you!" Topic

I just got back from Historicon and wanted to issue a thank you to everyone, from the HMGS staff and volunteers, the hotel staff, the GMs and their assistants who put on such incredible games, the dealers who sell us stuff we need, and the flea marketers who sell us stuff we want… or is it the other way around?

As a dealer, my biggest positive experience (exclusive of being next to the free beer) was the ability to leave Saturday night. I know it is unfair for people who want to shop on Sunday, but I was grateful for the opportunity to pack up and leave before Sunday, when sales usually suck anyway. So thank you HMGS for the flexibility. I know I was not the only one who took advantage of the opportunity.

The most negative experience, shared by many, is the parking situation, (and as a dealer, I'll extend that to loading and unloading.) I saw many people, including GMs, struggling to get their wares up a sloped sidewalk just to get to the convention center, then have to go back to their vehicle and find a parking space "nearby," which was on occasion impossible. I know HMGS made a choice to hold their convention at a downtown convention center, but for many of the folks I talked to, the parking experience was not pleasant.

To end on a good note, thank you especially to all who attended, especially customers who bought something from me (or didn't! I love you too!) and other vendors, and seeing old friends is always a treat as well.

Cheers,

Daniel
Six Sided Simulations

I don't understand why more attendees didn't use the Steinwein parking garage. It was nowhere near full, and it was half a block away. The only issue I encountered was the provided scan code ticket not working on Friday.

What was the attendance like?

Used the Steinway Tower Garage and everything worked for me. Attendance looked a little light but it can be hard to tell as it's a big venue. Tournament areas seemed full.

Overall really enjoyed the weekend. Got to catch up with a number of friends whom I haven't seen in person for a while. Won't make Fall In so spent for both Cons this weekend. Fortunate to get everything on my shopping list (and then some …. well, a lot) except one pretty obscure item. Lots to see and buy in the Exhibit Hall as well as Wally's Basement.

Thanks to all who worked hard to make it happen. Safe travels.

I had to shake a little rust off my GM skills. I had two games overfull on Thursday but tried to make it work. I had fun I hope the gamers did as well. Coming for NC on Wednesday It was hard to get there by 9am when the truck and trailer were unloaded, but the assistance to the vendors was hugely appreciated.
My wife spent most evenings in the board gaming area and it was a hit for her, my daughter and grandson. It was My daughters' first time since she was in high school and she enjoyed herself. Especially good was the Sharpe….Pride and Prejudice..Master and Commander and zombies.
The convention staff did an excellent job and many of the GM's put tables out that were above and beyond.

Haven't seen any photos.

From Analsim's Quatre Bras 1815 game

Was good game, new rules but learned a few things from them

Kudos to the HMGS volunteers for a great convention. No complaints here. This venue is spread apart so it's hard to get a good idea of attendance. I ran 4 games. The ones on Friday had ticket holders not show up but had enough walk-ins to run a good game. I could tee off on a rant about inconsiderate gamers who take a ticket to play then never show, but I'm still basking the post-con euphoria, so I'll not.

It's possible they didn't show up to your game because of mistakes made where the location on the ticket was wrong. My crew ran games on Saturday and the tickets didn't match the location in the book – wrong room, wrong floor. The only game I pre-registered for was on the cancellation board. Didn't find out until I saw on TMP that the GM ran the game without ticket holders because everyone thought it was cancelled. Other than that, it was a good con and I had fun.

I would love for someone from HMGS to explain the ticket Snafus, which seem to me inexcusable after X years.

Daniel

I love the Lancaster County Convention Center. It is a great location for Historicon. Lots of clean bathrooms. Lots of space for gaming and selling stuff. Great food choices just a short and in some cases very short walk from the center. Plenty of parking, which the Convention leaders have made free to us. The parking is close by. Last time I attended I parked at the Prince and Orange street garage. This time I managed to park at the Marriott Thursday and Friday, and that was delightful. On Saturday I had to park elsewhere and chose the one I was familiar with at Prince and Orange. I was staying at the Fairfield Inn next to the old Host where we used to go, about 7 miles away which is always fine by me to have a short drive to a hotel nearby. Did I mention the large number of clean bathrooms?

I understand that bringing in gaming materials is challenging, and maybe there can be some way to improve that. Maybe we can have a couple of wonderful volunteers standing by the front door to keep an eye on stuff, while GMs unload. It would be nice to have some carts available for them too.

The staff and volunteers did a wonderful job. Thank you to everyone for putting on a great convention as far as I am concerned.

I love this location

Did I mention the large amount of clean bathrooms?

One question: Why was it so dark in two of the Commonwealth rooms?

It's a proper hotel so yes the bathrooms are ample, clean and don't reek of sewage.

Not enough lighting, which is crucial for miniature games. Many hotels try to limit their expense by only using half he bulbs in ceiling of large ball rooms and meeting rooms.

It was reminiscent of the Showroom at the Host. The wall dimmer was at the max setting. Every can looked to have a working bulb.

Commonwealth Room was too dark. And noisy too. There was a burnt out light bulb above my table and I had to scream so that my players could hear me.

I played a game in the Heritage Room on the third floor and the lighting was good and the noise was minimal. Luck of the draw I guess.

Great location, played fun games and bought a few new things.

Thank you to HMGS and the entire team for organizing the convention. I know that a lot of work goes on behind the scenes to make things happen.

We had our games up in the Heritage room. The lighting was great. I know that the Commonwealth room has lighting issues, but that we the same last time that we had a convention at the Marriott, so I am not sure how much can be done about it.

In the Heritage room we were expecting it to be open like last time, but dividers were used to split the room into three parts. We preferred it open, but I understand that some people had asked for the dividers to be used. It would be interesting to know if we are in the minority or majority in wanting a more open room. There seem to be plenty of other smaller rooms for those that prefer a club room type atmosphere. If we find that we are in the majority, we may push the issue with HMGS. If we are in the minority, we will accept the group view and complain amongst ourselves over a beer.

As others mentioned, spacing around tables was much improved.

Overall we were happy with how our club games (WAMP) went at the show. We had a small slate of games covering most gaming sessions, but they were all full and we even managed to fit in a reasonably large number of extra players. Everyone seemed to have fun.

I returned home exhausted, but pleased.

It was a great venue from my point of view. I have been away from the hobby for 10 years and it was a big improvement from the Host. HMGS staff and game masters deserve a lot of credit and thanks. It didn't seem as crowded, I don't know if it was the layout of the convention or if there was less attendees. I was just thankful to come back and see the changes.

Agree on the dark lighting in the Commonwealth Room, definitely was a negative on the game I participated in.

Anyone know why The Wargaming Company (ESR rules) was a no show? They were originally on the list of vendors and usually have a large presence at these cons.

Kim

KimRYoung: My understanding was that several folks connected with TWC are immunocomprised and with an uptick in Covid cases they decided not to come.

Shame I had some ESR stuff on my list.

Also a definite thank you yo all the volunteers. The venue is great and I actually got a parking spot on the street near the Wally's basement entrance on Saturday! Perfect for my time slot!

Thanks to all who volunteer when we unloaded in the dealer area on Weds there was a lot of helpers to get unloaded which really helped. Sunday not as many and the heat was rough, so they all deserve a big thank you! I would recommend that the dealer hall stay open longer on Saturday and Sunday is just pack up for dealers and go home. Parking is always tight in a city, but HMGS has done well. Great job!

"Great job!" to all of the volunteers! The Carnage & Glory Club room was well lit and well attended. Enjoyed the con, as usual.

See all at Fall In!

Did it seem light on kids this year? I brought my own thinking they'd have company but didn't see many at all.

I thought it was great and had really good time.

The volunteers did an exceptional job in all areas. Thanks, folks.

Yes, thanks to the volunteer HMGS team that made it possible. The volunteers helping unload and load up were a godsend.

Love the location.

Lon
BrigadeGames.com

In the Heritage room we were expecting it to be open like last time, but dividers were used to split the room into three parts. We preferred it open, but I understand that some people had asked for the dividers to be used. It would be interesting to know if we are in the minority or majority in wanting a more open room.

I'd be a vote in favor of the partitions in Heritage. As someone with a hearing impairment and a non-stentorian voice (the same applies to some of the players in my games) I found it much easier to run games this year than the previous time.

Yes, thanks to the volunteer HMGS team that made it possible.

It's hard for me to decide whether I enjoy running games more or volunteering more. In either case, it's the people that make it worthwhile. So I'm glad I don't have to choose.

I had a great time. Spent too much money. Anticipating Fall-IN.

It was great being back at a 'real' convention. Lard America was in the Heritage room (same location as last time we were here) and personally I liked having the partitions up. Blocking off the area on S. Queen St made GM loading/unloading easy. Many thanks to the HMGS staff for setting up and running a great convention.

I think HMGS did a great job at this con! To Joby, Steve, Brenda & James a big THANK YOU! My only minor complaint is that the Heritage Ballroom was partitioned, our group likes the "Showcase" aspect of the big room. I hope going forward they can compromise that space better. Overall I give H'con '22 an A grade! The Marriot on the other hand I give an F grade. No complimentary, prepared, coffee. Not a lot of food/drink options. No room cleaning. The elevator situation is not conducive. Downtown Lancaster I also give an F grade. Everything except the hipster clubs closed early, no delivery. A plethora of characters outside. Overall, I did enjoy myself and I will go again in '23 but I think Ill room on Rte 30.

Popped up on my YouTube app
youtu.be/zhOcArTQqhs

Recap