"Thanks, Historicon!" Topic

Since I haven't seen it yet, I'll start the Historicon Thank You thread. It never ceases to amaze me how efficiently this convention is run. Are there problems? Sure, but herding 2500 cats is never going to be easy.

My personal highlights:

1) SPI Con, run by Russell Gifford. If you had told me that I'd ever again see a game of War in Europe being played almost 50 years after it was introduced, I'd have said… well, a lot of things. Not only was there WiE, but also TSS, Drive on Stalingrad, NLB, Invasion America, PGG and a few others. It was a thing to behold!

2) The displays / games set up in the public areas or ballrooms. I saw Iwo Jima, the Boxer Rebellion, the 500th anniversary of the Battle of Pavia, and dozens more multi-table displays. Oh, and there were literally hundreds of single/two table games as well. Kudos to the "artists" putting on these amazing games and displays!

3) Vendor Area/Wally's Flea market. As usual, I was there as a vendor, selling my flag sheets and used board games. I did a brisk business in used SPI games, which many people remembered from FIFTY!!! years ago. Thanks to my friend Rich Shipley, I was able to sneak by to Wally's and score a few trinkets. For those who have not attended a HMGS convention, there is truly no place better to buy something new or used related to this wonderful hobby. And unlike the Internet, you can actually see what you are buying and then get it instantly!

4) And as always, Thanks to the people who run the thing. The convention director, Scott Landis is always putting out multiple fires, but for some reason he missed the laser cutter, which was always on fire! I saw a lot of Jeff Kimmel, who kept the exhibitors happy. And I know this couldn't be done without the excellent staff and volunteers who do the Program Book, Set Up, Scheduling, Registration, etc. Thanks to all of you.

Did I mention there was an authentically attired brass band playing Civil War ditties? WOW!

Daniel
Six Sided Simulations

Ditto – Big thanks to all the volunteers. Wally's Basement worked out despite being moved due to construction on the lower floor.

A well-run convention is a wonderful thing, and not easy to make happen.

I was actually only some 80 miles away this year (compared to the usual 3,000), but was a bit distracted by my new granddaughter. Maybe next year.

As a member of the unit that the band belongs to, 28th Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, it was a lot of fun to see my two nerd hobbies, miniature gaming and re-enacting, come together.

Thanks for the kind words. It was a great deal of fun to be there and just a bit different because I wasn't playing or running games.

Eric

Historicon was a lot of fun. It was nice seeing old friends again.

The only things that I disliked were the Civil War Band in the dealers room. I sold zero items when the band was playing due to the noise level. It would have been better if they played elsewhere. Also getting banged around at Wally's basement by huge men was just not my cup of tea.

Some must be reminded that, the practice of hygiene should be routine.

Very good con. Kudos to Scotty Landis and the many hard-working volunteers. Had a great time gaming with new and old friends!

I liked the idea of moving Wally's Basement up to the Dealer Hall level of the hotel. For once I could finally find it! Please keep WB in the same location in the future.

(it was a bit like getting bashed around in a mosh pit for my small frame. I'm 5'8" and 156 lbs)

Jim

Der Alte Fritz

I'm 6'1" and 230 and got book bagged numerous times.

One way in and out and crowd control would help.

I agree with all the statements above in no particular order. I also concur that the staff did a fantastic job, and this Historicon was a blast! The local food choices within easy walking distance were incredible as well.