"Cold Wars 2026" Topic

I see some people online complaining about the convention management and the date change. (What's new?)

What does everyone here think?

I'm good overall. They say they moved it to deconflict with several smaller regional cons (Wmsburg Muster, Cold Barrage, C&G Con, etc.) Always found them to be fairly well run, esp considering everyone is a volunteer,

I'll be there running a game and looking forward to seeing my friends. The venue is all updated and lots to do. Zero complaints here.

I am more disappointed there isn't one in my area every month. Weather still can be a factor that time and place but that is a slim chance this far out. I have 4wd so I will make it

We used to go regularly, driving from the Midwest, and the weather even in early/mid March was a crapshoot, so I am not sure that it makes a big difference statistically to move it to this new date. It is nice, however, to have Cold Wars in February because March kicks convention season into full gear, so CW will have e little competition.

I'm going.

I'd love to go, but it's just too close to snow season. I'll stick with Historicon and Fall In.

One can see a week out and go at last minute.
Generally winters are mild.

I'm going. February weather is always a crapshoot.

I remember coming home from a Williamsburg con in early February some years ago. Halfway home I checked my cars dash outside thermometer. It read 70⁰.

Roll dem dice..l

My vote no longer counts, I think. Getting to be too long a drive.
That said, I'd worry more about bad weather in February, especially since the motels are expecting more notice on cancellations. And, Host loyalist that I am, that last flea market in the theater about broke me. I never expected to be dumped in so dark a corner my would-be customers needed flashlight features on their smart phones to see the merchandise.

If I were a tournament player or a day-tripper, the calculations would be quite different, of course.

FWIW, my understanding is that the CW Con Director has decided NOT to use the theater for the 2026 Wallys Basement.

People will complain ahout anything. I will go, I will host games, and I will have a good time. Just like last year at the Ike even though people weren't thrilled about the location.

Have 2 games Friday, 1 Saturday. Always seems to have 2 games at same time I want to play.
But will have time to look around in-between

One can see a week out and go at last minute.
Generally winters are mild.

Unfortunately, there is too much at work for me to take off with a week's notice. I normally have to give at least month for PTO (unless it's an emergency)

That being said – I hope Cold Wars is a success and the people who are able to attend have a great time!!

Best wish this holiday season to everyone!

pzivh43

HMGS moved it closer to the Williamsburg Muster. Only a week apart.

Enjoy the better weather and go to the Muster. Christmas I was on the shoreline of the James River in a T-shirt. Though I cannot guarantee the weather, generally in the winter it is 10 to 15 degrees warmer in Williamsburg than in Lancaster.

Exeter, I'm out for other reasons (this time, at least: I've attended three "last HMGS East conventions" so far.) But an "understanding" is no longer sufficient. I had an "understanding" prior to the last debacle. The minimum hereafter is a written public statement from the con director that we won't be dumped in the Black Hole of Lancaster. And that needs to happen prior to the opening of the room block.

All the con staff I've ever met have been nice, friendly, hard-working people. But at least half of them would cheerfully dump the flea market. They're not trustworthy on the subject.

The conversation and reasoning is detailed on the Cold Wars Facebook group for more details.

As for the date, Feb Cold Wars happens here and there in the past. But it seems this year the date wasn't chosen till the con had a director appointed. And after one was appointed they decision was made for that weekend as best choice. Only thing that sucks for me is my mother's bday. A work around is being formulated.
Weather is not ever an issue for me.
My biggest gripe is their plan to repeat the failed flea market plan from Fall In. Bad decision.

I think it will be fine for the most part.

Grimm

I'm driving down from Syracuse, NY. If the weather turns bad, I'll make adjustments.

Grimmar- bring your mom

The CW vendor list has 18 entries at 5 weeks out.

Cause for concern? Or, lackadaisical updating?

Apparently, 18 vendors is correct.

Apparently, the WB IS back in the theater…

To date, 375+ events and counting.

Obviously, some people plan to attend.

Enjoy the events.

Hope to see you there.

I would prefer to have in the beginning of March, there even more of a chance that the weather will present travel problems.

To date, 375+ events and counting.

Too many if you ask me. Fall In had the same problem. So many events that did not run due to lack of people. I'm stunned by the number of Thursday night games. A couple sellouts but more games have 0 tickets taken.

Attendance last CW at the Ike was under 900. I sure hope that gets a big boost from the Lancaster day trippers to fill this many events. Out of 11 games my club is running the only sellout is the Sunday game where there is a lack of choice.

Might have to consider going back to running fantasy games if this trend continues.

Well, seeing some snow forcast on Friday, I have a bit over 1 hour drive but unless serious should make it.

Saying as of now Friday pm, so I should get there no issues.

Now closer to day, and forcasting should be better
Thursday 32 degrees high sunshine
Friday pm snow showers 33
Saturday breezy 22
Sunday still breezy 20

Not looking like any accumulation Friday

Hope to see you there, 14Bore. Got the truck all loaded with heavy metal and ready to go.

Will be going as a Russian Artillery officer as going to Borodino
If you see me say Hi