One of the biggest developments in the local convention scene has nothing to do with Gen Con, but with the 30-year-old Strategicon series of conventions. They were recently purchased by the owners of PolyCon. One of the principals, Eric Alderich, was very forthcoming in describing the direction they wished to take this long-time staple of Southern Californian gaming:
"Wish to expand everything," he began. "Miniatures is possibly faring the best at the moment, but there is room for expansion there as well." One of the first things to be expanded is the gaming schedule, with more events to be held on Friday and Monday to make them viable. Advertising will also be increased. Manufacturer involvement will be encouraged - including sponsored events and tournaments.
"We need more people to attend," said Eric, "and we want gamers of all sorts to feel welcome. We want to know what you want to play. We want to build the whole Southern California gaming community, and that includes cooperating with other conventions such as Avalon (ConQuest) and Gen Con." Outreach is also planned for local gaming groups, including HMGS as well as college and university gaming clubs. "If you want to run a game, we'd like to have you." As for attendees, he says, "We need to have the people in San Diego, Santa Barbara and Barstow all wanting to come to our convention and seeing it as a worthwhile trip."
Eric acknowledges that it will require a lot of work. "At first, it'll be by the seat of our pants in order to be able to have the cons ready on time." But he stresses that it is their intent to build the convention with more events for gamers of all ages. "We need to rebuild the trust," he says. "Hold us accountable. If we screw up, I want to hear about it - just be nice, please. We have our work cut out for us, but we look forward to making our conventions better than before."