The provided source material is insufficient to produce a 2000-word article. Below is a factual summary based on available data.

Freebies and Promotional Opportunities at GenCon 2019

Introduction

GenCon 2019 offered several opportunities for attendees to obtain free items and promotional materials, though detailed information about specific brands, product samples, or comprehensive freebie programs is limited in the available source material. The convention provided both official promotional activities and informal opportunities through exhibitor participation.

Official Free Promotional Programs

Golden Ticket Sweepstakes

The most prominently featured free promotional opportunity was the Golden Ticket Sweepstakes, which offered 100 golden tickets, each redeemable for a free 4-Day GenCon 2020 badge. The entry mechanism was straightforward: attendees who set their shipping method on their GenCon 2019 fulfillment packet to USPS Priority Mail by 11:59 pm (EDT) on June 16, 2019 were automatically entered. The shipping setting could be changed through the My Packets page on the convention website. Winners were selected randomly, with golden prize envelopes placed in 100 Ship to Me packets.

Will Call Free Items

Convention attendees were encouraged to visit Will Call, where they could obtain a free bag for their purchases along with a coupon book containing discounts and freebies from various vendors. This represented a formal distribution point for promotional materials and vendor offerings.

Exhibitor-Based Free Items

Free Swag Opportunities

The source material indicates that many exhibitors at GenCon 2019 offered promotional items to convention attendees. These were characterized as "free swag" and "promo items" that attendees could collect by keeping an eye out for such offerings. However, specific details about which exhibitors provided free items, what types of products were offered, or the quantity of materials available are not provided in the source data.

Indie Game Publishers

Small publishers and independent game developers were noted as having unique games not typically found in major retailers. The source material suggests that these indie booths may have offered promotional materials, though no specific details are provided about what free items were available from these smaller exhibitors.

Event-Based Free Opportunities

Game Demos and Product Testing

Participating in game demonstrations was encouraged as a way to test games before purchasing. While not explicitly described as free items, these demo sessions potentially provided access to new games and products without cost, representing a form of sampling or trial experience.

Industry Panel Discussions

Panel discussions focusing on game design and industry trends were identified as providing valuable insights. These sessions, while educational rather than providing physical free items, represented a non-monetary benefit available to convention attendees.

Shopping and Deal Opportunities

The source material emphasized several strategies for maximizing value at GenCon 2019:

• Looking for deals early, as some booths offered exclusive discounts or early bird specials
• Establishing a budget in advance to avoid overspending
• Using downtime effectively to browse and potentially discover new promotional opportunities

Limitations of Available Information

The provided source material lacks comprehensive details about specific brands offering samples, detailed descriptions of available free items, eligibility requirements for various promotional programs, or systematic information about where to find specific types of freebies. While the sources confirm that free promotional materials were available through both official programs and exhibitor participation, the absence of specific product information, brand names, or detailed descriptions of available items limits the ability to provide a comprehensive guide to freebies at GenCon 2019.

Conclusion

GenCon 2019 offered several pathways for attendees to obtain free items and promotional materials, ranging from the official Golden Ticket Sweepstakes to informal exhibitor distributions. However, the available source material provides only general guidance about these opportunities rather than specific details about brands, products, or systematic freebie collection strategies. Attendees interested in maximizing free promotional opportunities would benefit from visiting Will Call for official materials, exploring exhibitor booths for free swag, and participating in game demonstrations to access new products.

Sources

1. Golden Ticket Sweepstakes 2019
2. Gen Con Tips and Tricks
3. GenCon Events 2019 Forum