Gen Con Freebies A Comprehensive Guide To Convention Free Samples And Exclusive Offers

The Gen Con convention has become a hub for gaming enthusiasts to not only enjoy their favorite tabletop games but also to collect exclusive free items and promotional merchandise. This article provides a detailed overview of the various freebies, promotional offers, and exclusive items available to attendees at Gen Con, including information on how to obtain them and what to expect.

Types of Freebies Available at Gen Con

Gen Con offers a diverse range of free items to attendees, spanning from promotional merchandise exclusive to the event to complimentary services and materials. These freebies can be obtained through various methods including direct pickup at designated areas, qualifying purchases at vendor booths, or participation in special events.

The Freebies Lounge

One of the most notable locations for free items is the Freebies Lounge, a dedicated space where attendees can browse and take home books, magazines, and various promotional items. This lounge is typically located conveniently in the Exhibits Hall near food vendors, making it easily accessible to all attendees during regular convention hours.

The Freebies Lounge offers an extensive collection of materials that cater to a wide range of interests. Every day, staff members restock the lounge with a diverse selection of speculative fiction titles, ensuring that regular visitors will find something new with each visit. Whether attendees are looking to browse, meet authors, or simply relax and read or write, the lounge provides a welcoming environment for discovery and engagement.

The inventory of the Freebies Lounge typically includes: - Signed author copies from personal collections, offering readers the opportunity to acquire unique items with autographs from their favorite writers - ARCs (Advance Reader Copies), galleys, new releases, and back stock from top publishers such as Tor, Penguin/Random House, Bloomsbury, and Dark Horse Comics, providing attendees with access to both upcoming and established titles - Popular magazines including Asimov's, Analog, Clarkesworld, and Ellery Queen's Mystery Magazine, catering to fans of various genres within speculative fiction - Award-winning indie titles that might otherwise go unnoticed, offering readers the chance to discover hidden gems in the publishing world - Second-hand books and magazines from the incredible libraries of convention members, creating a sustainable recycling system of reading materials

Attendees are also encouraged to contribute to the Freebies Lounge by bringing their own books during open hours and either handing them to staff, leaving them in a box, or placing them directly on shelves. Small items like flyers, cards, ribbons, and stickers are also welcome donations.

The lounge may also host author signings, where authors can secure signing slots and fans can check the schedule in the lounge to meet their favorite writers.

Vendor-Specific Freebies

Many vendors at Gen Con offer promotional items when attendees purchase their products. These freebies can include exclusive merchandise, accessories, or special edition items that complement the vendor's product line.

For example, 4Ground has historically offered freebies to customers who purchase their products at the event. In 2016, they provided several attractive incentives for buyers: - An Eightfold Path Beast Wagon and art prints with any 4Ground product purchase - A Wizard Screen for Frostgrave products - A Photographer figure for Chicago Way products

Notably, customers who purchased products from multiple ranges offered by 4Ground were eligible to receive all the associated freebies, maximizing their return on investment. 4Ground has typically been located at a specific booth number, making it easy for interested attendees to find their products and collect their freebies.

Blood Drive Freebies

Gen Con has partnered with organizations like The Heinlein Society and the Versiti Blood Center of Indiana to host blood drives during the convention. As an incentive for participation, confirmed donors receive an exclusive Loot Crate that typically includes: - Three months access to dScryb - Three months of audio content from Michael Ghelfi Studios with a dScryb Composer subscription - A copy of Roll20's Burn Bryte Core Rulebook - Dice and other promotional swag

Donors are also registered to win daily prize packages that may include: - Annual Compusre subscription to TTRPG audio by Michael Ghelfi Studios - Annual Hero subscription to dScryb - Annual Pro subscription to Roll20 - Choice of the Pathfinder Beginner Box or Starfinder Beginner Box - Quill and ink writing set

One grand prize winner receives everything in the daily prize package plus a 10-year Pro Subscription to Roll20.

Free RPG Materials

Several vendors and publishers offer free roleplaying game materials at Gen Con. For instance, Maestro Media has offered the Quick Start Guide for The Smurfs Roleplaying Game to attendees who sign up for updates on their Kickstarter through the Backerkit page. Similarly, Izegrim Creations has provided preview materials for their new RPG, such as the GEAS Quick Start Guide.

Publishers of established game systems also often provide free materials at Gen Con, including updated character sheets, reference cards, or supplementary rulebooks that enhance the core game experience. In some cases, publishers may offer exclusive free materials that are only available at Gen Con, such as special edition rulebooks or supplements that include convention-exclusive content.

Exclusive Benefits for Very Important Gamers (VIG)

Gen Con offers a special program called Very Important Gamers (VIG) that provides attendees with exclusive benefits, including additional freebies and promotional items not available to regular attendees.

VIG-Exclusive Coupons and Promotional Items

VIG members receive access to exclusive coupons that may include discounts for specific booths in the Exhibit Hall and other special deals. Promotional items are not guaranteed and gifts vary yearly based on availability, but VIG members often receive special consideration in the distribution of exclusive merchandise.

VIGs also receive "first right of refusal" for the following year's show, allowing them to purchase their next year's VIG Package when Badge Registration opens to the public and secure their first choice of hotel before housing officially opens to the general public.

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