Understanding Event Tickets And Associated Costs At Gen Con

Gen Con is a major gaming convention held in Indianapolis, Indiana, known for its wide array of events, including tabletop role-playing games, board games, seminars, and entertainment. For attendees, the structure of access to these events is primarily governed by a badge and an event ticket system. This article provides a detailed overview of how event tickets work, their costs, and the policies surrounding them, based exclusively on official Gen Con documentation.

Event Tickets: Purpose and Function

An event ticket at Gen Con serves as a guaranteed pass for a specific event. Unlike conventions where entry is based on general admission or waiting in line, Gen Con's event tickets ensure that a participant has a reserved seat or place for the activity they have selected. This system applies to a variety of events, such as playing a game, attending a seminar, or watching a performance. Possession of a valid event ticket is the primary requirement for participation in most ticketed events.

While a Gen Con badge is necessary to purchase event tickets and grants access to public areas like the Exhibit Hall and Art Show, it does not automatically grant entry to specific events. The badge is a prerequisite for acquiring tickets, but the ticket itself is the key for event access. Attendees can purchase tickets for themselves or for friends.

Cost Structure for Event Tickets

The financial aspect of event tickets varies. Most tickets have a small cost, typically $2, which is associated with the event. However, some events offer tickets at no cost, while others may have a higher price depending on factors such as event costs and demand. The official documentation does not provide a comprehensive list of free events or specific price points for higher-cost events, but it confirms that pricing is not uniform across all activities.

It is important to note that some events do not require a ticket at all. Examples include the annual costume parade or the destruction of Cardhalla. These events are open to as many attendees as space allows on a first-come, first-served basis. Additionally, certain events like seminars, film screenings, or anime events may not mandate a ticket. However, the documentation recommends acquiring a ticket for these free events if available, to guarantee a seat.

Registration and Purchase Process

Event tickets are acquired through Gen Con's online registration system, which is the primary method for purchasing badges and event tickets. During the Event Registration period, tickets become available for purchase. All purchases made after the "Ship to Me" deadline are designated as "Will Call" and must be picked up on-site at the convention. On-site Event Registration opens on the Wednesday before the convention begins and continues through Sunday.

Payment for online and on-site purchases is accepted via Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and American Express. Cash is accepted only for on-site purchases. Checks and money orders are not accepted at any time. A 10% admissions tax is charged on all badge purchases in compliance with Marion County laws, though the documentation does not specify if this tax applies to event tickets separately.

Badge Requirements and Credentials

A valid Gen Con badge is mandatory for everyone aged ten and over to participate in the convention. The badge must be worn and visible at all times within the convention center, surrounding hotels, and during gameplay or events. It is required for identification and to access the Exhibit Hall, Art Show, seminars, and public areas.

Children ten and under are admitted free when accompanied by an attending adult. However, if a child wishes to participate in an event that requires an event ticket, a Gen Con badge must be purchased for them. Parents must register all children ages ten and under onsite at Customer Service or Badge Registration kiosks to receive a wristband with the parent or guardian's contact information, which must be worn by the child while in the convention center.

On-Site Logistics and Policies

Gen Con provides several registration areas throughout the convention center and surrounding hotels. The Main Registration area is located in the Indiana Convention Center Wabash-East concourse near the Maryland Street entrance. It includes Event Registration, Will Call, Customer Service, Accessibility Services, and Main Registration. Remote Event Registration is also available in the Event Hall and Lucas Oil Stadium.

For patrons with disabilities, a dedicated kiosk is available for Will Call pickup, badge and event ticket purchases, and refunds or exchanges. Wristbands or badge stickers can be obtained to alert staff that the bearer may need additional assistance, such as limited waiting in line. Accessible viewing areas for the costume parade are located at the Crossroads-Wabash intersection and next to the Hall B Event HQ.

Bag Check Services are offered through a partnership with The Mobile Locker Co. Attendees with valid badges can store bags, wagons, or strollers for $20 per item on a first-come, first-served basis. Payment is cashless, and claim tickets are provided. Items cannot be stored in event spaces, and any found items may be moved or discarded.

Lost and Found services are managed by the Gen Con Show Office, with unclaimed property turned over to convention center security at the end of the convention. It is recommended to label belongings with identification tags to aid in recovery.

Anti-Harassment Policy and Safety

Gen Con enforces a strict anti-harassment policy to ensure a safe and inclusive environment. Harassment or unwelcome conduct—verbal, physical, visual, or otherwise—is prohibited. The policy applies to all persons involved in the convention or Gen Con-sponsored events, including participants, vendors, hosts, and staff. Harassment is defined as any behavior that threatens a person or group or produces an unsafe and non-inclusive environment.

Actions considered for sanctions may include incidents occurring outside Gen Con-affiliated spaces, such as abusive behavior at other conventions or threatening online conduct. Gen Con does not arbitrate interpersonal disagreements and asks participants to leave such conflicts at home. Suggestions for improving safety can be emailed to the provided contact address.

Refund and Exchange Policies

All badge refund requests must be made by June 13, 2025, at 11:59 pm Eastern Time. No cancellation requests are honored after this deadline. Refunds received before the deadline are credited back to the original credit card or system credit, less administrative fees. System credit is non-transferable, non-refundable, and never expires. A $10 administrative fee is applied per badge refunded.

Gen Con LLC is not responsible for items lost in the mail or marked as "delivered" by USPS tracking. If a package is listed as lost or not delivered, a reprint of the badge and tickets is possible. If marked as "delivered," the attendee is responsible for purchasing new materials. Returned mail is available for pickup at the Will Call kiosk.

Conclusion

Gen Con's event ticket system is designed to provide guaranteed access to a diverse range of activities, from gaming sessions to seminars and entertainment. The process requires both a Gen Con badge and, for most events, a specific event ticket. Costs for tickets vary, with many priced at $2, though some are free and others may be higher. Registration occurs online and on-site, with specific policies for children, accessibility, and on-site logistics like bag check and lost and found. The convention prioritizes safety through a comprehensive anti-harassment policy. Attendees are advised to review all policies and deadlines carefully, especially regarding refunds and ticket acquisition, to ensure a smooth experience.

Sources

1. Gen Con: How Events Work
2. Gen Con: Attendee Policies