2016 was the second year for Salt Lake Gaming Convention. An event to celebrate, share, and promote the community of all types of game players. This year's event was larger than last year's. Some of last year's attractions and events returned to share space with new ones.People were arriving at the convention as individuals, families, and groups of friends. They were coming to compete in one of the many tournaments, to support their fandom, and to see what this group is really about.
Entering the convention, these smaller groups arrived into a welcoming community. People were meeting old friends and making new ones. There was opportunity of getting to know others who have similar likes, either with the conventioneers, or with groups who were representing their causes and fandom. People stopped strangers to complement their cosplay, or they discussed games they were watching. They were talking to people they didn't know over the move they saw on the big screen, or what it was like after the demonstration of virtual reality. The strategy talk around the X-Wing Miniatures was similar to those around the viewing areas of Heroes of the Storm. Afterwards, they walked away as new friends, acknowledging them later as they passed.
You may have been in one of the many tournaments or contests taking place. There were also the supporters of the competitors, a cheering crowd (sometimes loud and sometimes whispers) of fans looking for the favored cosplay, and the next strategic move. All of them joining together with the goal of winning, but, more importantly, for most, of being involved.
Some were not ready for the official contests, and there were plenty of other varieties for enjoyment and fun. There were soccer moms grabbing nerf blasters and foam swords. There were families sitting at game tables. There were young children interacting senior citizens as they showed their costumes (in both directions). People were with people without regard of who they were before walking through the doors.
Along with supporting already known interests people were finding new interests and new causes. We have the areas we enjoy and what we like to do, but people who might not try a role-playing game, or Live Action Role Playing (LARPing), were signing up and giving it a try, just to see, and finding they enjoyed it. There were groups supporting interests like veterans and children. It was something to see members of B.A.C.A. (Bikers Against Child Abuse) talking and laughing with a group of zombies.
This is what gaming conventions, like Salt Lake Gaming Con, are about. There are events taking place during the convention, but it is about the building of community. There is the ability to bring together people with common interests, even if they didn't know they had the common interest before arriving. People were looking for one thing, and found more. They left with memories and memorabilia they could share with the friends they came with, and tell those who didn't. Some had made new friends they'll see at the next convention, or get together between times.
The people make events like Salt Lake Gaming Con as enjoyable as we want them to be. Watching, participating, and interacting with the people at the convention, I could see the atmosphere of enjoyment and fun. There were many smiles and jokes being shared by the conventioneers as they were leaving, and many a child who just wasn't ready to leave.
Salt Lake Gaming Con is now partnering up with Salt Lake Comic Con and I am looking forward to seeing what we get to participate in next year.
I would like to thank Salt Lake Gaming Con and Utah Geek Magazine for the opportunity of attending the convention.
If you have any comments, questions, or critiques please leave a comment here, or send an email to guildmastergaming@gmail.com.
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