The best convention in California is PolyCon, hosted by the California Polytechnic University on the Central Coast about 200 miles between SF and LA. It gets about 250 attendees. What makes a small town, out of the way, convention work is playing to their strengths. If the Kamloops con has a cheap hotel deal, good food options and spins their event as a weekend getaway, they have a shot at developing a following. For big city folk, there's a draw to getting out of town and going somewhere close-ish and quaint. For the locals, there is the unique factor. If the Kamloops con does enough positive local outreach, they can advertise invites for nongamers who are intrigued by non-video games, so plenty of demos is the key.

Of course, it all depends on outreach, advertising, and money management.

I wish them the best. There's some good event planning advice on this topic, for anyone else who is interested. Good job everyone!

Quote from: Spinachcat;1036210The best convention in California is PolyCon, hosted by the California Polytechnic University on the Central Coast about 200 miles between SF and LA. It gets about 250 attendees. What makes a small town, out of the way, convention work is playing to their strengths. If the Kamloops con has a cheap hotel deal, good food options and spins their event as a weekend getaway, they have a shot at developing a following. For big city folk, there's a draw to getting out of town and going somewhere close-ish and quaint. For the locals, there is the unique factor. If the Kamloops con does enough positive local outreach, they can advertise invites for nongamers who are intrigued by non-video games, so plenty of demos is the key.

Of course, it all depends on outreach, advertising, and money management.

What makes it the best? I mean, is it just the location factors you named, or does something go on in the con itself?