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Wolfcon - help

Started by Almurich, October 23, 2008, 02:18:35 PM

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Almurich

October 23, 2008, 02:18:35 PM
I wasn't sure where to post this exactly... so...

Heya - My name is Robert, and I was hoping to get some feedback from people on this forum.  I am running a small games convention with a group of friends in Chicago, and we are trying to figure out the best way to promote it.  Obviously, we can log into various forums (like yours) and tell people about it (//www.Wolfcon.org) - but does anyone have any other ideas they would be willing to share?

It really is a great convention - we have kept it low cost, and give away thousands of dollars in games and prizes.  We have been running it for 4 years, and we have sorta hit the point where we need to either grow it - or quit running it, so any and all help is appreciated!

Robert Lindauer

James J Skach

#1
October 23, 2008, 03:13:24 PM
You guys running it at the same time as the convention at COD? That's always been one of the issues.

But if I recall correctly, that issue is whacking the deceased equine...

Good Luck! We could always use more Cons around Chicago - just on different weekend ;)
The rules are my slave, not my master. - Old Geezer

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Spinachcat

#2
October 24, 2008, 12:05:08 AM
  • If you are actually running your game con within 100 miles of another game con or sci-fi con on the same weekend, STOP doing that.

  • Obviously you need to pimp your event across the Internet, but in reality, the web is suck ass tool to promote local events.   However, places like Craigslist and community event boards that focus just on Chicago can be worthwhile.  

  • The best marketing online that I have seen has been through the Meetup.com groups.  I suggest hunting down every Meetup.com group that has anything to do with games in a 50 mile radius and pimp your con.  

  • Your website says "This is a family convention", but I doubt any game on your schedule is being sold at Toys R Us.   If you want to draw in families, then host games they play at home.   Like Monopoly, Trivia Pursuit and chess.

  • You are using a church?   I guess that explains why the event does not run on Sunday.   The small venue is going to limit your growth.   Of course, going to a larger venue is going to be a risk.  

  • Your website does not inspire.   It seems functional, but way too dull.  Whatever is fun about your con should be apparent from the website.

  • Do you have any ability to decorate your venue?   The walls in the pics look very drab and the rooms look old.   Grab $100 and hit the 99 cent stores before Halloween.  

  • If you have more room than attendees, consider giving away free badges to high schools.  Say 20 tickets to 10 different high schools as honor roll rewards or for their game clubs.  Remember that direct mail has less than a 5% return rate so in reality that might bring no more than 10 people.  I would do the same with all local college game clubs and I would give game store owners several free passes as a thank you for hosting a stack of flyers about Wolfcon.

  • If you are serious about growing, you need to talk to other convention owners and pick their brains.  Of course, you need to talk to people who will not feel intimidated that you could become a threat to their success.   I suggest you talk to Japji Khalsa of KublaCon in San Francisco.   He took a small Magic card convention and within 5 years grew it into the biggest non-electronic game convention on the West Coast.  Japji is also a really good guy.

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