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Valerie Putman: Let the Conventions Begin!
The Summer convention season is upon us and I’m off and running. Actually, this is a late start for me this year--I’ve had only one major gaming weekend (Memorial Day Weekend) since school let out and I was only able to pop in for a day of that. This week I’m at Oasis of Fun in Atlanta, GA (an invitation event) and next week Tyler is gearing up for Origins. Why am I not getting ready for Columbus, Ohio’s biggest game convention? As it turns out, I will be in Berlin, Germany that weekend for the press conference announcing this year’s Spiel des Jahres. In July I have a non-gaming event--10 days of animal behavior fieldwork in Arizona (earning that sabbatical!). Then it is a busy August with The World Boardgaming Championships and then Gen Con--all while I’m having my kitchen remodeled. Finally, I typically consider Dragon Con (Labor Day Weekend in Atlanta) to be the end of the summer convention season. I’ll be there again this year--especially since I won’t be rushing back to classes when it’s over. Here’s a look at what’s new at this summer’s conventions…
Prose on Cons
Do you remember the free game give away at Origins last year? Rio Grande donated pallets and pallets of games that the Columbus Area Boardgaming Society (CABS) distributed from the Board Room. Well, Rio Grande out did itself this year. I’ve gotten a sneak peak at the game giveaways for this year and I was floored. Trust me, you will get your money’s worth out of this year’s Board Room ribbon.
This year at the WBC they have added a teaching/demo portion before the tournaments get underway. I’ll be there demoing games for Rio Grande at Cafe Jay the entire week. I’m just not sure what I’ll be teaching yet!
Friends, friends, and more friends. The economy is tough and people are cutting back on travel, but gamers are still finding a way to come together. I’ve never needed my friends more--it’s been a tough year losing my Dad, my grandfather, my grandmother, and one of my best friends in gaming, Kevin Gonzalez. I’m looking forward to seeing everyone!!
Happy Father’s Day, Daddy…
Valerie Putman
Posted by Valerie Putman on Jun 21, 2009 at 01:00 AM in Columnists, Valerie Putman / 1214
Comments:
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I’d have to agree that if you’re going to Origins, go and get the Board Room ribbon—even if you’re just doing it for the free games! The selection this year will be fantastic, and to boot, you’ll have unfettered access to the best open gaming at a convention. Dale Posted by Dale Yu on Jun 21, 2009 at 07:42 AM | #
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I hope your trip to Berlin has a big prize at the end of it, Valerie. I’ll be rooting for you. Dale, will you be going as well? It’ll be strange not to have Dalerie together for what might be a big moment. Posted by Larry Levy on Jun 21, 2009 at 11:37 AM | #
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Spiel des Jahres 2009: Dominion!!!!!!!!!!! Grats to Dalerie! (first time I’ve heard that nickname. I did get a chuckle out of it) Posted by Jeff Mullet on Jun 29, 2009 at 05:00 PM | #
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