10 Things I Wish I Knew Before My First Game Convention!

Ойындар

Over the last few years, I've been to over 20 gaming conventions. In that time, I've learned a few things I'd like to pass along - and with convention season upon us, now's the time to look at some of those tips.
Do you have any tips for game conventions? Drop them in the comments!
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Пікірлер: 36

  • @jeremygregorio7472
    @jeremygregorio74723 ай бұрын

    Get vaccinated. That's the number one thing you need to know. You are still going to come home sick as a dog. But if you're vaccinated at least you won't end up in a hospital. Oh and if you or anyone you know is a little immunocompromised go get some n95 masks so you don't kill somebody. I get it it sucks but it's better than grandma's funeral

  • @SquarePegs

    @SquarePegs

    3 ай бұрын

    100% accurate, yes. It's so second nature for me to make sure I'mn getting my flu shots and COVID boosters that I don't even think about it anymore so it slipped my mind. FANTASTIC comment, Jeremy - thank you!

  • @jeremygregorio7472

    @jeremygregorio7472

    3 ай бұрын

    @@SquarePegs yea even before covid convention plague was a thing. It's a running gag on the penny arcade comic of how sick they get after their convention.

  • @neatnateable

    @neatnateable

    3 ай бұрын

    You haven’t learned anything in the past few years! This is terrible advice.

  • @O.Shawabkeh

    @O.Shawabkeh

    3 ай бұрын

    For the love of yourselves sake and nobody else, be very careful. I'm one of countless folks who have known those who died, caused blood clots, or cancer from the 'Coof-19' experimental product. The healthy option is to optimize Vit-D, take Zinc 25mg daily, and get sun exposure daily (that's 15-min for me, better than nothing)

  • @JohnRiggs
    @JohnRiggs3 ай бұрын

    the bonus tip is my favorite tip. Looking forward to more cons this year!

  • @SquarePegs

    @SquarePegs

    3 ай бұрын

    Me too! And I've got you to thank for that tip, my friend. :)

  • @GenerationPixel

    @GenerationPixel

    3 ай бұрын

    Oh, the deep-fried goodness Jay is going experience over here in Scotland will blow his mind 🤯😂

  • @GAMECLOSET

    @GAMECLOSET

    3 ай бұрын

    All good tips!!! Plus, tip your waitron! Always a nice thing to do. 😎

  • @GamerAhmer
    @GamerAhmer3 ай бұрын

    Yes!! Can’t wait! I love seeing everyone and meeting people at these conventions. Great tips! Oh and people make fun of me for my printed lists! Glad someone appreciates them. 😂

  • @EdsHead
    @EdsHead3 ай бұрын

    I've been going to conventions for nearly a decade now and these are great tips. The most important tips you mentioned for me are 1) Create a Budget/Bring Cash (kind of go hand in hand) 2) Bring an inventory list and wish list and 3) meet and talk to the other gamers/collectors/vendors/guests. The bonus tip is great for anytime you travel. Some additional tips from my own experiences are to: 1) Wear comfortable shoes and clothes. 2) Bring a shoulder bag or backpack (if allowed) to carry your purchases - OR- 3) Trades and/or items you may want to sell to the vendors or even each other. I've made some really great deals and trades that way. 4) And speaking of deals, don't be afraid to ask if a vendor is willing to negotiate, especially if you are paying with cash or have trades. I've rarely paid the price listed on the item, especially if you are buying a bunch of stuff from one vendor. Most are super nice and/or honest in the dealings. 5) Follow the Conventions on social media platforms or their websites so you get the most up to date information about all the happenings and important information for the show. 6) Don't be afraid to introduce yourself and/or talk to others. You'll find out many are just like you or are very interesting. Many probably feel the same way you do. The great thing is we are usually there for similar reasons and interests. You are among your people. Have fun and enjoy! AWESOME video Jay. I'm so excited for the 2024 convention season starting with Midwest in April. Cya there! Take care! 🟩

  • @lindsayLLcoolgames
    @lindsayLLcoolgames3 ай бұрын

    I have a confession. I used to really look down on Columbus! Growing up in Michigan, living in Northern Ohio, i thought i knew it all and was better. TORG proved me wrong, again and again! The food, the people, the opportunity... I love you, Columbus. So maybe that's my tip- try something different! Let the cons surprise you!

  • @retrobeliever
    @retrobeliever3 ай бұрын

    Great vid Jay!!! You’re def a good dude and I think people are drawn to you, looking forward to hanging out at MGC and SEGE!!!

  • @daver7178
    @daver71782 ай бұрын

    I've only watched 2 of your recent videos and it was an immediate subscribe from my end. Super authentic and fun content! Thank you and please keep it up, especially with your "Can't get enough" series, very well done.

  • @houstronx
    @houstronx3 ай бұрын

    If you come out here for the next Portland retro gaming expo we'll have to meet and catch up!

  • @retrowildlands
    @retrowildlands3 ай бұрын

    Awesome video and one I wish I would have found a few years back! I set money aside for the conventions I want to go to and it's very helpful. I never want to go nuts with spending, but if I'm able to save enough for the chance to find one of my grails, it's planning that's well worth it. But your last tip was by far the best. Chains are everywhere. Shop and eat local!

  • @backinthedaygamer
    @backinthedaygamer3 ай бұрын

    MGC is my favorite trip to take every year! There's so much going on and it's all such a good time. If you live within a 5 hour drive you are obligated to go lol. DEF go to local restaurants & bars!!

  • @RetroRivals
    @RetroRivals3 ай бұрын

    If this is a double comment, I apologize because I thought I pressed send 😂😂😂 I wish I would have seen this before we went to Southeast game exchange then again you just made the video so I don't think that would have been possible 😂😂😂😂 The only thing we really didn't get to do was explore Greenville. I'm told downtown is absolutely amazing but we didn't get to experience it. Sincerely happy though that you got to be part of our first convention experience. Those memories live constantly. Rent free in my head and I can't wait to go back to a convention in the US at some point

  • @brettrogames
    @brettrogames3 ай бұрын

    CONVENTION SEASON!!! It’s also my birthday month!

  • @MortsGarage
    @MortsGarage3 ай бұрын

    Was stoked to spend time with you at SEGE! We gonna do it again?

  • @SquarePegs

    @SquarePegs

    3 ай бұрын

    Hope so!! I've got the application in, just waiting for the approval! :)

  • @RetroRivals
    @RetroRivals3 ай бұрын

    I wish I would have watched this before we went to SEGE last year but you just made it 😂 The only thing we really didn't get to do is experience Greenville more. We didn't get to go to downtown Greenville which I'm told is beautiful. Hopefully someday! There are so many more conventions I want to go to but damn travel to the US is expensive.

  • @mystacles
    @mystacles3 ай бұрын

    Awesome video jay I have only been going to conventions for a few years but I can't image collecting with out then now met so many people that are now friends 😀

  • @looselycollected7505
    @looselycollected75053 ай бұрын

    I go to a lot of local cons. But not really video gaming cons. That changes this year when we get our first local video gaming con. I keep wanting to go to Midwest Gaming Classic and stuff I could drive to. But the cost and time to go always elludes me. And that bonus tip, I have tried to to that no matter where I go for as long as I can remember.

  • @GameDadShow
    @GameDadShow3 ай бұрын

    Excellent tips my dude! Great video!

  • @MrWrightWay
    @MrWrightWay3 ай бұрын

    Good tips. Fun video

  • @themanboycave122
    @themanboycave1223 ай бұрын

    Midwest gaming classic last year was my first gaming convention and I way over spent! I’m going in with a more focused search this year. I can’t wait for the show though. I had a blast last year.

  • @moandaindesigns
    @moandaindesigns3 ай бұрын

    100% across the board correct. I will never forget SEGE.

  • @Owazrim
    @Owazrim3 ай бұрын

    Stay Hydrated. Drink lots of water Deffintly find places to eat that you don't have locally.

  • @GenerationPixel
    @GenerationPixel3 ай бұрын

    In Scotland, there is only one tip. And that is to cross all your fingers and ties while praying to all the gaming gods that there will be at least one worthwhile gaming convention 😭😉

  • @RNGGamerYT
    @RNGGamerYT3 ай бұрын

    Happy Birthday! Are you coming to SEGE?

  • @SquarePegs

    @SquarePegs

    3 ай бұрын

    Hoping to!

  • @WavesNGames
    @WavesNGames3 ай бұрын

    Having a list can be good, but i would say make your list half specific and half generic. Like I'm looking for these 5 games but I'm also looking for any extreme sports GBA games. Also, to me the biggest thing is the people. Go with someone. Having a friend with your makes a convention 10x better

  • @JustinLaClair
    @JustinLaClair3 ай бұрын

    First few yesrs I went to conventions, the meaning of the word budget was lost to me. I was in a nostalgia fueled buying frenzy. Thankfully covid stopped that since there were no cons. See you at mgc in a few weeks!

  • @smallmj2886
    @smallmj2886Ай бұрын

    I would love to go to a convention, but I live on the East Coast of Canada, and my closest ones too far away. :(

  • @videogames4life475
    @videogames4life4753 ай бұрын

    Have you ever been to Too Many Games?

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