Some of my favorite memories playing board games have been at Conventions. I’ve been to Gen Con several years to compete at World of Warcraft trading card game nationals and worlds.
While my family and I were there, we played many new and upcoming board games at the time as well as some classics.
I’ve also been to some more local BG conventions here in Texas that were a lot of fun and it made me think to make a post about popular cons in the US and worldwide for those that love to travel.
Top Board Game Conventions in the United States
1. Gen Con (Indianapolis, Indiana)
- When: Early August
- Why Go: The largest and most influential tabletop convention in North America. Over 70,000 gamers gather each year for demos, tournaments, and sneak peeks at the latest releases.
- Highlights: Giant exhibit hall, cosplay, publisher announcements, and nonstop open gaming.
- Website: gencon.com
2. PAX Unplugged (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania)
- When: Early December
- Why Go: A convention focused purely on tabletop — no video games allowed. Perfect for players, content creators, and indie designers.
- Highlights: Inclusive community, tons of open gaming space, and a strong indie publisher presence.
- Website: unplugged.paxsite.com
3. Origins Game Fair (Columbus, Ohio)
- When: June
- Why Go: A well-balanced mix of gaming, retail, and community events. Great for both families and designers.
- Highlights: Game demos, role-playing sessions, and design workshops.
- Website: originsgamefair.com
4. Dice Tower East (Orlando, Florida)
- When: July
- Why Go: Hosted by the Dice Tower Network, this convention is all about playing games rather than shopping.
- Highlights: Relaxed atmosphere, meet popular reviewers, and join open play sessions.
- Website: dicetowereast.com
5. BGG.CON (Dallas, Texas)
- When: November
- Why Go: Hosted by BoardGameGeek, this is a smaller, community-focused event where you can actually play the games you love.
- Highlights: Giant board game library and friendly, laid-back environment.
- Website: boardgamegeek.com/convention
6. PAX West (Seattle, Washington)
- When: Late August / Early September
- Why Go: While known for video games, PAX West features a growing tabletop section and strong indie representation.
- Highlights: Tabletop tournaments, demos, and panels about board game design.
- Website: west.paxsite.com
Top International Board Game Conventions
1. Essen Spiel (Essen, Germany)
- When: October
- Why Go: The largest board game convention in the world by attendance. Thousands of new games debut here every year.
- Highlights: European publishers, prototypes, and worldwide releases before they hit retail.
- Website: spiel-essen.de
2. UK Games Expo (Birmingham, England)
- When: Late May / Early June
- Why Go: The biggest tabletop gaming event in the UK. Excellent for players, publishers, and families alike.
- Highlights: Family-friendly gaming, tournaments, cosplay, and open play.
- Website: ukgamesexpo.co.uk
3. Cannes Festival International des Jeux (Cannes, France)
- When: February
- Why Go: France’s largest gaming event with a mix of board, card, and role-playing games.
- Highlights: Designer showcases and European award reveals.
- Website: festivaldesjeux-cannes.com
4. Tokyo Game Market (Tokyo, Japan)
- When: Spring and Fall editions
- Why Go: Discover creative indie games and Japanese designers known for unique mechanics and aesthetics.
- Highlights: Small print runs, minimalist art, and collector exclusives.
- Website: gamemarket.jp
5. Lucca Comics & Games (Lucca, Italy)
- When: Late October / Early November
- Why Go: A massive celebration of pop culture that includes a robust board game section.
- Highlights: Fantasy art, game demos, and crossover fandom events.
- Website: luccacomicsandgames.com
Why Attend a Board Game Con?
- Play new releases before they hit stores.
- Meet publishers, designers, and reviewers in person.
- Join tournaments and learn new games.
- Trade or buy rare titles and promos.
- Network if you’re a creator or aspiring designer.
Tips for Attending Board Gaming Conventions
- Book hotels early. Rooms near the convention center can sell out fast.
- Bring snacks, water, and comfy shoes.
- Try new games but pace yourself.
- Use the convention app or schedule to plan your day.
- Be friendly and respectful — everyone’s there for the same love of gaming.
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