Gen Con Cancels 2020 Convention
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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowOne of the largest conventions in Indiana has announced it has canceled this year’s event due to health and safety concerns related to COVID-19. Gen Con had previously been scheduled for July 30 – August 2 at the Indiana Convention Center, Lucas Oil Stadium, and surrounding downtown hotel space.
The convention, which draws approximately 70,000 attendees, has also announced it is extending its contract an additional two years, keeping it in Indy through 2026.
Gen Con generated an estimated $70 million in economic impact in 2019, according to Visit Indy.
“It is with a heavy heart that we must announce the cancellation of Gen Con 2020 this August in Indianapolis. The safety and health of our attendees, exhibitors, and staff are of the utmost importance to us, and we cannot in good conscience host a gathering of thousands while doing so could threaten the health of so many,” said the organization.
Perhaps as a bit of foreshadowing, two weeks ago organizers delayed the opening date of event registration.
Gen Con is one of the largest and longest-running tabletop gaming conventions in North America.
Normally during the convention, attendees choose from more than 20,000 ticketed events representing a wide array of board games, card games, roleplaying games, seminars, and entertainment events.
Gen Con said the decision was made after extensive consideration and in consultation with Indianapolis government officials and public health authorities.
“We know this was a very difficult decision for Gen Con to make, but we understand and support their decision,” said Leonard Hoops, president and chief executive officer of Visit Indy. “They’re great partners and we’re mutually committed for the long term. For me and so many others in our community, Gen Con 2021 can’t come soon enough.”
In place of the in-person event, organizers announced plans for Gen Con Online, a free-to-attend virtual convention experience featuring livestreaming content, remote gaming, and other online programming.
Gen Con said it will return to the Indiana Convention Center in August 2021.