As a board gamer, you probably thought about going to a board game convention to meet some like-minded enthusiasts. The thing is, once you start searching for board game conventions, you might feel slightly overwhelmed, and for a good reason.
The U.S. alone hosts hundreds of yearly board game conventions across all states. Attendance can range from a low-key 200 to a jam-packed 60,000 attendees.
People go to board game conventions for various reasons. Some like to challenge themselves, whereas others go to meet and chop it up with new people.
To help you pinpoint the board game convention that suits your interests, we’re going to shed light on some of the most popular upcoming conventions in 2023, so stick around. Some dates may have passed and more will be released in the future, so we will be sure to update those once we have the new dates.
Popular Board Game Conventions in 2023
SaltCon
If you happen to find yourself near the Rocky Mountains region, prepare yourself for one of the most renowned board game conventions in Utah: SaltCon.
SaltCon provides you with wholesome, family-friendly fun for 24 hours straight. So even if you’re a night owl and can’t be asked to wake up early for a convention, SaltCon is right up your alley.
Dates: March 2nd – 5th 2023
Arizona Game Fair
If you want to take a break from sightseeing in the Grand Canyon State, visiting the annual Arizona Game Fair will provide you with some much-needed fun.
The fair has over 1,000 board games in its collection; enough to keep you occupied for long.
Dates: April 28th – 30th 2023
Geekway to the West
Held in Missouri, the Geekway to the West convention instills a more competitive edge when you play with others.
The convention’s most popular event is “Play and Win,” which boasts a specific set of games (over 700) from Geekway’s expansive library.
The Play and Win event is all about playing as many board games as you can. The more games you play, the higher the likelihood of you winning the prize.
Like ReCon, Geekway also has a mini convention, namely “Geekway Mini.” This convention is far more relaxed and less competitive, as there are no prizes to be won. It’s all about enjoying your favorite board game with others.
Dates: Geekway to the West (May 18th – 25th 2023) – Geekway Mini (no dates available)
ReCon
ReCon offers you a more light-hearted experience than most other lively and highly competitive conventions. This year, the convention is titled “mini-ReCon,” and it’s entirely free!
In this free event, you get to enjoy open gaming, giveaways, a flea market, and more!
You can visit this mini board game convention in North Carolina.
Dates: May 27th – 29th 2023
Dice Tower East
There’s nothing quite like Florida’s summer vibes, which is exactly why we love the Dice Tower East convention. At this Florida-based convention, you can enjoy beach and board game fun in one go.
Board game reviewer, Tom Vasel, founded this convention to unite all board game hobbyists together. It’s the perfect, fun-filled summer getaway for you to enjoy with your friends and family.
Dates: July 5th – 9th 2023
Gen Con
If you know anything about board game conventions, you’ve definitely heard of Gen Con. Held in Indiana, this convention emcees a whopping 70,000 attendees almost every year.
From intense games like Lords of Waterdeep to the kid-friendly, Baby’s First Adventure, Gen Con has excelled in catering to all ages.
The coronavirus has stopped several board game conventions from operating, but Gen Con decided to introduce ‘Gen Con Online’ in 2020 so that all board game enthusiasts can enjoy playing from the comfort of their homes.
Gen Con’s inclusivity continuously pulls board gamers from all over the states, so be sure not to miss out on it.
Since Gen Con is considerably one of the largest board game conventions in the US, they’ve prepared for the future. Gen Con has scheduled its events all the way up till 2026! Now that’s commitment.
Dates: August 3rd – 6th 2023
Platypus Con
Moving over to Alaska, you might stumble upon the Platypus Con. From state championships to special events, this place carries all the fun you need.
We recommend grabbing a few friends and participating in their exciting team competitions. They might even have a larger version of your favorite board game. What’s not to like?
Dates: September 8th – 10th 2023
Upcoming Conventions in 2024
Midwinter Gaming Convention
If you’re a Harry Potter or Avengers fan, this is the place to be!
The Midwinter Gaming Convention has scheduled several creative board game ideas in its itinerary, including Fantastic Beast-Perilous Pursuit and Thanos Rising.
This visionary convention can be found in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Dates: January 10th – 13th 2024
Past Events – Stay Tuned for New Dates
Wild Game Roundup
Held in Austin, Texas, the Wild Game Roundup convention is actually a collaboration between two other gaming conventions: Board Game Bash and Role Play Rally. The two conventions have joined forces to present a mixture of tabletop and board games.
Although tabletop and board games differ in certain ways, it’s always fun to try something new every now and then.
Tabletop games actually include all games played on a flat surface; therefore, they do include board games.
Role Play Rally brings a serious Dungeons and Dragons (tabletop) gaming vibe, whereas Board Game Bash gives you a classic board gaming experience.
Dates: August 12th – 14th 2022
Board Game Geek Con
Board Game Geek Con (BGG Con) is essentially a forum filled with loads of board gaming knowledge on a worldwide scale. BGG Con includes reviews, critiques, and a plethora of general discussions.
This year’s convention details were recently announced on their forum. BGG Con 2021 will be held in Dallas, Texas, with the theme of ‘Road Trip.’
Dates: November 17th – 21st 2021
PAX Unplugged
PAX Unplugged is becoming a rising star among all other board game conventions. Upon entering the convention, you’ll notice there’s a lot that you can engage in, from tournaments and workshops to play testing and getting to know other gamers in the Diversity Lounge.
Pax Unplugged offers you more than just a board gaming experience; the convention also brings in popular YouTube personalities to mentor you on some of their special tips and tricks from their preferred board games.
What’s great about Pax unplugged is that it’s a growing franchise. You can find PAX West in Washington, PAX South in Texas, and even an online PAX East.
Dates:
PAX East (no upcoming dates)
PAX South (no upcoming dates)
PAX West (September 2nd – 5th 2022)
PAX Unplugged (December 2nd – 4th 2022)
Final Words
There you have it; the most popular board game conventions to look out for in 2022/2023. If board game conventions aren’t your thing, then you should check out our article about board game bars and cafes that will maybe be more your pace.
To ensure a pleasant board gaming experience, make sure you’re fully prepared before going to a convention. Pack your own games, sanitizer, face masks, and food, especially if you’ve never been to the convention’s location before.
Be safe, and most importantly, have a great time!