Gamer Chronicles

Gen Con, the longest-running gaming convention in North America, has reached a one-year extension of its agreement to stay in Indianapolis. This new contract extends Gen Con’s partnership with Indy through 2021 and includes an option that allows for the show to renew the contract annually.

“Indianapolis has warmly welcomed Gen Con with its Hoosier hospitality for more than a decade, and we appreciate the city’s commitment to making all of our guests feel at home,” said Adrian Swartout, CEO/Owner of Gen Con. “With Gen Con approaching its 50th convention in 2017, we look forward to celebrating many more historic years in Indy, as well as serving as a hub for a thriving community of Hoosier gamers.”

In 2016, Gen Con featured a record number of turnstile attendees, 201,852, a 2.5% year-over-year increase. Attendees came to Indianapolis from 64 countries, all 50 states, and each Canadian province. Last year, Gen Con also expanded into Lucas Oil Stadium, and due to increased space, also featured a record number of exhibitors (525).

“The City of Indianapolis is proud to be the home of Gen Con, and we are appreciative of their continued commitment to our great city,” said Mayor Joe Hogsett of Indianapolis. “This iconic event draws gamers from around the globe, and we look forward to welcoming them year after year with the Hoosier hospitality that we are so well known for.”

Gen Con moved its annual convention to Indianapolis in 2003 and last completed an extension agreement in 2011. Since moving to Indianapolis, Gen Con’s attendance has more than doubled, from 23,000 unique attendees to a unique attendance record of more than 61,000.

“Gen Con generates an estimated $72 million in economic impact for our region annually while transforming downtown Indianapolis into the global epicenter of hobby gaming for nearly a full week each year,” said Leonard Hoops, president and CEO of Visit Indy. “Visit Indy, the staffs of the Indiana Convention Center and Lucas Oil Stadium, our hotel partners, and so many others in Central Indiana’s hospitality community are delighted to have played a role in Gen Con’s growth and success over the past 13 years and we look forward to continuing our mutually beneficial partnership through 2021 and beyond.”

SOURCE: Gen Con