^[1]When it comes to all things gaming, nothing compares to the gamers paradise that occurs every August at Gen Con Indy ^[1], the nation’s largest annual consumer fantasy, electronic, sci-fi and adventure game convention. With Co-Sponsors like Upper Deck Entertainment and Wizards of the Coast and hundreds of other exhibitors, 6,000+ gaming events, anime and more, there is much to look forward to at Gen Con. For the seventh year in a row, the event will be held at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis from August 13-16.

Gen Con, celebrating its 42nd year and going strong, is the quintessential “destination” for all types of gaming , for all ages. Activities range from interactive game play and computer gaming to big money hobby-related tournaments sponsored by industry leaders such as Upper Deck Entertainment and Wizards of the Coast. All attendees can participate in any type of gaming including card games, board games, live-action role-playing games, miniature games and more.

Here are some event highlights for Gen Con Indy 2009:

Training Grounds– is the place to introduce kids to the gaming world and all its possibilities. It is designed for kids and those young at heart to come, play and explore! This area is sponsored by Mayfair Games.
World of Warcraft TCG– Upper Deck’s World of Warcraft TCG will not go unnoticed at Gen Con Indy with a slew of events ranging from championship-level tournaments to beginner-friendly events.
Wizards of the Coast-Wizards will be celebrating the 25th Anniversary of Dragonlance with a new book from Margaret Weiss & Tracy Hickman entitled Dragons of the Hour Glass Mage, The Lost Chronicles Volume 3. Margaret and Tracy will be on site for autographs and a special anniversary party. Wizards will also be celebrating the newly released D&D 4th Edition Monster Manual 2 and Players Handbook 2 as well as other 4th Edition accessories.
Interactive Entertainment-Gen Con will continue to showcase electronic gaming in its own dedicated space within the exhibit hall. New releases and popular titles will be displayed, along with console and PC tournaments, freeplay and the eGame Arena.
Huntik TCG-The newest TCG from Upper Deck will have its debut National Championship at Gen Con Indy. Players from across the country will converge to compete for the title of the best Seeker in the United States and take home the prizes that come with the title!
Magic: The Gathering From the Vault: Exiled-The release will be available for purchase prior to the August 28th release. The release contains fifteen Magic: The Gathering cards so potent, they were banned or restricted from the known realms of competition. Only 100 copies will be available each day at Gen Con. There will be plenty of D&D and Magic game play going on as well as a full schedule of seminars and special guests.
Trade Day-For the third year in a row, Gen Con Indy is hosting trade day to provide hands-on training to educators, librarians, and retailers on using games to increase patronage, develop community, and help children achieve. The program has been restructured and will also include seminars and workshops for retailers, distributors, exhibitors and others who are interested in the trade aspect of the gaming industry.
Costuming-Introducing a new program for those who love to create costumes.
NASCRAG-celebrating 30 zany years with their always popular tournament and the only D&D 3.5 Tournament at Gen Con Indy 2009.
World of Warcraft Minis– The No. 1 Miniatures game around will hold its inaugural World of Warcraft Miniatures North American Continental Championship at Gen Con. The winner will go home with thousands of dollars in electronics and prizes and an invitation to the 2009 Miniatures World Championship!
SPA-Back by popular demand, a wide array of activities for the “better half.”
Family Fun Pavilion-This special area within the exhibit hall is dedicated to family and broad market games and will include exhibits, demos, face-painting and much more. There will be special admission pricing on Sunday just for families.
True Dungeon and the True Dungeon Fantasy Tavern– Widely regarded as one of the coolest events on the planet, this year features four new adventures.
TerrorWerks– A new, fully immersive live-action-adventure event about space marines encountering the dark horrors of the galaxy!
Anime Avenue– Visit the Avenue that takes anime programming beyond anime videos to find traditional events offered at all the best anime conventions including panels, cosplay, exclusive video screenings, a manga library, dubbing events, and much more. This year, Vic Mignogna (Edward Elric from Fullmetal Alchemist) will be attending as a special guest!

Gen Con attendees can also look forward to many other rousing activities such as: Hickman’s Killer Breakfast, the Dance, Miniature Hobby Events, LARPing, board gaming tournaments, seminars, workshops, the Gen Con Auction, the Costume Contest and many more.

To Attend Gen Con
Gen Con Indy will be open to the public August 13-16 at the Indiana Convention Center. Thursday through Saturday the exhibit hall is open 10 am to 6 pm and Sunday from 10 am to 4 pm. 24 hour gaming takes place at the convention center and at area hotels during the four-day event.

Attendees must purchase badges to gain entrance to the show. Badge pre-registration is open and runs through June 27, 2009, noon PST. Pre-registration will only be available online through the registration system. A four-day badge is $68 with pre-registration or $78 onsite. A one-day badge is $38 with pre-registration or $48 onsite. Children 8 and under are free with an accompanying adult. For more information and to register visit www.gencon.com ^[1].