SoCon Board Game Convention

Ugh, I hear you! I hate going new places where I don't know what to expect. As a result, we are striving to make SoCon an event that's approachable for first time attendees.

At the event, join one of our First Time Con Attendee Sessions to get an overview of how to navigate the SoCon experience.

At a board game convention, the primary experience is about having lots of people to game with and lots of games available to try. To support this, you will see features such as:

• A vast library of games, featuring many of the hot new releases
• Demo tables for getting an overview of popular games
• Table signs that say "Need Players" or "Need Teacher"
• Game sign ups where attendees can schedule play of specific games at specified times and other attendees can sign up to learn/play
• ...and much more!

Yes! SoCon will have gaming space dedicated to American Sign Language (ASL)-friendly play, where games will be taught and conducted entirely in ASL. Learn the rules and strategies, then play in a small group setting with an expert coach ready to help with questions as they arise. Try your hand at Azul, Codenames Pictures, Ticket to Ride, Wingspan and the classic Dungeons & Dragons (with dungeon master Ando)!

Check out the schedule, watch for new additions and sign up for sessions at https://soconboardgameconvention.com/socon-events.

Yes! The location is wheelchair accessible. If you require additional accommodations, please contact the event organizers at soconboardgames [at] gmail [dot] com. 

At a board game convention, the primary experience is about having lots of people to game with and lots of games available to try.

One of the benefits of a convention (over a local Meetup event, for example), is that it's a dedicated time that people are agreeing to clear their calendars and get together to game for an extended period.

It's also a great way to meet gamers outside of your typical circle and try new games you didn't previously have access to.

To support this, you will see features such as:

• A vast library of games, featuring many of the hot new releases
• Demo tables for getting an overview of popular games
• Table signs that say "Need Players" or "Need Teacher"
• Game sign ups where attendees can schedule play of specific games at specified times and other attendees can sign up to learn/play
• ...and much more!

Have you ever played a board game? You're a gamer. Even those of us that play board games all of the time have a variety of interests and are "new" to some aspect of gaming. The SoCon community is a welcoming community where you can feel comfortable and learn more about board games... or not learn more! It's whatever you want to get out of the experience. If you are interested in learning more, check out our First Time Con Attendee Session or our New to Gaming Lingo Lesson Session.

Thanks for your interest in hosting a game! The goal at SoCon is for any attendee that is interested to be able to host a game, so unfortunately, free tickets are not available for hosting a game. To host a game, please contact soconboardgames [at] gmail [dot] com and provide the following information: name of the game, date and time you want to host, player count available (subtract yourself, if you plan to play), length of time needed (please over-estimate and factor in teaching time, if applicable), experience level necessary, and a brief description of the game. 

After 24 hours of purchase or within 24 hours of the event itself, tickets are non-refundable. If it is less than 24 hours after your purchase and more than 24 hours away from the event, please email soconboardgames [at] gmail [dot] com with your ticket confirmation information and your reason for cancellation.

Refunds for the rescheduling of SoCon due to COVID-19 will be issued within 5 days of request to soconboardgames [at] gmail [dot] com as long as they are made by midnight PST on September 1, 2020.

Thank you for your interest! You'll find details on our Exhibitor page. If you have further questions, please reach out to us at soconboardgames [at] gmail [dot] com.

Parking at SoCon is free.

There is a parking lot surrounding both buildings of the Events Center and ample street parking in the area.

Yes, food is available at SoCon.

A taco & pizza bar (cash or credit) will be open during lunch and dinner hours and a snack bar (cash only) will be available throughout the entire event.

The local area also has many restaurant options within walking distance if you would prefer to go offsite.

Attendees may bring their own food onsite; however, alcohol may not be brought onsite.

Yes! SoCon is a family friendly event. Older children that are interested in gaming are especially encouraged to attend. All minors must be accompanied by an adult.

An area will also be dedicated to kids that love gaming, but maaaaybe don't want to game for as many hours as their parents! At a minimum, it will have bean bag chairs and outlets for their devices. Depending on space availability, this area might have additional activities.

Children under the age of 10 are free, but we ask that their attendance and age be registered upon arrival at the event.

Parents or guardians are responsible for the conduct of their children at the event. While children are welcome, disruptive behavior is not.