I have been running events at GenCon for quite a few years.  Normally I stick with the most popular games like D&D, Cthulhu and Paranoia its never been a problem.  GenCon has always accepted every event I want to run.  In 2018 I was interested in running a Dark Heresy game (RP in the 40k universe).  It was on the in-demand list in 2015.  It has not made the in-demand list for 2017 or 2018.

My question is does GenCon ever turn down events?
Does GenCon ever reschedule events from the GM's request?  

Thanks.

I've never had issue with an event being declined, and over the years, I've run some VERY independent, totally unknown/obscure RPG or miniatures rules games.  I  can only imagine that something might get turned down if there seems to be a logistical issue or if something would go against the basic rules and/or standards of the con. 

I know in the first case, when I submitted something for Origins last year that had a glaring logistical issue with how I submitted it (I put the wrong number in for game duration), their events team contacted me to check if that's 'really' what I intended, and we got things fixed.  I would assume GC would be the same way.  

As much as there is a call for in-demand games, it seems from other posts I've  seen over the years, that a variety of games is also desirable.  There are plenty of players out there for games (like Dark Heresy) that may not be at the forefront popularity-wise anymore. 

Can't speak for rescheduling things, though, since I've never attempted that.  I  would think that would be possible if you give enough advance notice.

Unless the event violates GenCons no harrsment policy I can’t think of a reason for an event to be denied.  At times I’ve ran the Prussian Kriegsspiel that required two tables, one for the map with pieces and one for the players so they can’t see the map table.  It took 20 emails to get it worked out but most of that was me and Derrick both saying the same thing and talking pass each other.  But the whole time he was working to get it so it could be approved.  Derrick and the GenXon event team are all hard working, understanding, and willing to do almost anything to help gems submit events.

Hi all,

Just as an FYI, Gen Con is in the business of helping facilitate events, and if you submit an event, we do our best to make it happen if at all feasible.  We would never turn down an event just because it was not one of the newest or "hottest" systems.  If you're interested in running an RPG event under a certain system, odds are there's someone interested in playing it; so please do submit it! :)

When we turn down events, it's rarely due to content, as long as it conforms to the Event Host Policy.  It's usually due to technical issues; maybe the event requires internet, or some other A/V we simply don't have.  Occasionally we do ask an event to move an hour or two, based on space availability; there were times in 2017 when we were at capacity for certain types of events. We also do occasionally work with GMs on managing the requested size for their event(s).  But no, we're not going to turn down your RPG event just because it's not on the "in demand" list.

Marian McBrine
Event Coordinator
Gen Con LLC

I've never been turned down either but I have had them cut down on the number of attendees that I could have, based on space available and that I was a new GM.  Last year they were very accommodating, and were very helpful in arraigning space so I could have an event the size that I needed.