INDIANAPOLIS (August 20, 2013) Gen Con Indy 2013, completed August 15-18 at the Indiana Convention Center, experienced record attendance numbers and unprecedented growth. Weekend turnstile attendance of 159,364 and unique attendance of 49,058 grew the convention approximately 20% from 2012’s previous record of 41,000+ unique attendees. These metrics show continued growth of more than 75% over the past five years.
“The Gen Con team is ecstatic about the attendance numbers for Gen Con Indy 2013, but there are also many other successes from this year’s show to share,” said Adrian Swartout, CEO of Gen Con LLC. “More than 12,000 gaming and entertainment events occurred at the convention, 360+ companies exhibited, the annual Trade Day doubled in attendance, and Sunday enjoyed record-breaking Family Fun Day attendance. It is hard to believe Gen Con Indy could experience a better year than 2012, but our exhibitors, sponsors, and event organizers guaranteed this was absolutely our best show.”
As announced previously by Visit Indy, Indianapolis’ convention and tourism agency, Gen Con Indy accounts for more than $47 million in yearly economic impact to Indianapolis, a figure that has only been surpassed by the 2012 Super Bowl
“Gen Con continues to experience tremendous growth in Indianapolis,” said Leonard Hoops, President & CEO of Visit Indy. “Gen Con LLC leadership really knows their attendees and how to enhance the gaming experience every year, and Indy really knows Gen Con and how to put on a great event. We’re delighted to be the host city through at least 2020 and look forward to many future Gen Cons to come.”
Gen Con’s Wednesday Tapping Party for Indianapolis business Sun King Brewing’s official beer of Gen Con Indy 2013, Flagon Slayer, drew more than 2,000 fans to the Wednesday night event on Georgia Street.
Record-setting numbers were not limited to attendance and economic impact. The show’s Co-Sponsors each hosted high-profile events commanding media attention. The first Guinness World Record attempt at a Gen Con Indy was completed successfully by Mayfair Games on Saturday, August 17, when they achieved the world’s largest game of Catan with 922 players. Wizards of the Coast hosted a sold out Night with D&D event, featuring a murder mystery puzzle game. Paizo Publishing’s Pathfinder Special Event filled the Sagamore Ballroom, with actions of one player impacting the games of hundreds of others. Collectively, these three events had more than 2,500 ticketed participants.
“This was Paizo Publishing’s first year as a Co-Sponsor of Gen Con, and we were thrilled to have our best show ever,” said Erik Mona, Publisher and CCO of Paizo Publishing. “And it’s not just Paizo saying so. The buzz among exhibitors was that this was their best Gen Con as well. We can’t wait to return.”
Gen Con Indy 2014 will take place at the Indianapolis Convention Center from August 14-17, 2014.
About Gen Con
Gen Con, LLC produces the largest consumer hobby, fantasy, science fiction and adventure game convention in North America, Gen Con Indy, The Best Four Days In Gaming!™. Acquired in 2002 by former CEO and founder of Wizards of the Coast Peter Adkison, the company is headquartered in Seattle, Washington. For more information, visit www.gencon.com.
Gen Con LLC Media Contact
Stacia Kirby, 206.363.1492
[email protected]