FAQ
What is Board Game Bash?
Board Game Bash is a weekend-long board gaming convention designed to get a bunch of gamers together and give them ample opportunity to play. The 2013 convention will be from August 2nd through August 4th, 2013. The convention will be open all night each night through the weekend, so let biology be the only thing to stop you! We’re going to be at the Hilton Garden Inn Austin Downtown, easily located just off I-35 South on 5th Street.
Why should I bother pre-registering?
Oh, my friend, the benefits of pre-registering are far superior:
First off, you’ll be saving money versus paying at the door. Second, you’ll get a nice, custom name badge, rather than a handwritten one. Third, in case we do sell out, by pre-registering, you’ll ensure that you have a spot at the convention. But last, and most importantly, early registrations get a MYSTERY GRAB BAG upon checkin. What kinds of treasures are hidden within? You won’t know until you get yours, but it’s sure to be DELIGHTFUL. In addition, all attendees will get a ticket allowing them a chance to win in the door prize drawings.
I missed out on pre-registration. Am I out of luck?
No way! Tickets can be purchased at the door (though you do save by pre-registering). That is, unless we sell out. We had attendance well beyond what I expected last year. Luckily, I was able to add extra rooms to our space, but that will probably not be an option this year since we already are taking the entire second floor meeting areas. So to be sure you can get in, pre-registration is your best bet (plus, you get all the other perks).
Why is the convention more expensive this year than last year? What are you trying to pull over here?
It’s just to cover costs. Renting a hotel space is expensive, and though it’s the biggest cost of the convention, it’s not the only one. I like to be as transparent about the process as possible, so I’m happy to explain things: First off, there was a slight increase in costs for the hotel. It wasn’t major, but it was something that had to be covered. But, second, and more importantly, I actually lost a fair amount of money last year running the convention. The whole thing is organized and financed just by me. My aim for the convention is to break even. I’m not looking to make ANY profit on it, and I try to set prices so that I break even. If there were any surplus, all of it goes right back into the following year’s convention. But I can’t really afford to do the convention if it’s not breaking even. So while prices are higher than last year, it’s purely to cover my own costs so I’m not paying a lot of money out of pocket.
My child is a gamer. Is this convention restricted to adults only?
Absolutely not! Kids are definitely welcome at Board Game Bash! However, I would like to make mention of a couple of things. First, this will be primarily populated with adults. As such, the child should be used to playing with and around adults. Second, anyone under 16 should have an accompanying and responsible adult. This is for the protection of the child as well as the convention and the hotel. Third, the child should understand the courtesy that comes with being a gamer. That means not being overly disruptive to other games, and having due respect for his fellow gamers. I’ve had a lot of fun playing board games with mixed groups of adults and kids, so I’m happy to have kids come out to the convention!
I saw that the location was in downtown Austin. Isn’t parking going to be an issue?
The hotel does offer valet parking in its garage. Parking is also available all around the hotel including the Convention Center parking lot at 5th and Red River, the city lot underneath the highway on I-35 and 6th, the private lot across from the hotel at I-35 and 6th, and the private lot at I-35 and 5th. Also, the city offers free street parking on Sunday.
Are there any discounts for staying at the hotel?
Yes, there are! The hotel is offering 15% off their standard room rate for convention attendees. You can either book online, or call them to book. Their booking number is 512-480-8181. Reference “The Ambassador Rate” and use corporate ID 2687879 to get the discount.
You didn’t answer my question! Where can I get more answers?!?
Anything else you may want to know will be happily answered by just writing to info@boardgamebash.com. You can also post a comment here if you like.
Austin Board Game Bash 
How large of an Event is this both in terms of people in attendance and board game companies that attend?
I’m planning on 200 attendees this year. Last year, there were 140 people that attended. As far as game companies, I don’t expect any to come. A few local designers will be showing off games, but that’s about it. I’m happy to host game companies that want to come, but I haven’t really asked any to have a presence (though some are supporting tournaments and events by sending promos and prize support).
Do you have to pay for the full registration if you only want to drop in for a game or 2?
Unfortunately, there’s no way for me to enforce something like this, so I can’t offer these type of “short-term” badges. Though I think that once you stop by, you’ll want to stay for more than a couple of games!
2013 question – is there a convention-related rate and booking code for the hotel?
I’m glad you asked. The hotel is offering us 15% off the standard room rate. You should just have to say that you’re with Board Game Bash when you make the reservation, and you’ll get the discount. If you have any trouble, shoot me an e-mail (info@boardgamebash.com), and I’ll check into it.
Quick update, as I just heard from the hotel. If you’d like to book online, just visit this page
https://secure3.hilton.com/en_US/gi/reservation/book.htm?ctyhocn=AUSGIGI&corporateCode=N2687879
which will enter the discount code for you.
You can also book by calling 512-480-8181 and reference “The Ambassador Rate” using corporate ID 2687879.
I’m going to go ahead and update the FAQ and Location pages to reflect all this.
Hope that helps!
How does the flea market work? Is there a fee to set up a table?
To get a table at the flea market, you can sign up just like any other event. Pre-registered attendees can use the early signup form, or anyone can use the signup sheet at the convention.
There’s no fee. Signup is just to make sure we have enough space for it. You should focus on game-related items to sell, but if you have video games or other things that are “geek-friendly,” that’s okay. But don’t set out commemorative plates, car parts, Christmas sweaters, or other stuff that’s just random. It’s a gamer’s flea market.
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