Attend conventions and events to share your project

While everyone’s safety and health are top priorities, we acknowledge that the absence of in-person events and conventions has dramatically impacted the progress of game development and community-building. That said, we have to make the best of the situation and use alternative methods when needed to simulate the value of in-person events. Some of these priceless values include:

• Networking with other creators, companies, and influencers
• Supporting other creators with the same goals as you
• Playtesting your game with people you don’t know for feedback
• Building your email list via playtesting and physical swag
• Creating content to share with your audience

That said, in the absence of in-person cons, there are a lot of folks getting creative out there and discovering new ways to digitally connect and push their games forward. 

Tabletop Games Conventions
Be sure to keep an eye on some of our favorite cons to learn about what types of events they are hosting both in-person and digitally.

• Gen Con
• Essen Spiel
• UK Games Expo
• PAX Unplugged
• Origins Game Fair
• BGG Con
• Dice Tower Cons

Digital meetup groups (join or make your own)
While the above list features the major annual conventions, there may be more local events near you that can have a lot of value. Spend some time researching your area and see what’s out there. Start with shops that sell tabletop games and see if they have a game night or would be willing to share flyers promoting your upcoming game. Next, check out places like Meetup and Facebook to see if any events are going on near you to attend. The worst-case scenario is that there just aren’t any in your area. In that case, take it upon yourself to organize one. You may be surprised by how many folks attend.

If you live near or are visiting the California Bay Area, BackerKit hosts a monthly game night where creators are encouraged to playtest their prototype and get feedback. We look forward to bringing this event back soon.