gamegrene.com

January 26, 2007 (Seattle, WA)

"Putting an end to our Gen Con So Cal show was in no way an easy decision to make," said Peter D. Adkison, CEO of Gen Con. "But at the end of the day, it became apparent to us that the show was not likely to grow and expand without immense effort and expense. With our other shows doing so well, it made sense to focus our energy and talent on making those the best shows they can be."

There were several factors that contributed to the decision about the show. The southern California region has witnessed a spike in competing shows; the attendance remained at a steady number; and a few key exhibitors reduced their level of support for the show.

Adkison adds, "I would like to thank all the companies in the hobby game industry who worked hard to help create this show, and to our volunteers who regularly sacrifice vacation time to work long hours to help us entertain gamers."

Gen Con So Cal was started in 2003 and held at the Anaheim Convention Center. Over the years, thousands of faithful attendees enjoyed the best four days in gaming! Currently the Gen Con staff is focusing their efforts on upcoming shows. In 2007, Gen Con will hold the 40th anniversary of Gen Con August 16-19 in Indianapolis and Star Wars Celebration IV May 24-28 in Los Angeles.

About Gen Con

Gen Con, LLC produces the largest consumer fantasy, sci-fi and adventure game convention in North America. Its operations include Gen Con Indy, Star Wars Celebration IV, and licensees for European and Asia Pacific Gen Con shows. It was founded in May of 2002 by former CEO and founder of Wizards of the Coast Peter Adkison, who solely owns the company headquartered in Seattle, Washington. The company's mission is to create The Best Four Days in Gaming! every year for its customers. For more information visit the website at www.gencon.com.

Email received regarding the closure added the following:

Today we have some sad news for you – we are announcing the closure of Gen Con So Cal. This event will not happen in 2007. We would like to thank all the companies in the hobby game industry who worked hard to help create this show, and to our volunteers who regularly sacrifice vacation time to work long hours to help us entertain gamers, and all of the fans who have supported us and come to So Cal over the years.

There were several factors that contributed to the decision about the show. Additional information about this decision, including a detailed open letter from Peter Adkison can be found here.

In the absence of So Cal, we would like to encourage you to support your local gamming conventions – there are many great conventions on the West Coast that we've worked with and we think you'd enjoy if you aren't already attending them.

Strategicon
ConQuest
KublaCon
PhoenixCon
Game Storm
Wizard World LA

If you are interested in information about these shows, please let us know and we will forward your email information to them so they can add you to their distribution list. We will not share your information without your permission. If you would like us to share your information with these shows, please go to the So Cal registration page. Login to your account and click on "Change Your Account Details". Towards the bottom of the page there you can select if you would like us to forward on your information.

Thank you,

The Gen Con Team!