RAM News

December 8, 2011

GEN CON TO STAY IN INDY

One of the largest and without a doubt most colorful conventions to be held in Indianapolis has re-upped for five more years.

Gen Con LLC, which draws thousands of costumed participants to its annual sci-fi and gaming convention, said Wednesday the newly expanded Indiana Convention Center was a major incentive for it to extend its contract through 2020.

"The city has committed to supporting our growth, and the people and businesses of Indianapolis have embraced our gaming culture. We are happy with this partnership," said Adrian Swartout, chief executive and co-owner of Gen Con.

Based in Seattle, Gen Con hosts the nation's largest convention for consumer fantasy, sci-fi and adventure gaming. It sells out most Downtown hotels and takes up the entire convention center, which underwent a $275 million expansion that was completed in January.

The four-day event has been held in Indianapolis every August since 2003 and this year attracted 36,700 people, up from 30,600 in 2010. While most conventions feature folks in casual wear and name tags, Gen Con brings people dressed in Stormtrooper gear and other costumes.

"Gen Con is truly a one-of-a-kind convention, and we are thrilled they've chosen to meet in Indianapolis through the end of the decade," said Leonard Hoops, president of the Indianapolis Convention & Visitors Association.

At Ram Restaurant & Brewery, 140 S. Illinois St., assistant manager Jeff Mount said Gen Con generates some of the largest crowds of the year to eat at his brewpub. "Gen Con is very, very good to us," he said, adding that during the convention, "We'll run a wait all day long and until 2 in the morning."

The Ram even prints a Gen Con-themed menu during the convention, with offerings such as an Orc's Revenge Burger and its servers dressing in costumes.

ICVA spokesman Chris Gahl said the ICVA negotiated for 14 months to re-sign Gen Con, competing against other cities that tried to lure the event. Retaining the growing convention "is a huge win and keeps our tourism industry healthy," he said.