Another HMGS event in the books! I attended this year’s HMGS Fall-In Convention in Lancaster in Lancaster last weekend. The event provided the usual fair of games, vendors, flea markets, classes and presentations. The event was held at the much use (and nicely renovated) old Lancaster Host (now the Wyndham Lancaster).
There was a new registration system for the event this year, which I found a bit confusing and annoying. I got through it, but could see someone that was not computer savvy having issues. I almost wonder if HMGS should give up on the variable entry fees for members and just charge a flat rate and make anyone that gets a pass a member. Member services are pretty much non-existent, outside of the convention discount. Seems like time for a re-think. With that said, that type of decision is above my pay grade!
I was lucky to get a room in the actual hotel, so logistics and rest was always at hand. I normally stay through Saturday afternoons. However, this time, I decided to stay through Sunday morning. This would allow me to hang out on Saturday night and check out the last flea market. Unlike other times, I did not attend any classes at Hobby University. Not that there were no classes that interested me, just I did not get to it. I passed on the War College, as there was nothing that peaked my interest.
Overall, the quality of games looked great. I only saw one weird green fleece table! I did not see any uber-amazing looking mega games. However, almost all the regular games looked great with very nice set ups. I am sure it was difficult to pick conventions award winners!
I did spend a lot of time in the vendor hall and the flea markets. Ironically, I probably spent less money at this event than I have in the last twenty years! It was not that there were not good deals, there were many. The problem comes in that I already have so much of what was on sale! The first step of recovery is admitting that you have a problem….
I did not jump into any games, but did jump into a lot of long hang outs with old gaming buddies that I have not seen in some time. Spending down and less events attended, but still had a great time!
- Manteuffel