GottaCon 2014 Gaming Convention February 7 to 9, 2014

[Tristan]

GottaCon 2014 Gaming Convention Feb 28 – Mar 2, 2014

After a fifth successful year, GottaCon 2014 is set to take place on February 28th to March 2nd, 2014 at the Victoria Conference Centre in Victoria, BC. The 2013 show saw an increase in attendance which exceeded 1,600 individual attendees and attendance for the 2014 show is expected to continue to grow.

GottaCon is a three-day broad spectrum gaming convention that is held annually in February in Victoria, British Columbia. GottaCon celebrates the science fiction and fantasy genres, covers many related hobbies and offers a one stop experience for the fans and enthusiasts of those genres.

The vision of GottaCon is to host something for everyone including free-play and tournaments in board games, collectible/non-collectible miniatures, collectible trading cards, role-playing games, and electronic gaming as well as demonstrations, contests, information sessions, workshops, discussion panels and a variety of exhibitors.

Our goal is to deliver a high quality and exciting environment that will establish GottaCon as an annual destination that participants will return to for years to come. Our 2014 event, called GottaCon 2014, will be our sixth show. The convention doors open at 5:00pm Friday and close at 6:00pm Sunday.

GottaCon will take place at Victoria Conference Centre at 720 Douglas Street. with over 47,000 square feet of floor space.

History of GottaCon Attendance
First show (GottaCon 2009) attendance: 600
Second show (GottaCon 2010) attendance: 900
Third show (GottaCon 2011) attendance: 1100
Fourth show (GottaCon 2012) attendance: 1500
Fifth show (GottaCon 2013) attendance: 1600
Anticipated GottaCon 2014 attendance: 1800 to 2000 Individuals

If you still haven’t experienced what GottaCon has to offer then you should definitely check out our 2014 show. For more information, please visit our web site at [url]www.gottacon.com[/url] or e-mail one of the owners or our staff at the following addresses:

Owners
Carson Upton, Partner: [email][email protected][/email]
Evan Hatch, Partner: [email][email protected][/email]

Staff
Chris Gensey, Volunteer Manager: [email][email protected][/email]
Mike Gruber, Role Playing Game Manager: [email][email protected][/email]
Lee Guille, Board Games Manager: [email][email protected][/email]
Paul Puhallo, Miniatures Manager: [email][email protected][/email]
Sol Kauffman, Social Media Manager: [email][email protected][/email]
BC Gamer, LAN Operations: [email][email protected][/email]
Kellan Johnson, LAN Events Manager:[email protected]
Wilf Rondeau, Office Manager

We will also be making numerous announcements over the next few weeks around sponsors, events and developments so please keep an eye on our [url=http://www.gottacon.com/]website[/url], [url=http://www.facebook.com/gottacon]Facebook page[/url], and [url=http://twitter.com/GottaCon]Twitter[/url] account to stay up to date.

We look forward to hearing from you and seeing you at our convention.

[Tristan]

GottaCon Proud to Introduce Management Team for 2014 Show

As GottaCon entered its sixth show year with another growth in attendance expected we knew we would need help to handle the ever growing workload associated in running and improving a gaming convention. We just wanted to take a moment and introduce the individuals that will be helping to deliver our biggest and best show ever. We are very excited to have these individuals, some veterans, some new blood, onboard this year and we hope you are too!!

Sol Kauffman, Social Media Managert: [email][email protected][/email]
Chris Gensey, Volunteer Manager: [email][email protected][/email]
Kellan Johnson, LAN Events Manager: [email][email protected][/email]
Lee Guille, Board Games Manager: [email][email protected][/email]
Mike Gruber, Role Playing Games Manager: [email][email protected][/email]
Paul Puhallo, Miniatures Manager: [email][email protected][/email]
BC Gamer (Jeff Pedlow), LAN Operations Team: [email][email protected][/email]
Wilf Rondeau, Back End Office Manager

Once again we are proud to present our 2014 show managers and we look forward to hearing from you and seeing you at our 2014 event. For bios our on managers please visit our website.

[Tristan]

GottaCon 2014 Moves to New Location and New Dates

Hold on to your seats because we are about to tell you the biggest GottaCon news since we launched our event. GottaCon is excited to announce that we are moving, effective our 2014 show, to the [url=victoriaconference.com]Victoria Conference Centre[/url] and changing dates to February 28, March 1 and 2, 2014.

GottaCon Conventions was approached by the City of Victoria as well as a representative of the local video game studios to not only move the event to the Victoria Conference Centre but to do it for 2014. Needless to say we were speechless but up to the challenge. We have now met and negotiated the move with the parties involved and we are pleased to say that it is moving forward…and fast!

Mayor Dean Fortin and the City of Victoria are very excited about the potential GottaCon brings to our home town and the benefits this will bring to the local economy.

“The video gaming industry is one of the fastest growing segments of the technology sector and is a key element of our local economy”, said Mayor Dean Fortin. “I am very excited that this notable event will take place downtown close to the 19 studios where so much of this creativity is born”.

The event will expand to shine a light on the amazing video game studios that can be found all around the Capital Regional District. These fantastic companies are playing a big role in making all this possible.

“I think GottaCon is the perfect event to highlight our video game industry.” said Eric Jordan, CEO of DJArts Games. “Gamers are the heart of the video game industry and GottaCon is dedicated to the celebration of games and our community of gamers.”

GottaCon would like to say a special thanks to the Victoria Video Game CEO Alliance which consists of [url=http://www.djartsgames.ca/]DJArts Games[/url], [url=http://www.microsoft.com/games/]Kixeye[/url], [url=http://www.microsoft.com/games/]Microsoft Studios[/url], [url=http://www.inlightentertainment.com/flash/index.html]InLight Entertainment[/url], [url=http://www.kanoapps.com/]Kano/Apps[/url], [url=http://www.gamehouse.com/]GameHouse[/url], [url=http://zynga.com/]Zynga[/url], [url=http://www.gottacon.com/?p=2132]Tiny Mob Games[/url] and [url=http://racerocks3d.ca/]Race Rocks 3D[/url].

Please bear with us as we are in the early stages of this significant development. We will be working extremely hard to continue to deliver the quality event that you have come to know. Floor plans, website, information packages, etc are all in the process of being updated. We are tremendously excited about this amazing opportunity and we hope you will be too. Please join us February 28, to March 2, 2014 at the Victoria Conference Centre for the best GottaCon yet!

[Tristan]

GottaCon 2014 Ticket Packages On Sale October 25, 2013

GottaCon tickets will go on sale starting Friday October 25, 2013 on our [url=www.gottacon.com]website[/url] as well as at numerous retail locations (visit our website for a list of locations). There are different prices for each day as well as a full weekend pass price, family package prices, special packages which include entry into some of the major events as well as “add-on” options including our GottaCon 2014 t-shirt and dice set, video game themed burlesque show (18+) and BYOC seat reservations. There are a number of reasons why you should get your tickets in advance of the big show.

Most of our ticket options discounts for advance purchases.
Once you have purchased a ticket and our warhorn site goes live in November you will be able to preregister for events via our [url=http://warhorn.net/events/gottacon-2014]warhorn event registration site[/url]. Preregistration allows you to reserve your seat at the events you want as seating at most events is limited. It also helps you evade standing in the event registration lines the days of the convention to sign up for the events.

For full details visit our [url=http://www.gottacon.com/?p=2226]website[/url].

!!NEW AND VERY IMPORTANT!!!
* There are limits on the number of different passes this year. Limits are noted in each pass type on our website.
* If you purchase your tickets via our site/Paypal you will receive a confirmation email with a unique code. You must bring a copy of this email/code with you to gain entry to our event this year.
* If you purchase your tickets via a store location you will receive a ticket from the store with a unique code. You must bring this ticket with you to gain entry to our event this year.
* When you show up we will enter the code into our database and check you in. Without this code we will not be able to check you in and thus you will not be able to enter GottaCon 2014.
* We will have “Will Call” again this year which means starting at 2:00pm Friday February 28, 2014 you can come to the entrance to GottaCon 2014 and check in, receive your badge and be told a location where, once the doors open, you will be able to enter the event simply by presenting your pass.
* The Will Call station will also have the ability to allow people to purchase tickets in advance of the doors opening between 2:00pm and 4:00pm. This is in an effort to decrease processing time at the doors on opening night.
* Replacement of lost or forgotten badges will result in a $10 per day reprinting fee in which official identification will be required, so don't lose your badges.
* The convention venue closes down to the public between 4am and 8am each day.
* All prices are in Canadian Dollars, all sales are final. If you wish to upgrade your online ticket purchase, contact us at [email][email protected][/email].

GottaCon 2014 T-Shirt and Dice Package

Once again GottaCon is happy to offer a T-Shirt and Dice package to our attendees. The package includes one t-shirt with GottaCon 2014 graphic on it (GottaCon Time or GottaCon Ponies) and a set of Chessex dice (seven pieces) which will match our promotional die that is given with purchase of a full weekend pass or package while supplies last. Also if you purchase a full weekend ticket or full weekend special event pass and the t-shirt and dice package you will be granted early access to GottaCon 2014 (Friday February 28, 2014 at 4:30PM instead of 5:00PM). This package will only be available until February 4, 2014. This package will not be available at the convention.

Package includes one shirt design and Custom D6 and Matching Dice Set

GottaCon Ponies

GottaCon Time

GottaCon 2014 Dice

[Tristan]

Official Accommodation Providers of GottaCon 2014

GottaCon Conventions is pleased to announce that The Fairmont Empress and the Quality Inn Downtown Victoria are our two accommodations sponsors for GottaCon 2014. Each hotel offers great services and special convention pricing to our attendees. Please find below a brief description of the rooms and prices at each of the hotels. For more details on each sponsor please visit our [url=http://www.gottacon.com/?page_id=68]website[/url].

Please be aware that the hotels sold out of rooms last year so book your rooms as soon as possible! When you call to book your room at either of these locations, please mention you are attending the GottaCon convention to benefit from our special room rates. The GottaCon 2014 standard room rates are as follows:

Fairmont Empress - $99+Tax/Night - Two Double/Double Beds or One King
721 Government Street, Victoria, BC
250-384-8111 or 1-800-441-1414

The Empress is attached to the Victoria Conference Centre where GottaCon 2014 is being held and is on the door step of Victoria’s Inner Harbour with access to major attractions, shopping and dining in the downtown core of Victoria.

Victoria Quality Inn - $65+Tax/Night - Two Queen Beds or One King or One Queen
850 Blanshard Street, Victoria, BC
250-385-6787 or 1-800-661-4115

The Quality Inn is a two minute walk (1.5 blocks) to the Victoria Conference Centre where GottaCon 2014 is being held and is in the downtown core giving access to major attractions, shopping and dining.

Please visit our [url=http://www.gottacon.com/?page_id=68]website[/url] to discover what each hotel has to offer and what is included with a room.

We urge all our in/out of town guests that require accommodations to use our hotel sponsors to help us forge lasting relationships that benefit everyone involved. Remember to mention you are attending the GottaCon convention to benefit from our special room rates.

Once again, we are pleased to have the Fairmont Empress and the Quality Inn Downtown Victoria as sponsors of our convention on the weekend of February 28 to March 2, 2014.

[Tristan]

2014 Event Submission Now Open

We are now accepting event submissions for our 2014 show.

We have a new online form to fill out for board game, miniatures and Role Playing Game events. Here are the links:

Board Games – [url=https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1yHkEu9xuDGjRbmMKRdK2OA54Fgvz70kokklIiZeaHL8/viewform]Click here and complete form[/url]
Role Playing Games – [url=https://docs.google.com/forms/d/18lBTntFG0kkvLdKr7U6HOKXdQ5dgjbmZkFoI04vEtvc/viewform]Click here and complete form[/url]
Miniatures – [url=https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1OVoghz1LdNnoxdBfnCqM7IOPED0roOzpV4npb3O5H4Y/viewform]Click here and complete form[/url]

Or do it the old fashion way by downloading and completing the below linked form, and email back to the related GottaCon Contact:
Mike Gruber, Role Playing Game Manager: [email][email protected][/email]
Lee Guille, Board Games Manager: [email][email protected][/email]
Jules Sherred, Special Events Manager: [email][email protected][/email]
Paul Puhallo, Miniatures Manager: [email][email protected][/email]
Kellan Johnson, LAN Events Manager: [email][email protected][/email]
All other events types – Carson Upton, Partner: [email][email protected][/email]

Event Submission Forum:
[url=http://www.gottacon.com/components/docs/event_registration_form.doc]Click here to download[/url] our form. Please complete and return to the appropriate area manager.

[Tristan]

GottaCon 2014 Magic: The Gathering Events Lineup

Once again Yellowjacket Comics and Toys along with a team of certified DCI judges will be running our Magic: The Gathering events at GottaCon 2014 and we have our most exciting lineup of events ever!

A VERY important detail this year is there is a set limit of 150 MTG Weekend Passes available for purchase. At the time of writing we are already 17% sold out. If you want to receive maximum value with regards to MTG events at GottaCon 2014 get one of these passes before they are sold out. The advance ticket price (until February 4, 2014) is $65 GST included. At the door (if there are any left) they will be $75 GST included. Entry into the MTG events at GottaCon will still be possible without an MTG weekend pass but only while seating is available and you will need to pay each individual events entry fee on site at the Yellowjacket tournament reporting centre.

Wizards of the Coast is supporting our convention (thank you Wizards!) and as a result we will be hosting two fantastic special events again this year. These events are a Mini Master tournament and an all weekend Intro Deck Duels. How these special events work is included in the event descriptions below.

The Magic the Gathering weekend pass this year will cost $65 taxes included and will include the following:
- Full weekend pass to GottaCon 2014 (valued at $45)
- One Pro Tour Qualifier: Journey Into Nyx Standard Tournament
- One Sealed Tournament Flight Entry
- One Mini Master Tournament Entry
- One Intro Deck Duels Entry
- One FNM Standard Constructed Four Round Tournament

As you can see the value of the MTG weekend package is very good and we hope you are all as excited as we are.

We are also hosting the first of a series of legacy events, TJ Silver Power 9 Legacy Series (Pick a Mox). Starting this year, at GottaCon 2014, we will host the first of nine exciting tournaments which will each feature a first place prize of one “power 9″ card. Each year, for the next nine years, we will host one of these events.

At this year’s event we will host a Legacy tournament with the winner selecting one Unlimited Mox of their choice. Prizes for additional placements will be announced later along with more details. On the 10th anniversary of GottaCon (2018) a Beta Black Lotus will be up for grabs! This event will only continue if participation by the players/communities of Magic: The Gathering.These cards have been generously donated by one of our very own Magic community players. GottaCon would like to thank, from the bottom of our collective heart, the wonderful TJ Silver for supplying the cards which will be available to be won.

There will be thousands of dollars in prizes to be won in our MTG line-up. If you would like to see more in depth information on these events please check our [url=http://www.gottacon.com/?p=2817]website[/url].

[Tristan]

Pre-Registration of Events Now Available

The [url=www.warhorn.net/events/gottacon-2014]Warhorn site[/url] is now ready for advance ticket holders to create accounts and start signing up for events. Please keep in mind that events will be continuously added over the weeks to come and we will provide updates on what was added on the site listed above starting December 5, 2013. On or around December 17, 2013 an excel and PDF version of our event listing will be available on our website as well.

Also, there are a couple changes to how events are laid out this year. The first thing you will notice is that we have more slots than ever before, 23 in total. In order to aid organizing events over the weekend we now have two hour and one hour slots covering the entire weekend. Due to the increased number of slots events in Warhorn will only be placed in slot that they are scheduled to start in.

In order to pre-register for events you must first purchase an advance ticket to our convention. To do this please visit our [url=www.gottacon.com ]website[/url] or visit one of the [url=http://www.gottacon.com/?page_id=682]four retail locations selling our tickets[/url].

How to Pre-Register for Events
Warhorn went through a large change this year and for now on you only need to create a Warhorn account once. Once you have an account you can join events on Warhorn through that single account.

Please follow these steps to create an account and start registering for events for GottaCon 2014:
1.) Pre-purchase a ticket via our website, Warhorn site or store location
2.) Go to [url=https://www.warhorn.net/signup] Warhorn[/url] and create an account
3.) Login to your Warhorn account
4.) Click on “View all upcoming events”, then search for “GottaCon”
5.) Select GottaCon 2014 then in the upper left corner select “register for this event”
6.) Wait for GottaCon Staff to clear you (remember only people who have purchased tickets can pre register for events). You will receive an email letting you know you have been cleared.
7.) Once you have been cleared, you login to your Warhorn account and select GottaCon from your “Events you're attending” area.
8.) Browse the event listing (while logged in) by going [url=https://warhorn.net/events/gottacon-2014/registration]here[/url]. To register for an event click the “play” button for that event.
9.) Then you sign up for the events you want

If you are organizing an event, a volunteer, an exhibitor or special guest at our show please let us know specifically how you are involved with our show and we will clear your account.

If you don't get a chance to pre-register for events, there will be a registration desk at GottaCon where you can sign up for the event you want. But why wait when you can sign up now, get through the doors faster and secure your seat at the games you want to play!

[Tristan]

2014 Warmachine/Hordes Lineup

GottaCon is pleased to announce that it will be hosting larger Warmachine/Hordes tournaments at GottaCon 2014 on Feb. 28 to Mar. 2, 2014. Come take part in what will surely be the largest Warmachine/Hordes event ever to have been run in BC. This event is sponsored in part by Privateer Press, Wiser’s Wide World of Collectibles, Advance Deployment and Attack-X. Please see below for event details.

Starting Saturday our feature Warmachine/Hordes GottaCon Steamroller Championship tournament begins. A two day Warmachine/Hordes Steamroller tournament will run both Saturday and Sunday starting at 9:30am each day. Day one will see three rounds of play and day two will see the final three rounds of play. Army point limit is 50. Prizes will be awarded in the following categories; first, second, and third overall score as well as best painted army. Rules and restrictions as per the official Steamroller tournament format. There is a seating limit of 64 players. Tickets are now on sale (at time of writing is over 80% sold out) and will be sold on a first come first served basis.

Friday night will see a Team Tournament starting at 7pm. This event will pit teams of 3 players against each other in a chess style tournament. Retailers, Game Clubs and Groups of Friends are encouraged to put a team (or multiple teams) together and represent yourselves this year at GottaCon!! Each of the 3 players will be ranked by skill level: General, Captain, and Lieutenant. Each rank will be matched against the same rank during matches. Additional prizes will be awarded for best team appearance/name. Come out and show everyone why you think your team is the best!! 16 team maximum, 3 players per team (48 player’s maximum). See our website for event details and rules. Each team member must register!

Starting Saturday night at 7:00pm our doubles Steamroller event begins. Teams of two will face off against other teams battling it out for first overall in this three round event. Rules and restrictions as per the official doubles tournament format. The player limit is 16 players (8 teams) and will be on a first come first serve basis. The point limit is 25 per team member.

All weekend, day or night, Warmachine and Hordes players at GottaCon 2014 will be able to participate in the Iron Arena! Bring an army and play against an opponent in this open-play format. You decide upon the points value for the games. Collect points and redeem them to pick up some great prizes!!

The price to gain access to GottaCon all weekend long and enter into any of our miniature based events (while seating is available) is only $50 GST included if you buy your ticket in advance!! Stay tuned to our website as we will announce other miniature based events including painting contest. If you have any questions please contact our miniatures manager, Paul Puhallo, at [email][email protected][/email]. Thank you.

[Tristan]

GottaCon 2014 Warhammer Lineup

GottaCon is pleased to announce that it will once again be hosting Warhammer tournaments in Warhammer 40K, Warhammer Fantasy and War of the Ring at GottaCon 2014 on Feb. 28 to Mar. 2, 2014. Come take part in our huge Warhammer events and side events! This year we are excited to have KR Multicase and Magic Stronghold as our headline sponsors for our feature events and Dice Bag Games, Magic Stronghold and Attack-X as our sponsors for our Warhammer side events. Please see below for event details.

On opening night, Friday February 28 come out and take part in a War of the Ring tournament, 40K Apocalypse prize battle or Blood Bowl Tournament.

The War of the Ring tournament starts at 6pm and last three rounds. There will be a seating limit of 20 players and there will be prizes for first overall, best painted army, best sportsmanship and best general. Army point limit is 1000.

In the Apocalypse battle, sponsored by Dice Bag Games, you will have the chance to battle against others in an effort to grab and/or hold objectives and win prizes. This event is a great way to warm up for the major 40K event that will begin on Saturday and continue into Sunday. Signups are on a first come first served basis.

Attention Blood Bowl Fans! GottaCon Conventions is proud to announce the GottaCon 2014 Blood Bowl Cup, sponsored by Magic Stronghold. It will be a four round, Double Elimination Tournament, with the first two rounds played Friday evening and the final two rounds played on Saturday evening. For complete details please visit our major events section of our website. Prizes will be awarded for The Tournament Champion, Sportsmanship, and Best Painted Team. The maximum number of players is eight and signups are on a first come first served basis.

Saturday evening will see a Warhammer Fantasy Storm of Magic Prize Battle starting at 7pm and sponsored by Dice Bag Games. Each Player will have a 1600 point Army created using the Storm of Magic Rules. At the end of the Game, Prizes will be awarded For Control of Arcane Fulcrums, with a special prize for the winner; whichever player controls the most Arcane Fulcrums. The maximum number of players is eight and signups are on a first come first served basis.

Our two feature Warhammer events, both of which are sponsored by KR Multicase and Magic Stronghold, start Saturday morning. A two day Warhammer 40K event will run both Saturday and Sunday starting at 10am each day. Day one will see three rounds of play and day two will see the final two rounds of play. Army point limit is 1750. Prizes will be awarded in the following categories; first, second and third overall score, best painted army, best sportsmanship and best general. Armies will be formed according to the standard points costs, restrictions and rules presented in current Games Workshop army books and codexes. Seating limit of 52 players and last year we sold out before the end of December. Tickets are now on sale and will be sold on a first come first served basis.

Also starting Saturday morning at 10am a two day Warhammer Fantasy event will run both Saturday and Sunday. Day one will see 3 rounds of play and day two will see the final 2 rounds of play. Army point limit is 2500. Prizes will be awarded in the following categories; first, second and third overall score, best painted army, best sportsmanship and best general. Armies will be formed according to the standard points costs, restrictions and rules presented in current Games Workshop army books and codexes. Seating limit of 42 players. Tickets are now on sale and will be sold on a first come first served basis.

The price to gain access to GottaCon all weekend long and enter into any of our miniature based events is only $50, GST included, if you buy your ticket in advance!! Stay tuned to our website as we will announce other miniature based events including Warmachine, painting contest, workshops and panels. If you have any questions please contact our miniatures manager, Paul Puhallo, at [email][email protected][/email]. Thank you.

[url=http://www.gottacon.com/components/tournaments/2014warhammerrules.pdf]GottaCon 2014 Warhammer Rules[/url]