Midwest GameFest
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Midwest GameFest Returns in 2026!
The Role-players Guild of Kansas City is pleased to announce the return of Midwest GameFest in 2026! Attendees can enjoy four fantastic days of tabletop hobby games of all kinds, from role-playing games, LARPs, and social games, to board games, card games, and historical and fantasy miniatures games! There are cosplay contests, workshops, panels, and our wonderful array of exhibitors with all manner of hobby gaming and fantasy-related products. There will be some great special guests, and this year we'll even have a variety of new activities.
When: April 23-26, 2026
Where: Stoney Creek Hotel and Conference Center, Independence, Missouri
Details: www.midwestgamefest.org
Registration: Attendee and exhibitor sign-ups start September 15, 2025!
Stay Tuned!
Event submission, pre-registration, and exhibitor applications are opening September 15th! Watch for announcements on our site, Facebook, Discord, and email.
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Space is Limited, Don't Delay
Midwest GameFest returns May 1-4, 2025 to Stoney Creek Hotel and Conference Center in Independence, MO. The long wait is over and exhibitor sales are now open! Head on over to submit your application.
Note: We will have FEWER exhibitor spaces this year to accommodate more game tables, so it will be VERY IMPORTANT to get your applications in immediately!
Discount Changes
Some changes this year on product donation discounts. We still accept donations to lower your bill, but they are now used as prizes for attendees and are not charitable.
See you there!
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Early Bird event sign-ups are now open for Early Bird badge holders and VIGs alike. Head on over to get a crack at the early offerings.
Just find the events you want, click to add them to your cart, then checkout to complete the order! Always a good idea to double-check that your checkout is complete. ;)
Regular event sign-ups start March 1, 2024 so Early Bird badge holders don't delay!
Events are being added through April, so if you don't see what you want then check back soon!
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Our In-Person Event is Now Spring, and Our Online Event is Now Fall!
We are flipping seasons to alleviate our pain points and also to make room for others. We will be online each December, and in person each April, still hosting two conventions a year. And we'll know the dates a year in advance!
TLDR;
- Online: December 7-10, 2023 (each Fall).
- In Person: April 18-21, 2024 (each Spring).
Site Updating Soon!
Get Started Early!
Buy badges and sponsorhips or submit an event for the online convention RIGHT NOW!
We'll launch our in-person event site this summer. Stay tuned!
But Why the Change?
We've been a Fall in-person convention for ages and ages, and we loved it. But at our current (beloved) venue we were always subject to the whims of the NFL. It's because the venue is the Chief's home hotel, so they were booked during any Chiefs home games. The NFL had to announce their schedule before we could determine our own dates. Really? Yes, really. This meant we never knew our dates for sure until May or June, and the dates were never the ones we wanted. For this pain, we received a discount on ballroom and conference room costs. Which worked out fine.
But as of 2023 we no longer receive a discount for this arrangement. With a number of other area conventions already in the Fall (TsunamiCon, Meeple-a-thon, and more), and the uncertainty of the weather in November and December, plus conflicts with FIRST Robotics seasons and other Fall events, this was a great opportunity to make a change.
So, we polled some of our exhibitors, sponsors, partners, and attendees. They were overwhelmingly in favor of the move to Spring. And there's no time like the present, so this was the year to tear the band-aid off. Huzzah!
Looking to the Future
Some thoughts on the future:
- We expect to continue this pattern but will evaluate it after the first year.
- We are also looking hard at options to expand our space and accommodate more events and players. Our growth is pushing the envelope on what our beloved traditional venue can accommodate and we know it. Change is in the wind.
- Things are good! We had record in-person attendance in 2022 and record income. As a not-for-profit, no one gets to pocket any of this money. All staff are volunteers and there are no payments to anyone or benefits to being on the organizing team (other than a job well done). We turn around and invest any profit into shelving, signage, other infrastructure, and a war chest for rainy days and strategic purchases.
- We've got a good bench of talent, and folks interested in continuing when some folks step down. And there is ALWAYS a need for new blood with fresh ideas.
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Thanks for your continued support of Midwest GameFest and the Role-players Guild of Kansas City!
Brad
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Brad Kelley
Director, Midwest GameFest
816-529-3096
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Midwest GameFest 2022 event sign-ups are now open for all badge holders! Head on over to get a crack at the early offerings.
Indies plus lots of D&D, PFS, Savage Worlds, and more are already available, with more on the way each week through March 10. Don't delay!
