Midwest GameFest features board games, card games, historical and other miniatures wargaming, role-playing games of all sorts, workshops, and more! Some are single-game events, while others may be tournaments or competitive play. The list of events expands up until the convention, so check back regularly.
We have gaming industry guests and workshops, game demonstrations, benefit events, and special gaming events.
Event Submissions
Event hosts can earn discounts for running their events. Run enough events and you get in free! Read below for details, or just head on over to submit your games.
Note: Hosts do NOT have to also fill out a volunteer application.
Important: Event submission starts September 15, 2023 and ends March 15, 2024.
Event Sign-Ups
Check dates for Early-Bird and normal event sign-ups over at the Event Sign-Up page.
Slots
Unless otherwise specified, game slots are every four hours with a one-hour break: 9am-1pm, 2pm-6pm, and 7pm-11pm. Saturday evening's slot is 8pm-12am (midnight). You can submit a game for another time outside of these slots (e.g. different start time, longer/shorter length), and we will try to accommodate it as best we can, especially for board games, panels, etc. Keep in mind that attendees come to conventions to play lots of games, so be wary of submitting an event with a long duration, as it might not get many participants. Time details are available on our Schedule page.
Discounts
Host/GM discounts are available for the following circumstances:
- $10 discount on any badge, including single-day badges, for each four-hour slot you register to host an event. You can stack up to four of these discounts and receive a free four-day badge.
Small Game Publishers
If you are a game developer seeking exposure for your project, consider getting an Exhibitor booth to run your games at. Exhibitor booths are in our main hall, in high-traffic areas, granting some great exposure for you and your game. In addition to submitting your event, just fill out an Exhibitor form and we'll get back to you.
Typical Event Types
- Roleplaying games (usually 1 slot)
- Board games
- Miniatures (war) games
- Card games
- Live-Action Roleplaying games (LARPs)
- Seminar/panel discussion
- Costume contests
- Art contests
Small Print for Event Hosts
- Event hosts have the option to run events as a bystander or play in their own event. If the event sells out and the host has not purchased a ticket to reserve their seat they are expected to participate as a non-player only.
- As a host, you agree to tidy your event space before you leave and to vacate it in advance of the next event so they may set up.
Questions
If you have questions, shoot us an email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..