News
- Details:
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
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
816-529-3096
- Details:
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. Events are being added through November, so if you don't see what you want then check back soon!
Regular event sign-ups start November 1, 2022 so Early Bird badge holders don't delay!
- Details:
Midwest GameFest is Back In Person for December 1-4, 2022!
The Role-players Guild of Kansas City is pleased to announce the (really and truly) in-person return of Midwest GameFest in 2022! 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's cosplay contests, workshops, and 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: December 1-4, 2022
Where: Stoney Creek Hotel and Conference Center, Independence, Missouri
Details: https://www.midwestgamefest.org
Registration: Attendee and exhibitor sign-ups start May 15!
COVID Precautions
Midwest GameFests takes our responsibility to public health and safety very seriously. We'll be following local and CDC guidance on event protocols. Right now there is no mask or vaccine requirement for attendees.
Expect the following precautions this Fall:
- Masks are recommended but not required for entry to the convention
- Masks may be required for certain specific events* (CDC-approved masks available at no cost)
- Entry prohibited to those who are ill
- Hand sanitizer stations throughout the venue
- Acrylic screens at volunteer stations
- No vaccination requirement, but volunteers, GMs, exhibitors, and attendees are heavily encourage to be vaccinated.
* Heroes of Rokugan events currently require masks.
Registration Open Now for Attendees, Exhibitors, Sponsors, and Events!
Event submission, pre-registration, and exhibitor applications are now open! So head on over now to get your badge, get some games submitted, or apply to be an exhibitor! Exhibitors take note: Last year we filled up fast, so don't delay!
Stay Tuned
Watch for additional announcements on our site, Facebook, Twitter, Discord, and email.
- Details:
Introducing Midwest GameFest Online 2022!
When: March 10-13, 2022
Where: Online Via Discord and VTT
Details: https://www.midwestgamefest.org/online
The Role-players Guild of Kansas City is pleased to announce their new, additional annual convention: Midwest GameFest Online! This new event is an annual online-only four-day tabletop hobby gaming convention coming this March 10-13, 2022. Note: It does not replace the in-person event held each Fall.
While the Guild's Fall in-person event is hosted in Kansas City, our Spring online event is hosted via Discord, a free text, audio, and video service. Discord is a web-based service that also has great desktop and mobile apps. You don't need anything more than the cell phone, tablet, or web browser you're using right now. There's nothing to download or hook up, but a mic and headset would be great. We use a number of online virtual tabletops (VTTs) including Roll20, Tabletop Simulator, and more (game hosts decide).
IMPORTANT: You need to join the Discord server and accept the terms and conditions before any of your event links will work. If you click an event link and you don't see your table, that's why. See our Discord FAQ for details and assistance.
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, but in our new online venue! There's cosplay contests, workshops, and 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.
Event submission pre-registration, and exhibitor applications are all now live! So head on over now to get your badge, get some games submitted, or apply to be an exhibitor! Exhibitors take note: Last year we filled up fast, so don't delay!
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- Details:
Hey everyone, just a quick update on the status of refunds.
All refunds are being processed and proceeding normally. The process is taking longer than we anticipated due to inter-bank transfer and processing mechanics. Sorry this is taking so long, but have no fear.
I just got off the phone with Stripe, the processor, and learned that everyone's refunds should be finalized within 7-10 business days of October 1. That translates to October 18 at the latest. If you don't see the refund at your credit/debit card company by then, make sure and reach out to me at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and we'll get it figured out.
Here are some additional insights on the process:
- Sept 11 Board votes to cancel.
- Sept 18 Announcement of cancellation.
- Sept 19 First test refund started from event system.
- Sept 20-28 Evaluation of refund mechanism and fees.
- Sept 29 Remainder of refunds started from event system.
- Oct 1 Stripe transfers money from MWGF bank to cover refunds.
- Oct 1-18 Stripe, banks, and credit/debit card companies process the verification of funds and transfers.
Update: As of Oct 6, all refunds have been posted and are complete. =)
Thanks,
Brad Kelley, Director
Midwest GameFest
