Gen Con to Remain in Indianapolis Through 2021

December 9, 2016

Gen Con, North America’s largest and longest-running consumer hobby, fantasy, science fiction and adventure gaming convention, has announced it will continue to call Indianapolis home through 2021. 

The one-year extension agreement also allows the show to renew its contract on an annual basis, according to city officials.

“Indianapolis has warmly welcomed Gen Con with its Hoosier hospitality for more than a decade, and we appreciate the city’s commitment to making all of our guests feel at home,” said Adrian Swartout, Gen Con CEO and owner of the show. “With Gen Con approaching its 50th convention in 2017, we look forward to celebrating many more historic years in Indy, as well as serving as a hub for a thriving community of Hoosier gamers.”

Since moving to Indy in 2003, Gen Con’s attendance has more than doubled, from 23,000 to 61,000 unique attendees across North America and 64 countries.

“The City of Indianapolis is proud to be the home of Gen Con, and we are appreciative of their continued commitment to our great city,” said Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett. “This iconic event draws gamers from around the globe, and we look forward to welcoming them year after year with the Hoosier hospitality that we are so well known for.”

Held over four days Aug 4-7, Gen Con 2016 boasted a record 201,852 turnstile attendees, a 2.5 percent year-over-year increase compared to 2015. Owing to its recent expansion into the Lucas Oil Stadium, the event also increased its exhibitor presence by 26 percent, with 525 exhibitors spanning 44,000 square feet of exhibit space.

“Gen Con generates an estimated $72 million in economic impact for our region annually, while transforming downtown Indianapolis into the global epicenter of hobby gaming for nearly a full week each year,” said Leonard Hoops, Visit Indy president and CEO.

He added, “Visit Indy, the staffs of the Indiana Convention Center and Lucas Oil Stadium, our hotel partners, and so many others in Central Indiana’s hospitality community are delighted to have played a role in Gen Con’s growth and success over the past 13 years and we look forward to continuing our mutually beneficial partnership through 2021 and beyond.”

Gen Con will celebrate its 50th convention Aug. 17-20, 2017.

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