FAQ

What is SnowCon?
SnowCon is a weekend by and for social gaming enthusiasts of all ages. We celebrate gamer culture with special events, movie screenings, guests, workshops, and exhibitors that appeal to tabletop gamers. Of course, we also game!

What kind of games are at SnowCon?
We encourage social gaming at SnowCon - that means any game that involves live person-to-person contact in the real world. At SnowCon, that could be a card game, board game, LARP, traditional role-playing game, storytelling game, strategy game, or miniatures game - if you can play it on or near a table, and without electronics, you can find someone playing it at SnowCon.

So what's wrong with electronic games?
Nothing at all! Our love of live social gaming does not preclude an affinity for electronic games, indeed, many of us really enjoy our online gaming lives. But we also find that it's harder and harder to gather with friends around a table and just play. SnowCon is one way that we get to encourage and experience live and in-person gaming with friends new and old.

Brief History
After the success of Bangor's first BangPop! Comic & Pop Culture Convention in 2008, one member of the BangPop! crew voiced a desire to have her brand of geekdom celebrated - gaming. The first SnowCon was in 2009, during a weekend that featured bitter cold weather one day and a raging blizzard the second. Even with the bad weather, we had 200 people come during our first year to play, make friends and have a great time.

Where is SnowCon?
SnowCon is held annually at the Black Bear Inn Conference Center & Suites in Orono during Martin Luther King Jr. Weekend, a three-day holiday weekend. Orono is located in central Maine near Bangor and is home to the University of Maine.

What events are available at SnowCon?
We feature all kinds of events that appeal to those who love games:

How much does it cost to attend SnowCon?
A 2-day badge is $30 on-site. Single day costs are day-dependant, please check our registration area for details on this year's costs. Children 12 and under are free with a paid adult.

Where do I get my badge?
Badges are distributed at SnowCon Registration. If you ordered online, please bring an ID and your receipt. You can also purchase a badge on site.

Can I stay at the hotel?
Yes! The Black Bear Inn gives attendees a special rate when they book, for as long as the block of rooms is available. However, when they run out, other rooms will be at the regular hotel rate. Currently, the rooms for SnowCon 2010 are $79.95 per night plus tax.

How big is this con?
We're not too big, and we're big enough! In a region where indoor winter activity can be scarce, and where specialty events can draw a surprising crowd, we're pretty pleased about our initial draw. SnowCon is an intimate event, where you can get to know many new folks well over the weekend. It's a great haven for gamers, and we noticed that many folks made friends they've kept, and one attendee was even motivated to start a game store! So we think it's a nice size, with room to grow.

We have three conference rooms, one for events, one for exhibitors, and the biggest, most awesome room (which in reality is a gigantic basement) is the lower-level gaming room. All areas are accessible. Please contact us if you have accessibility concerns.

Are kids welcome?
Indeed, young people are welcome! Youth 12 and under are admitted free with a paying adult, and there are many games appropriate for all-ages. Youth 12 and under are expected to be with an adult guardian at all times. We do not have babysitting services, and no staff members are permitted to act as chaperones.

You're welcome to attend with your teenage gamer as well - an observer pass costs less than the day pass, and if you decide to play, you can add on a gaming pass. Gaming is a great way to start conversations with your teen, and we feel it's an unparalleled activity for family bonding!

Of course, Con-goers of all ages are expected to behave appropriately and in accordance with our rules and regulations.

And, naturally, we expect you to have a great time!