Attendee Guide

We’re excited to see you!  If this is your first convention, welcome.  If not, welcome back.  Whether you’re coming to U-Con for a weekend of gaming or just stopping by for a day, we have tips to make your experience smooth and enjoyable.

Pre-Con Planning

Most attendees register for events ahead of time through Tabletop Events, which allows you to browse the schedule, reserve seats in games, and see what events have open seats. If you haven’t used Tabletop Events before, take a few minutes to explore the event listings before registration closes. Popular games fill up fast, but there are always open gaming tables and last-minute opportunities available on site.

Be sure to pack a bag with everything you need for your weekend.

  • Game supplies: dice, pencils
  • Comforts: water bottle, personal snacks, portable phone charger
  • Cash and cards for the vendor hall and food
  • And if you’re running games, don’t forget GM supplies!

Parking

Don’t pay for parking!  Parking is free to attendees.  The hotel may lift the parking gates, but if they don’t, then check the registration desk to find out how to depart the lot without charge.  If you’re staying off-site though, consider carpooling or ride-shares to reduce the chances of the parking lot filling up during busy hours.

Registration Check-In

When you arrive, head to the registration area to pick up your badge and any preordered materials. Bring your photo ID or your registration confirmation email to make the process easy. Once you have your badge, you’re all set to start exploring. If you’re unsure where to go next, volunteers and staff at the registration desk can point you toward your first event, the vendor hall, or open gaming areas.

Getting Around

Our site map is available in the event booklet that you can pick up at registration. The convention area includes several main spaces: registration, gaming rooms, the vendor hall, and food areas. Depending on when your first event starts, you may want to take a few minutes to walk around and get oriented.

Assistance

If you need help during the convention, our volunteers and staff are here to assist. You’ll find staff wearing badges marked U-Con Staff at the registration desk and around the venue. Whether you have a question about event locations, have lost an items or something else, please ask.  We have a quiet space located in the Seminar 3 room on the 2nd floor, and we strive to make U-Con welcoming and accessible to everyone.

Finding and Joining Games

All events you signed up for are listed on Tabletop Events under attend –> my schedule.  Tabletop Event info and your printed tickets contain the time, room, and table for your events. Try to arrive for your games a few minutes early so you can find your table and meet your fellow players. If you’re not sure where to go, volunteers can help you locate your room or table number.

If you didn’t register for a full schedule, you’ll still find plenty to do. We can add events for you at the registration desk, or you can add events using the TableTop Events website on your mobile phone. The open gaming area always has space for new players, and you can check the event board for last-minute openings.  U-Con also uses green cones on the tables to help attendees identify events with open seats.

Event & Table Etiquette

U-Con prides itself on being a friendly and respectful community. A few simple habits help keep that spirit alive:

  • Respect others’ space, belongings, and comfort levels.
  • Keep your phone use to a minimum during play.
  • Be patient with players who are new to a game or learning the rules.
  • If you witness behavior that violates our conduct policy or if you feel uncomfortable or uncertain about a situation, please speak to a staff member for support.

Sometimes an event is canceled or a GM can’t make it. It’s disappointing, but there’s no need to waste that time slot. Check for open games on Tabletop.Events or the on-site board, visit the open gaming area, or browse the vendor hall. You might even find a new favorite game to bring to the table later in the weekend.

Games Library

Through donations and our own purchases, U-Con maintains a library with hundreds of board games. Attendees are welcome to borrow games from our library for play in the open games area. The library is located at the back of the main ballroom, and is open during event hours.

Exploring the Vendor Hall

The vendor hall is one of the most popular areas of U-Con. It features a mix of local game stores, small publishers, artists, and creators offering everything from dice and accessories to new releases and rare finds.  Remember, many vendors are small businesses. Every purchase directly supports their work and helps bring them back for future conventions.  Vendors are always happy to talk about their products, and you may discover a hidden gem or a new favorite publisher while chatting with them. The vendor hall is located on the first floor near the registration desk and daily food service.

Introducing Yourself 

Meeting new people can be one of the most rewarding parts of a convention. Don’t be afraid to introduce yourself to others at your table or in the open gaming area. Most attendees are eager to share their favorite games and experiences.

If you’re shy or attending alone, here are a few easy ways to start a conversation:

  • Ask someone what game they’re playing or recommend one you’ve enjoyed.
  • Offer to teach a game you brought.
  • Join a group who posted a green cone to indicate they have space for additional players.

Many lifelong gaming friendships start with a simple “Mind if I join you?” 

Conduct Policy: Respect, and Inclusion

U-Con is built on respect and inclusion. Every attendee deserves to have a safe, enjoyable experience. Please take a moment to review the convention’s Code of Conduct, which outlines expectations for behavior and how to report issues. In short:

  • Be courteous and considerate in all interactions.
  • Respect other people’s boundaries and belongings.
  • Treat players, GMs, volunteers, and vendors with kindness.
  • Speak up (to staff or the info desk) if something makes you uncomfortable or violates the Code of Conduct.

The staff and volunteers are here to help and take all concerns seriously. Together, we can ensure U-Con remains a space where everyone feels welcome.

Downtime & Recharging

Even the most enthusiastic gamer needs a break. Between sessions, you may want to step outside for fresh air, relax in a quiet area, or browse the vendor hall at an easy pace. Taking time to rest helps you stay focused and positive throughout the day.  Schedule breaks for yourself and make use of the quiet room upstairs in Seminar 3. U-Con is meant to be fun, not exhausting.

Health & Hygiene 

Conventions are exciting, but they can also be tiring. A little self-care goes a long way toward keeping your energy up and your weekend enjoyable.

  • Use the 5-2-1 rule each day: 5 hours of sleep (at least!), 2 meals, and 1 shower.
  • Stay hydrated: Bring and refill a water bottle throughout the day and make use of our water stations.
  • Wash your hands or use sanitizer to reduce the spread of “con crud.”

Illness & Safety

We want everyone to have a great time at U-Con, but going home with con crud seriously detracts from that. If you become sick before the convention, we strongly suggest that you stay home. We have a generous Cancellation Policy to support this. If you start feeling unwell during the convention, wear a mask or skip events.  Use the my schedule page on Tabletop Events to return event tickets you won’t use to free up tickets for others and so the GM doesn’t wait for you.

Keep your belongings with you or store them securely. If you lose something, check with the information desk; found items are collected there. Report concerns to convention staff, identified by the staff badges. In a true emergency, dial 911.

After the Con

Our tagline is Play Games All Weekend.  After the con, we hope you’ve had a bunch of fun and made new friends and memories.  We wish you a safe journey on your ride home.  We will post attendance figures and an attendee survey before the end of the year, so check back to our website.

If you live nearby, consider attending our monthly Game Library Days in Ypsilanti.  Either way, we hope to see you again!