I am wondering if any attendees got Covid within 2 weeks of Gen Con. I would love it if no one responds to this, but I am curious. For the 1st time in 7 years I was unable to come to Gen Con because of a sinus infection (tested negative twice), but did not feel up to it. If no one responds then maybe we could go back to a full up Gen Con next August.
I was fine. Before the con I scheduled 2 tests for when I returned - one the day after returning (7 days after getting on the outbound plane) and one 7 days after returning (last possible exposure on the return flight) and both were negative.
The main thing was everyone acted responsibly - I never saw masks off outside of designated eating areas. I also brought latex gloves since game pieces get touched by lots of strangers.
I too am hoping for a full GenCon next year - already have the days off approved at work. I wouldn’t mind one of the changes sticking around - more space between tables in halls A-E. I know they can’t be as far apart, but in the past they’ve been so crammed in it was hard for people to sit back to back.
Negative at-home test here too, and after Origins for that matter.
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What EVERYONE needs to do to get the pandemic under control:
1. Stay home if you are sick. 2. Get Vaccinated/Booster. 3. Wear a mask. 4. Wash your hands, often.
You can always start out with the toughest policy and relax restrictions later. It's much more difficult to impose a vax requirement over the summer if things get worse.
They are a business at the end of the day. And they are going to do what is best for that business.
Masking up helps. Vaccines are better. From everything I've read, masking while vaccinated is even better than either alone.
When we're talking about tens of thousands of attendees (and the number of people they will interact with coming to the event, while in Indianapolis, and going home, then interacting in their communities), we're talking easily millions of people. That alone is an excellent reason that even aiming to implement measures that reduce risk of transmission a few percentage points are worth enacting.
"Then they should just cancel it entirely!" some will retort, feeling very clever.
Perhaps so, but I'm not expecting Gencon to throw themselves on their sword and end the event (possibly forever, depending on the financial impact of doing so).
I worked Gencon 2021. I setup for two days, ran demos for 4, and tore down on Sunday evening (and helped store stuff Monday morning), all in a mask. Believe me, I am not cheering the idea of doing that in 2022 in early August heat. But if it's part of what helps keep people safer, then so be it.
I also believe that managing expectations is important. Setting the bar there 7-8 months out is entirely sensible. We'll likely be a month or two out from the event before the real final choices are made anyways.
What does “fully vaccinated” even mean? Both shots within 3 months? 6 months? A year? Boosters? How many? Odds are at least 2 more major variants will hit between now and august. Will the original vax even be effective against those or will we need specific variant boosters? If so how many?
Just follow local city / county / state regulations and don’t rework what’s already been done. Trust that health officials will do their job well - don’t try to do it for them or instead of them.
I suspect they're just laying out the worst-case scenario. Let's be honest, barring time travel, there's no way Gen Con or anyone else can possibly have the remotest clue what things are going to look like next August. I suspect they're just getting everyone used to the idea that masks and vaccines might be required so if they are required it won't come as a shock. I remember last year when they went from "if you are vaccinated you do not need to wear a mask" to "everyone has to wear a mask" and quite a few people freaked out.
From Gen Con's email:
As the situation around us changes through the year, our policies will be updated appropriately, so please keep current with news about the show and be prepared to be flexible with your own plans, as well. (Bold from the original)
I am just curious about how the vaccine will be enforced. Is there a security check at the entrances? Pictures of a vaccine card on a person's phone good enough or is the original required?
Mostly wanting to know for the logistics of coming and going from the ICC between events or events in other buildings.
We are still eight months away from the con, but I would like some idea by the time to plan events. Most of the time I pack in as many events as I can, but that often leaving me rushing from one event to the next, If a more relaxed approach is needed I would like to know by event registration.
"Posted by mikeboozer 4 months ago... Photo and ID is fine."
Well, if it's anything like PAX Unplugged, you will need to show either your physical card or have an app (PAX had an approved app) which you will need to get a wristband in order to get into the show. After the vax check, then there was the regular will call/entrance to the con. PAX also had specific staff walking around making sure people were masked ("Mask Enforcers"). I suspect Gen Con will take a similar approach. Although PAX Unplugged is much smaller than Gen Con, it still ran smoothly and I didn't see one person maskless inside the Expo Hall during any of the 3 days I was running demos. I took my COVID test 3 days after the con and was fine, as were all of my friends that attended. It's amazing what can be done when people work together instead of being selfish.
At this point, worrying about what will happen 8 months from now isn't even going to register with me. I will say that if there is absolutely no improvement in events, vendor participation and it is just a rehash of 2021, but with more rules/precautions/limitations, then I'll sit it out.
Gencon must ensure the safest environment possible for 2022:
Mandatory vaccinations which means original 2 shots plus 2 boosters (by Aug 2022, this will be realistic). It maybe necessary to have 3 boosters - this is for ALL attendees, including children 2 and up.
PLUS mandate the last shot/booster be no more than 3-4 months aged.
PLUS require variant-specific boosters (omicron may need a specific booster).
PLUS mandatory rapid test at badge pick up (15 minutes to test on-site, if they can do it in airports, gencon can do it)
PLUS mandatory masking like last for everyone 2 and up.
PLUS social distancing, table limits, sanitizer stations, cleaning, etc…
PLUS no exceptions or exemptions to the policy - NONE. The safety of the community supersedes any personal medical or religious situations.
Nothing short of this will ensure a safe and enjoyable convention for the community.
Happy Holidays and stay safe everyone!
I'm with kevinrg: no point in speculating 8 months out where things will be at. However, i also agree that if 2022 is a rehash of gencon 2021 but more rules I'll take a bye next year as well.