VIG Program
What Is the Gen Con VIG Program?
Gen Con VIGs (Very Important Gamers) experience and enjoy the convention in a more relaxed and time-saving environment, which means more time for gaming and less time in Will Call or Customer Service lines, among other exciting, exclusive benefits and perks!
4-Day Access & Leveled Up Benefits
VIGs (Very Important Gamers) receive a 4-Day Gen Con badge with access to the private VIG Lounge and other special privileges and advantages, including priority Hotel Registration, gift bags, dedicated customer service support, and an exclusive Exhibit Hall entrance each morning! Submit your application today.
Priority Access to Hotel Registration
Each VIG receives priority access to the Gen Con housing block before general badge holders. If a VIG Companion badge is purchased, VIGs who book hotel rooms may reserve one room with their VIG badge and a second room for their VIG Companion badge. If you do not reserve housing during the VIG access window, you can still reserve housing from the general attendee housing block while inventory lasts.
PLEASE NOTE: All VIG rooms are self-pay and require a credit card to make the reservation. When you access the online housing portal, a list of available hotels will be displayed. Once the reservation has been finalized, there is a penalty for cancellations. Learn more about housing here.
VIG Lounge
Enjoy the comforts of a private VIG Lounge with special concierge services, close to the convention action and away from larger crowds and noise. Lounge features include:
- Exclusive VIG Will Call services, including on-site Event Registration
- Dedicated game library and ample gaming table space
- Complimentary beverages
- Free Wi-Fi and charging stations
- Lounge access for VIG children (ages 17 and under)
- VIG gift bag pick-up
- Complimentary bag check service
Exclusive VIG Gifts
Every VIG (excluding VIG Companions) who stops by the VIG Lounge during the show will receive an exclusive VIG gift bag. These swag bags may include items such as a commemorative Gen Con tee shirt, a VIG pin, and additional games, merch, and promotional items from exhibitors, sponsors, and event organizers. Promotional items are not guaranteed and vary annually, subject to availability.
VIG Mixer
The VIG Mixer is a “happy hour”-style get-together for our Very Important Gamers and guests. It’s a chance for VIGs to hang out and enjoy appetizers, beverages, and casual conversation in a laid-back atmosphere. Mixer details are emailed to VIGs through the exclusive VIG newsletters. Gen Con Staff attend the event and are excited to get to know you! Seating is limited, so get your tickets as soon as they're available.
Special VIG Exhibit Hall Entrance
VIGs have their own entry doors to the Exhibit Hall every morning between 10 and 10:30 am. This entrance is located between the Hall J exhibitor entrance and the Hall K doors on the Capitol Concourse.
VIG Exclusive Events
Lists of VIG exclusive events are added to the Gen Con event catalog. If you are a VIG or VIG Companion interested in running an event in the VIG Lounge, please get in touch with us at [email protected]. We would love to hear your ideas!
Private VIG Discord Channel
As a member of the VIG Program, you will have access to a “members only” Discord channel where you can chat with fellow VIGs and Gen Con support staff. Please email [email protected] for additional assistance in gaining access to the channel.
First Chance at a VIG Package for Next Year!
Very Important Gamers not only receive excellent benefits for the current year’s show, but they also have a chance at “first right of refusal” for next year’s show. This means VIGs can purchase their VIG badge before Badge Registration opens to the public and procure their first choice of hotel before housing officially opens. Specifics are detailed in the VIG newsletter, which is emailed in December. VIG packages are non-transferable.
VIG Companions and Children
VIG Companion Badges
Anyone who purchases a VIG Package has the option of purchasing one VIG Companion badge. Please note that the account holder must be at least 18 to buy a VIG badge, but there is no age limit for VIG Companion badges.
The VIG Companion badge allows the badge holder to access:
- The VIG Lounge (including games or events taking place in the Lounge)
- Will Call and Event Registration in the VIG Lounge
- Complimentary beverages
- Reserved seating for select events
- VIG gifts and other promotional items
- Early access to Housing Registration (this can only be booked by the VIG Package purchaser)
VIG Children
For children ages 11-17, VIGs must purchase a regular 4-Day badge. If the child requires access to the VIG Lounge, the VIG parent must accompany their child to the Lounge for a special identifying sticker. Children ages 10 and under do not require a badge, but their VIG parent will need to pick up a wristband in the Lounge and provide their contact information for emergencies. Children ages 17 and under must be accompanied by a VIG adult while in the VIG Lounge, or for special VIG seating at events.
The special identifying sticker allows the child access to the following:
- The VIG Lounge (including games or events taking place in the Lounge)
- Will Call and Event Registration in the VIG Lounge
- Complimentary beverages
- Reserved seating for select events (when accompanied by a VIG adult)
VIG and VIG Companion Badge Pricing
Badge prices change annually and reflect operational costs. Prices are announced at least 30 days before Badge Registration opens.
Get Priority Access
and
Exclusive Perks.
Apply to Be a VIG Now.
Submissions are now open until December 1 at 11:59pm Eastern.
Submit Your
VIG Application
Requirements:
- You must be at least 18 to apply.
- Do not submit multiple entries from other accounts you may have in the system.
- If your account is associated with a group or organization please let us know (you cannot buy a badge unless that organization is temporarily unlinked from your primary account)
- You must buy the VIG badge for yourself. VIG badges and packages are not tradable or transferable. The Companion badge can be bought for anyone on your friend's list.
