x
Breaking News
More () »

Gen Con staying in Indianapolis through 2021

Gen Con had previously been committed to stay in Indy through 2020. This new contract includes an option for the convention to continue renewing the contract annually.
gencon4

INDIANAPOLIS (WTHR) - Gen Con has extended their contract with Indianapolis to keep their annual convention in the Circle City through 2021.

"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, CEO/Owner of Gen Con. "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."

Gen Con had previously been committed to stay in Indy through 2020. This new contract includes an option for the convention to continue renewing the contract annually.

This year's event broke their record for turnstile attendees with 201,852, a 2.5 percent increase over last year. Attendees came to Indianapolis from 64 countries, all 50 states, and each Canadian province. This was also Gen Con's first year to expand outside the convention center, with events at Lucas Oil Stadium.

"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," Mayor Joe Hogsett said. "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."

Gen Con moved its annual convention to Indianapolis in 2003 and last completed an extension agreement in 2011. Since moving to Indianapolis, Gen Con’s attendance has more than doubled, from 23,000 unique attendees to a unique attendance record of more than 61,000.

“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, president and CEO of Visit Indy. “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.”

Next year's convention - its 50th anniversary - is set for August 17-20, 2017.

Before You Leave, Check This Out