By Fred Manzo
Over the last week I’ve heard an interesting rumor that the Historical Miniatures Gaming Society (HMGS) is seriously considering the re-location of a number of their conventions. Fall-In and Cold Wars are presently located in Lancaster, Pennsylvania and Historicon is located at Fredericksburg, Virginia. I’ve been told that they are considering a move to someplace in New Jersey for all three as soon as possible. Perhaps as early as next year. Apparently, it all depends on their contractual obligations.
Update: I’ve heard that Somerset, New Jersey and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania are in the running as new locations for the 2017 convention season.
Let’s hope that they move them closer to NYC and sooner rather than later.
I heard that the moves should occur in 2017. I also heard that WBC is moving from Lancaster, Pennsylvania to Silver Springs, Pennsylvania next year. Silver Springs is 70 miles southeast of Pittsburg and was picked to draw in the Ohio gaming crowd. According to rumors the organizers have a 5 year contract with a one year opt out clause. There is also suppose to be a shuttle that runs from Pittsburg to the convention center (at a cost of $20.). The downside is that it’s a winter sky resort. So, if you don’t have a car you’ll be locked into getting breakfast, lunch and dinner at a resort and paying resort prices. I’ve heard a few people say “I’ll try it once, but if it’s not s super experience I wouldn’t be going there again,” which does seem to create something of a risk for the organizers who must commit to the full five year contract after only ONE year. So we’ll see how all these moves turn out.
If they move to New Jersey they will lose a good portion of the people that come from the DC area and South. I think Lancaster was a good compromise region wise. HMGS really started in DC and grew from there.
I think the membership is largely from all over now but I still think a good number of people from south of the DC metro area are members and will choose to attend Nashcon or something similar as the prices will be cheaper and the drive the same.
The dealers are a huge draw but with the discounts on the internet these days people can shop from home more. I have been a member since the second convention but I am not driving to New Jersey. I am sure the people in the NYC area do not want to drive to Fredericksburg either.