Origins: That’s a good question!

Meals are the most important social opportunities you will have. If you are there strictly to play, then feel free to treat them as tiny sprints as you go from game table to a game table, but otherwise, treat every meal as an opportunity. Invite industry folks to lunch (and, if your feeling your oats, pick up the tab) – Origins is a mind-blowingly good con for its food, and no one in their right mind passes up a chance to partake. And yes, they will sometimes say “no thanks” because they have commitments or plans, but that’s fine, because you’re at least that guy who asked. It drastically increases the chances you’ll get swept up in something.

Do not limit yourself to industry luminaries. The con is full of awesome people and you won’t know which ones they are until you start talking. Compliment costumes. Ask questions. Engage people. And ask questions, no mater how incredibly interesting your pet topic is.

Beyond that, either pay attention to names or get VERY good at reading badges surreptitiously. That whole “I’m great with faces but bad with names” line? In grown-up world it doesn’t actually fly. Our monkey brains are ALL good with faces and bad with names. Don’t fall back on an excuse, just practice. People like being called by name.

Lastly, if you think you maybe should, then *do*. Conventions like this are opportunities, opportunities to meet, talk, do and play. Hesitation does not lead to good war stories.

-Rob D.

Has Evil Hat really spent all it’s mad Dresden Files advance money already?

I got the hint…

Hey, here’s a crazy idea. “Would you guys like to go to lunch?”

Origins is a great con to meet and talk to people.

Play games. You never know who’s going to be at the table. They might be designers themselves, bloggers, podcasters, or any of a number of people. That’s a great way to get to know people, because you have the game you’re currently playing to talk about. It’s the perfect icebreaker.

Also, hang out in the dealer’s room. Origins is relaxed enough that most people are willing to chat. Seek out people whose stuff you really like. Talk to people about what they’ve done. You might be able to make a pitch if you catch someone the right way.

Finally, don’t limit yourself to games. There are all sorts of social events at Origins. Go to meetups. Check out writing seminars. Go to parties. Anywhere is potentially a good place to talk to and meet designers. Compared to some other cons, Origins is a really easy place to network. There were very few people that I approached there who were unfriendly.

Heh. No, we’re ok, but I speak form my own experience the last time I was at Origins, where I can draw a straight line from buying Mike Mearls lunch to a freelance gig for WOTC.

And as to Lunch, well, ask us there! Damned if I know what our plans are beyond “BE IN THE BOOTH”

-Rob D.