Tag Archives: GottaCon

07.28.15
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GottaCon’s Last Dance (2009 – 2015)

Article previously published by Ed Sum on Otaku no Culture.

gottacon RIP

The Geeks of Victoria will most likely be mourning a loss of a gaming convention. It did an admirable job of hanging on for more than five years. When compared to other nerdy conventions that ran in this city (toy shows don’t count), that’s twice the power but thrice the bad luck since it’s move from the Pearkes Recreation Centre. In a statement issued Monday evening, Gottacon Conventions will no longer be continuing. They cite financial losses and the lack of internal support to keep on going.

Hopefully other shows can help carry on the torch, as this city needs more geeks with power to keep nerdom alive.

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03.03.15
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Tracking GottaCon’s Foodie & Game A-Fair? It’s a Deadbeetz.

GottaCon has shifted in direction for the 2015 year, and that’s to make use of all the available spaces as possible for their gaming fair. For such a dramatic shift, I’m surprised they did not have a huge banner across the Victoria Conference Centre to say we are here. I really like the design of their new logo in their program guide, and I was sad to not see this plumage advertising this event to this city at large at this building or across the street at the Crystal Gardens.

Although my interests for this show have faded, to wonder if they chose wisely for which food trucks to bring can make for some interesting allusions. Do gamers need more grease for those late night munchies? When I didn’t spot or smell these operations running on a Friday evening before Geekenders‘ Star Wars Burlesque Show, I suspect not. They might have been running, but there was no spotlight on them to let curiousity seekers know. The same can be said for GottaCon’s presence. Without a huge banner, many passers-by will pass them by. Sandwich boards just will not do. Not many people really take a bite at that kind of street advertising.

During a beautiful sunny day (Saturday) when the air is crisp and I was nearby, my nostrils certainly wanted to sniff out the operations. Thankfully, the trucks were advertising their hours. But I did notice a particular trend: of the three trucks, two of them were serving mostly burgers. Thankfully, James and I provided a more robust listing of various eateries around the area so attendees can grab sandwiches or sushi if they wanted to.

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02.17.15
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GottaCon Foodie Survival Guide 2015

Gottacon2015In less than two weeks Victoria will be flooded with people from all over Vancouver Island and the Pacific Northwest with obsessive gaming habits. Cards will be dealt and dice will be rolled but if you think I’m speaking of a convention for those with gambling habits, think again. I speak of gamers, people who show up (sometimes in costume) with their card games (Pokémon, Magic: The Gathering), their table top books (Pathfinder, Dungeons & Dragons), their customized PCs and their mini figurines (Warhammer). And to quote a Trooper song, they’re here for a good time, not a long time.

And when you convention hop on a budget it is important to maintain your energy levels with some nourishing food. Cheap is good too. Presented to you is James and Ed’s list of top eats.

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09.24.14
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GottaCon 2015 Update

Gottacon2015GottaCon announced the official hotels for their 2015 convention. Both Quality Inn Downtown Victoria and The Fairmont Empress are returning as official hotel sponsors for Vancouver Island’s largest gaming convention that’ll take place from Feb 27th to March 1st, 2015 at the Victoria Conference Center.

Convention-goers should book early to avoid disappointment.

For more information on what amenities are offered for each hotel, click here.

In addition, the Community Applications are now open for all gaming groups and clubs. To apply for a booth at GottaCon, click here.

02.26.14
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A GottaCon Diner’s Guide to the Inner Harbour (Part Two)

With Gottacon, the ultimate gamer’s convention, about to happen this coming weekend, every gamer may well stick with what the Fairmont Empress has to offer (at the Ivy Ballroom) or dine out just for a change of scenery.

If what the hotel is selling seems limited, presented here is part two of the guide to the local eateries within a one block walking distance from the Victoria Conference Centre that the Two Hungry Blokes have sought out for the discriminating eater.

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02.25.14
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A GottaCon Diner’s Guide to the Inner Harbour (Part One)

With Gottacon, the ultimate gamer’s convention, about to happen this coming weekend, every gamer may well stick with what the Fairmont Empress has to offer (at the Ivy Ballroom) or dine out just for a change of scenery.

Sadly, due to contractual obligations, no outside food is allowed to be taken into the conference center, but that should not stop people from looking outside for something different to eat. No matter where one goes to dine, the prices will vary and the type of the food will be based on what a person likes.

If what the hotel is selling seems limited, presented here (in no particular order) is a guide to the local eateries within a one block walking distance from the Victoria Conference Centre that the Two Hungry Blokes have sought out for the discriminating eater. Yes, even foodie gamer nerds can be picky too.

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