18th - 19th July 2020
10am to 10pm Saturday, 10am to 6pm Sunday
Since 2015, we've been hosting events where people can meet to share, explore & enjoy social games of all kinds on tabletops and screens. Originally one day twice a year, we're now a whole weekend each Winter. All are welcome within our code of conduct for a safe and fun experience, whether you're already in the gaming world, or just curious about what people play these days. We have plenty of tables available, and each day is full of opportunities! If you're curious about our name, or how it began, click here.
Press KitBoard Games
(We've come a long way since monopoly or snakes & ladders)
Bring your favourite board game along to share, or try something different from our library of public games.Role-Playing Games
(More than just Dungeons Dragons)
Explore a number of genres or systems with us! Register a table to run a game, or just a seat or two to play at one of our RPG sessions. We even have our own fantasy world to which you can contribute your ideas through play!Card Games
(Free play and prize tournaments)
Magic? Uno? Card Wars? Netrunner? Dominion? Bring your deck, shuffle into your seat, and deal us in! We regularly host competitions with great prizes, so keep your eyes peeled for announcements.Video Games
(Social multiplayer emphasis)
Enjoy our devices together or bring your portable device with some multiplayer games! We have a steam pc, multiple minecraft machines, plus three retro consoles ready for co-op and competitive experiences. Just be sure to share the controllers, and take breaks.We're a non-profit event, aiming to cover costs first, then improve resources and rewards. If you're struggling financially, contact us after online tickets close for some of the limited free tickets which have been donated.
The earlier you book, the more you save, and the better prepared we will be! Pre-paid tickets receive a pre-printed library card at the door, which saves you time fumbling for cash or identification on the day.
Although most of our event is free play on open tables, scheduled sessions will be listed below. Games will be added regularly between January and April. We'll announce them wherever we have a social account, but you can subscribe to our newsletter for more detailed updates!
Filter Games
If you're a game-master, a demonstrator, a designer wanting to playtest, or something different, we'll do our best to find you a table to do your thing! Running a game for us also counts towards volunteer hours, possibly earning you a ticket alongside tiered GM rewards! For more detail on what we expect from our GMs, please see our GM Guidelines.
If you have the sudden impulse to run or play a pick-up session of something more involved than a casual board game in the main hall, we have a solution.
Our Games on Demand sessions are a simpler version of the model made popular in larger conventions. We have set aside at least five tables across two timeslots on Sunday, with a very simple procedure:
Transport, weather, venue features and accessibility details.
Some tickets will be available at the door.
(Prepaid is safer, Earlybird is cheaper)
We'd hate for you to miss out, and prepaid tickets are a faster experience. For anyone genuinely struggling, some financial hardship tickets are released after online sales close.Pack your gear for the trip!
(Not just game gear)
Snacks, medications, water bottle, keep cup and mess kit will ensure you are nourished while reducing waste. Oh, and don't forget to charge your mobile devices!We will announce any notable weather events.
(But we'll display the forecast here)
Dress warmly for the trip, enjoy the heating inside!Public Transport Information
(Prepaid is safer, Earlybird is cheaper)
The venue is across the highway from Blackheath train station. If we hear of any surprise trackwork causing service interruptions, we will post it here. The last train back to Sydney leaves at 10:55 pm.Driving and Parking
(Assuming it's not snowing)
Driving here? We are under 2hrs drive from Sydney, 1hr & 15mins from Parramatta, 1hr from Penrith, half an hour from Lithgow, about an hour from Bathurst, under 2hrs from Orange. Parking around Blackheath on a Saturday? It's not bad. We'd love to suggest certain spots, but if you respect the signs, you'll avoid any fines.Venue Details
Most gaming areas and two bathrooms are wheelchair-accessible. This building has baby change facilities! Some food options exist within the venue, and many others just around the corner. Water dispensers will be refilled regularly, but in the interest of the environment, please bring your own water bottle to reduce waste. There are heating systems for the cold months, just let us know if you're uncomfortable and we'll try our best to keep everyone equally at ease.Should you have any specific questions, requirements or comments regarding the venue, please speak with the door staff or email us via [email protected]. We're currently in talks with venue management and council about installing a wheelchair ramp for the internal corridor, but if you require assistance accessing the second hall, door staff would be happy to open auxillary doors for you during the event.
What you can play, where to find it, and how to go about it!
Check-in at the front desk with your ticket, credit card or cash.
(Pre-paid tickets are fastest, and cashless is best)
You'll receive your wristbands here (& library card if you pre-paid). Name tags & pronoun stickers are just inside the main hall!During the event, please abide by our Code of Conduct.
(It's easy, important & essential)
We need everyone to be safe & comfortable before we can relax and have fun.Use our table signs if you need them.
(To invite players, ask or offer assistance, or locate games)
Green if you need players, yellow if you need help. If you see one of these signs, feel free to approach that table and ask how you can contribute. If your table has a sign mentioning scheduled games, please ensure it is free and tidy for that session.Use your library card.
(Show ID if you need a new one)
Don't grab and run! Games must be scanned out (and back in) and we need to check their state each time. If you're bringing a game to share, please let us know by July 11 2020!You always have a seat.
(But some games require registration)
If you have a game to play, and can see a table free, you can use it as long as it's not marked for a scheduled game during that time.
Most Role-Playing sessions need to confirm interest to secure the table, so if you're interested in a seat at one of those games, book early using the button on that listing! If you can't make a booked session, please cancel your seat via EventBrite as soon as you know, so someone else can use your seat. If you'd like to join an RPG without registration, Sunday's programme has ten on-demand sessions.
Competitions with prizes (like the Magic Tourney) require a registration fee, and also rely on bookings to go ahead.
Check the timetable.
(It's constantly updated)
Our timetable and venue map should display well on all devices, and last-minute printouts will be on the walls in the main hall. Games use symbols & colours to show categories, and are marked as they fill up. During the hour leading up to each scheduled game, they are automatically announced on our Discord server. You can also subscribe to our Google calendar on your mobile device!Tell the world.
(share photos with consent)
If you enjoy our event, please tell the world about it! We love meeting new players and helping new conventions get off the ground. The hashtag for this event is #EttinCon2020 - using it helps people discover your posts, and the event!
When and where each scheduled session can be found across both days. Please launch the fullscreen version for the best experience on your device. Scheduled sessions are also automatically announced on our Discord server, twice within the hour before they begin.
We're a volunteer-run non-profit association, so any level of involvement you can spare is always welcome!