Gen Con Announces 2021 Badge Registration Dates

Gen Con, the largest and longest-running tabletop gaming convention in North America, today announced badge registration dates for the upcoming 2021 convention. A limited number of 4-Day and single-day badges for Gen Con Indy will go on sale at noon Eastern on Sunday, May 23.

The convention was rescheduled to September 16-19, 2021 and will proceed with a hybrid format combining three concurrent events to offer a flexible range of opportunities for participation: a reduced-capacity Gen Con Indy in-person at the Indiana Convention Center, Gen Con Online livestreaming and gaming events, and Pop-Up Gen Con retail activations at local games stores. Registration for Gen Con Online and Pop-Up Gen Con will open on June 27, 2021.

In-person attendance will be capped to comply with local, state, and national public-health and safety guidelines, and 4-Day badges are anticipated to sell out quickly. Once they do, no further 4-Day badges will be offered this year, but additional inventory of single-day badges may become available based on changing health and safety guidelines. All attendees who have rolled over their badge from 2020 are guaranteed a badge and will have their badges rolled over on their accounts automatically.

Trade Day will return for Gen Con Indy 2021 in partnership with Alliance Game Distributors with a modified schedule and content tracks. A limited quantity of Trade Day badges will be available starting May 23 for educators, librarians, and retailers. Trade Day attendees who have rolled-over their badges from 2020 will be contacted with additional information.

Pop-Up Gen Con registration will cost $5 and open on June 27. Attendees will select their choice of local game store from the list of participating retailers when registering. Due to health and safety concerns, each store will determine how to operate their event safely in their community, and some stores will not offer online registration.

The organizers recognize that the rescheduled dates coincide with observance of Yom Kippur and apologize that this conflict will make it difficult or impossible for many Jewish attendees to fully participate in the convention.

Key Questions

How many badges are available?

A limited quantity of 4-Day and single-day badges are available now for purchase based on our anticipated attendance cap. No further inventory of 4-Day badges will be available once they’ve sold out, but additional single-day badges may become available in the coming months.

When does Gen Con Online registration open?

Registration for Gen Con Online will be open on June 27, 2021.

Will more badges become available?

It is possible that more single-day badges will become available at a later date depending on health and safety protocols. After 4-Day badges sell out, no additional 4-Day badges will be available. You can follow our newsletter and social media outlets for updates.

If I donated my badge, will I be able to purchase one?

Yes. If you donated your badge, you should be contacted prior to badge registration via the email you registered with last year. If you have not received an email by May 22, please reach out to customerservice@gencon.com.

If I rolled over my badge, am I guaranteed a badge for 2021?

Yes. Your badge should already appear in your Gen Con account on your “My Packets” page. If you rolled over your badge and it is not there, please contact customerservice@gencon.com.