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So I'll be going to Games Day this year (Illinois!... at 13hr drive! And I got my tickets in the mail yesterday!) and since I've never been, I was hoping I could get some tips as a first time goer. My GF and I will drive up the day before and drive back the day after... as it will be the easiest and cheapest way to get there (we'll be renting a car as to not put 1660 miles on one of our cars in one go).

But I was wanting to enter some stuff in the painting comps (as I have 7 months to get some stuff finished), and wanted to know what all categories there were... or possible issues entering stuff, etc...

I know almost nothing about going to this large of an event, as the largest thing I've been to is a local gaming con that hosts about 200 total gamers... if that...

I just need advice! Thanks a bunch!

Since you have a girlfriend, I'll assume that you bathe somewhat regularly, which will likely make you the minority there( make sure to prepare your lady for the smells to come).

Perhaps bring some of that nonsense that you put under your nose when exhuming bodies to lessen the blow to your senses?

This is from my experience with gamer conventions in general, having not been to a Gamesday myself.

That being said, I hope you enjoy yourselves!

Advice? Well, if it's anything like the UK GD it'll be huge. Give yourself plenty of time to wander around and take it in.
Also, don't know if this happens across the pond or not, but if you enter the Golden Demon, you will most likely get in early as they let the entrants in first.

It may also be beneficial to have some questions prepared if there will be a Q&A session with Editors/Designers etc.

Other than that, enjoy yourselves and pay heed to the earlier advice about Eau D' Geek.... It WILL be strong!

From memory, the categories include:

Single models, monsters and vehicles for 40K and fantasy, that's six categories there.

I think there's a large scale model category as well, two LOTR categories, a diorama category which is always sweet and an open category where you can do whatever you want.

I think there's also a duel category, but that might be the same as diorama, not sure there.