Classic Gaming Expo 2007 Announced!

[digitalpress]

As of just a few minutes ago:

Mark your calendars and get your vacation plans in order, because Classic Gaming Expo 2007 is a GO, and we're bringing the show back to its original home in Las Vegas!

The dates are July 28th and 29th and the hotel is right on the strip.

Hotel details will come within the next week as we acquire the necessary discount codes and website registration from them. Don't book your hotel until you get this info from us, as there will be some exciting incentives for those who book at the hotel the show is running in.

We've been looking forward to this for a long time. Get ready for the best CGE ever... stay tuned! In the meantime, feel free to discuss the show past, present and future with our partners at Digital Press in the Classic Gaming Expo forum.

See www.cgexpo.com for official announcements.

[zemmix]

Woot this is great news! How many years has it been since it left Vegas? Well thats been how many years it's been since the last CGE I went to.

[Dan Iacovelli]

right on the strip this time(I guess you got tired of doing freemont street :) )
I'll wait until the hotel is announced before I book anything.

[eaviii]

Terrible news for me (and others I suspect). I am afraid I have reservations (since July '06) for Comic-Con. I would have made any work arrangement to go to CGE this year (coverage switches) but already have family/friends going to Comic-Con. This seems a horrendous oversight to me especially given the now "every 2 year" CGE.

Why the conflict? Just not perceived? Any explanation?

Doc

www.roguesynapse.com

[Dan Iacovelli]

Terrible news for me (and others I suspect). I am afraid I have reservations (since July '06) for Comic-Con. I would have made any work arrangement to go to CGE this year (coverage switches) but already have family/friends going to Comic-Con. This seems a horrendous oversight to me especially given the now "every 2 year" CGE.

Why the conflict? Just not perceived? Any explanation?

Doc

www.roguesynapse.com

it basicly depends on the hotel for the dates of a show,rember a while back it predetimed as august for CGE, the hotel prob had august booked for something so the planners had to move the show to july.
and basicly, you can't plan around other shows,because there are just to many going on unlike the early years when there was hardly any.
look at happened to VGS'06 same date as Gen-Con in indy, I did remember
about it but, at the same time I wanted MGC an VGS at least 2 months apart
with MGC being in june my only choice was august(I could have had it end of july or same week as I've been doing it(the week after forth of july,which I'm planning to do for next year and beyond)

[eaviii]

Dan, I certainly understand where you're coming from. It's just that Comic-Con is really really really big (87K+ strong). I am certain I won't be the only one here lamenting not being able to attend both. I fly in from Texas and would have to arrange coverage at work but would definitely have figured out a way to go to both no matter the cost. I'm not angry just really disappointed I won't be able to attend. I was really looking forward to it. Maybe 2009 . . .


Doc

www.roguesynapse.com

[Sniderman]

Dan, I certainly understand where you're coming from. It's just that Comic-Con is really really really big (87K+ strong). This is true, but you're talking about a videogame con conflicting with a comic con. Yes, they cross each other somewhat fanbase-wise, but it's not like CGE is conflicting with another videogame-con. If they had to schedule around every other event that drew those kinds of numbers on the West Coast, then they'd have to schedule around NASCAR races, pro football games, RPG cons, SCA events, Renn Faires, etc. Pretty talk order, unless CGE were held Jan. 12 from midnight to 4 a.m. Also, one event is in San Diego, CA, the other is in Las Vegas, NV. If CGE were being held in CA again at the same time, then I could REALLY understand the perceived clash. But I digress. It's a shame, yes, but you seem to be taking it personally, as you've posted your lament in both threads.

[ubersaurus]

This is true, but you're talking about a videogame con conflicting with a comic con. Yes, they cross each other somewhat fanbase-wise, but it's not like CGE is conflicting with another videogame-con. If they had to schedule around every other event that drew those kinds of numbers on the West Coast, then they'd have to schedule around NASCAR races, pro football games, RPG cons, SCA events, Renn Faires, etc. Pretty talk order, unless CGE were held Jan. 12 from midnight to 4 a.m. Also, one event is in San Diego, CA, the other is in Las Vegas, NV. If CGE were being held in CA again at the same time, then I could REALLY understand the perceived clash. But I digress. It's a shame, yes, but you seem to be taking it personally, as you've posted your lament in both threads.

Comic Con may as well be another video game con, given the size of the fanbase. How many CGE goers DON'T love comics and geek culture in general?

I thought it was a guarantee that I'd go to CGE, but now I'm not so certain.

[Mayhem]

Last year SDCC had booths from Nintendo, Sony, Capcom, Konami, Square/Enix and a host of other smaller businesses. Trust me, I was surprised just how much of the show was NON comic related. The name today is really a bit of a misnomer, it's as much about entertainment in general (digital media, film, games, role-playing, animation, television etc) than just comics.

Oh and speaking to someone at the end of the last day who was helping run it last year, they estimated there had been more than 100,000 visitors. It just keeps getting bigger each year. Actually I'm a bit scared just how many might be there this year!

As said, I'm not sure what we're doing just yet, so you may see us in July, or you may not. It's a shame we have to choose...

[98PaceCar]

I'm in the same boat on the CGE/SDCC issue. I had been planning on attending both, but now I have to decide between the two. Not really a fun decision when you get right down to it. I really think that there are a ton of people that would have attended both, but given how difficult it is to secure a room for SDCC those people are most likely somewhat committed to going to SDCC due to booking a place to stay in the past few months (pretty much required from what I understand).

I wish there was a way to make this work, even moving CGE a week forward or back, but I doubt it's possible at this point.

[Mayhem]

but given how difficult it is to secure a room for SDCC those people are most likely somewhat committed to going to SDCC due to booking a place to stay in the past few months (pretty much required from what I understand).

If you're not planning on staying at one of the affiliate hotels, then yes. Almost all the hotels within decent walking distance will be opening up their books on Feb 6 at 9am PST so I've been told. It was online chaos last year (I think everything went in 80 minutes and that's every room in about 20 hotels) and it will be this year.

[rick weis]

i am soooooo there! me and the NWCGE crew will be going for sure, can't wait!

hmmmm that comic con sounds interesting. might have to check it out some year. (not this year!) :P

Rick

[Japan-Games.com]

Hopefully I'll be able to make it. I'd like to have a sales booth with items from Japan.

[Japan-Games.com]

...and sorry, none of those items would include Japanese women.

[Candycab]

I went to the very first one when I lived in Henderson Nevada for a few years, it was definitly a good time.

I may have to hop in the car and zoom back in for this one [ Im near Monterey Ca ] Been looking for an excuse to go on a road trip anyway ... Now if I can figure out how to afford gas for my hot rod Im there :)

[StevenH]

As others have noted, I will miss not going to CGE this year because I will be at SDCC. I really wish they had looked at the dates. I really think that it will affect the number of people going this year.

[Dan Iacovelli]

just wondering if/when are they going announce the hotel/discounts for the show.
it's been close to a month.(the website site said in a week)

[Arcade Antics]

just wondering if/when are they going announce the hotel/discounts for the show.
it's been close to a month.(the website site said in a week)

Wha? The announcement was on the 19th. That's only 8 days, probably fair enough to give them an extra couple of days to get all the details down. :)

[Bojay1997]

Why not just do a stop-over in Vegas on the way home from Comic Con? Sunday always blows at Comic Con anyway, so you can still get the Thursday-Saturday Comic Con experience and then just spend the day at CGE on Sunday. Get creative people.

[Mayhem]

Two reasons: DP Party and the auction!

[rick weis]

where did CGE have it at before in vegas? was it the palace? my memory is failing me. :(

Rick

[Dan Iacovelli]

where did CGE have it at before in vegas? was it the palace? my memory is failing me. :(

Rick

it was allways in the palace in freemont street when they were in vegas.

[MarkMan]

Sigh... I was hoping this would be my first CGE experience... :(

I really wanted to attend but I have to be at SDCC because I'm running an event for gaming. :(

Maybe 2 years from now! :)

[rik1138]

Is CGE officially going to be every other year now? I know they skipped last year, but I was thinking it was going to be back on the annual schedule now (or did I miss an annoucement?).

[digitalpress]

just wondering if/when are they going announce the hotel/discounts for the show.
it's been close to a month.(the website site said in a week)

It's been about 10 days and I do apologize for the delay. We'll have the hotel info on the site in the next few days, promise.

[Dan Iacovelli]

It's been about 10 days and I do apologize for the delay. We'll have the hotel info on the site in the next few days, promise.

no prob joe,I know how it is,was just wondering.

[TheRedEye]

This is true, but you're talking about a videogame con conflicting with a comic con.

I guess you've never been to Comic-Con, then, because in the last three years it has become the largest consumer-oriented event for upcoming video games. And with E3 restructured now, I'd imagine a lot of the work I'd normally have to do in May will be moved to the Con.

I really wanted to see some of you guys again, but like others I'm also predisposed at San Diego...I've attended both conventions nearly every year since 1999, I'm pretty sure this is the first time they've ever conflicted.

[Sniderman]

Huh. I'm a raging fanboy geek nerd, and SDCC has never been a even a slight blip on my radar. Just saying I was unaware of this con's draw. Dragoncon, Origins, Gencon - THOSE are the big draws of comic/game fandom. Huh. Well, enjoy the west coast then.

[TheRedEye]

Huh. I'm a raging fanboy geek nerd, and SDCC has never been a even a slight blip on my radar. Just saying I was unaware of this con's draw. Dragoncon, Origins, Gencon - THOSE are the big draws of comic/game fandom. Huh. Well, enjoy the west coast then.

Yeah...I'm not trying to start an argument or shoot you down or anything, but I don't think Comic-Con should be glossed over as something non-competitive to CGE.

Joe, CGE guys, I know we don't talk much anymore, but I would heavily advise you to change those dates, if at all possible, if you plan to grow your attendance numbers. You're running an expo for video game fans and collectors of nostalgic memorabilia, and you're doing so at the same time as THE BIGGEST show that caters to, more or less, these same things.

I understand that the "core" CGE audience of classic video game collectors, such as Sniderman, might not be the same group that attends the comic-con, but I would assume that your show revenue depends on expanding your audience behind that small core, and all of your biggest cross-section market of geeks is going to be in San Diego that weekend (not to mention all of the gaming press!). I think this is especially important given your location; I know you typically try to draw a local crowd as well as your travelers to CGE, but as someone who lived 23 years of his life in Las Vegas, I predict that you're not going to draw very many locals to the strip to check out a curiosity. We avoid that area as much as possible, I think the only locals you're going to get are the hardcore, and Vegas doesn't have many of those.

I don't run the show, I don't pretend to be involved, and I know my advice is completely unsolicited and probably not appreciated, but I like CGE and can't help but feel a little protective of it. So...there you go, just some friendly advice from someone who cares.

[Dan Iacovelli]

They changed the name of the chicago-comi-con to Wizard world since it's ran by wizard comics.
there are just to many cons going compared to the last ten years and it's basiclly hard to schedule one and each to avoid conflict.

[Sniderman]

They changed the name of the chicago-comi-con to Wizard world since it's ran by wizard comics.

Ah, now Wizard World I am indeed familar with. Now I understand. It's a biggie.

there are just to many cons going compared to the last ten years and it's basiclly hard to schedule one and each to avoid conflict.
And there you have it. Many times I've had to choose which con got my bucks and my attendance because of a schedule coinflict. This just seems to be one of those times. Make your choice and enjoy whichever event you choose to attend. I highly doubt CGE will shift dates at this point, so make the best of it for this year and perhaps this will be taken into consideration next year.

[GrandAmChandler]

Make your choice and enjoy whichever event you choose to attend.

The choice is yours...

http://random-squeegee.com/knight.jpg

Choose Wisely....

http://shrek.blog.hr/slike/110504.jpg

He chose.... Poorly.....

http://www.indianajones.com/museum/exhibit/scrapbook/img/ij3_ia_62_bg.jpg

[Mayhem]

LOL

Still, SDCC do announce the next year's dates immediately after the current show finishes, so everyone does have plenty of time to prepare.

[megamaniaman]

Actually I am happy it is in conflict with the San Diego Comic Con. Now when I go to this convention in Vegas I am more likely to meet people who have video game collecting as their number 1 hobby. Tell me what is the point in going to San Diego in all honesty. The truth of the matter is that the movie industry has taken control of this convention. You are much more likely to run into an Actor, director or producer who is trying to pimp out their new movie than you are likely to run into an actual comic artist. The CGE convetion is nothing but old shool programmers for old school systems. The CGE is basically what a covention should be. The San Diego Con is basically is exploitation of the consumer at it's finest.

[esquire]

I'm actually going to Vegas August 4-7 for another convention for my job. It's always the first week in August, which always tied in nicely with CGE when it was in Vegas.

I remember going to CGE 2K3 for the weekend, Friday through Sunday, at the Plaza and then going over to the Bellagio for other convention Sunday through Tuesday. I had an awesome time in Vegas at both. I may have to extend my trip this year to a full week to catch both. Maybe I'll work in a side-trip to SoCal and visit a buddy of mine in Malibu. He works for a company called "Wet Design" and he helped build the Bellagio Fountains. He still goes to Vegas every now and then to re-program the fountain heads. At CGE 2K3 he let a buddy of mine up into the control tower and start a show, even though it wasn't the scheduled time for one.

[Nicola]

I would come...but I am alone, from Italy...is there someone who will take this like an holiday, from Europe?

Every year I tell myself that I must come...

[Mayhem]

Me. You're right though, there generally haven't been many non-Americans at all at CGE. This will make it the fifth now this year for me. Getting the time off is fine, it's the air fare that's the killer. It's gone up about 40% since I first travelled back in 2002. With the exchange rate currently though, it does ease the pain slightly when spending US dollars!

[rick weis]

the suspense is killing me! can't wait to hear which hotel it's going to be at. (and the discounts) :)

this has always been my summer vacation, and can't wait for it to come this year! :) :)

Rick

[DreamTR]

My guess is it will be at something like Circus Circus, The Riviera, or Bally's...something further down towards downtown, but not quite there...

[Kitsune Sniper]

Heh, wish I could go, but I really don't have anyone to hang with anymore.

[Sniderman]

Heh, wish I could go, but I really don't have anyone to hang with anymore.
Huh? The place is overflowing with DP members and you're afraid you won't meet anyone? Hell, many of us come alone in hopes of making new friends and meeting new people to hang with. You should do the same.

[rolenta]

My guess is it will be at something like Circus Circus, The Riviera, or Bally's...something further down towards downtown, but not quite there...

I was told by Joe that it will be at the Riviera. If there was a change in venue, I wasn't informed.

[Vectorman0]

Heh, wish I could go, but I really don't have anyone to hang with anymore.

The only good reasons not to go are lack of money and other important obligations. ;)

[YoshiM]

For the Celebrities pages and such, is that stuff updated for what's going down this year or is the info still from 2005's show?

[drwily008]

Shows how infrequently I come here these days....I just read about this NOW. I am going to do everything in my power to get there!

ROCK ON VEGAS!

[RetroYoungen]

Heh, wish I could go, but I really don't have anyone to hang with anymore.

What Sniderman said. A lot of people go by themselves (I just might be coming alone for the second year in a row) just to hang out with other DP members. The first time I went I had my sister, other than that I knew absolutely no one (and she left after the first day, wasn't her cup 'o tea). The next year, I was on DP, and I honestly felt I always had someone to talk to. Drex, Mr. DP himself, Snidey, QoF, POG... it was just so much fun.

So c'mon, join the family and hang out! Hell, I might be able to make it this year, the more the merrier!

[digitalpress]

For the Celebrities pages and such, is that stuff updated for what's going down this year or is the info still from 2005's show?

It hasn't been updated for 2007 yet, but expect the typical huge turnout. Most of the alumni I've had contact with over the past two years really missed having the show last year. You have to understand that CGE is like a reunion for these guys.

Also like years past we're also drafting more new faces into the "celebrities" group.

[Mangar]

I'm just happy it's in Vegas, which makes it much more appealing a trip.

Mangar: "Hey guys - Wanna go to San Diego and hang out with nerds at a Classic Videogaming Expo???"

People: "Go to hell."

Vrs

Mangar: "Hey guys, Wanna go to Vegas and hang out with nerds at a Classic Videogaming Expo???"

People: "We can like umm.. Go gamble, and bang bookers when we get bored of you and the rest of nerds right?

Mangar: "Yes."

People: "SOLD!"

[NESaholic]

I am thinking of going, i too see this topic every year and want to join in. It's not cheap flying from here, there's a big chance i will be there this year though.

[SegaAges]

I have honestly never gone to a CGE and have been around here for a couple years and still don't really know anybody. By that time, I will be out of college, so hopefully I can make it there and chat with some of you guys and finally meet you guys instead of me just posting comments and stuff to threads.

[Felixthegamer]

I am missing this year, but I am curious, will this be every other year or was missing last year the except and not the rule?

[Vectorman0]

I have honestly never gone to a CGE and have been around here for a couple years and still don't really know anybody. By that time, I will be out of college, so hopefully I can make it there and chat with some of you guys and finally meet you guys instead of me just posting comments and stuff to threads.

Stop by #vbender (info here (http://www.digitpress.com/forum/showthread.php?t=93159)) on a regular basis, and you will get to know many of us and will feel much more at home.

[Nicola]

This year may be the right year to take a plane, spend a lot of money and come to CGE!

[Fighter17]

I'm finally going!

I got my room reserve and my airplane ticket paid!

Edit: Just order the tickets thru PayPal.

[Blitzwing256]

since its pretty much right down the street for me, I'm definatly going this year.

lostlevels gotta represent or somethin ;-)

[GarrettCRW]

Well, since it's kind of, you know, the first CGE in town since I joined the board, I kind of have to go. ;)

.....Though it would be nice if one of the arcade cabinets present is known for shouting, "Boom-shaka-laka!" (hint, hint)

[ACiD]

I hope there's one for 2008 in Vegas, I'll be 21 and legal age to drink!!

[vincewy]

For European members, check with the charter flights to Vegas, I see Condor regularly at Vegas, else there's Virgin Atlantic nonstop from Gatwick. Another option is flying to NY cheap (especially BA) and connect with some local/cheap domestic flights, there're some options between JFK and LAS.

[Dan Iacovelli]

my brother just ordered the plain tickets and reserved the rooms(didn't do it via discounts page,went thru price line)
and I just registered for my attendence for CGE(yea,another tag for my chain :) )
my brother and sister aren't that insterested in gaming as I am.

[BydoEmpire]

I've never been to CGE before, although every year I tell my wife how it's too bad we're too busy, or have something else planned. All that subtley has paid off, as this year my wife got me a real surprise for my birthday: a trip to CGE 2k7! Can't wait!

[megamaniaman]

I see the guest page has been updated for this year.
http://www.cgexpo.com/guests.htm

[Nicola]

Dear friends, we have just bought the tickets!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[esquire]

One thing I can't locate anywhere are the hours for the exhibit hall. Are they set yet?

[MachineGex]

Are the CGE tickets mailed to us or do we just pick them up at the door?
Thanks

[Mayhem]

Just need proof of who you are for the location at the event where you get your CGE badge from.

[vectrexer]

How about another Dig Dug Drop?

[Dan Iacovelli]

How about another Dig Dug Drop?
No.No No. that was totaly unorganized I was there even took pictures
was part of it but it was nuts.

[ubikuberalles]

No.No No. that was totaly unorganized I was there even took pictures
was part of it but it was nuts.

But that was the total fun of it! Chaos! w00T! That's why I would go to the dig dug drop! :)

[Dan Iacovelli]

But that was the total fun of it! Chaos! w00T! That's why I would go to the dig dug drop! :)
chaos is fun as long it's organiznered .
even though Iwasn't in it, just watching it was fun though.