Is This Your First Convention?
Then please read this. Cold Wars is one of the largest gatherings of historical miniatures gamers and Dealers on the East Coast. We expect more than 2,000 attendees from across the nation, as well as from Canada and overseas.
But the largest contingent will come from east of the Mississippi, quite possibly from your very own neighborhood. So take the opportunity to chat with your fellow hobbyists. Not only will you meet some great people, but you might find a new gaming group and friends as well.
To get started, study your convention program carefully. Read the various event descriptions to identify those you wish to play or watch. Learn the layout of the convention areas, and most important, do not be afraid to ask questions, take photographs, or chat with event hosts and Dealers. Remember: They were once like you – novices to historical miniature gaming.
Why join HMGS East?
There are plenty of good reasons to join HMGS. As a member, you receive a bimonthly newsletter containing news of the organization, hobby, clubs, and conventions. Most important, you are entitled to discounted admission to all three HMGS conventions, and discounts at local hobby shops!
Ask at the Convention Registration Desk about joining HMGS (only $25 a year). Those joining now will remain members in good standing through September 30 next year. And for more information on HMGS, make sure you regularly check the Web site at: www.hmgs.org.
How Do Events Work?
Each event at Cold Wars is described in this program, along with its starting time, location, period of history represented, figure scale, and the rules that will be used. Many events also have a sponsor who has donated merchandise or credit for Best Player of the event. Most important, all events are free!
Between events, you'll find many activities to keep you entertained - from meeting VIPs of the hobby to watching videos. You'll want to check out the great buys in our Dealer Hall, where you'll find everything your heart desires in historical miniatures and hobby accessories.
Registration Desk
Will be located in the Wheatland Room. Attendees may register for the convention, sign up for events, and renew or establish membership in HMGS.
Event Registration
Pre-registrants may have registered for one (1) primary and one (1) secondary, event per day. At the convention, all attendees may register for two (on site) events - one (1) additional event each day - subject to availability (you may register for these events only after 4 p.m. on day prior to, or on day of, event - until event is scheduled. On-site registration is conducted at the Registration Desk. Additionally, you can enter other events just by arriving at the event location about a 30-60 minutes before the event's start time, and ask the event host if there are any openings. If not, ask to be placed on a stand-by list to fill any no-shows (seminars are generally first-come-first-seated, so plan to arrive early).
Game Masters (GMs)
At Cold Wars 2012 we will continue our new system for recognizing volunteers who help make your attendance at our conventions more enjoyable. If you are the primary gamemaster and present a game or games which total 24 contact hours (for example, 6 players in a 4 hour game equals the 24 contact hours), and your game is submitted for inclusion and is listed in the Preliminary Events List (PEL), then your admission to the convention is free! Management does reserve the right to refuse any game or admission.
Awards
HMGS has a tradition of awarding Pour Encourager Les Autres Awards (PELAAs) for convention games. Roughly speaking, these awards go to the games that best embodies what HMGS is all about and display the positive traits of miniature gaming - well-painted figures, great-looking terrain, interesting scenarios, enjoyable rules, good sportsmanship, an enjoyable time - basically events that do the most to "encourage the others". Awards will be given out for both Theme and Non-Theme games at the convention. The GM Coordinator and volunteers will be walking around throughout the convention looking at set-up, professionalism, how much fun the game is to play, and other criteria. Awards will be presented during the convention. So, take a look around and you might see some of your fellow gamers so honored.
GM/Events Desk
At Cold Wars we will again have the GM/Events Desk to support our gamemasters (GMs). Located in the foyer of the Distlefink Room, the Support Desk will provide assistance to GMs with transport and temporary storage of figures, help with table location and resolution of other GM issues.
Dealer Hall - The Exposition Center
The EXPO Center (better known as the "Tennis Barn") is located apart from the main hotel, directly across the side parking lot. There's a covered walkway in case we have a blizzard (and no kidding, this happened in 2007!).
Souvenir Convention Theme T-Shirt
Did you purchase a Souvenir Convention Theme T-shirt? Why not? They are of a high quality 50/50 material with really neat artwork! Over the years the T-shirts for Cold Wars have been very popular, so do not delay, get yours at the Convention Registration Desk before they are all gone!
- T-shirts, Small: $ 10.00
- T-shirts, Medium, Large or X-Large: $ 15.00
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T-shirts, XX-Large or XXX-Large: $ 17.00
- T-shirts, XXXX-Large: $ 20.00
The Convention Director is the point of contact for lost and found issues. Also, if unclaimed items are found they will be brought to the Registration Desk for safe keeping and claim by their owners.
The information on this page iis Subject to Change! Please check back often for the latest information.
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