Who Isn’t at Your Table Yet? Programming That Grows Your Gaming Community
Title:
Who Isn’t at Your Table Yet? Programming That Grows Your Gaming Community
Year:
2026
Original Order:
12053
Game:
TRD26ND314566
Short Description:
The secret to a thriving gaming community isn’t more game nights. Discover what kinds of events can build broader and more durable communities, and take home ideas you can apply right away.
Long Description:
Game nights and open play are the heartbeat of any gaming community. They’re where friendships deepen, skills grow, and regulars become family. But they tend to reach people who are already gamers. If you want to expand your community, welcome first-time players, or connect your space to the broader neighborhood, a different kind of programming belongs in the mix alongside them. This session explores how events where gaming is the conversation, rather than the activity, create the conditions for new people to walk through your door and find their place. Drawing on the Chicago Tabletop Gaming Association’s 2025 programming, we’ll unpack what worked, what surprised us, and what the patterns reveal about how communities actually grow. Retailers, librarians, and educators will leave with a practical framework and event formats ready to bring home.
Event Type:
TRD - Trade Day Events
Minimum Players:
1
Maximum Players:
40
Age Required:
Everyone (6+)
Experience Required:
None (You've never played before - rules will be taught)