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It's been a long time since we've attended a gaming convention.

Sure, we've been to several conferences for blogging, social media, and travel and we've attended the Chicago Toy & Game Fair.

But an event focused only on gaming? We haven't experienced something like that since attending BlizzCon 2009.

We Didn't Know What to Expect at Nexus Game Fair Milwaukee

This year we are actively seeking gaming conventions to attend – both large and small. They will be our vacations because what's better than several days of playing games?

We had plans to attend the Midwest Gaming Classic in Milwaukee a few months ago. We even bought tickets, but ended up staying home because of a snow storm.

In April.

Thanks, Wisconsin!

The end of the school year has been pretty busy, but we were determined to check out at least one day of Nexus Game Fair Milwaukee 2018. Overall we knew it wasn't as large as Origins or GenCon, but we weren't sure what to expect.

Welcome sign at Nexus Game Fair Milwaukee

Their website stuck to the basics of when and where, but didn't provide a whole lot of insight to newbies interested in going. We're glad we decided to check it out. As Brian and I said in the video, we weren't sure how big it was or how many vendors would be there. It provided a great opportunity to do some shopping for board games and gaming accessories. It is definitely more focused on getting people together to play more than publishers demoing new releases.

The kids waiting to play games in the Kids' Gaming Track area at Nexus Game Fair.

We did miss out on the play to win library and weren't able to sign up for any game sessions due to schedule conflicts. The kids enjoyed the kids' gaming table though. It was great seeing them gather around the table, eager to learn how to play something different.

Kids games played and won at Nexus Game Fair 2018

Of course, it helped that they won a couple of the games to bring home.

Now that we know what to expect, it is on our radar for next year. Hopefully we can spend at least one day there without the kids so we can get some game time in. I spotted several games on the table that I want to try and it would have been nice to join in!

Nexus Game Fair Board Game Haul

You didn't actually think I'd leave there without buying something, did you? A big thank you to Thunderworks Games as well as Chimera Hobby Shop for offering great deals!

Here are the games we talked about and showed you in the video. These include affiliate links which means we may make a small commission if you make a purchase. 

Roll Player

Roll Player: Monsters and Minions

Roll Player Game Mat

Roll Player Organizer

Roll Player Metal Coins

Sagrada

Pandemic

Smash Up Munchkin

The Sorcerer's Sword

Highland Clans

MemoARRR

Conex

ROBiTs

Next up, we'll be headed to Origins Game Fair in Columbus, Ohio. We can't wait to share about our experience and our impressions of the new board games we'll be demoing.

Let us know, are there board game releases you are looking forward to? Are you planning to attend any gaming conventions this year? Do you like to shop for board games at conventions?


Thinking about attending Nexus Game Fair Milwaukee? This family shares their experience after their first time attending plus their board game haul.

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Welcome

We are a family of gamers. Mom (Darcy/Syrana) and Dad (Brian/Sideshow) have been gaming for as long as they can remember back when you only had a joystick to use and saved your games to cassette tapes.

They've been gaming together since they met in 2002. Sometime after 2006, they both started playing World of Warcraft and did that for many years. They started this blog, originally called Sideshow & Syrana which has now transitioned to the new Stay-At-Home Gamers site, while keeping all of the original content.

Starting in 2010, two more gamers came along (now known as Princess Boo and Mr. X) and they are now old enough where they both enjoy playing games and watching others play games. They are both excited to have others to watch them play their favorite games. Come along with us and let's enjoy these games together!


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