What is Midwest GameFest Kansas City?
Midwest GameFest Kansas City is an annual four-day tabletop hobby game convention held each Spring in the Kansas City area. It is the companion convention to our online-only event, Midwest GameFest Online, held each Fall online. We've got a great round up of activities from in-person role-playing games, miniatures, board games, card games, organized play, live action, cosplay, artwork, workshops, game designers, exhibitors, benefit events, a used game sale and more! Midwest GameFest is organized and funded by The Role-Players Guild of Kansas City, LTD.
Where is it?
The Stoney Creek Hotel and Conference Center is conveniently located in Independence, Missouri at the southeast intersection of I-70 and I-470. The facility address is 18011 Bass Pro Drive, Independence, MO 64055 (map), and we have some great directions on our Lodging and Travel page. Independence is part of the Greater Kansas City Metropolitan Area.
When is it?
Doors open to the public on Thursday, April 18 at 12 p.m. and the event runs through Sunday, April 21 at 7 p.m. See our Schedule page for details.
Onsite food
Independence has some of the region's best food options, many of which are only a short drive away. But for folks who want to stay at the convention facility (and maximize their game playing), the hotel is now offering a concession stand for snacks, sodas, and mealtime quick food! The hotel also offers McCoy's Whiskey & Wine Bar, with typical bar fare plus a great selection of exclusive wine and local craft beers. There are a number of great restaurants nearby, including one right outside the hotel, and many within walking distance or a short drive. Snacks and sodas are available near the hotel desk, and hotel guests receive complimentary breakfast. No outside food or drinks are allowed in the convention area, but may be enjoyed by hotel guests in their rooms or the breakfast room.
Wi-Fi
Both the main game hall and our pre-function area at Stoney Creek Hotel and Conference Center will feature complimentary wi-fi. Network conditions will vary with the number of active users on the network.
Exhibitors
We host a number of tabletop gaming and fantasy-related dealers, vendors, and small press game companies. Check the Exhibitors page for details on this year's dealers.
Event organizers
Event/game organizers should contact us as soon as possible so details may be worked out. We are looking for events ranging from a single board game or RPG round, to miniatures tournaments or sanctioned trading card events. If you want to run a tournament, live-action, or large-scale event, please contact us directly. See our Events page for details.
Volunteers
Volunteers are always needed. See our Volunteers page for volunteer discounts and to sign up as a volunteer.
Lodging
Midwest GameFest is pleased to offer room discounts at our convention hotel, Stoney Creek Hotel and Conference Center. Get reservation information and directions at our Lodging and Travel page.
How does my group, store, or I get involved?
Essentially just This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with your contact information and what you might want to do. See below for additional info:
- Gaming Groups: We will have a table for flyers and other promotional information for area gaming clubs and conventions. Groups that are interested in greater participation should This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with details. Volunteer discounts are a great opportunity for your group or club. See our Volunteers page for details.
- Stores: We will have a wall or table to put out advertisements and other promotional items for the Kansas City area and other game stores. Stores may contact us directly to discuss attending as a dealer, or to provide other support. See our Exhibitors page for details.
- Individuals: Individuals may participate as players and event organizers, and need not be part of a larger group to do so. See our Volunteers and Events pages for details.
Who are the convention staff and organizers?
The convention is organized, staffed, and financed by a cadre of experienced volunteer conventioneers from the Role-players Guild of Kansas City with an advisory board made up of participating members/organizers from the Heart of America Historical Miniatures Gaming Society, KC Hobbit League, ReRoll Tavern, and other interested folks. The convention is financed by RPGKC coffers, door proceeds, exhibitor fees, and sponsorships. The RPGKC is a 501(c)(7) non-profit group of role-playing game enthusiasts dedicated to bringing quality gaming to all and educating the public about that gaming.
Does Midwest GameFest benefit a charity?
Midwest GameFest is not a charity itself, and neither is its parent organization the Role-players Guild of Kansas City. However, we have historically provided a charity raffle benefitting Harvesters Community Food Network, a large community food bank in the Kansas City region. You can learn more about this at our Benefit Raffle page. Additionally, separate groups at Midwest GameFest have historically gathered donations for their own charity causes, such as Heroes of Rokugan's annual Toys for Tots drive.
We are also hosting a Red Cross Blood Drive Friday afternoon from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.