by Michael Strauss

Created on: March 19, 2010

The simply named Origins, is a 5 day gaming convention held annually in Columbus, OH near the end of June or beginning of July.  Amongst the convention fan base, it is known to be the third largest U.S. gaming convention, after Gen Con and Dragon Con.  Held early in the summer, it is considered the benchmark for the start of the summer gaming convention season.  Between its timing and easily accessible location, the convention draws crowds well in excess of 10,000.

For experienced attendees, Origins is a familiar and comfortable event.  Always held in the Columbus Convention Center and set up nearly identically every year, repeat attendees can easily and comfortably navigate the convention and attend preferred events.  New attendees, though, are much more likely to be confused by the wide range of options and not even be aware of some of the great amenities and events at the conventions.  Presented are some tips for finding the best events, navigating the convention, and finding lodging and consumables for the convention.

Hotels – Three major hotels are directly connected to the convention center.  All participate in convention discounts and all can be reserved through the convention web site.  The Drury is the one primarily used by convention staff, limiting available rooming for attendees.  Of the other two hotels, the Crowne Plaza is slightly less expensive than the Hyatt Regency, but the amenities are not as good and the rooms are slightly less comfortable.  Other hotels are available within a 10 block radius, but being directly connected to the convention will greatly improve your convention experience and is worth a slightly increased cost.

Food – The convention has various food vendors inside it, but they all serve mediocre convention food at outrageous prices.  Even drinks are unreasonably priced.  It is much better to block off a little time to visit the small restaurants located on the hotel side of the convention center.  You don’t need to ever leave the building to visit them, their prices are more reasonable, and they serve healthier and better food.  For breakfast, you should try to get to them before 7:30AM, when lines are short and you should generally avoid trying to get food from noon to 2PM and 4:30PM to 6:30PM due to long lines.

Event Registration – Event registration is the first thing you see upon walking into the convention.  It is row of

• 1
• 2
• Next Page >>