If you’re a board game designer in europe looking to showcase your prototype, network with publishers, or gain inspiration from industry professionals, attending a board game convention is a must. Several board game events in Europe provide opportunities for playtesting, feedback, and connecting with like-minded creators.
Attending board game conventions is one of the best ways to develop your game, receive valuable feedback, and make essential industry connections. So, pack your prototypes, book your tickets, and get ready to immerse yourself in the exciting world of board game creation with these board game conventions in Europe for this 2025. If you live in North America you can check out our top picks here, and stay tuned for our top picks for Asia.
Our list of board game events in Europe
1. Protos y Tipos – Spain
📅 March 7–9, 2025 | 📍 Zaragoza, Spain
Protos y Tipos is Spain’s premier event for board game prototyping, organized by the Ludo Association. It offers a collaborative environment where designers can showcase their game concepts, receive structured feedback, and engage in discussions with experienced publishers and fellow game creators. The event features dedicated playtesting tables, expert-led panel discussions, and informal networking opportunities. With a strong focus on indie game development, this is the perfect place to refine your game mechanics before pitching it to a publisher.
Perfect for:
- Playtesting your prototype in a professional yet friendly atmosphere
- Receiving expert feedback to refine your game mechanics
- Connecting with Spanish and European publishers
- Learning from workshops and panel discussions
Asociación Ludo – Protos y Tipos
2. DAU Barcelona – Spain
📅 November 2025 (Exact Dates TBA) | 📍 Barcelona, Spain
DAU Barcelona is a festival dedicated to board games, featuring a mix of mainstream publishers and indie designers. The event includes a prototype section where designers can present their creations and receive constructive feedback from both players and professionals. In addition to playtesting, DAU also hosts panel discussions with successful game designers, workshops on game mechanics and publishing strategies, and networking sessions that connect creators with industry leaders. The event’s open and welcoming atmosphere makes it a fantastic place to showcase new ideas and learn from seasoned experts.
Perfect for:
- Gaining exposure for your board game prototype
- Networking with publishers and distributors
- Attending workshops on game development and publishing
- Engaging with a vibrant tabletop gaming community
3. SPIEL Essen – Germany
📅 October 23–26, 2025 | 📍 Essen, Germany
SPIEL Essen is the world’s largest board game fair, attracting thousands of industry professionals, designers, and board game enthusiasts. It’s a golden opportunity to showcase your prototype, meet publishers, and explore the latest trends in tabletop gaming. With more than 1,200 exhibitors from around the world, SPIEL provides unmatched exposure for game designers. The event features demo areas, exclusive publisher meetings, and expert-led discussions on game development. Whether you’re an indie creator looking for a breakthrough or an established designer wanting to connect with the global gaming community, SPIEL Essen is the place to be.
Perfect for:
- Pitching your game to major publishers
- Testing prototypes with a large, engaged audience
- Learning about manufacturing and distribution processes
- Discovering the hottest new releases in the board game industry
4. Cannes International Games Festival – France
📅 February 28 – March 2, 2025 | 📍 Cannes, France
This prestigious festival in France is home to the As d’Or awards, recognizing outstanding board games. The event attracts a mix of mainstream publishers and indie designers, making it a great place to pitch your game and gain visibility. Beyond the competitive element, Cannes also offers playtesting zones, business networking lounges, and expert talks on game marketing and distribution. With high attendance from European publishers, this festival provides ample opportunities to connect with potential partners and refine your game’s commercial appeal.
Perfect for:
- Meeting top European publishers and distributors
- Testing your game with a large audience
- Attending workshops and design panels
5. FLIP (Festival Ludique International de Parthenay) – France
📅 July, 9–20 | 📍 Parthenay, France
FLIP transforms the historic town of Parthenay into a giant board gaming space for several days. The festival features a dedicated area for prototypes, where designers can receive feedback and potentially attract publisher interest. FLIP’s unique outdoor setting encourages casual playtesting and interactions between designers and players. It also includes design contests, industry talks, and opportunities to showcase games in a lively, festival-like atmosphere. If you want to see how your game performs with an enthusiastic, diverse audience, FLIP is the perfect venue.
Perfect for:
- Playtesting your game with a large audience
- Engaging with casual and serious board gamers
- Meeting independent publishers and distributors
- Enjoying a fun, immersive gaming atmosphere
6. Fastaval – Denmark
📅 April 16–21, 2025 | 📍 Hobro, Denmark
Fastaval is known for its focus on innovative and experimental board games. It offers a structured playtesting environment and the opportunity to compete for the prestigious Otto awards. Unlike other conventions, Fastaval emphasizes narrative-driven and avant-garde game designs, making it a fantastic venue for those experimenting with mechanics and storytelling. Designers also receive systematic feedback from players and judges, ensuring that every game presented at Fastaval benefits from expert insights.
Perfect for:
- Showcasing creative and unconventional game mechanics
- Gaining in-depth feedback from industry professionals
- Competing for the Otto awards
- Engaging in structured game development discussions
7. Brussels Game Festival – Protozone – Belgium
📅 August 29–31, 2025 | 📍 Brussels, Belgium
Protozone is a dedicated section within the Brussels Game Festival, where designers can present their prototypes and get feedback from both the public and industry professionals. It’s a fantastic opportunity to refine your game and connect with publishers. The event includes prototype competitions, open playtesting sessions, and direct networking opportunities with local and international publishers.
Perfect for:
- Playtesting and refining your game mechanics
- Engaging with both casual players and industry experts
- Networking with Belgian and European publishers
- Participating in design workshops
8. LeiriaCon – Portugal
📅 April 3–6, 2025 | 📍 Leiria, Portugal
Organized by Spiel Portugal, LeiriaCon is a relaxed but professional environment where designers can showcase prototypes, test new games, and meet publishers looking for fresh ideas. The convention features dedicated playtesting zones, panel discussions, and meet-and-greet sessions with prominent figures in the board gaming industry.
Perfect for:
- Pitching your game to indie and mainstream publishers
- Playtesting with a dedicated gaming community
- Participating in networking events and design panels
- Enjoying a cozy but impactful board gaming event
Board game conventions aren’t just about showcasing games—they’re about immersing yourself in a world of creativity, collaboration, and innovation. Whether you’re playtesting your latest prototype, pitching your game to publishers, or simply soaking in the energy of the gaming community, these events offer invaluable experiences.
From the bustling halls of SPIEL Essen to the intimate playtesting tables of Protos y Tipos, each convention provides unique opportunities to refine your craft and make meaningful industry connections. So, whether you’re an aspiring designer or a seasoned pro, mark your calendar, pack your prototypes, and get ready to experience the best that Europe’s board game scene has to offer in 2025!
