Board game events are one of the most useful tools for new designers within the tabletop industry. They bring together players, publishers, and most importantly, game designers looking to refine their craft, enjoy playtesting opportunities, and connect with industry professionals. If you’re a board game designer, attending these events can be a game-changer, whether you’re looking for feedback, networking opportunities, or a chance to pitch your next big idea.
In this article, we’ll explore the top board game events in North America that are particularly valuable for designers. If you’re based elsewhere, don’t worry—we’ll be publishing more lists covering key tabletop events in Europe, Asia, and beyond!
Here’s some tabletop conventions we think would be useful to new designers:
1. Gen Con
📅 July 31–August 3, 2025 |📍 Indianapolis, IN
Gen Con is North America’s largest tabletop gaming convention, drawing over 70,000 passionate gamers, designers, and industry professionals. The atmosphere is electric and diverse, offering an expansive range of panels, workshops, and exhibitor booths. Many designers choose Gen Con as the launchpad for their Kickstarter campaigns because it provides an unparalleled opportunity to showcase prototypes, gather live feedback, and connect directly with publishers and potential collaborators.
Perfect for:
- Showcasing prototypes and early designs
- Learning from comprehensive workshops and panels
- Networking with industry leaders and publishers
2. Origins Game Fair
📅 June 18–22, 2025 |📍 Columbus, OH
Organized by the Game Manufacturers Association (GAMA), Origins Game Fair is a multifaceted event that seamlessly blends gaming, education, and business networking. The fair is renowned for the Origins Awards, which spotlight excellence in game design, and for its expert-led sessions that provide deep insights into current industry trends. It’s a dynamic environment where you can both present your work and learn from the best in the business.
Perfect for:
- Gaining industry insights through expert sessions
- Networking with publishers and established designers
- Showcasing innovative prototypes
3. PAX Unplugged
📅 November 21–23, 2025 |📍 Philadelphia, PA
PAX Unplugged is a dedicated event for tabletop gaming enthusiasts that emphasizes an immersive, community-driven experience. With a focus exclusively on board games, this event offers an ideal setting to test your game prototypes in front of an engaged audience. The panels, Q&A sessions, and hands-on opportunities allow you to absorb practical tips from seasoned professionals while receiving real-time feedback from enthusiastic players and industry insiders.
Perfect for:
- Presenting and refining game prototypes
- Participating in specialized game design panels
- Engaging with a community of dedicated gamers
- Connecting with publishers and industry professionals
4. SaltCON
📅 February 27-March 2 2025 |📍 Layton, UT
One of the best conventions for independent designers, featuring the Ion Award, which recognizes outstanding board game design. If you’re looking to get noticed by publishers, this is a great opportunity. The event creates a supportive atmosphere for both emerging and experienced designers, providing opportunities to display your prototypes, attend in-depth discussions, and get noticed by publishers actively seeking fresh, inventive ideas.
Perfect for:
- Gaining recognition through competitive awards (Ion Award)
- Showcasing indie prototypes
- Learning from focused design discussions and panels
- Networking with publishers interested in fresh concepts
5. Protospiel Online
📅 Year-Round (Online)
Protospiel events are informal, drop-in playtesting sessions held throughout the year, offering an invaluable resource for designers at any stage. The online format encourages quick iterations, honest feedback, and open dialogue among peers. This flexible environment is ideal for experimenting with new mechanics and refining your game before approaching publishers or larger conventions.
Perfect for:
- Early-stage playtesting and rapid iteration
- Receiving immediate, community-driven feedback
- Experimenting with game mechanics in a low-pressure setting
- Building connections with fellow game designers
6. Dice Tower East & West
📅 East: July 2–6, 2025 | West: March 5-9 2025
📍 East: Orlando, FL | West: Las Vegas, NV
Hosted by the Dice Tower Network, these events provide a great space for both casual gamers and professional designers. Dice Tower events are designed to foster creative exchange through laid-back panels, open play areas, and interactive prototype testing sessions. The dual locations ensure that you have ample opportunities to network and gather feedback in an informal setting.
Perfect for:
- Casual prototype testing in a friendly environment
- Attending laid-back panels on current trends in game design
- Networking with a diverse mix of gamers and publishers
7. Breakout Con
📅 March 14-16 2025 |📍 Toronto, Canada
Breakout Con is Toronto’s beloved tabletop celebration where gamers come together for epic play and creative innovation. Born from the passion of local gaming leaders, this convention—running since 2016—offers a dynamic mix of events, from a massive Bring & Buy auction and an expansive board game library to exclusive RPG modules and immersive games.
Perfect for:
- Play your favorite games and discover new games from their extensive library.
- Testing prototypes for free with local designers at Protospiel North
- Discovering new tabletop adventures alongside old favorites
- Connecting with a welcoming, inclusive community of gamers
8. BFIG Tabletop Showcase (BostonFIG Fest)
📅 December 2025 (Exact Dates TBA) | 📍 Boston, MA
BostonFIG Fest, featuring the BFIG Tabletop Showcase, is a festival dedicated to the celebration of indie board games. This event is a vibrant mix of competitive displays and collaborative learning sessions, offering designers an opportunity to present new game ideas, receive constructive critiques, and engage with a community of like-minded creators. It’s a dynamic environment where creativity is celebrated and professional connections are forged.
Perfect for:
- Networking with publishers and indie game enthusiasts
- Showcasing new, indie prototypes in a festival setting
- Participating in interactive critique and feedback sessions
- Learning innovative design strategies from peers
What are your favorite board game events?
For any aspiring or experienced board game designer, conventions are more than just gaming events—they are opportunities for growth, networking, and professional success. Whether you’re playtesting a prototype, meeting with a publisher, or simply soaking in the industry knowledge, attending the right events can be a major step in your journey.
If you’re looking for events outside North America, stay tuned! We’ll be covering top board game events in Europe, Asia, and beyond in upcoming articles. Until then, happy designing!
