Gen Con

Gen Con is a gaming convention that began in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, in 1968 and now takes place in Indianapolis, centered on the Indiana Convention Center. Gen Con LLC runs it, and the 2027 show is set for August 5–8.

Cosplay has its own place on the schedule, with a cosplay contest and a costume parade that has accessible viewing areas.

The weapon policy bans real historical or modern weapons and anything that could be mistaken for one, including airsoft and water guns, knives and wooden martial-arts practice weapons. Fantasy and sci-fi weapons that look nothing like real arms are fine, but no live steel or projectile weapons, and props must fit under a standard doorway. An accessibility services desk handles badge pickup and assistance stickers.