Paul: You’re right, it wasn’t quick or cheap. How did you go about funding and organizing the first CaptainCon? Tangible Day (Andrew): Launching a convention must have been a huge undertaking. We wanted CaptainCon to bring together all types of gamers, from casual players to competitive tournament veterans, in a friendly and inviting environment. Paul: We knew we had the skills to run a convention and always wanted to apply the lessons we learned from attending and working at other conventions to create the best possible experience for attendees. Tangible Day (Andrew): That sounds like a pivotal moment! How did you decide to move forward with creating CaptainCon? That’s when we realized we could either take the next step to a whole convention or downsize the event. The New England Team Tournament for Warmachine was the biggest of these, and it kept growing until we outgrew all the host stores. We had been running miniatures tournaments and events of progressively larger size for several years. \ Warmachine! For me, it’s like enjoying being the GM just as much as a player in an RPG. Paul: We’ve always loved setting up events where people can have a great time playing games. What inspired you all to take that passion and create a convention like CaptainCon? Tangible Day (Andrew): It’s evident that you and your fellow organizers are incredibly passionate about tabletop gaming. Unwinding over a game of…whatever you want! CaptainCon is my annual opportunity to really amp up my gaming experience and share that passion with others. To de-stress after a long day, I love spending time with my pugs and playing games. I work to protect Bostonians from hazards like lead paint, asbestos, poor indoor air quality, chemical releases, and other threats. Paul: My day job is with the Boston Public Health Commission, where I manage the Environmental Health Division. Tangible Day (Andrew): Sounds like you all share a strong passion for gaming! Outside of CaptainCon, what do you do, and how do you unwind? Together, we’ve had some fantastic gaming adventures, from running events at New England game stores to working booths at major conventions like GenCon and PAX East, as well as running demos or tournaments at local conventions. We organized events at local game stores and conventions. Paul: I met Craig, Andrew, and Cory through the Pressgang, which was a group of volunteers supporting the Warmachine miniatures game by Privateer Press. Tangible Day (Andrew): That’s quite an impressive background! How did you meet your fellow CaptainCon organizers and start this journey together? Left to right (CaptainCon co-founders): Craig, Paul (me), Andrew, and Cory Lately, I’ve been expanding my board game collection too. I’ve primarily played role-playing games like D&D, Vampire, Shadowrun, Amber, and others, but I also enjoy miniatures games such as Warhammer 40K and Warmachine/Hordes. I’ve been immersed in the gaming world since the 1980s – you know, the era of rotary phones and no internet, like in Stranger Things. Paul: Thank you for having me! My name is Paul Shoemaker, and I’m one of the four founders of CaptainCon. As a co-founder and head organizer for CaptainCon, could you share a little about yourself and your background in gaming? Tangible Day (Andrew): Welcome, Paul! It’s great to have you here with us on the Tangible Day Blog. It’s a heartfelt and insightful discussion you won’t want to miss. Join me as we delve into Paul’s personal journey, the challenges and rewards of organizing a convention, and the many ways CaptainCon enriches the miniature tabletop gaming community. Our conversation offered a unique, introspective look into the inner workings of these events and the dedication it takes to create unforgettable experiences for attendees. A Warhammer 40k Imperial Knight sits pretty ready for war. Imagine attending the ultimate sleepover party for adults who love games – that’s what a miniature tabletop gaming convention feels like! Surrounded by people who share your passion for gaming, painting, and collecting, it’s the perfect chance to make new friends and expand your social circle. That’s why I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to sit down and chat with Paul Shoemaker, the head organizer of the acclaimed CaptainCon. Introduction: Unleashing Your Inner Miniature Gamer & Connecting with Your TribeĪs a passionate miniature tabletop gamer and painter myself, I’ve always been curious about what goes on behind the scenes at gaming conventions. Tips and Trends: Uncover expert advice, latest trends, and inspiration to enhance your skills and make the most of your convention experience.Personal Growth: Explore how Paul’s journey as a gamer and painter has shaped CaptainCon and influenced his own path within the community.Behind-the-Scenes Magic: Discover the passion and dedication that turns gaming conventions like CaptainCon into unforgettable experiences.
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