Whenever possible, I always try to make an appearance at HMGS East conventions. Sometimes it is only a day trip, but it is always worth the visit. I have a number of things going on this year, so I was not able to stay overnight, so a day trip it would be! It is a bit of a drive, but I was lucky that a buddy of mine was also doing the same, so we rode there together. This always makes a trip go faster!
We met up at eight in the morning and rode up. We stopped off for breakfast and continued from there. We arrived while the first flea market was still going, so got to look for some deals. My buddy actually had a table in the afternoon session, so he got to check out the competition first! There were lots of great deals, but it was all stuff I already had too much of, so I did not get anything this run through. The number of people selling stuff was good and there was a very nice selection.
We both then headed through the game rooms to check out the games. I am still quite happy that the overall visual quality of games continues to improve overall. I did not see a single bright green felt or burlap bag table! I think my favorite was the Boxer Rebellion table in the main lobby, but I saw plenty that looked great.
We then headed to the vendor hall and did our first recon walk through. Time was tight for the next flea market, so we went and got his stuff, so he could set up (he also sold a couple of my items!). I then left him and got a lunch at the food bar. I ran into another gaming buddy and we sat down and caught up. I did another walk through the game and tournament rooms and saw some more games.
It was back to the vendor hall for me and I started purchasing. My big hall was from a vendor that was selling well out of production 21st Century painted airplane models. This guy had a ton and I was able to fill out my collection. In retrospect, I could have waited, as I then had to carry all the planes to the car, which was on the complete opposite side of the hotel complex! I did that, got a work out and then headed to the flea market afternoon session to see what I could get.
I found my buddy there doing a great job selling his stuff (he probably sold two thirds of it). I also walked around and picked up a couple of things that were just too cheap to pass up! I then helped him pack up and load up the car.
We then drove over to the vendor hall and parked there. This would help my shopping a lot! We did our respective searches and hit the booths we had earlier scoped out to buy our stuff and schlepped it all to the car as they were closing the hall. From there, it was time to drive home (catching the required dinner at Mountain Gate Family Restaurant), getting home around ten. It was a full day!
Because it was only a day trip, I did not do any of my usual Hobby University sessions or see any of the presenters at the War College. Looking at the pell, both had a lot of good stuff. I actually think this was one of the better Fall-in conventions I have attended (Fall in is normally my least favorite of the three HMGS East conventions). As usual, it was well worth the trip and one that I will do again next year. Now I just have to organize all the stuff I bought!
- Manteuffel