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So, every year I'm actually able to go to Gen Con, I try and run a GM's seminar. This event, called the GM's Jam, is usually a very well-received event. I bring in GMs from different gaming backgrounds, and we discuss issues GMs in the audience have with their players and what to do.

So...I'm thinking--it looks like I'll be able to attend this year--I think I'd like to organize something for Rifts/Palladium. A Rifts Jam, where the game is discussed, GMs can talk about how they work things at their table, we all swap lies, and everyone hopefully comes away with some new ideas. I'd like to get 1-2 other Ambassadors (experienced GMs) to sit on the panel with me. An afternoon, Thurs-Sat, would probably work best, with duration between 60-90 minutes.

Do you think this would be a solid addition to the events being offered? The GM's Jam has worked out well in years past, and I'd like to try something similar for Palladium folks at Gen Con.

I would attend. I have already posted a request for something like this at the next POH so having it at Gen Con would be even better.

I think late morning or early afternoon on Friday or Saturday would be best for attendance.

I would be happy to be part of the panel if you need volunteers but I think it would be better if you got some freelancers or PB people like Gleba to participate.

I would like to see it include the following:
Story/campaign Ideas
Organizing campaigns
What makes a good convention game
House rules that you use in your games

Those are some excellent topics--thanks!

Yeah, I'll see who I can scare up for it, for sure. I'll get with some of the guys on it, but am still interested in feedback to see if we can make it happen.

Zachary I will be attending Gen Con and would be up for volunteering to set on the panel.

OK, great! Would you mind PMing me your contact info so we can start talking about it?

That sounds awesome! Wish I could attend! Please try and get a video posted!

I'll see what we can work out--I know we were able to film our GM's Jam last year...

I would love to attend and participate.
Of course, it would be nice if it was held during a slot that the GMs for the Palladium Megaverse GM'a'thone wasn't going on. That way we could at least attend.

I'll try to take that into account. I'm trying to finalize my own schedule, too--I might be helping out at a friend's booth, so there are a lot of moving parts!

With the number of event submissions made, there will be practically 5 games running at any given time in the Palladium MA Room!

It is shaping up to be a pretty Palladium Heavy gaming event. If I'm not running or needed in the booth I'd participate in a panel.

This is something I'd like to check out while I'm there. I'm not interested in being a panelist but would definitely like to observe and maybe ask a few questions. A day and time would be helpful ahead of time to schedule it in.

Yeah, it sounds like I'm going to have to pick a time and go for it. I'm thinking Saturday late morning right now, maybe 1030 or 11. Any place I put it on the schedule, I'm pretty sure someone will be running a game.

The grand scope of GenCon makes it a reality that there's going to be overlap in the schedules.

If I don't have to run a game at the time I would be interested.

Wed has 2 PB games going
Thur, Fri and Sat have 5 games going at any point in time. There might be 1 or 2 periods where this is only 4 games
Sunday, I dont recall off the top of my head how many games are running.

This may or may not change once Gen Con approves/denies the games/schedule, etc...

It's good to see there is so much support for PB at this con.

I went ahead submitted the 2014 Palladium Jam as a seminar for 10 am on Saturday, for 1 hour. Let's see how it goes!

Cool! Enjoy, good luck, and for those of us that cannot attend, hoping for video!

I thought it'd be cool to do a prize giveaway or two for folks attending the Palladium meet-up. What would be a good item or two to do from the Palladium site? Mugs, books, etc? The nice thing about something like a mug is that it will serve for fans of any of the Palladium games. Thoughts?

I always love mugs- but I unfortunately will not be there.

Zackary we are working on something for GenCon if you would call me I can fill you in.

Can do, sir. I can try to give you a ring on my way home from work tomorrow? 430-530ish (ET)?

Was that 10:00 am local time to the convention?

I'm talking with Gen Con now. They have limited times on Saturday, and I think it might get pushed to 4pm (ET). I'll confirm Monday!

Hopefully you're able to get a spot for this. I was able to sit on a seminar about GMing with Kevin himself at Penguicon and it was really neat hearing about how they handle certain situations. It would be interesting to hear about how other GM's handle their Palladium campaigns!

Looks like it is a go for Saturday at Gen Con....it looks like it will be pushed back to noon, though! I'm waiting for final confirmation, but I think that's all they have available currently.

That is unfortunate, as I think people will be GMing for Palladium during that block.

Yep, I know. Disappointed--they moved my original time, but it sounds like Saturday is so busy, they don't have many options for moving it again.

Well, I'll have to see who we can get, and do the best we can.

So looks like it is at 12:00 to 13:30 localtime in Crowne Plaza Grand Central D.

Of course, there isn't a defined location for the games yet. The 4 I'm running are listed, but no location yet. Maybe, with luck, I can catch some of this.

Yep, for those who didn't see it:

2014 Palladium Jam
75 slots available
ID: SEM1459209
Email: mail.rpgblog (at) gmail.com
Time slot: Sat Aug 16 noon - 1:30 pm (1 hour 30 minutes)
Cost: $0.00 Experience required: None (You've never played before - rules will be taught)
Location: Crowne Plaza, room Grand Central D
This unofficial meet-up is a chance to meet with other PB fans and freelancers, discuss Palladium's games, and grab some gaming ideas on the way! Novices and new fans welcome!

For interested Game Masters, I am also heading up:

2014 GM's Jam!
75 slots available
ID: SEM1459210
Email: mail.rpgblog (at) gmail.com
Time slot: Sat Aug 16 4:00 pm - 5:30 pm (1 hour 30 minutes)
Cost: $0.00
Experience required: None (You've never played before - rules will be taught)
Location: Crowne Plaza, room Conrail Station
Back for another year, this popular event brings Game Masters together to discuss how to handle issues, tweaks, and problems at the gaming table. Novice and veteran GMs are welcome!

Damn missed that one too! I will be all the way into my game for that one! Arg!

This looks real inviting!