FallCon Game Hosts

Qualifications

FallCon as an organization is centered on the belief that People + Games = Better Communities, Families and Relationships. FallCon Game Hosts share this belief.

They have a love for the hobby and how it can develop relationships and foster learning.There are many "gamers" who enjoy playing games, but Game Hosts are those who put the enjoyment of others, especially those new to the hobby, ahead of their own participation.

Age is not a determining factor. FallCon has had Game Hosts as young as 10 years old. These inspiring young people can teach games with the best of them, setting aside their competitive spirit for the sake of everyone having a great time playing games.

Key Skills

• professionalism
• strong communication skills
• ability to learn
• ability to teach others without the rulebook
• ability to host
• friendly
• sociable

Expectations

• know the FallCon purpose and values, and use them as guides to their behaviour when hosting games
• attend a mandatory FallCon Game Host training session to review the FallCon Teaching Method and play games
• invest time in learning the FallCon Teaching Method and use it as FallCon events
• facilitate scheduled games at FallCon's annual convention by hosting events with multiple copies of a game, thereby accommodating more attendees (ConCrew role in Hosted Gaming Area)
• help attendees at FallCon's annual convention choose games, find additional players, find game teachers, teach games. and/or act as "tour guides'' for new visitors (ConCrew role in Open Gaming Area and Library)
• maximize the enjoyment of others when teaching or moderating games
• be identifiable, sociable, welcoming and informative at FallCon events
• promote FallCon as an organization overall

Perks

All ConCrew Perks, plus:

• Access to the FallCon Gaming Library throughout the year

Volunteering at the Convention

Do I Get to Choose Which Games I Host?

If you are hosting a scheduled game in the Hosted Gaming Area

Mostly. You will coordinate with the Programming Champion once your volunteer application has been accepted.

• You will choose and schedule one or more hosted game(s) on a first come first serve basis.
• The Programming Champion will recommend the optimal number of tables/game copies for your event(s).

The Hosted Events schedule for FallCon is set well in advance of the convention as the organizing committee is busy recruiting and organizing ConCrew volunteers, obtaining copies of games, and managing the logistics of the convention. However, from time to time we need to reschedule and reorganize hosts to best serve our attendees.

If you are hosting in the Open Gaming Area

Not really. You will primarily facilitate the friendly atmosphere, help attendees choose games, and find additional players. If attendees wish to learn a game, feel free to teach it if you know it.

I'm Hosting a Scheduled Game. Can I Also Play in it?

Sometimes. FallCon's long-standing approach to hosted games connects as many attendees to games as possible. As a FallCon Game Host, maximizing the enjoyment of others could mean that you are best to moderate your tables or that you play in order to allow for best player count.

How to Volunteer for the ConCrew

Applications

ConCrew volunteer applications for FallCon 36 will open April 2023.

​Frequently Asked Questions

What is the FallCon Teaching Method?

The FallCon Teaching Method is a five step process used by FallCon Games Hosts. It ensures a consistent and high quality experience that attendees have come to expect from FallCon's Hosted Games. FallCon Game Hosts attend a mandatory Training Session to review the Method and prepare for the upcoming convention.

Is there a video I can watch about the FallCon teaching method?

There is! The video is from 2011 but the method is still the same.

What happened to the Ambassador Program?

The Ambassador Program was discontinued in June 2018. The FallCon Organizing Team recognizes that running a successful convention relies upon the support of volunteers of all types. External events (e.g. Otafest) transitioned from Ambassador-supported to being managed by our External Events team. With a growing convention and the changing needs we chose to replace the Ambassador Program rather than amend it.

Is there a nomination process to be a FallCon Game Host?

No. Previously, admission to the Ambassador program required nominations.This is not true for FallCon Game Hosts. However, the quality of both our Hosted and Open Gaming is an important part of the experience of convention attendees. FallCon Game Hosts are held to the same high standards that our Ambassadors were.

I was an Ambassador. Can I keep my hat? Can I still wear it?

Yes, and yes! We're proud of our Ambassadors and trust you continue to support the convention and the hobby.

Please contact Mike Henders for more information.