FallCon Game Hosts
Qualifications
FallCon as an organization is centered on the belief that People + Games = Better Communities 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
- Friendly and Approachable – Creates a welcoming environment where everyone feels comfortable joining in and building connections through shared experiences.
- Empathy and Inclusiveness – Prioritizes the enjoyment and comfort of others, especially new or younger players.
- Strong Communication Skills – Able to explain game rules clearly and patiently to players of all ages and experience levels. Encourages curiosity and is able to teach without the rulebook.n
- Leadership and Facilitation – Confident leading groups, initiating gameplay, and keeping participants engaged. Can adapt to various group dynamics and handle disruptions or confusion with ease.
- Enthusiasm for Board Games – Knowledgeable about various types of games and passionate about sharing the hobby.
Expectations
- Understand and embody FallCon’s purpose and values while hosting games.
- Attend a mandatory Game Host training session to learn the FallCon’s Teaching Method and play games.
- Learn and apply the FallCon Teaching Method at all FallCon events.
- Facilitate scheduled games at FallCon’s annual convention, often running multiple copies to accommodate more players. (ConCrew - Hosted Gaming Area)
- Assist attendees in choosing games, finding players or teachers, and act as a “tour guide” for new visitors. (ConCrew – Open Gaming Area & Library)
- Focus on maximizing the fun and enjoyment of others during games.
- Be friendly, welcoming, easy to identify, and ready to assist at all times.
- Positively represent and promote FallCon as an organization.
Perks
All Concrew Perks!
Volunteering at the Convention
CONCREW SHIFT LOCATIONS
FallCon Games Hosts help with two different kinds of shifts at the convention: Open Gaming and/or Hosted Gaming.
CAN I CHOOSE WHICH GAMES I HOST?
If you are hosting in the Open Gaming Area:
Not really. You will primarily moderate any featured games we have set up for the day. Otherwise, you will facilitate the friendly atmosphere by regularly engaging attendees at the tables, help attendees choose games, and find additional players. If attendees wish to learn a game, feel free to teach it if you know it.
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).
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 38 are open. Apply Now!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Choose Which Games I Host?
As a Hosted Games volunteer or a Guest Host – generally, yes. Once your application has been accepted, you can submit which game(s) you would like to host and these will be programmed into the convention schedule. It is common for game hosts to be hosting two copies of a game at the same time.
Can I Host Games as an Open Gaming Volunteer?
No. As an Open Gaming volunteer, you will be focusing your efforts on facilitating the enjoyment of others in the Open Gaming area. You will be required to have a general understanding of the FallCon Feature games and be willing and able to teach and explain them to attendees who request. Information on the FallCon Feature games will be shared with you in advance of the convention.
I'm Hosting an Official Scheduled Game as a Hosted Games Volunteer or Guest Host. Can I Also Play in it?
Sometimes, but usually not. FallCon’s long-standing approach to hosted games is to connects as many attendees to games as possible. As a FallCon Game Host, our priority is maximizing the enjoyment of others. This usually means that Hosts teach and facilitate the game, leaving space for attendees. If attendees do not show up for a hosted session, it could mean that you are best to step in and play in order to allow for best player count.
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. All game host volunteers and guest hosts will receive an invite to a Training Session in advance of the convention. The FallCon Teaching Method Worksheet is used as part of the framework of this training.
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.
Please contact Amy Hills for more information.
