Knoxville’s Board Game Days 2024 Draws Record Attendance and Celebrates Gaming Community

Knoxville’s Board Game Days 2024: A Community Celebration

Knoxville, Tennessee, has become a vibrant hub for board game enthusiasts, as evidenced by the recent Board Game Days 2024 event. Held at Awaken Coffee in the city’s Old City, this year marked the ninth installment of the convention, which attracted a record 220 attendees—up from 168 last year. This growth reflects a broader trend in the U.S. board game market, which saw revenues climbing from $930 million in 2017 to a projected $3.5 billion by 2027.

A Space for Gamers

The atmosphere at Board Game Days was inviting and relaxed, contrasting sharply with larger gaming conventions where crowds can feel overwhelming. Attendees appreciated the ability to explore games and socialize with fellow gamers without the chaos.

Rachel Davidson, the current owner and organizer of Board Game Days, aims to keep the event a welcoming space for all. She noted that while some attendees come with established gaming groups, many participants arrive solo, eager to connect with others who share their passion for board games. “We want Board Game Days to be an inclusive space for people, to discover games and make new friends,” she said.

Networking and Game Development

A special highlight of the event was the Thursday night session designed for board game developers and testers. This gathering provided opportunities for networking and feedback on game prototypes. Connor Cole, the event’s founder, shared that the pandemic ignited an increase in interest in board gaming, as people sought new ways to connect at home. Now, even as the world returns to a sense of normalcy, the passion for board games remains strong.

Current owner Rachel Davidson, also known in the convention world as “Ms. Information,” has worked diligently to grow the event since taking over from Cole. She mentioned the importance of networking within the development community. During the developer session, conversations flowed about both successes and challenges in game design, with the mantra “fail faster to improve the game faster” echoing through the room.

A Blend of Gaming and Community

Friday through Sunday, the focus of Board Game Days shifted to gaming. Attendees could choose from an impressive library of over 200 games, participate in scheduled gaming sessions, or join Play to Win opportunities where they could win a game by participating in a playthrough. This unique aspect adds an element of excitement and encourages players to engage more deeply with new titles.

To further enrich the experience, the event introduced a new role called a game sommelier. These experts help attendees navigate the multitude of options available in the game library and match them with games suited to their preferences. This initiative aims to eliminate the feeling of “analysis paralysis” that some players experience when faced with too many choices.

Vendors and Prizes

The two-day gaming experience also featured a variety of vendors showcasing custom game merchandise and accessories. For example, Cheyne Clark, a local vendor, displayed his handmade wooden gaming accessories, which included dice towers and trays. He expressed gratitude for the chance to connect with the local gaming community in a relaxed setting.

Attendees had the chance to participate in a scavenger hunt throughout the weekend, completing tasks to win prizes ranging from gaming supplies to local gift cards. This fun aspect of the event added a layer of engagement and excitement for participants.

What’s Next?

Looking forward, Board Game Days plans to hold a special Play to Win session at the Kraken’s Cup Tea Room on October 5, where one lucky player will take home a copy of the game Elfenroads. Additionally, the tenth edition of Board Game Days is tentatively planned for next summer, promising more opportunities for gaming enthusiasts to gather and celebrate their shared love of board games.

As the convention continues to grow, it not only reflects the surge in board game popularity but also the community spirit of Knoxville. For those interested in learning more about future events or exploring the board game scene in Knoxville, additional information is available at the official Board Game Days website.