Badges Available at the Door Online badge sales have wrapped up, but don't worry if you haven't grabbed yours yet — badges will be available for purchase at the door all weekend long. Come join us! Also, don’t forget that our Just Browsing policy means that you can enter and look around before you commit your wallet. We believe that once you see all the fun to be had, you’ll want to participate. Buy-In-Games: Something a Little Extra Looking for a gaming experience with some

By Brendan Howard Every tabletop gaming convention is dedicated to fun. But not every one of those wargame-miniature-moving, tabletop-RPG-playing, board-game-winning conventions is dedicated to an even bigger cause. That’s why Meeple-A-Thon stands out, a 501(c)(3) charity gaming convention dedicated to supporting Kansas City’s at-risk and disenfranchised community members. And why it’s always a special pleasure to announce Meeple-A-Thon’s return as a sponsor for fellow tablet

By Brendan Howard Folks who get into the tabletop role-playing game hobby, if they go deep enough and grow creative enough, often follow two paths. One way is, creating a universe of fantasy or sci-fi or magic of their own—full of unique characters and creatures, places and politics—to play inside, instead of someone else’s created world. The other way is, creating a system of rules that match the style of play they most like. For the rule-makers, sometimes that one great sys

🏨 Hotel Blocks Are Closing SOON — Book Now! If you're planning to stay near the convention, this is your friendly (urgent!) reminder that our hotel room blocks are about to close: Embassy Suites Kansas City–Overland Park — Block closes June 16 (that's less than a week away!), 10601 Metcalf Ave., just 1.1 miles from the convention center. Book here: https://group.embassysuites.com/rgai0d Sheraton Overland Park — Block closes June 25, 6100 College Boulevard, right on the conve

By Brendan Howard Almost every board game, miniature game, and tabletop role-playing game played at the KantCon Tabletop Gaming Convention July 16-19 at the Overland Park Convention Center will involve a select group of people: whoever’s at the table at that moment. Grab a board game from the library, sign up for an RPG at a particular time, or wrangle up some strangers or friends to kill some time with a card game you’ve bought from the vendors: There’s your crew for the gam

By Brendan Howard Editor's note (July 8, 2026): Since this article was published, TableTop Game and Hobby has withdrawn from KantCon 2026. Facing a staffing shortage, the shop is keeping its brick-and-mortar store open during the convention and has donated its booth space back to KantCon for use by other exhibitors. We're grateful for their continued support of the convention and the local gaming community. Every year, brave, excited vendors at KantCon pack up their cars, van