Roll for Initiative: The KantCon Update

The convention is on the horizon, and it's time to start planning your move. Trades, events, volunteering, and more — here's your briefing.

Time to shake up your shelf

The KantCon Math Trade is back — the smartest way to swap games without the awkward one-on-one haggling. Got something gathering dust? Chances are another attendee has been hunting for it, and they're sitting on exactly what you want.

How it works:

1. List your games — Add the titles you're ready to part with before the first deadline.

2. Browse and build your want list — Check out what everyone else is offering and note what you'd love to receive.

3. The algorithm works its magic — No one-to-one swaps needed. You might give to one person and get from another entirely.

4. Swap at the con — Bring your matched games and walk away with something new for your shelf.

Unlike most con activities, the Math Trade requires a little effort before you arrive — you'll need to list your games and build your want list early. The good news is there's still plenty of time to get involved and ask questions, but don't put it off. The sooner you dig in, the better your results.

Full details and the schedule are at https://kantcon.com/attractions/math-trade — items must be listed by July 3rd. Still have questions? You can reach out to our Math Trade Coordinator at nick@kancton.com.

No match? No problem. Any unmatched and unwanted games can head straight to the Garage Sale instead: https://kantcon.com/attractions/garage-sale

Spring Local Convention

Midwest GameFest is almost here! Catch it this weekend, 4/23 - 4/26 at the Stoney Creek Hotel and Conference Center in Independence, MO — KantCon will be there with a booth full of fun! We’re bringing everything you need to know about KantCon, plus awesome prizes and yes… your chance to win a free badge to KantCon 2026! Come hang out, talk games, and get hyped for con season!

Your badge, your schedule

Early Bird pricing is behind us, but there's still a deal on the table — online badges are discounted from the door price through June 26th. Special Note: A small number of VIG badges are still available until the end of April!

Register & buy your badge → https://kantcon.com/buy-a-badge

One of the biggest perks of registering online? You can start signing up for events right now. Event sign-up is open, and spots fill fast — so the sooner you lock in your badge, the sooner you can start building your perfect con schedule. You'll need a badge to reserve your seat.

Browse & sign up for events → https://warhorn.net/events/kantcon-2026/schedule/agenda

Don't see something you want to play? Submit it yourself! Attendees can keep adding events through June 26th, and the online sign-ups continue through

Submit an event → https://kantcon.com/event-submission

Level Up Your Con

Looking for a little something extra at the con? Buy-In-Games are special events with a twist — think extra GM effort, unique setups, and prizes up for grabs. Each one costs just $10 and earns you 5 bonus raffle tickets on top of whatever else is at stake. Spots are limited — secure yours at https://kantcon.com/buy-in-games.

KantCon for everyone — Game It Forward

Excited about KantCon but a badge isn't in the budget right now? The Game It Forward program exists just for that. Community members can donate badges to help fellow gamers attend, and if you'd like to request one, it's as simple as filling out a form.

Badges are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis, with disbursements happening throughout the spring and summer — the next one is May 1st.

A couple of things to keep in mind: the program runs on the honor system, and if volunteering or running an event is an option for you, those paths to a free badge are worth exploring first.

Request a Game It Forward badge → https://www.kantcon.com/game-it-forward

Want to pay it forward? You can purchase a Game It Forward badge during online registration — and you'll even earn bonus prize tickets for your generosity.

The con runs on great people — join the crew

KantCon relies on volunteers to keep everything running smoothly, and we'd love to have you on the team. All volunteers receive a free badge and additional perks in return for your time.

We have one specific need this year: Garage Sale Coordinator — Organized and love a good deal? We're looking for someone to take the lead on one of the con's most popular attractions.

Interested in this role or just want to help out wherever you're needed? Sign up here: https://www.kantcon.com/volunteer-sign-up