Convention Support of the "Third Party"

Awhile back smart guy, Jon Wilson, was wondering on MeWe how third party publishers might increase their visibility at conventions. Certainly swag, T-shirts, and Kickstarters elevate a third party's profile maybe more online than at a convention. I've noticed that cross pollination seems to bump sales up a bit. The Lesser Key of the Celestial Legion Kickstarter gave me one of the best months for Angels, Daemons and Beings Between, vol. 2: Elfland Edition since its publishing. Donn's appearance on Spellburn converted a few extra sales than normal as well. But none of these scenarios directly address elevating third party products at a convention.

I missed sailing the third party boat I set-up for myself at Gen Con this year. Joseph allowed me to run a tournament and present my awards during the Goodman Games Gen Con closing ceremony. I was more worried about stumbling in front of the packed ICC room than introducing myself to the DCC faithful. So I forgot everything and just said I ran a third party tournament and here's the winners. I also forgot to tell everyone there will be a Kickstarter for The House of the Red Doors.  Still I have hit upon an avenue for third party promotion. DIY at a big event and ask to join the Goodman Games party. It's not that hard and my dealings with Joseph have always ended in "Yes."

The problem with big self promoted events is the having the opportunity. Gen Con is only once a year. Origin or UK Gaming Expo are certainly other bigger opportunities to run along side of Goodman Games. However, chasing big events is not all that practical. How can we actually promote third party products all the time and at smaller conventions?

Promotion and marketing efforts are not just telling people your stuff is good and the customer should buy it. I'm going to look at Goodman Games again for an answer. They give away a lot of stuff -- Road Crew swag, modules, shopping bags, etc. They put the goods in the customers hands for free and people can weigh its worth to themselves and they come back and buy from the store or back the next Kickstarter. It seems they're doing pretty well with the approach.

So I will offer anyone who runs a module I wrote some swag. My swag pile is stuff I've written. So Fae Hard or The Lesser Key to the Celestial Legion or some future thing aka The House of the Red Doors (maybe even some never printed before zine content). Contact me on the Facebook or the MeWe or the Twitter @lectrotext send me a link to the event you are running at a convention and I'll send you something in the mail to give out at your table or hoard for yourself.

Here's hoping I hear from you.