John McGuire, Leland Beauchamp, and Egg Embry are attending Gen Con 2018 (as we did in 2016 and 2017 – read John’s 2017 thoughts here, here, and here), and, apparently, we’ll be Lyft-ing from our hotel to the convention. I say this because they sent me a press release and if you get a PR in your inbox, it’s official. 😉
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Gen Con Reaches Agreement with Lyft as Official Rideshare Partner for 2018 Convention
INDIANAPOLIS (May 3, 2018) Gen Con, the longest-running game convention in North America, has announced a partnership with Lyft to become the Official Rideshare Partner for its upcoming convention, to be held August 2-5, 2018. Lyft will have dedicated pick-up/drop-off areas, include dedicated Gen Con information in their app, and give away more than $6,000 in ride share incentives as part of this agreement. Lyft also will offer exclusive promo codes for Gen Con attendees in Indianapolis, offering reduced rates on fares for new and existing users while supplies last.
“Lyft provides world-class service that will help connect attendees to gaming, dining, and lodging partners around the city,” said Megan Culver, senior director of sponsorship and sales. “We’re excited to team up with a customer-focused, cutting-edge company to offer an ‘epic’ amenity to our attendees.”
Last year’s convention hosted approximately 60,000 attendees for the first sell-out in its 50-year history. Gen Con anticipates a sell-out of attendee badges again in 2018, while hoping to expand attendance through further operational and space-planning optimization. According to Visit Indy, last year’s Gen Con represented a $73 million economic impact to the Indianapolis metro area.
“We are thrilled to partner with Gen Con, which has become one of our city’s largest and most anticipated conventions each year,” said Cebronica Luft, market manager of Lyft Indianapolis. “We know that gamers are active around the clock while they’re in Indy and we’re excited to provide affordable and convenient transportation during their stay. We can’t wait to welcome everyone in August.”
In 2018, Gen Con will host programming throughout the entire Indianapolis Convention Center, in several participating hotels, and on the field of Lucas Oil Stadium, home of the NFL’s Indianapolis Colts. Interested attendees can get their badge at gencon.com .
About Gen Con LLC
Gen Con LLC produces the largest consumer hobby, fantasy, science fiction, and adventure game convention in North America, Gen Con, The Best Four Days in Gaming!™. Founded in 1968 and acquired in 2002 by founder and former CEO of Wizards of the Coast, Peter Adkison, the company is headquartered in Seattle and takes place each August in Indianapolis.
About Lyft
As the nation’s fastest-growing rideshare company, Lyft is preferred by drivers and passengers for its safe and friendly experience, and operates in more than 350 cities across the U.S. The tech disrupter transports nearly 20 million riders per month and offers its customers both scheduled and on-demand ground transportation.