Board Game Days (BGD)
What started out as one all day event of gamers and designers mingling in the same space, playing published games from a free game library or playtesting prototypes, has grown to a multi day event with over a devout one hundred mix of designers and gamers at Knoxville's first community supported board game convention.
Board Game Days was born out of organizers who have attended other events and felt something missing. They wanted a game library to reference, they wanted designers, and they wanted gamers. After some small form attempts, Board Game Days was born, there is something for everyone at BGD who enjoy playing boardgames.
If you are new to this type of event or you're somewhat familiar with conventions of this type, you can expect dice games, card games, board games, tabletop games, and role playing games; either hosted by us, other gamers, a publisher perhaps, or some group that just wanted a different atmosphere. There are popular games from classic to modern titles.
One feature we do have is ongoing playtesting of games yet to be published or in the design process by aspiring designers and they wanting folks like you to come check out what they are working on.
Another familiar feature we have is the game library that many great conventions offer. We try to stock it with fun games and ensure everyone has a chance to play the game they want with assistance in getting started if needed. We also have Games of the Moment which is a scheduled game to ensure everyone get a chance to play and we have play-to-wins, which are games donated by a sponsor that attendees play, afterwards putting their name down at a chance to win the game by anyone who played a full game (doesn't matter if you won or not in the game).
Finally, We have some different things going on each day. Thursday is our Design and Dine, which is geared for designers and serious games to exclusively playtest games and give feedback. Friday is your kick-off day of afternoon-evening gaming. Saturday is our day long event, early start and late night playing. And then Sunday, which ends the event with a free give-away of goodies from our sponsors.
Want to Lend to the Board Game Library?
Our Game Library and Lending to it
All games are personally owned and lended by other gamers. A list of games will be provided at the check-out table to help decide what to play or to learn what is the game of the moment. Attendees are always welcome to bring games to add to library of their own. If you want to see a particular game in or are interested in lending to our community library, please email us: contact@bgdknx.com
Regarding Games
Be Respectful and Responsible that there is no damage or missing components to the games.
In the event there is something lost or broken, the borrower may be responsible for replacing
the piece or game completely.
Food & Drinks
Drinks should be kept in closed tops or set aside to avoid any spills. Please place a napkin underneath cold drinks. Although most food at the Cafe is not greasy, please avoid dirty fingers when handling cards, dice, boards, boxes, etc.
What can I expect as a Board Game Designer?
BGD is a bit different than other conventions. We strive to keep admission at a low cost and get you playtesters. Now, that does not mean all who attend BGD is there to play-test. It is a board game convention that has board game designers mixed in among board gaming folks. Some designers like this as it's less hassle on them to attract folks to a play-test. Some designers still like to get gamers to play-test their game on their own. Either way, respecting those interested or not, is paramount. We do have a dedicated night of focused play-testing just for designers with no board games to distract gamers on Thursday at the Design & Dine. We are looking at having designated play-testers for designers for those that want to ensure they have a committed group of individuals play-test prototypes that can meet throughout the rest of the convention. Please inquire if interested.
What can I expect as a Publisher/Organization?
BGD wants board gaming to remain the focus of the convention. We welcome any publisher and organization that wants to take up a table and host a game they like, are play-testing, and/or have published. In doing this, we allow you to promote yourself through clothing and the board game at the table. If you want to sell your board gaming and/or related products, please become a sponsor as that is the whole purpose of the role. You can then setup signs and have a dedicated space at the convention. If you want some hybrid of this, please let us know. We are open to making accomodations.
Where is Board Game Days located?
How do I get to Board Game Days?
Because there is some construction going on, it is recommended to exit from I-40 onto:
James White PKY / E. Summit Hill Dr. -to- S. Central St. -to- West Jackson Ave. -to- Awaken Coffee
Parking and Lodging
There are nearby hotels and AirBnBs.
If you driving in for the day, there are two lots. Both are equal walking distance from the event.
The Jackson Lot is free after 6pm.
Both are Free on Saturday.
1. Jackson Lot Parking can be reached from West Jackson Ave off of Broadway.
2. Old City Lot Parking can be reached from
East Jackson Ave off of S. Central St.
There are pay by the hour lots nearby. Otherwise, unmarked spaces nearby most likely are reserved for downtown residents and could result in ticketing or towing.
Vision of Board Game Days
We have high hopes for what BGD can become. We want to be like other board game conventions, but different. We want cosplayers playing quick-fun games with fans. We want video board game halls. We want publishers and sellers playtesting their ideas and soon-to-hit-shelf titles. We want designers to get as much exposure and playtesting they want. We want folks to play games! Only with the support of the board gaming community, sponsors, donors, friends and family have we come this far. Thank you and welcome to your event.