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Welcome to Coulee Con! This page is meant as a guide for people who are joining us for the first time. If you don't see an answer to your question on this page, you can search the rest of couleecon.com or email the staff at coordinator@couleecon.com.
Whether you're a seasoned gaming veteran or are just learning what this whole tabletop thing is all about, we hope you find something to enjoy at our convention!
Coulee Con is all about sharing games with one another, and the majority of that happens via scheduled events. There are one-off board games, role playing sessions, miniatures, collectible card games, special events, and a variety of different tournaments. You can find everything that is currently planned on the events calendar. Search and filter to find the type of event you are most interested in, then reserve a ticket for the event so that the host knows to save you a seat!
This year we also have three large special events happening over the weekend:
If you don't see a scheduled event that catches your eye, or you just want to relax with some friends and try out a new game or an old favorite, we have Open Gaming tables available on a first-come-first-served basis. There are LFG ("Looking For Group") flags for groups who want more players. These flags are an invitation to come play, so if you have an empty seat, grab a flag to let people know they're welcome. And if you see a table with a flag on it, feel free to approach and make some new friends!
Have a game that you really want to share? Great! We encourage all attendees to host events. If you'd like to share a game, RPG system, etc. that you love with others, just submit the event to our online system. Once approved, your event will be added to the schedule!
Coulee Con takes place at the La Crosse Center, a great venue on the riverfront in downtown La Crosse. Click here for directions to the location.
All Coulee Con attendees are required to follow the convention rules. These policies essentially boil down to "treat others with respect", but it's important to know the specifics as well. Please click here and read through the rules before attending, to ensure everyone has a safe and fun weekend.
Table vending area hours are Friday 1-7:30pm, Saturday 10am-7:30pm, and Sunday 10am-4pm.
There are three options for public parking near the La Crosse Center:
Locations and more info available here: www.lacrossedowntown.com/parking-and-maps
There are a number of hotels in both downtown La Crosse and the larger La Crosse area. This year, Coulee Con is pleased to offer a convention rate at the AmericInn La Crosse Riverfront-Conference Center. Call (608) 781-7000 and ask for the Coulee Con block when you register to receive a special rate.
Additionally, thanks to our partnership with Explore La Crosse, you can enter to win a full Coulee Con vacation, including convention tickets and lodging. Visit http://www.explorelacrosse.com/giveaways/coulee-con-vacation/ to enter!
While we will not be serving food inside Coulee Con itself, there will be food trucks parked immediately outside the convention center for lunch and snacks. There are also soda vending machines inside.
Since Coulee Con is located right downtown La Crosse, there is also a wide variety of great restaurants within easy walking distance. Ask around for recommendations, or check out this list of options.
If you have an extra day or two, or want to take a break from gaming, La Crosse offers a lot of other things to do and see. Coulee Con is part of the River of Festivals, a celebration of many of the events happening in town. For more information about the town and surrounding areas, check out the visitor's guide.
Besides playing games, one of the most fun things to do at Coulee Con is shop! We'll have a wide variety of vendors in our Vendor Area, selling things from games and gaming supplies to books and artwork. See the full list of exhibitors and vendors here.
Each evening of the con, there is a daily drawing for free prizes. Look near the registration table to find all of the prizes for the day. You can place tickets in the bucket for any prize you want to try to win. You receive tickets along with registration, and there are chances to get more throughout the con! The drawings happen in the evening all three days of the con.
Publishers from all over have sent us brand new games to play! Moreover, every game in our Play-to-Win library will be given away during the weekend. To participate, just visit the Play-to-Win area, pick out a game, play it, and then return the game with a completed record sheet. Every person who played the game will be entered to win it. You can even play a game multiple times for more chances to win!
Look for the Silent Auction table near the bottom of the escalators. Several lots of games will be available for bidding each day of the con with winners announced in the evening. There are always some treasures in the silent auction, so be sure to check it out!
We're excited welcome you to Coulee Con, and we hope you have a great time! Please reach out to coordinator@couleecon.com if you have further questions not answered here or the rest of our website.