NEA Game Fest 2025

Coordinator Corner

Lee McBride He/Him/His

Committees

Board Games, Venue / Concessions / Merchandise

How long have you been a coordinator for NEA Game Fest?

1st year!

What is one thing you've learned during your work with other coordinators?

I've learned better way to assign and delegate tasks that can be used in other organizations that I am a part of.

What is your favorite thing about Game Fest?

My favorite thing is seeing my autistic kid really branch out and meet new people and not being afraid to try new games or events.

In your own words, can you describe the impact this event has made to the community?

Game Fest brings together all kinds of individuals from all walks of life. It gives people the chance to play some favorite games or events while branching out to try or learn something new. It's an event that you can enjoy with the entire family or that you can attend alone. Either way, you always leave having made new friends, great memories, and possibly some pretty cool door prizes.

Is there anything in particular you are excited for in this year's Fest?

We are in a new location with a much larger space!

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Rachel Simpson She/Her

Committees

Advertising / Social Media, Volunteers

How long have you been a coordinator for NEA Game Fest?

Since 2022

What is one thing you've learned during your work with other coordinators?

These folks have a passion for this community and for the charities we've partnered with over the years. It's infectious!

What is your favorite thing about Game Fest?

Seeing familiar faces and new-to-me folks assembling for some fun games for a good cause is just the best. I look forward to it every year!

In your own words, can you describe the impact this event has made to the community?

From the sponsors' generosity to the attendees' enthusiasm, it's fulfilling to see so many different folks come together at NEA Game Fest every year!

Is there anything in particular you are excited for in this year's Fest?

I'm excited to see more crafting opportunities available for attendees to participate in!

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Jim Essman He/Him

Committees

Board Games, RPGs, Venue / Concessions

How long have you been a coordinator for NEA Game Fest?

Four years

What is one thing you've learned during your work with other coordinators?

That sponsorships make the convention go 'round.

What is your favorite thing about Game Fest?

Seeing so many people happy while playing games.

In your own words, can you describe the impact this event has made to the community?

I see it as a great rallying point during the year. Our attendees not only get to have a ton of fun meeting up and playing games, but also get to feel good about their badge cost going to charity. It's a win-win!

Is there anything in particular you are excited for in this year's Fest?

All Outta Bubblegum and Definitely Wizards!

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Krystle Essman She/Her

Committees

Merchandise / Registration / Event Signage, Budget / Financials / Sponsorships, Venue / Concessions, Vendors

How long have you been a coordinator for NEA Game Fest?

This will be my 3rd year

What is one thing you've learned during your work with other coordinators?

It's like herding kittens to keep us on track, but it's so worth it!

What is your favorite thing about Game Fest?

I get to play games with friends, and make new gaming friends. And I get to tell stories to run games. What's not to love?

In your own words, can you describe the impact this event has made to the community?

It brings the community together not only for the love of games, but for our charity as well.

Is there anything in particular you are excited for in this year's Fest?

Blood on the Clocktower!!!!!!!

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Bre Franklin She/Her

Committees

RPGs, CCGs, Merchandise / Registration / Event Signage

How long have you been a coordinator for NEA Game Fest?

This is my second year.

What is one thing you've learned during your work with other coordinators?

Everyone in this team is passionate not only about gaming but also about helping make the world slightly better through inclusion and charity.

What is your favorite thing about Game Fest?

Everyone coming together to game and have fun while discovering new interests.

In your own words, can you describe the impact this event has made to the community?

It provides a space where everyone feels welcome to geek out over different types of gaming. It brings the community together.

Is there anything in particular you are excited for in this year's Fest?

I am excited to be growing, to be moving into a bigger space, and welcoming more and more gamers.

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Sarah Brown She/Her

Committees

Board Games, Crafts / Cosplay, Merchandise / Registration / Event Signage, Budget / Financials / Sponsorships

How long have you been a coordinator for NEA Game Fest?

Since 2017

What is one thing you've learned during your work with other coordinators?

That we all have things that we are enthusiastic about and can focus our energies on to create a better experience for everyone.

What is your favorite thing about Game Fest?

The community. Seeing so many tabletop gamers gathering and playing games is amazing!

In your own words, can you describe the impact this event has made to the community?

Not only has NEA Game Fest raised money for local charities, my hope is that it has an impact to the gaming community in finding local and like minded individuals.

Is there anything in particular you are excited for in this year's Fest?

Not only having room for more people this year, but having the potential for future growth as well.

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Kier Heyl He/Him

Committees

Miniatures, Venue / Concessions, Vendors, Website

How long have you been a coordinator for NEA Game Fest?

I was there, Gandalf. 3,000 years ago!

What is one thing you've learned during your work with other coordinators?

That I'm not as organized as I think I am!

What is your favorite thing about Game Fest?

Coming together with people who love tabletop gaming as much as I do!

In your own words, can you describe the impact this event has made to the community?

Tens of thousands of dollars raised for charity. A sense of excitement in the tabletop community.

Is there anything in particular you are excited for in this year's Fest?

The new venue! We're going to be bigger than ever!

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Megan Heyl She/Her

Committees

Crafts / Cosplay, Advertising / Social Media, Budget / Financials / Sponsorships

How long have you been a coordinator for NEA Game Fest?

I've been one from the start but I took a break in 2024 and am excited to be back this year!

What is one thing you've learned during your work with other coordinators?

That the only thing that exceeds our passion for gaming is our passion for a good charity.

What is your favorite thing about Game Fest?

I've loved watching our events selection grow. We have so many wonderful game hosts step up every year!

In your own words, can you describe the impact this event has made to the community?

Creating spaces for shared passions is one of the best things you can do for a community. However, NEA Game Fest is not just a share space for passionate gamers, it’s also a charity event making impacts that last long past the convention end date. I’m so proud of this community we’ve fostered at NEA Game Fest.

Is there anything in particular you are excited for in this year's Fest?

We're growing and with that comes all sorts of exciting new things, but, if I'm honest, the thing I most look forward to every year is seeing old friends and making new ones!

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