This article was written in 2017. Features and prices may have changed since then.
In previous years I attended the UK Games Expo for the full 3 days it’s on, honestly the only real way to experience everything is to attend for the full 3 days. However, this year, I had just a single day to visit the show. If you are considering attending this show for one day, here are some tips that will help.
- PLAN AHEAD
Before you head down, spend time working out what games you might be interested in, which ones are going to be popular. If there is anything you really really want, try to find out what retailers (or publishers) are selling it on the day before you arrive. Download a map, plan a route to pickup them must have games first. If possible, pre-order the game for collection at the show. - PICK A DAY
Seems obvious, but different days mean different things. Friday is a great choice if you are after a game that might be limited in supply . Saturday is also a good day, but beware, Saturday is much much more busier than the Friday. Finally Sunday, a quieter day, trade stands might of sold out (yes it happened this year), however, it might give you more chance to grab a bargain or try out a popular game. - ARRIVE EARLY
We arrived this year a good hour before the doors open. This gave us time to park, wander in, get our lanyards, have a bite to eat, get a bottle of water and then queue to get in. You are going to need all day to experience the show. - PARKING
Park at Resort World, it is a short walk from there to the NEC, likely to be much closer than the official NEC carparks. It could work out much more cheaper to park there as well. 2017 prices were.
£12 Official NEC Carkparks
£15 Resort World Carpark, But wait, it’s more expensive, I hear you cry. Well yes it is, except Resort world will give you 12 hours of parking for £2 if you spend £20 inside. With a choice of restaurant chains (and shops), so long as you eat at resort world, you will save on parking. (hey you have to eat). - WHEN DOORS OPEN, FOLLOW YOUR PLAN
Seems obvious, but it’s easy to get sidetracked into playing a game or three, en-route. Get to the trade stands, get the games you really wanted, then… - USE SHOP AND DROP.
- £3 is all it is going to cost you to use this service. It’s amazing, I used it for the first time this year. I picked up the games I really wanted, then dropped them (with my backpack) at the shop and drop. No carrying games/bags around for the rest of the day. You can fetch/drop as often as you like during the day and then collect as you are leaving.
- ONLY TRY/PLAY THE GAMES YOU’VE NEVER PLAYED BEFORE
Honestly, you do not have time for a quick game of your favourite game. Instead browse the show, if a stand is busy, make a mental note to come back later. If a game is available and you’re interested (remember plan ahead) give it a go but before you do, establish how long it will take (just ask). - BRING AND BUY
There is always a queue, personally I would only go if I had time at the end of the day or I was attending for the full three days. Sure you might get a bargain, just remember everybody else in that queue are also after a bargain. - AVOID TRAPS
The traps of the show are things that will take up a lot of your day. Queuing for Bring & Buy / Food, board game library, or play testing a really long game. Before trying a game try to establish how long it will take. One game I wanted to try took 45mins to play; I managed to squeeze it in at the end of the day.
This years show was great; but doing it in one day was a push. The day just flew past, I estimate, it took us, 3 hours to slowly “walk the floor” (eg. up/down every isle). We played 2 or 3 games and before we knew it, it was time to leave.I hope my tips help next year anyone who can only attend the show for a single day. I plan to attend for 3 days again, for me one just wasn’t long enough. :/
*Prices are 2017 – might be different now.