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[unwrittenglory]

There will be a small convention coming up and my group that plays Anima wants to have a booth set up with a demo. I think it would be a great way to get some people into Anima Tactics since wargaming is virtually non existent here. Any tips on how to hold a demo. All of us are new to wargaming and none of us have been to a big gaming convention. Thanks in advance. 

[Ape2020]

Go with about two 150 level parties since this is a gaming convention.  Know how those units play well, suggest early units like Kronen, Dark Cheshire, Tsubasa, Khaine, Evangeline, Bael or just the wanderer box set.  Have them painted as well you can and some base terrain pieces and maybe just some green felt table covering.  I like to also have a picture binder of all the official painted models for other to look at especial if I have limited space.  Have fun and for the most part play loose to give the newbies a good chance of winning.

-ape2020

[Raith]

I use the light and dark starter, if i'm just delivering the rules, easiest to get the basics over with then, I might use a 150 level match if there is a theme at the con or someone seems to have a grasp of the basics and is looking for a more well rounded intro.

I used a green flock mat to cover the table have as many of my figures on display in front of a little sign.  While I take terrain I usually have it placed out of the way to keep the demo as simple and quick as possible.

Some tricks, first have a ringer come by every now and then to ask some questions or a couple of people to play a series of games while the event is on.  People like to see a booth where something is going on.  Its also handy having someone around to give you a break.  Try to watch the crowd and encourage people to stop by and do more than glance at your booth from a distance, ask questions of those who stop to look.  It can also help if you have something to do related to the hobby rather than just stare into space.

For the demonstrations try not to overwhelm your onlookers with the complex rules just allude to a more involved game than what you demo and if you can have some sort of flier to give out with websites/contact info on it to point people into finding out more about the game.  Give you guest as many choices as you can, let them make decisions what side to play and if they want to go first or second each turn and if they do something foolish try not to take advantage of it and crush them.

I think that's about everything you really need to know.  Oh and make sure you have fun at the con.

And if its going to be a multi-day event take your own drink with you, try to avoid drinking to much soft-drink, the sugar hit is not a good payout for long hours.  Then there's making sure to wear a different set of clothes every day if its the con has a huge attendance of overly dedicated gamers... so many little things, anyway you'll learn.

One last thing.  Even if you don't get much interest for one year, it doesn't mean its your fault, try again next year.

- Raith