FallCon Game Hosts

Qualifications

FallCon as an organization is centered on the belief that People + Games = Better Communities and Relationships. FallCon Game Hosts share this belief.

They have a love for the hobby and how it can develop relationships and foster learning.There are many "gamers" who enjoy playing games, but Game Hosts are those who put the enjoyment of others, especially those new to the hobby, ahead of their own participation.

Age is not a determining factor. FallCon has had Game Hosts as young as 10 years old. These inspiring young people can teach games with the best of them, setting aside their competitive spirit for the sake of everyone having a great time playing games.

Key Skills

• professionalism
• strong communication skills
• ability to learn
• ability to teach others without the rulebook
• ability to host
• friendly
• sociable

Expectations

• know the FallCon purpose and values, and use them as guides to their behaviour when hosting games
• attend a mandatory FallCon Game Host training session to review the FallCon Teaching Method and play games
• invest time in learning the FallCon Teaching Method and use it as FallCon events
• facilitate scheduled games at FallCon's annual convention by hosting events with multiple copies of a game, thereby accommodating more attendees (ConCrew role in Hosted Gaming Area)
• help attendees at FallCon's annual convention choose games, find additional players, find game teachers, teach games. and/or act as "tour guides'' for new visitors (ConCrew role in Open Gaming Area and Library)
• maximize the enjoyment of others when teaching or moderating games
• be identifiable, sociable, welcoming and informative at FallCon events
• promote FallCon as an organization overall

Volunteering at the Convention

Volunteer vs. Non-Volunteer Positions

Official FallCon volunteers (otherwise known as ConCrew) Games Hostscan help with two different kinds of game hosting shifts at the convention: Open Gaming Volunteer and/or Hosted Gaming. See Volunteer Opportunities or more information on official FallCon ConCrew volunteer positions.

Convention attendees who are not official volunteers can host games by being a Guest Host or hosting informal games in the Open Gaming area.

See Ways to Host Games at FallCon for more information.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Choose Which Games I Host?

As a Hosted Games volunteer or a Guest Host – generally, yes. Once your application has been accepted, you can submit which game(s) you would like to host and these will be programmed into the convention schedule. It is common for game hosts to be hosting two copies of a game at the same time.

Can I Host Games as an Open Gaming Volunteer?

No. As an Open Gaming volunteer, you will be focusing your efforts on facilitating the enjoyment of others in the Open Gaming area. You will be required to have a general understanding of the FallCon Feature games and be willing and able to teach and explain them to attendees who request. Information on the FallCon Feature games will be shared with you in advance of the convention.

I'm Hosting an Official Scheduled Game as a Hosted Games Volunteer or Guest Host. Can I Also Play in it?

Sometimes, but usually not. FallCon’s long-standing approach to hosted games is to connects as many attendees to games as possible. As a FallCon Game Host, our priority is maximizing the enjoyment of others. This usually means that Hosts teach and facilitate the game, leaving space for attendees. If attendees do not show up for a hosted session, it could mean that you are best to step in and play in order to allow for best player count.

What is the FallCon Teaching Method?

The FallCon Teaching Method is a five step process used by FallCon Games Hosts. It ensures a consistent and high quality experience that attendees have come to expect from FallCon's Hosted Games. FallCon Game Hosts attend a mandatory Training Session to review the Method and prepare for the upcoming convention. All game host volunteers and guest hosts will receive an invite to a Training Session in advance of the convention. The FallCon Teaching Method Worksheet is used as part of the framework of this training.

Is there a video I can watch about the FallCon teaching method?

There is! The video is from 2011 but the method is still the same.

What happened to the Ambassador Program?

The Ambassador Program was discontinued in June 2018. The FallCon Organizing Team recognizes that running a successful convention relies upon the support of volunteers of all types. External events (e.g. Otafest) transitioned from Ambassador-supported to being managed by our External Events team. With a growing convention and the changing needs we chose to replace the Ambassador Program rather than amend it.

Is there a nomination process to be a FallCon Game Host?

No. Previously, admission to the Ambassador program required nominations.This is not true for FallCon Game Hosts. However, the quality of both our Hosted and Open Gaming is an important part of the experience of convention attendees. FallCon Game Hosts are held to the same high standards that our Ambassadors were.

I was an Ambassador. Can I keep my hat? Can I still wear it?

Yes, and yes! We're proud of our Ambassadors and trust you continue to support the convention and the hobby.

Please contact programming@fallcon.com for more information.