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Expo Icrontic 2014

Expo Icrontic 2014

Expo Icrontic 2014 logoAs the summer sun rises over the city of Detroit this June, it will shine on the sleepy heads of cultured geeks from all over the world as the annual gathering of gamers, card-tossers, wine lovers, beer aficionados, foodies, artists, and friends known as Expo Icrontic begins.

That’s what we wrote last year for Expo Icrontic, and it still holds true this year.

Expo Icrontic started eleven years ago as a gathering of gamers, to bring the Icrontic online community face-to-face in real life so that friendships could be cemented. Since then, it has grown from a LAN party to a full-blown convention, with all kinds of hobbies and cultures intermingling. It has grown such that some of the people that attend are not even gamers. Past Expos have featured a variety of activities including a golf outing, historical Detroit bike tour, food tours, boardgaming, duct-tape engineer challenges, fitness workshops, visits from technology representatives, wine and cheese tastings, and more. There’s something for everybody, and Expo Icrontic 2014 will be no different.

The theme of Expo Icrontic 2014 is “Icrontic Communism”. We like to joke around that, for years, the Icrontic community has been an example of “communism that works”. When community members need help, other Icrontians chip in. It’s just the way we are. We decided to run with that theme this year and offer a whole new way of pricing tickets: Pay what you can. Turns out, most of the people who have registered have chosen the top-tier ticket to help subsidize tickets for those who need them. We’ve also got generous Icrontians offering up airline miles for a first-time attendee, and providing tons of swag and prizes for attendees as well.

As in past years, we will have a huge variety of events; popular old traditions such as the duct-tape challenge, LAN gaming tournaments, swag and prize giveaways, Magic: The Gathering tournaments, organized tastings, the annual Tastes of Detroit food tour, and more.

The ticket fee includes a spot for a PC, a chair, a network connection, power, a T-shirt, access to the Chinese Auction door prize giveaway (which, historically, has been filled with some pretty damned spectacular prizes from some big name sponsors), and all access to events that don’t carry external costs. Events that have extra fees associated with them are the food tours, the bike tour, rope course, and the tasting events.

OFFICIAL EVENTS LIST:

If you are attending, click on each event to RSVP “in”:

The official event calendar can be found on Sched.  Travel information can be found here.

Last year we had over 60 people attend. Every single one of them will tell you what a great time they had. Come join us in Detroit for an absolutely awesome four days and see for yourself what an amazing group of people the Icrontic community is!

Eventbrite - Expo Icrontic 2014

Expo Icrontic is Wednesday, June 18th through Sunday, June 22nd. See you there!

Comments

  1. CrazyJoe
  2. TiberiusLazarus
  3. Ryder
    Ryder

    First and a half.

  4. GnomeQueen
    GnomeQueen

    First and 3/4ths.

  5. CrazyJoe
    CrazyJoe

    Second Firsts!!

  6. PirateNinja
    PirateNinja

    Can't wait to dump baby pics on you guys in the middle of your party :D

  7. Bandrik
    Bandrik

    (wishes for cool, dry weather all week)

  8. primesuspect
    primesuspect

    No big deal... Just a few of the amazing Expo Icrontic prizes to be won...

  9. DogDragon
    DogDragon

    @primesuspect said:
    No big deal... Just a few of the amazing Expo Icrontic prizes to be won...

    is that red sneaker by itself or is there a mate to it and do you have to win twice to get both :)

  10. Linc
    Linc

    5-day ticket deadline warning.

  11. JBoogaloo
    JBoogaloo

    I know I got 2 days left...but, I think I may be able to make this one!:D

  12. Linc
    Linc

    I just cracked open a Lincoln's Hoppy Ending, one of @mertesn‌'s 2013 specialty brews (along with Bobby Miller Light and Prime's Porter). It's... sweet. The hops broke down into sugar, making it a really delicious and mellow brew for the less hop-crazed among you.

    There will be at least 1 complete 6-pack of the 2013 specialty brews on the prize table.

    PS: It's still super-over-carbonated and slowly shoots a tower of head out the neck when you pop it. Heh.

  13. GnomeQueen
    GnomeQueen

    @Linc said:
    There will be at least 1 complete 6-pack of the 2013 specialty brews on the prize table.

    PS: It's still super-over-carbonated and slowly shoots a tower of head out the neck when you pop it. Heh.

  14. AlexDeGruven
  15. primesuspect
    primesuspect

    Not in until you buy a ticket! :P

  16. AlexDeGruven
    AlexDeGruven

    I didn't post until after I bought it :P

  17. Garg
    Garg

    Am I last? Thought about holding out for the last minute, but too risky.

  18. Obsidian
    Obsidian

    I'm in Chicago until Thursday afternoon and I'm doing Revolver with my chef Friday, so I'm still not sure how many events I'll be able to attend. Hopefully I won't miss out on too much fun.

  19. Colgere
    Colgere

    Not going to make it this year, but still got a ticket. I figure one of the Cincy crew can bring my attendee bag back with them.

  20. primesuspect
    primesuspect

    I opened up the ticket sales for two more days. GET IN HERE

  21. Teramona
    Teramona

    Someone hold me.

  22. Sonorous
  23. BobbyDigi
    BobbyDigi

    Suddenly I am coming to Epic.

    See you all next week!

    -Digi

  24. Linc
    Linc

    CANTI I SEE YOU AWESOMING AND NOT REGISTERING

  25. Linc
    Linc

    At least 3 people have responded to the activities survey without FILLING IN THEIR NAME. Come on, guys. :(

    If you suspect it was you, let me know approx what time you did it and I can match them up.

  26. Signal
    Signal

    I think I'm one of the no names. Don't fill out important forms on your phone in the bathroom.

    I've filled out another one with my name so you can delete the matching no name.

  27. Annes
    Annes

    @Signal said:
    Don't fill out important forms on your phone in the bathroom.

    Speak for yourself. I filled mine out in the bathroom and did just fine.

  28. Linc
    Linc

    My number is 717-575-5128. Please add it to your phone In Case Shit. If you need to poke me but it isn't urgent, feel free to text. If you need my attention immediately, YOU MUST CALL (leave a voicemail if I don't pick up). I'm occasionally known to not notice a text for hours.

  29. TiberiusLazarus
  30. Ryder
    Ryder

    @Linc said:
    I'm occasionally known to not notice a text for hours.

    I don't think that word means what you think it means

  31. Linc
    Linc

    IT MEANS A LOT OF THE TIME I REPLY IMMEDIATELY AND I GET NO CREDIT.

  32. primesuspect
    primesuspect

    Is there a "sarcastic lulz" button?

  33. Linc
    Linc

    For me, the scariest Expo deadline is when the Amazon Prime shipping arrive-by date slips past Wednesday. :eek3: .

  34. mertesn
    mertesn

    Speaking of which, I have a package arriving Tuesday. Probably UPS.

  35. UPSLynx
    UPSLynx

    Should we re-ignite the poo-err, groupMe app for Expo? Probably new to a lot of the new folks joining us for Expo, might be worth a mention/thread if we want to get everyone on it for Expo.

  36. Thrax
  37. mertesn
    mertesn

    @Thrax said:
    (whatsapp)

    Snapchat

  38. Thrax
    Thrax

    Or google chat, since everyone and their mother already has a Google account.

  39. CrazyJoe
    CrazyJoe

    Snapchat still doesn't work for me. Haven't been able to sign in on my phone. Website works fine. Can't find support.

  40. CB
    CB

    I was going to mention GroupMe to everyone at the 'Welcome' on Thursday afternoon, like I did last year.

    Edit: to clarify: I did not write the past-tense to mean that I'm not going to do this now. I still am, and GroupMe is still going to be the 'officialish' app for keeping everyone in touch with what's going on at epic. I know people like other apps or whatever, but I'm making a call.

    If you like reasons, and want one, this is my main one: GroupMe allows people to sign up with just a phone number, so that everyone can be in on the GroupMe chat even if all they have is a dumb flipphone. It requires no actual installation of any app or any account of any kind. If the phone accepts texts, it can do GroupMe.

  41. QCH
  42. UPSLynx
    UPSLynx

    Groupme is already installed and Icrontic is already grouped up for a bunch of us. Too lazy to dink around with Whatsapp at this point.

  43. Signal
    Signal

    What's the parking situation like? Anywhere around the house you can find a spot? Is there an unloading zone for desktop users?

  44. Linc
    Linc

    @Signal said:
    What's the parking situation like? Anywhere around the house you can find a spot? Is there an unloading zone for desktop users?

    There is a fire hydrant in front of the house, so that's the unloading zone since no one can park there. Otherwise, there is plenty of parking along Calumet. Do not leave anything valuable / valuable-looking in your vehicle. Park 15 feet from crosswalks (I've marked our side of the street with orange stakes).

  45. Linc
    Linc

    Well @TiberiusLazarus‌'s shot at the triple crown is over.

  46. Tushon
  47. Linc
    Linc

    First to register, first to arrive, first to pray at the porcelain throne.

  48. Ryder
    Ryder

    LMAO! poor Jimmy

  49. Linc
    Linc

    @Ryder said:
    LMAO! poor Jimmy

    No, he missed the crown, hence he wasn't the first to pray.

  50. GHoosdum
    GHoosdum

    So... who took the Belmont throne?

  51. Ryder
  52. mertesn
    mertesn

    Wasn't me. I'm just the enabler.

  53. GnomeQueen
  54. mertesn
    mertesn

    @GnomeQueen said:
    Snark? Evonne?

    I'm not naming names. That person will have to out him/herself

  55. Linc
    Linc

    @GHoosdum said:
    So... who took the Belmont throne?

    We won't be publicly shaming. Besides, @mertesn‌'s 15% dark cider is the true culprit here. :range: .

  56. AlexDeGruven
    AlexDeGruven

    Hey, whoever is in town and wants to grab lunch this week. I have been making the (very bad) habit of hitting the food trucks in Cadillac Square.

  57. Linc
    Linc

    Look out I figured out the password on the Icrontic Twitter account and decided the hashtag is #expoicrontic

  58. UPSLynx
    UPSLynx

    That hashtag is not specific/shareable enough, not a best practice. You blew it. Virality ruined.

  59. Linc
    Linc

    @UPSLynx said:
    Virality ruined.

    I read that as "virility" and guffawed.

  60. Zanthian
    Zanthian

    So what is the coffee situation at the house? Do you have a Keurig if i want to bring some k-cups?

  61. Ryder
    Ryder

    GASP! he said the K word.

  62. Annes
    Annes

    @Zanthian said:
    So what is the coffee situation at the house? Do you have a Keurig if i want to bring some k-cups?

    Oh dear.

  63. Zanthian
    Zanthian

    What, I have three kids to get ready and out the door everyday ;) I like the convenience.

    So, I am uninvited at this point for saying the K word lol.
    I can bring one of these and really make you cringe: http://www.target.com/p/k-cup-my-french-press-brewer-by-cafejo-bronze/-/A-14533941

    Ok, so then do you just have a money jar i can donate towards some coffee to drink?

  64. primesuspect
    primesuspect

    Yes, we'll have a money jar if you want to donate for beans. I buy pretty fancy whole beans and we grind. For expo, we'll probably have only the french presses and the Aeropress available.

    Get that ecology-destroying, factory coffee nightmare out of your life, man. Get you a $25 Aeropress and a grinder, your coffee experience will be better, just as fast, and better for MOTHER EARTH, YOU MONSTER.

  65. primesuspect
    primesuspect

    That K-Cup press is literally an Aeropress for K-Cups, AND IT COSTS MORE jesus christ

  66. Zanthian
    Zanthian

    Ok, you can enlighten me on the ways of the aero press while i am there. Maybe you will convert me ;)

  67. Garg
    Garg

    What. What sort of bastardized contraption is that? An Aeropress for K-cups?

    But for reals, you could pick up some coffee to brew at ICHQ in their french press, or I imagine chipping in a few bucks to use the IC stash would be ok. primesuspect‌?

    Nevermind, everybody replied while I was distracted by making my own coffee.

    If I have time today (kind of doubtful), I'll be picking up some coffee and you could have some of mine. If I don't, the silver lining would be an excuse to swing by Chazzano in Ferndale after I arrive :)

  68. primesuspect
    primesuspect

    Prepare to have your life changed, Zanthian.

  69. GHoosdum
    GHoosdum

    @primesuspect said:
    Prepare to have your life changed, Zanthian.

    If I threaten to bring a K-cup will you change my life, too?

  70. UPSLynx
  71. mertesn
    mertesn

    @GHoosdum said:
    If I threaten to bring a K-cup will you change my life, too?

    Yes but not in the way you may think.

  72. CrazyJoe
    CrazyJoe

    I want my life changed too.

  73. BobbyDigi
    BobbyDigi

    @UPSLynx said:
    SFO. OMW.

    You have gotten skinnier since the last time I saw you Lynx. Why did you post a sideways selfie?

    -Digi

  74. RyanMM
    RyanMM

    @UPSLynx said:
    SFO. OMW.

    SUCH PERSPECTIVE. MANY OUNCE.

  75. pragtastic
    pragtastic

    @UPSLynx said:
    Should we re-ignite the poo-err, groupMe app for Expo? Probably new to a lot of the new folks joining us for Expo, might be worth a mention/thread if we want to get everyone on it for Expo.

    So, there's this thing called Slack. I have a free account setup under the Icrontic name if folks want to try it out.

    I tend to like it because:

    1) the mobile app is pretty good
    2) the notification settings are pretty solid
    3) channels to separate chats
    4) feels like a modern form of irc
    5) supports other integrations if we feel like adding them

    If anyone is interested, ICPM me your email address and I'll get an invite sent over.

  76. Tushon
    Tushon

    Such configuration, much mobile app.

  77. TiberiusLazarus
    TiberiusLazarus

    Found: two rings on the island in the kitchen. See @primesuspect

  78. Snarkasm
    Snarkasm

    Aren't they Meghann's? I believe they were removed while guacamole was being delicious'd.

  79. BobbyDigi
    BobbyDigi

    I have made it to the house. There is lots of coffee. Snarky looks nothing like his avatar. Everyone was on time for the adventure outing. They are all gone now.

    Good morning Icrontic!

    -Digi

  80. AlexDeGruven
    AlexDeGruven

    @BobbyDigi said:
    Snarky looks nothing like his avatar.

    This was a topic of much discussion last night at dinner.

  81. Sonorous
    Sonorous

    I'm at the house @BobbyDigi if you want to set up.

  82. Sonorous
    Sonorous

    I expect this at Expo next year @BobbyDigi‌

  83. HumerusMeg
    HumerusMeg

    @TiberiusLazarus said:
    Found: two rings on the island in the kitchen. See primesuspect

    Thanks so much, your amazing! :D They are back on my fingers and avocado free

  84. BobbyDigi
    BobbyDigi

    Officially a party.

    Cops showed up to the Duct Tape Challenge.

    -Digi

  85. BobbyDigi
    BobbyDigi

    I'll have you know....

    -Digi

  86. cola
    cola

    I've been expecting a voicemail, I was not disappoint.

    I do not suck at League of Legends.

  87. Teramona
    Teramona

    1) Thanks for the message. Having my phone stolen meant losing all my very sentimental saved voicemails for the last 3 years, including all the one's from Dan when we were first going out. I'm happy you guys are making me new ones.

    2) Glad you enjoyed my voicemail greeting.

    3) Fuck you, @‌obsidian .

    4) My birthday was this month, too.

    5) I'm happy the new tradition of teatime at expo continued on in my absence.

    6) Seriously; fuck you, Obsidian.

  88. MAGIC
  89. Koreish
    Koreish

    @Teramona said:

    3) Fuck you, @‌obsidian .

    6) Seriously; fuck you, Obsidian.

    I assume then he Snapchatted an Awesomesauce your way?

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