Gem State Gaming Convention

04/27/2026

Hi, gamers! Based on feedback from our community, there will be no combat robots at GSGC this year.

We know the noise from the fighting robots has been a big point of friction (and in some cases, even a deciding factor) for some of you in returning to GSGC. Creating a comfortable and enjoyable environment is a top priority for us, so we're taking steps to address that.

We are currently exploring other, much quieter, ways to work with the Idaho Robot Combat League moving forward, and will share that when we're able!

While the League may still make an appearance in some of our media or info areas, we won't be hosting a tournament until we can find a suitable sound management solution.

If you enjoyed the robots or are interested in STEM or robotics, we absolutely encourage you to check them out and support their future events and workshops!

https://ircl-io.github.io/

Thank you for your feedback and for helping us continue to improve GSGC 🤖💚

04/21/2026

The GSGC site has received a bit of a makeover!

Our new logo and more information about the Realms & Relics Merchant Marketplace are now up for your reading and viewing consumption! We hope you like them as much as we do!

Vendor applications for the Realms & Relics Merchant Marketplace -- our vendor hall of fantasy, rpg, and gaming-themed vendors -- are still open! We'll be sending out notifications to those who have applied already by the end of this week, so apply now to throw your name in the hat!

The Marketplace will be FREE TO ENTER for shoppers without a badge this year, and we're promoting it both separately and in conjunction with the convention to expand our reach!

04/19/2026

Hello, vendors!

We are processing applications this week! You will hear back from us by this Friday, April 24th, at the latest.

While we do this, applications are still open and will stay open for a little while longer! If you know anyone who may fit the theme, please encourage them to apply!

Send a message to learn more

04/16/2026

The board game library will be receiving a much needed update this year! Give us your ideas in the comments!

What are some of your favorite games, or convention go-to's?
If you've attended GSGC recently, what games were we missing that we absolutely need to add?
What games should we add to the Play to Win library?
What are some of your favorite games of 2024 + 2025?
What are some of your favorite games this year, so far?
Is there anything coming out in May/June that we should make sure we get a copy of?

Let us know in the comments! We'll be combing through this post to create our shopping list :)

04/12/2026

We had a WHOLE BUNCH of fun celebrating national board game day a with friends, food, and fantasy games!

We even found a few that we’ll definitely be adding to our Play to Win games this year!

What are some of your favorite games? Did you celebrate?

03/29/2026

Vendor Applications are still open!

We are looking for fantasy and gaming themed vendors for The Realms & Relics Merchant Marketplace. The Marketplace will be open to the public on both Saturday, June 27th, and Sunday, June 28th, from 9am - 6pm!

We are open to food and drink vendors, handcrafted artisans, artists, and even service-based businesses and organizations that fit the theme!

We've marked out spaces for more than 30 vendors, and are offering a discount to Returning Vendors who have vended at GSGC in previous years.

Apply Now: bit.ly/gsgcvendors

03/14/2026

We are so excited to be moving out to The Center this year!

Not only will this give us some outside space to play with this summer, but our RPG tables will now be in the same building! The Center has several large meeting rooms across the hallway from the main expo hall, where our RPG games and panels will be taking place.

The main hall will host our Realms & Relics Merchant Marketplace (a fantasy and gaming themed marketplace, open to the public!), and all of our non-RPG gaming -- TCG's, wargames, board games, party games, and more! Our Play-to-Win Library is being assembled as we speak, our demo library is being updated, and we're collecting everything for our VIP Swag Bags as we speak!

We'll share some more photos after our next visit to the venue. Let us know if there's anything in particular you'd like to see!

03/12/2026

🗓️​Saturday, June 27 - Sunday, June 28
📍​The Center at the Canyon County Fairgrounds
110 S Georgia Ave, Caldwell, ID

🎁Use Code "EARLYBIRD" for $5 off your badge before April 3rd!
📋Event Submissions & Vendor Applications Open Now!

03/10/2026

Vendor Applications are now open!

This year, we're transforming our vendor hall into a fantasy and gaming themed marketplace! The Realms & Relics Merchant Marketplace will be open to the public on both Saturday, June 27th, and Sunday, June 28th, from 9am - 6pm!

We've marked out spaces for more than 30 vendors, and are offering a discount to Returning Vendors who have vended at GSGC in previous years.

Apply Now: bit.ly/gsgcvendors

12/17/2025

From the Gem State Gaming Convention crew we want to wish you and yours Happy Holidays to everyone who celebrates during this time of year!

May you roll well, draw the right cards, and most importantly play games with cool people! See you in 2026!

08/30/2025

We’re at Boise Comic Arts Festival this weekend! Come say hi and join the giveaway for a 2026 VIP bundle!

The Mystic & The Mage are here with us so there’s lots of gaming gear to pick up too!