About the event
Is this a sales event like UKGE or Salute?
No. This is intended as a gaming event, not a sales event. There will be a small number of stands/tables for exhibitors and sponsors to show-off and demo some new games. But, by “small”, we mean no more than a handful. The focus is on rolling dice, consulting CRTs, arguing over supply lines rules, and slaying your enemies.
Is this miniatures games, or board games only?
Board games only. There are plenty of conventions and events in the UK catering for miniatures wargaming, but virtually nothing for board wargaming hobbyists. So this is for us.
Can I only play war and strategy games at the event?
No. We want the focus to be on war and strategy games, but you can play any board game you want. Even – dare we say it – Catan. No Monopoly though, that’s a red line.
Will there be a way to organise games beforehand, and during the event?
Yes to both.
Closer to the date we will send around a link to an organiser so you can advertise and sign-up to games that you want to play in advance. At the event we’ll have a few different ways for you to find players or games (though we recommend organising games in advance if you can).
Are the tickets a single price, or can I get reduction for a day ticket?
Yes all tickets will cost £45, and no, you can’t get a reduction for a day ticket as we do not sell day tickets for the event.
How can I be entered into the prize draw?
Everyone that attends the event will be automatically entered. On your ticket, or on arrival at the event, you will receive a unique prize draw reference.
On the Saturday evening the draw will be made in the gaming hall. Winners will come up and choose the prize (game) they want from those available, with the draw continuing until all the prizes have been snatched up.
Will there be a Bring and Buy Sale?
Yes. Though please note that there is a limit of 2 games per attendee that can be sold, otherwise it gets crazy.
It is a simple affair. There will be a large table in one corner of the gaming area. Just leave on this table the game(s) you want to sell. Write on a post-it note (we’ll provide) your name, telephone number and the price, and stick it on the game. Buyers can then peruse what’s on offer at their leisure, and text or call you if they want to buy the game. Please however – only wargames or similar – this isn’t an opportunity to offload your daughter’s unwanted game of Harry Potter Cluedo. So bring some cash along if you think you might want to feed your wargaming acquisition dis-order, not everyone will have PayPal.
Will there be a Games Library?
Yes there will be a small games library you can borrow from with popular titles such as Twilight Struggle, Labyrinth, Hannibal & Hamilcar, COIN games and the like.
What’s the refund policy?
See the Refunds page for information on our refund policy.
Basically we want to provide you with as much flexibility as possible, but within the constraints set for us by the venue.
When we pay the hotel full amount for the venue hire – which will be no later than 6 weeks before the event – we are locked in and can’t get a refund, even if we subsequently have to cancel the event. In that situation, we will agree a new date for PunchedCON with the hotel, with all monies paid rolling over. Hence that’s the same rule that applies to attendee refunds. However, for individual cancellations, not linked to any wider issues with the event itself, it should not be a problem to accommodate.
Please note the PunchedCON organisers are not responsible for room refunds. The hotel’s policy is that you can claim a full refund on a room booked for the event up to 48 hours before the event is scheduled to begin.
How can I book a room at the venue?
When you book your ticket you will receive a form in a confirmation email that will allow you to book your room(s).
Although the event runs Friday to Sunday, you may want to arrive on the Thurs evening / leave the Monday morning, hence block booking some rooms for that.
At this point you just fill in the form to let the hotel know what type of room you want, and for how many nights. Closer to the event itself, probably a few weeks before, the hotel will contact you to take a payment. So don’t worry if you don’t hear from them. Provided you fill in the form, your room will be reserved.
Note that you have the option of booking a room with ‘Dinner’ included, for an extra £15 per night. This will give you access to the a la carte menu in the main dining hall. Otherwise you can just order bar food. It might be possible to access the main dining hall on an ad hoc basis if they have capacity, but no guarantees. So that’s what that option is referring to.
Please note that the room booking arrangements are not the responsibility of the organisers of PunchedCON. The refund policy for the room itself is set by the hotel, and set-out in its T&Cs.
Can I leave unfinished games on a table in the games venue overnight?
Yes. The staff of the hotel are under instructions not to touch anything on any of the tables over the three days. You can pick up a game where you left it the night before.
Can I book a gaming table for the whole weekend in advance?
No. There should be plenty of tables to go around, there will be no need for German-style claiming of sunbeds with towels each morning.
Will you send out more information about the event?
Yes, when you sign up for the event you will also be signed up for the PunchedCON newsletter, which will be sent out when there are updates for attendees.
What if I’m losing all my units because the dice gods hate me?
As noted below – there’s a bar in the room where you can drown your sorrows and curse your ill fortune.
About the venue
What’s the food situation going to be like?
There will be a range of options. A tuckshop will be available just outside the gaming area providing snacks, soft drinks, and jacket potatoes. Please note however the tuck shop only accepts cash, so bring some along with you.
There will be bar food from midday to around 8pm, burgers and chips and the like. You’ll be able to eat all that at your gaming table. The hotel also has an onsite restaurant. If you signed up for a room package that includes dinner, this is what you have signed up for. You may also decide to eat at the restaurant on the day if you didn’t get the room and dinner package, though this will depend on the restaurant’s capacity.
There will be bar food from midday to around 8pm, burgers and chips and the like. You’ll be able to eat all that at your gaming table. The hotel also has an onsite restaurant. If you signed up for a room package that includes dinner, this is what you have signed up for. You may also decide to eat at the restaurant on the day if you didn’t get the room and dinner package, though this will depend on the restaurant’s capacity.
I’m a vegetarian/vegan – will there be suitable food for me?
Yes. The hotel catering services will provide for vegans and allergies with appropriate dishes. Please contact us if you have very specific dietary needs and we’ll see what we can do.
What about drinks?
Great news. There’s a bar in the actual gaming area itself that will be open until 1am. So you won’t have to travel far for a beer or Coca Cola. As with the food you’ll be able to drink at your gaming table. Just try not to spill it over the board!
I’m not staying at the venue – can I still park there?
Yes there’s free onsite parking, for up to 400 cars.
I don’t have a car – can I get public transport there?
Yes. The hotel is 15mins drive from Coventry centre. There are buses that travel to near the hotel from Coventry centre. Or you can get a taxi for around £8-£10.
If I don’t want to stay at the hotel, is there somewhere nearby I can stay?
Yes. There is lots of accommodation in Coventry centre, which is just a short trip away.