Gen Con is a huge convention that is held yearly in Indianapolis. In fact, it is the largest annual event the city hosts, bringing in tens of millions of dollars to the city. The convention is a four day event that brings together tabletop players, miniatures, board games, video games, live-action role-players, and much more.
The show is so big that back in 2011 the Convention Center increased its capacity to more than half a million square feet of space. This cost them a whooping $275 million, but helped keep the convention firmly planted in Indianapolis. It should be noted that the expansion was also aimed at bringing back the NRA convention in a few years.
That being said, losing a convention of the magnitude of Gen Con would be a major blow to revenue for a city. It’s one of the reasons Comic-Con International isn’t leaving San Diego anytime soon, even though that location can no longer hold the masses that attend. But it looks like Gen Con may in fact be finding a new home thanks in part to SB 101.
Gen Con has released an official letter to Indiana Governor Mike Pence regarding Diversity and SB 101. http://t.co/GN5zax88HO
— Gen Con (@Gen_Con) March 24, 2015
SB 101 l is known as the “religions freedom” bill, as the papers there are calling it, and would offer legal protection that would allow Indiana business owners the right to refuse service to same-sex couples. Gen Con LLC’s CEO, Adrian Swartout has sent a letter to Republican Governor Mike Pence regarding the matter. Mr. Swartout said SB 101, “will factor into our decision-making on hosting the convention in the state of Indiana in future years.” He went on to say that, “Legislation that could allow for refusal of service or discrimination against our attendees will have a direct negative impact on the state’s economy.”
You can read the entire letter below:
Via: (Polygon)
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