SimuCon 2024

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Two dragons, one green named Sparky and one tannish named Krystal sit gathered at a table staring at a red D20 dice as they face an orcish dungeon master. A winged fairy stares anxiously at the dice, as well. A golden quee potato rests on the gridded dungeon map. A sign reading, "Sheraton Westport Plaza" with the dates Aug 7 - 11 hangs from a wall in the background.

SimuCon is a yearly gathering in St. Louis near Simutronics headquarters usually taking place near the end of the summer.

OFFICIAL dates for 2024 are Wednesday, August 7 through Sunday, August 11, 2024 at the Sheraton Westport Plaza Hotel. Room reservation link Room reservation link here.


2024 Schedule

Main Schedule

Preliminary SimuCon 2024 Schedule
ALL TIMES CST
(CENTRAL TIME)
Day Time Activity Open To
Wednesday
0:00 AM Blank ALL
Thursday
0:00 AM Blank ALL
Friday
0:00 AM Blank ALL
Saturday
0:00 AM Blank ALL
Sunday
0:00 AM Blank ALL

1 You must bring your own laptop and have an active account to participate

2 D&D One Shots: These will be 60-90 minutes sessions. You must pre-register for a session in the Box Office. Try to make Session 0!

3 Live Alteration Sessions: First come, first served! There are several sessions scheduled, and everyone is allowed to claim one alteration but they MUST make it to one of these sessions.

Tune in to our livestream at http://www.twitch.tv/simuradio to view Some of our GS panels! Other activities will be streamed ad-hoc throughout the 'Con

Panel Schedule

Panel Schedule
ALL TIMES CST
(CENTRAL TIME)
Day Time Activity Panelists
Friday 0:00 PM Name People
Saturday 0:00 PM Name People

Main Events & Side Quest Announcement

Attendee List

Prime Players

  • Azanoth
  • Dergoatean
  • Ghommpikk
  • Maylan
  • Obsalyn
  • Rozy

Platinum Players

  • Ashanor

Shattered Players

  • Sue
  • Drekoi

Game Staff

  • Aergo
  • Ivry
  • Marstreforn
  • Nyxus
  • Thandiwe
  • Valyrka

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does SimuCon cost?

Attendance badges cost $40. Please see the Ticketing section for more details.

Where do I sign up?

Ticketing will likely be handled via the play.net Box Office when available. Please see the Ticketing section for more details.

Who organizes SimuCon?

Typically GameMasters from Gemstone IV and DragonRealms are the official organizers. However, many players pitch in to plan unofficial events or to offer support. All work is strictly volunteer, so please be sure to thank your organizer team!

What is it like to attend a SimuCon?

SimuCon is a gathering of players and GameMasters for Simutronics games, including Gemstone IV and DragonRealms. The convention includes several events, as listed in the 2024 Schedule, that are planned by both players and staff. In-between events, attendees typically gather at conference tables similar to a large LAN party to play. Board games and other activities are frequently available as well.

How many people attend SimuCon and when do they show up?

SimuCon has experienced a growth spurt over the past three years or so. A current rough estimate would be 100 attendees (GS and DR combined) over the course of the weekend. The main convention days are Thursday through Sunday, although several people arrive on Wednesday and stay through Monday. The convention room is typically setup by Wednesday evening.

What equipment should I bring?

Bring your laptop/computer so that you can play Gemstone during the convention. Internet access and power strips are typically provided. Note: It is not recommended that you leave your equipment unattended in the conference room.

Will I need a car?

Many attendees never leave the hotel. However if you are planning to explore St. Louis, a car is recommended as public transportation options are slim. Lyft and Uber are both operational in St. Louis and are ideal for single trips. For any excursions listed in the schedule, carpool options may be available. A shuttle may be available to and from your hotel for airport travel, but don't forget to bring cash for a tip!

Is SimuCon family friendly?

In general, yes. Some attendees do bring children but activities in the convention room may be of limited interest to them. Note the Attractions section listed below for additional kid-friendly activities available in St. Louis. Please expect to encounter explicit language and consumption of alcoholic beverages, which will increase in the late night hours.

What is the weather typically like?

Missouri is nicknamed "Misery" for its hot and humid summers. For a current local forecast, click here: https://www.ksdk.com/weather

Do I need to bring food or beverages?

Depending on funds available, basic snacks will be provided. You are generally on your own for meals and can purchase food at the grocery or restaurant options listed in the Dining/Eating section. SimuCon is strictly BYOB. Alcohol can be purchased in most grocery stores and gas stations in Missouri.

What should I wear?

SimuCon is casual attire unless the schedule for a specific event indicates otherwise. Some events may encourage costumes or themed attire.

Is there a pool?

YES! Pack your bathing suits because the official SimuCon hotel has an outdoor pool! There is even a poolside bar with snacks and beverages (open Friday through Sunday), and towel service is available. It is recommended that you pack sunscreen ahead of time, because the hotel and nearby shops do not stock any! It is also recommended that you bring pool noodles, because pool noodles are wicked cool.

Visitor Information

The convention is typically held in the St. Louis area, home of Simutronic's headquarters. While the host hotel may very, it is usually held at one of the many convention spaces at or near the Westport Plaza. For specific details on the official hotel, please see the below accommodations list. Also below are some nearby shops and other information for visitors. All distances calculated from the host hotel.

Accommodations

Name Distance Address Link
Sheraton Westport Plaza onsite 900 Westport Plaza, St. Louis, MO 63146 Booking Link
Sheraton Westport Chalet onsite 191 Westport Plaza, St. Louis, MO 63146 Booking Link
Staybridge Suites 0.3 miles 25 Progress Pkwy, St. Louis, MO 63146 Booking Link
Comfort Inn Suites 0.7 miles 12031 Lackland Rd., Saint Louis, MO, 63146 Booking Link
Residence Inn St. Louis Westport 0.6 miles 11918 Westline Industrial Drive, St. Louis, MO 63146 Booking Link
Farfield Inn and Suites St. Louis Westport 0.6 miles 11918 Westline Industrial Drive, St. Louis, MO 63146 Booking Link
Courtyard by Marriott St. Louis Westport 0.7 miles 11888 Westline Industrial Drive, St. Louis, MO 63146 Booking Link

Dining/Eating

Name Type Distance Address Link
Drunken Fish Sushi onsite 639 West Port Plaza, St. Louis, MO 63146 https://www.westportstl.com/drinkdine
Fuzzy's Taco Shop Baja Tacos onsite 302 West Port Plaza, St. Louis, MO 63146 https://www.westportstl.com/drinkdine
Kobe Japanese Grill Japanese/Hibachi onsite 645 West Port Plaza, St. Louis, MO 63146 http://www.westportstl.com/drinkdine
McDonald's Fast Food onsite 25 West Port Plaza, St. Louis, MO 63146 http://www.westportstl.com/drinkdine
St. Louis Bread Company Coffee/Sandwich/Soup onsite 147 West Port Plaza, St. Louis, MO 63146 http://www.westportstl.com/drinkdine
Smoothie King Smoothies onsite 324 West Port Plaza, St. Louis, MO 63146 http://www.westportstl.com/drinkdine
Starbucks Coffee onsite 111 West Port Plaza, St. Louis, MO 63146 http://www.westportstl.com/drinkdine
Trainwreck Saloon American/Grill onsite 314 West Port Plaza, St. Louis, MO 63146 http://www.westportstl.com/drinkdine
O'Fallon Brewery Beer/American Food 0.3 mi 45 Progress Pkwy, Maryland Heights, MO 63043 http://www.ofallonbrewery.com/
Giola's Deli Sandwiches 0.8 mi 11855 Adie Rd, Maryland Heights, MO 63043 https://www.gioiasdeli.com/

Off-Site Dining

For attendees who want to explore St. Louis cuisine, local players recommend the following restaurants.

Name Type Distance Address Link
DD Mau Vietnamese / Bao 1.3 mi 11982 Dorsett Rd, Maryland Heights, MO 63043 http://www.ddmaustl.com/
Gobble STOP Smokehouse BBQ Poultry 2.8 mi 1227 Castillon Arcade Plaza, Creve Coeur, MO 63141 http://gobblestopsmokehouse.net/
Nudo House STL Ramen / Japanese 3.0 mi 11423 Olive Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63141 http://nudohousestl.com/
Dave & Tony's Premium Burgers 3.2 mi 12766 Olive Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63146 http://www.daveandtonys.com/
Taqueria Durango Mexican 3.5 mi 10238 Page Ave, Overland, MO https://www.facebook.com/TaqueriaDurangoSaintLouis
Nick & Elena's Pizzeria Pizza/Italian 5.4 mi 3007 Woodson Rd, Overland, MO 63114 https://www.facebook.com/NICKnELENAS/
Sugarfire Smokehouse BBQ 6.0 mi 9200 Olive Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63132 https://sugarfiresmokehouse.com/locations/mo-olivette/
Salt + Smoke BBQ 9.0 mi 501 S Main St, St. Charles, MO 63301 https://saltandsmokestl.com/
BEAST BBQ 17.1 mi 4156 Manchester Ave, St. Louis, MO 63110 https://beastbbqstl.com/
Pappy's Smokehouse BBQ 18.7 mi 3106 Olive St, St. Louis, MO 63103 https://www.pappyssmokehouse.com/
Bogart's BBQ 20.8 mi 71627 S 9th St, St. Louis, MO 63104 https://www.bogartssmokehouse.com/
Broadway Oyster Bar Cajun 23.7 mi 736 S Broadway, St. Louis, MO 63102 http://www.broadwayoysterbar.com/
Ted Drewes Famous local frozen custard 21.6 mi 6726 Chippewa, St. Louis, MO 63109 http://teddrewes.com/
Bombay Food Junkies Vegan Options 5.2 mi 3580 Adie Rd, St Ann, MO 63074 https://www.bombayfoodjunkies.com/

Shopping/Groceries

Name Distance Address Link
Target 5.9 mi 12275 St Charles Rock Rd, Bridgeton, MO 63044 website
Costco 13.3 mi 200 Costco Way, St Peters, MO 63376 website
Schnucks Dorsett (Grocery Store) 1.5 mi 2030 Dorsett Rd, Maryland Heights, MO 63043 website
Gateway Newstands onsite 519 W Port Plaza Dr, St. Louis, MO 63146 https://www.westportstl.com/specialty
Walgreens 1.6 mi 12509 Dorsett Rd, Maryland Heights, MO 63043 website
BP Gas Station 0.3 mi 11988 Westline Industrial Dr, St. Louis, MO 63146
ALDI 2.6 mi 11745 Olive Blvd, Creve Coeur, MO 63141 website
Trader Joe's 2.4 mi 11505 Olive Blvd, Creve Coeur, MO 63141 website
D&J Liquor 1.5 mi 1914 McKelvey Rd, Maryland Heights, MO 63043

Attractions

Most attractions are a 15-30 minute drive from the hotel. For tourism information, click here: https://explorestlouis.com/

Name Description Address Link
The Gateway Arch Oh look, it's the Arch 200 Washington Ave, St. Louis, MO 63102 https://www.gatewayarch.com/
Busch Stadium Cardinals Baseball Stadium 700 Clark Ave, St. Louis, MO 63102 https://www.mlb.com/cardinals/ballpark
Forest Park Large public park, home to several free attractions 5595 Grand Dr, St. Louis, MO 63112 https://forestparkmap.org/
St. Louis Zoo Free zoo, located inside Forest Park Government Dr, St. Louis, MO 63110 https://www.stlzoo.org/
St. Louis Aquarium at Union Station Opened Dec. 2019, the otters and spitting fish are worth the admission, skip the wheel 201 S 18th St, St. Louis, MO 63103 https://www.stlouisaquarium.com/
St. Louis Art Museum Free art museum, located inside Forest Park 1 Fine Arts Dr, St. Louis, MO 63110 https://www.slam.org/
Creve Coeur Lake Park 3.4 mi from the hotel. Trails, kayak rentals, Go Ape 13725 Marine Ave, St. Louis, MO 63146 website
The Muny Outdoor theater, located inside Forest Park 1 Theatre Dr, St. Louis, MO 63112 https://muny.org/
Missouri Botanical Gardens Outdoor garden 4344 Shaw Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63110 http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/
Anheuser-Busch St. Louis Brewery Main brewery, offers tours 1200 Lynch St, St. Louis, MO 63118 https://www.budweisertours.com/locations/st-louis-missouri.html
City Museum Architectural Anomaly/Interactive Art/Climbing Museum 750 N 16th St, St. Louis, MO 63103 https://www.citymuseum.org/
Grants Farm Free wildlife park with tram tours and free beer 10501 Gravois Rd, St. Louis, MO 63123 https://www.grantsfarm.com/home.html
The Butterfly House Indoor butterfly pavilion 15193 Olive Blvd, Chesterfield, MO 63017 http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/visit/family-of-attractions/butterfly-house.aspx
Science Center Kid-friendly interactive museum, includes IMAX and planetarium 5050 Oakland Ave, St. Louis, MO 63110 https://www.slsc.org/
Magic House Kid-friendly interactive museum, includes magic 516 S Kirkwood Rd, St. Louis, MO 63122 https://www.magichouse.org/
Fox Theatre Historic theater, offers tours 527 NORTH GRAND BLVD., St. Louis, MO 63103 https://www.fabulousfox.com/visit/tours
St. Louis Neighborhoods Shopping/Nightlife/Exploring Various https://explorestlouis.com/things-to-do/neighborhoods/
Live Music Venues St. Louis is known for its blues and jazz scene Various https://explorestlouis.com/discover/st-louis-music-lovers/st-louis-live-music-venues/
Casinos Gambling Various https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractions-g44881-Activities-c53-Saint_Louis_Missouri.html
Cahokia Mounds Ruins of the largest prehistoric civilization north of Mexico, 30 min drive from hotel 30 Ramey Street Collinsville, IL 62234 https://cahokiamounds.org/
A Gathering Place Massages within walking distance of convention center 12140 Lackland Rd, St. Louis, MO 63146 https://www.agatheringplace.com/

Ticketing

Ticketing is likely to be handled through the play.net Box Office page. To attend in-person, a badge is required and all attendees must display their badge at all times while in the official event rooms.

Non-Attendee

Attendee

See Also

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