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The following is a list of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on HISTORICON at the Valley Forge
Convention Plaza (VFCP). From time to time this list may grow, as new questions are raised or
details need to be explained.
What is HISTORICON and where is it located?
Well it’s a gaming convention devoted to historical gaming. It’s being held at the Valley
Forge Convention Plaza (VFCP), located at 1160 1st Avenue, King of Prussia, Pennsylvania USA 19406,
over 4 days in July every year. For info on the VFCP, see the following links:
Each year HISTORICON draws about 3500-4000 people from around the world and around 100 dealers offering
everything you need to recreate military battles from across history or alternate battles drawn from your own
imagination. Scenarios can range from historical ancients to history making moderns, while some even create
games from the rich worlds of Sci-Fi and Fantasy. There are tournaments, seminars and a Hobby University
of painting classes and events. Activities go from 8am until the wee hours. If you are a gamer, military
history buff and within driving distance you should try and make it – even for just the day –
you will love it!
If you would like to see what others thought of HISTORICON 2007 and 2009, the following are reviews
from issues of
Miniature Wargames™
(used with permission), complete with photos at:
What makes HISTORICON special? For me it is the people and friendships formed. I look forward to seeing this
band of crazies every convention ... - THIS is the real reason I enjoy the convention. Oh yeah,
and I did happen to buy some toys!
For more information about the HISTORICON convention here is the Google search on HISTORICON.
What is the historical miniatures gaming hobby?
If you do not know what historical miniatures gaming is, or are a newbie to the hobby, then check out
the HMGS-East
Newcomers Page
for a step-by-step process in getting started in historical miniatures wargaming. You'll have even more
fun at the convention!
Is parking available on site at the VFCP, and if so, is it free or what does it cost?
The VFCP “offers 2,500 free parking spaces”. In addition, for weekends, overflow parking is
available at adjacent businesses (office buildings) that connect to the VFCP property, if needed.
How far is the closest major airport from the VFCP?
According to MapQuest, the Philadelphia International Airport is about 30 miles from the VFCP and
about 39 minutes travel time (note that this could be less if arriving/departing during non-rush
hours and going the opposite way of traffic; example, rush hour for traffic heading towards Philadelphia
is in the morning, and from about 4-6pm at night during the week.)
Is there a shuttle to/from the VFCP hotels?
Yes, there is a shuttle service run by Tropiano Airport. Therefore, those traveling to HISTORICON via
airlines will not need to rent a vehicle, although some will wish to do so as to take in the local attractions.
According to the VFCP website: “The Shuttles depart from the Airport Ground Transportation Center every
30 minutes from 6am-midnight; reservations can be made by calling Tropiano at 215-616-5370.” Rates
are one-way $29.00 ($24.00 if using cash instead of credit) or round trip $53.00 (additional fees may be
included for trips between midnight and 5 am).
In addition, the VFCP has complimentary transportation to the King of Prussia Mall (for shopping and dining)
during the convention, based on availability. Arrangements should be made through the Front Desk of the
VFCP hotels.
What are the closest hotels; are any located on site at the VFCP?
There are two hotels attached to the VFCP – the
Radisson Hotel Valley Forge
and the
Scanticon Hotel and Conference Center
– offering a total of 488 guestrooms. The Radisson Hotel has 328, of which at least 50 are suites
with microwave and refrigerator included (there are also 20 additional “Fantasy Suites” that
include hot tubs; contact Reservations for more info). The Scanticon Hotel has 160 suites that include
microwave, refrigerator, and whirlpool bathtub.
Guestroom amenities include: Complimentary high speed internet access (both via WiFi and direct plug-in),
two telephones with dual lines, private in room voicemail, hair dryer, iron and ironing board, in room
safe, Fitness Center available (see below), 30-inch televisions with movies and video games On Demand
(a pay service), spacious desk with ergonomic chairs, plus special suites are available (ask Reservations
for details), as well as massages (see below).
Convention rates will be available at other local hotels and information will be posted on the
Convention Lodging
page of this website.
What dining options are available at the VFCP and in the surrounding area?
The attached Radisson Hotel has two restaurants and a nightclub on site, and the Scanticon Hotel has
one restaurant on site; see the following link for details
http://www.vfconventioncenter.com/dining_entertainment.htm
A breakfast buffet will be available at one of the restaurants during the convention, plus there will be
additional food concessions set up around the convention facility (which will be open late), as attendees
have come to enjoy at past HISTORICON conventions.
The
King of Prussia Mall
has many restaurants and fast food options, and a complimentary shuttle (see below) runs from the VFCP.
In addition, there are other restaurants and fast food establishments in the local area around the mall and
near to the VFCP; see the following link for one list of local
Dining.
What are the details of the Fitness Center and Massage available at the VFCP?
The Radisson Hotel “extensive 3,000 sq. ft. health and fitness center offers Nautilus and Free Weights,
Racquetball Court, Steam room and Sauna,” plus locker room for changing. There is also a professional
massage service that appointments can be scheduled with during your stay; call 215-680-2655 or email
info@vitaltouchmassage.com
for more info and to schedule appointments.
What are the local attractions at Valley Forge, King of Prussia, Philadelphia and other surrounding areas?
The area is rich for history and family activities. The following link to the VFCP website has a list of
local attractions:
http://www.vfconventioncenter.com/local_attractions.htm
Also see the following link to the Valley Forge Convention and Visitors Bureau for more information:
www.valleyforge.org
In addition, the following links are just some of the area attractions:
Additional Links…
-
Map of Valley Forge
– thank you bing!
-
History of Valley Forge
– a complete overview of the days that formed our country. Read the story of the 6-month
encampment at Valley Forge. Plus a timeline, weather reports, the French Connection, Franklin,
spies, mysteries, and more!
-
Valley Forge Convention and Visitor Center
– source of information on the culture and attractions of Valley Forge, PA Including information
on attractions, museums, recreation, shopping, restaurants, accommodations, meeting and convention
facilities, and the area.
-
The American History Home Page...Valley Forge
– “. . . you might have tracked the army from White Marsh to Valley Forge by the blood of their
feet." – George Washington
-
Independence Visitor Center
– comprehensive source for information about the ENTIRE Philadelphia area. Includes Montgomery
County (Valley Forge), Bucks County, Chester County, Delaware County, and Philadelphia City.
-
Virtual Tourist - Valley Forge
– virtual tour of Valley Forge area.
More Attractions and Places of Interest…
What is the layout of the meeting space in the VFCP?
The following links contain the floor plans for the meeting space in the VFCP, Radisson Hotel and
Scanticon Hotel:
When will the Vendor Packets be available?
These will be sent out by February 2010. If you have not received an Vendor Packet for the previous
HISTORICON, and want to ensure you are in the database to receive one, then contact the Convention Director at
director@historicon.org
with your name, company name, mailing address, phones, email, website, and major products you carry.
Will costs for admission to the convention be more?
The HMGS Board of Directors has decided, due to the increase in cost for the new venue, to raise
prices slightly. See the Convention Registration link at the left for the admission rates.
Family (non-gaming attendees) and Minors (age 14 and younger) admission is still free with one paid
admission.
Will there still be a Flea Market at HISTORICON at the VFCP, and will there be any additional fees or any other changes as compared to previously?
There will be a flea market, which will run similar to previous years. Cost per session is $25/each.
However, only HMGS members will be allowed to sell their unwanted hobby items (due to local tax restrictions).
Due to Fire Marshal rules, all flea markets at all HMGS conventions will no longer allow any materials
placed on the floor (unless behind a table for storage only; i.e., no sales are allowed from materials
placed on the floor). In addition, due to more space being available now in the Exhibit Hall, would-be
or quasi vendors (in the opinion of HMGS Board of Directors or senior convention management) will not be
allowed to utilize the flea market; they may only purchase booth space or share booth space with
another vendor.
What is the process by which GMs and Flea Marketeers unload/load their materials at the VFCP?
Since there is free onsite parking, and access from many entry points at the VFCP (similar to what it was
at the Lancaster Host), this process will be up to the individual GMs and Flea Marketeers (i.e., drive up,
unload, go park your car, or park your car and bring in your materials). As the convention gets closer,
more details will be posted on access points to the VFCP, especially for the Flea Marketeers. For those
staying onsite in the Radisson or Scanticon hotels, then access is even easier; unload when you check in to
your hotel. Unlike at the Lancaster Host, elevators access all floors where convention activities will be
located - Huzzah!
When will Gamemasters (GMs) be allowed to send in their games?
Just like in previous years, the GM Event Registration will open the day after the Cold Wars convention
(March 15, 2010) at the HISTORICON website. However, also like in previous years, the Events Manager will
contact clubs prior to that date to allow them more time to organize their GMs and submit their game list
quickly.
Will there be a secured lockable area for storage of GM materials at the VFCP, similar to the Lancaster Host?
Final layout details are still being to be decided, but plans are to have some secure/locked storage
for GM materials.
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