First time FAQ
First time at the Convention? Let’s get you connected!
Whether you’re looking to make your first friend of the weekend or you’re just wondering where to find the snacks, we’ve got your back! The Con Ambassadors are here to help you find your way around the convention. During the Thursday games or at the picnic on Wednesday evening, look for the tables featuring bright table tents. These are hosted by our friendly Con Ambassadors—experienced veterans who know the ins and outs of the convention schedule and community and want to share that knowledge with first-timers.
- Ask Anything: From “What is a flat?” to “What should I do during unscheduled time?” — no question is too small!
- Make a Connection: The Con Ambassador tables are “judgment-free zones” designed specifically for meeting new people.
- Get Navigational Tips: Get the inside scoop on how to navigate Con like a pro.
Don’t be shy—pull up a chair and say hello! We were all new once, and we can’t wait to meet you. Our convention is pretty awesome, but it can have a steep learning curve for newcomers, and the Con Ambassadors are here to help flatten that curve.
What are some useful things to pack for Con?
In addition to basic travel necessities, bring pencils, a clipboard for holding puzzles, and a water bottle. It’s a good idea to put your nom on your clipboard and water bottle. Sunscreen is also useful if you plan to participate in outdoor puzzle activities.
What kinds of puzzles and games will be at the convention?
The convention features a large and motley assortment of puzzles and game activities. You will find pencil-and-paper puzzles, team games, board games, trivia quizzes, homemade versions of TV game shows, groupthink exercises, creative challenges, hidden contests, and a multi-puzzle extravaganza event.
Are these puzzles and games open to everyone?
Each activity is either part of the official program or the unofficial program. The official program activities are open to all convention attendees. A printed program with the schedule of official program activities will be provided to each attendee. Unofficial program activities are organized by individual congoers and the timing and availability of these activities are left to the organizer’s discretion.
The convention website includes a page for unofficial program activities. The description of an activity may include a schedule, number of participants per session, and whether participation is reservation-based or first-come-first-served. Don’t be shy about getting involved with any unofficial activities that look good to you!
Are the puzzles and games for individuals or teams? How do I join a team?
Most of the official program activities are designed for teams, or have a team-solving option. The unofficial program offerings are a mix of individual and team activities. Participants generally self-select teams for these activities. Most congoers are friendly and will be happy to make a team or partner with you if you ask. You can also look for a Con Ambassador if you need help finding a partner or team.
Do I need to know the puzzle/game rules in advance?
The rules for official program activities are explained to the participants right before the puzzle starts, with two exceptions: the cryptic crossword solving competition and the flat competition. The cryptic crossword solving competition features a set of cryptic crossword puzzles to be solved by pairs—a different pair of solvers for each puzzle—over the convention weekend. The flat competition held on Saturday afternoon features verse-style wordplay puzzles like those that are featured in the Enigma.
The basic rules of cryptic crosswords and flats are not explained at the convention, though you can find those rules on the NPL website. In addition, Btnirn, the editor of The Enigma, will lead a group flat solving session for beginners at the same time as the flat competition. If you would like to know more about flats, we recommend you attend this session—details of the session will be announced during the convention. Organizers of unofficial program activities will explain the rules of their activities before they start the activity. The rules for some unofficial games are on the website.
How do meals work at the convention?
Your registration fee includes five meals: Friday dinner; Saturday breakfast, lunch, and dinner; and Sunday breakfast. These meals all take place at the hotel. The hosts will tell the hotel catering staff about any dietary restrictions that were reported by attendees during registration. Hotel meals are buffets with open (non-reserved) seating. On Friday night, look for the ‘Newcomer Welcome” table tents so you can dine with the Con ambassadors and meet fellow first-time attendees. Check the convention website for information about the meal times and locations.
The hosts will set up a hospitality suite stocked with light snacks and drinks. This suite is open 24 hours during the convention, with possible temporary closures for housekeeping. Check the convention website for information about the hospitality suite location.
If you are arriving at the convention early, the hosts are organizing a picnic reception with light refreshments on Wednesday evening. Check the convention website for information about the picnic time and location. Your Con ambassadors will also be at the picnic if you would like to meet them there.
Other than these scheduled meals, convention attendees are on their own for meals. The hosts will post on the website a list of nearby restaurants.
What should I do during unscheduled time?
Unscheduled time is your golden opportunity to choose your own adventure! Some ideas:
- Explore the Local Culture: Step outside the hotel and see what the host city has to offer. Check out local coffee shops, landmarks, or nearby restaurants.
- Conquer an Escape Room: Round up a crew and test your wits at a local escape room.
- Join a game: Check out the unofficial program page on the website for games and walkaround puzzles. Some of these activities are self-guided and can be done at any time. You might also find people hanging around the lobby or meeting spaces playing some of our homegrown or traditional games
Looking for a group for these activities? Head over to our Discord server, where you can easily find other attendees looking to team up for escape rooms, food runs, or casual gaming.