Escape rooms have rapidly grown in popularity since they exploded in the 2010s. So, it’s not surprising that across the world there are now a whole bunch of escape room conventions, where likeminded folk can come together to celebrate this awesome activity. These events see the escape room enthusiast community sharing advice, products, technology, and so much more, covering all kinds of puzzle-solving fun. We’ve also covered conventions which include board games, attractions, and immersive experiences, that are related to escape rooms!
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Transworld’s Interactive Entertainment Show
Transworld is the nation’s largest dedicated conference for the Interactive Entertainment Industry. This convention is held every April in St. Louis, Missouri, and covers all kinds of awesome attractions, not just escape rooms! You’ll find everything from arcades, to laser tag, and paint ball represented here. They also host dedicated Halloween and Christmas conferences throughout the year too! It’s a must-see event for anyone involved in the attractions industry.
Gen Con Indy
Get yourself to Indiana, US, at the end of July, and you’ll find Gen Con Indy. This event has taken place for over 55 years now, which makes it the longest-running gaming convention in North America. Attendees will have the opportunity to play and celebrate the joy of gaming together at this welcoming, inclusive event. Fun fact: This convention was founded by the Dungeons and Dragons co-creator, Gary Gygax.
IAPPA
IAPPA stands for the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions, and connects the diverse and dynamic attraction industry, which of course includes escape rooms! You’ll also find representatives from amusement parks, zoos, aquariums, museums, water parks, and many more! Since it’s held in Orlando, we are particularly familiar with this event, and if you are visiting this convention make sure you pay us a visit at The Escape Effect, where you’ll find our unique puzzle-solving adventures!
Immersive Industry Homecoming Summit
Held in August in Las Vegas, the Immersive Industry Homecoming Summit is all about immersive experiences, so naturally this includes escape rooms too! AREA15 is a purpose-built experiential entertainment complex, which you may already be familiar with, since it’s the home of the fantastic otherworldly and multi-sensory Omega Mart attraction, created by Meow Wolf.
PAX Unplugged
PAX Unplugged was created to celebrate gaming and game culture. This huge event is held in various places within the US, and has evolved over time to embrace new technologies and reach all kinds of gaming fans, providing a space for gamers of every discipline. In fact, this convention actually came about when the tabletop section of the original PAX conventions found itself rapidly increasing in size and warranted its very own event!
Game On Expo
The Game On Expo is held in Phoenix, Arizona, in March, and is a gaming and anime convention. You’ll find animation workshops, free-play arcades, pro wrestling, a maid cafe, and even the classic Tetris world championship! As with most conventions, the cosplay opportunities are also unlimited, so you’re guaranteed to see someone attending dressed as an incredibly obscure character from the gaming or anime world!
RECON (Reality Escape Convention)
RECON is a convention which celebrates the art of the escape room and immersive game creation. This convention has been held in both the US and Canada, and takes place in August. Anyone who is anyone in the escape room industry will be at this convention, from top puzzle designers to game makers. Did you know, Neil Patrick Harris, who created Box One, even opened up RECON in 2021.
UK Games Expo
Held in Birmingham, UK, in June, this event is the largest hobby games convention in the UK. The UK Games Expo is mainly focussed around tabletop games, and you’ll find three huge halls full of exhibitors showcasing their creations, allowing you to try them out and, of course, buy them! You’ll also find tournaments, costumed characters, and miniature painting.
Origins Game Fair
The Origins Game Fair is a tabletop gaming convention hosted by GAMA: The Tabletop Game Association, and takes place in June, in Columbus Ohio. It boats a whopping 6,000+ gaming events all throughout the week alongside a whole bunch of other demos, meet-ups, panels, and so much more. It’s a great way to meet other likeminded players, creators, and publishers, who all share the same passion!
Le Salon De L’Escape Game
If you couldn’t already tell by the name, Le Salon de L’Escape Game is a convention held in France every September. This event is primarily for escape rooms owners, and features various panels and talks on all aspects of the industry. The annual Escape Games Awards ceremony also takes place at this convention, and is live-streamed globally.
Essen Spiel
Essen Spiel is the biggest board game event in the world, and is held in Essen, Germany. The convention, which takes place in October, brings together thousands of passionate game fans. It’s the place to be to discover new releases being shown and sold for the first time, and you’ll be able to enjoy the company of fellow gamers, and of course, play a whole lot of games throughout the event!
The Next Stage Immersive Summit
The Next Stage Immersive Summit brings the experiential creative community together in the US around June. Organized by The Immersive Experience Institute, their mission is to create a sustainable future for immersive and experiential arts, along with empowering and inspiring artists across the world. The summit gathers immersive creators and enthusiasts in the ever-evolving world of experiential entertainment.
Enough reading about them, now go play one…
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