In my series of things for newbies to be aware of at Gen Con, I targeted 10 topics; however, I have found there are other topics worthy of attention as well. So. in this eleventh installment I am covering a topic that is new to me this year as well – Trinket Trading at Gen Con. The interesting thing about Gen Con is that it continues to evolve, so even if you’ve been going for years (or decades) it isn’t surprising to find things happening you weren’t aware of!
What is Trinket Trading at Gen Con?
Trinket Trading at Gen Con is an unofficial event but also has official events. In simple terms, it is exactly what its name implies – two people trade a trinket with each other. Trinket Trading begin when Gen Con begins — and actually discussions begin a long time before that online in groups such as Gen Con Trinket Traders. It lasts all through Gen Con.
Several events are scheduled in the Gen Con event catalog for trinket trading. These include a fee; however, the organizers tend to promise a trinket to each ticketed attendee. These are open to anyone with a conference badge and a ticket. At the time of this writing, the $4 events are sold out, but the $2 Sunday event at Union Hall from 11:00 to 12:00 still has tickets available. With Union Hall holding 1,000 people, this event unlikely to sell out (If you don’t have a ticket for Sunday, a generic should get you in as well).
There is also one event in the Gen Con catalog for those 18 or older that is a bit more risqué. This is the Trinkets & Tassels – 18+ Trinket Trading Meet-Up which also had tickets available at the time of this writing. This ‘adult’ version of trinket trading allows for more interesting items to be traded. Those items, like any items, must still fall within Gen Con rules.
Non-Event Trading Events
There are also a number of meet ups for trading happening outside of the normal event scheduling. The official unofficial meet ups are the following three times:
- Thursday – 8:00 am
- Friday – 9:00 am
- Saturday – 8:00 am
These meet ups are on the east side of the convention center between the doors in the courtyard by Capital Street. There is usually a giant inflatable there.
There are also a number of people working during Gen Con will be trinket trading from various locations such as vendor booths, information booths, and gaming areas.
Most importantly, there will be trinket traders throughout the entire conference. There is not a single badge, ribbon badge, or shirt that will identify them, but most will have “Trinket Trader” showing somewhere on their person. If they have this wording, then it is fair game to stop and ask them to trade!
Gen Con Newbie Tip: Keep in mind that people are often headed somewhere. If a person has an event they might not have time to trade. As such, don’t be offended if they state they can’t trade at that time. Similarly, for people working during Gen Con, trinket trading is secondary. Please don’t interrupt a working person for trinket trading if they are conducting business.
What Is a Trinket? What’s Being Traded?
Of course, to trade trinkets, you need to have trinkets! What constitutes a trinket is pretty broad. Many trinket traders are crafting small items to trade. Crafting, however, is not a requirement. Others are trading dice, 3D printed items, knick knacks, tokens, pins, beaded bracelets, and more. One person mentioned tattoos and another was going to trade Royal Crown bags. As long as it doesn’t violate Gen Con or convention center rules, it is fair game. So far, stickers are the only topic that have come up that violate such rules, so no stickers.
The following is a collage of some of the items people have indicated they plan to trade:
Gen Con Tip: Make Trinket Trading about the trade not about the trinket. Enjoy the chance to meet and interact with others.
Trinket Trading Etiquette
I’ve not done trinket trading yet, but I’ve gleamed a few notes regarding trinket trading etiquette. The following are my Ten Guidelines for Trinket Trading to keep in mind if you decide to participate in trinket trading:
- Trading is optional.
You can politely decline to trade. - Trading is not about value.
Each trinket has its own value. Some required time, some required cost, some required very little. The actual value is in the eye of the beholder. If you make trinket trading about the fun of trading. Having said that, keep in mind guideline number 1. - Timing is Important.
I mentioned this in the post earlier, but will mention it again. When approaching a person to trade, consider what they are doing. If they are engaged in something, wait until they are free. People rushing down the hallway also should not be expected to trade. If they are about to take a bite of that Dragon’s Luau pizza slice from Hot Box, then give them time to chew – or, better, wait until they are done eating! - Begging by adults is not apropos.
I say begging, but it is really asking someone you see with trinkets for a trinket without expecting to give them something in return is not trinket trading, but rather is pandering. If you are under the age of 7, you can generally get away with this. As an adult, not so much but you can try. The reality is, there are so many ways to get a trinket to trade, you should never have to go empty handed. You can generally buy a cup of dice in the vendor hall and be loaded for trades. Yes, a die can count as a trinket. - Just say No to the sticker.
As mentioned earlier, handing out stickers is against Indiana Convention Center (ICC) policy. Just say not to stickers. (Yes, you can buy stickers at the vendor hall. Most people paying a couple of dollars for a sticker aren’t going to stick it on an ICC wall or floor.) - Keep it family-friendly.
Trinket trading is for all ages. Keep that in mind with your trinkets. The one exception is the event mentioned earlier. - Respect items – especially homemade items.
Many items are homemade and took time to make. You might not appreciate the creativity or craftiness of the items, but be considerate and polite. Homemade items should be treated equally well to high-end purchased trinkets. - Ask before offering.
It is best to ask a person if they want to trade before assuming they want what you are offering. Asking a simple “Do you want to trade?” is a good lead-in. If they say no, smile and simply move on. - Display your trinket.
The easiest way to avoid uncomfortable trades is to make sure you are displaying your trinket clearly. - Be gracious.
For me, trinket trading is about the fun of trading and seeing what you get. I plan to share my treasures with my kids, and any leftovers will be donated to a local elementary school teacher who will likely make them treasures in a kid rewards treasure box for their class. As such, even if it doesn’t fit my style, all the trinkets will be appreciated.
The most important thing about trinket trading is the same as the most important regarding Gen Con — Remember to have fun!
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