Short answers, pulled from the story.
Gen Con originated in August 1967 in the living room of Gary Gygax in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin. This initial gathering of twelve people became known as Gen Con 0 and laid the foundation for the largest tabletop gaming convention in North America.
Gary Gygax founded Gen Con and hosted the first official convention in 1968 at the Horticultural Hall in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin. The event drew nearly 100 attendees and established a tradition that evolved into a global phenomenon.
Gen Con moved to Indianapolis in 2003 after hosting events in Milwaukee from 1985 to 2002. The relocation was driven by a lack of hotel space and infrastructure issues in Milwaukee, prompting the organization to seek a new home.
Gen Con filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection on the 15th of February 2008 following a lawsuit from Lucasfilm filed on the 10th of January 2008. The legal dispute involved claims of breach of contract and unjust enrichment over Celebration IV held in 2006.
Gen Con president Adrian Swartout urged Indiana Governor Mike Pence to veto SB 101 on the 26th of March 2015, warning that the bill would negatively impact the state economy. The convention highlighted its diverse attendee base and its role as a major economic driver for Indiana.
Gen Con ceased operations of its online version after the 2023 show following a period of concurrent online and in-person events. The online platform was introduced in 2020 when the pandemic forced the cancellation of the in-person convention.