Gamers and collectors from across the region will gather in Johnson City on Nov. 8 for the first annual BST Gaming Convention, a buy-sell-trade event that organizers say will bring a niche “comic con without the comics” experience to the Tri-Cities.
The one-day convention, hosted by Sizzlin’ Games of Elizabethton, will take place at the Holiday Inn in Johnson City. More than 60 vendors from as many as six states are expected to attend, offering vintage and modern video games, trading cards, promotional collectibles and toys spanning from the late 1970s to current consoles.
“This is the first annual Gaming Con in the Tri-Cities,” said co-owner Justin Foglesong. “Meeting all our friends from multiple states coming here instead of us going there — it’s cool to be at home while people bring you all these goods to see what’s out there instead of driving all over God’s green earth.”
Special guests include voice actors Samantha Kelly and Kenny James. Kelly, known for voicing Princess Peach, Cat Peach, Toad and Toadette, will make one of her rare East Coast appearances, while James continues his longtime role as Bowser.
Organizers encourage attendees to bring their own items to buy, sell and trade. “The big emphasis is for the consumer,” said co-owner Will Webb. “If you’ve got an exotic video game that you’re not quite attached to anymore, but you don’t want to let it go for 30 or 40 percent of its value, bring it there, trade it up, trade it around.”
Vendors are expected to showcase rare finds, from a Tommy Hilfiger Game Boy to promotional Sonic the Hedgehog cutouts once seen in retail stores. “You might work in four different game stores and not see a TurboGrafx complete with games, but here, it’s all going to be there,” Webb said.
Cosplay is welcome, and one panel featuring both voice actors will highlight the schedule. Food will be available from J’s Corner of Elizabethton, which will cater for the event.
VIP admission begins at 10 a.m. for $15, while general admission opens at 11 a.m. for $10. A discount code, FLYER2, provides $2 off general entry, with FLYER2VIP available for VIP tickets.
Four free tickets will also be given away through Sizzlin’ Games’ social media accounts. Fans who comment “ETSU” on TikTok or Instagram posts will be entered for selection.
BST Gaming Convention can be found on Facebook and Instagram, while Sizzlin’ Games is active on TikTok, YouTube, Instagram and Facebook.
More information is available at bstgamingcon.com.
