SaltCON


SaltCON is the largest Board Game Convention in Utah held annually in Layton at the Davis Conference Center with the "aim of bringing people together with games." The event is family friendly, and focuses on hobby and designer board games. Unlike many other conventions, the board game halls are open 24 hours for attendees to play all night long. The event continues to grow in popularity, in large part due to its friendly atmosphere, and volunteer nature. The event had over 1100 attendees in 2016, and continues to grow every year. In 2019 they had over 1900 attendees.

Events

SaltCON hosts the Ion Award game design competition, the largest board game design competition in the United States. Each year Publishers are asked to judge the competition, based on specific criteria. Notes are collected from judges, tallied, and winners are announced in each category. Games that win the Ion Award are published by game companies every year. Notable winners include Nika, Hold Your Breathe, and Pizza Theory.
Along with the Ion Award competition there are other draws for game designers as well. There are events where game designers can show off their games that are still in development, such as a "Prototype Alley" where attendees are invited to meet the designers and try out these new games.
The events are not only for game designers. Attendees can find many other events to enjoy at the convention:
The event has also features charities, such as the Extra Life organization.
Occasionally there are a few video games featured at the event.

History

The convention began in 2009, as a follow up to the Gathering of Strangers board game days that were held at the University of Utah. The first few years were held also at the U of U campus Officer's Club, but as attendance grew, they moved to the Royal Garden Inn, then to the Sheraton, and finally to the Davis Conference Center, where it has been held since 2014.
YearDatesLocationEvent
2009FebruaryUniversity of Utah Officers ClubMain Event
2010February 26–28University of Utah Officers ClubMain Event
2011February 18–19University of Utah Officers ClubMain Event
2012February 17–18Royal Garden InnMain Event
2013February 15–17SheratonMain Event
2014March 28–30Davis Conference CenterMain Event
2015March 12–14Davis Conference CenterMain Event
2016March 3–5Davis Conference CenterMain Event
2017March 2–5Davis Conference CenterMain Event
2018March 1- 4Davis Conference CenterSpring
2018August 31 - September 1Davis Conference CenterEnd of Summer
2019February 28 - March 3Davis Conference CenterSpring
2019May 31 - June 1Davis Conference CenterSummer
2019August 30-31Davis Conference CenterEnd of Summer
2020March 5 - 8Davis Conference CenterSpring

Support for Other Events

SaltCON supports other events and conventions all over Utah. They provide their game library, volunteers, and game teachers to many other events.
Events that SaltCON has supported: