| Texicon |
"Where the West Begins"
| Located at: Sheraton Hotel 1701 Commerce Street Fort Worth, TX 76102 Phone: (817) 335-7000 Website |
Convention Dates: May 20-22, 2011
Seminars
Friday 2:00pm - Sunday 5:00pm
This page last
updated 23 July,
2010
updated 23 July,
2010
General Convention Seminars
(GC) Presenter: Keith Crow
Seminar Type: History discussion (U.S. Civil War)
Seminar Name: I'll out Flank You: Indecision at its Finest!
Number of registrants: 1-8 plus 2-6 Standing room.
Description: Keith will give the Fredericksburg seminar at 11:00-12:00 and again at 1:00-2:00 Each seminar is a 30min seminar with 30min Q&A
Civil War Pundit Keith Crow brings his expertise on Civil War history. We have pushed aside the mountain of books, trudged through the stacks of paper,
and pulled open the vaults (and when the battle smoke cleared) brought him to the light of day. His first words were, "Ack! Day light." Keith has
extensively studied most aspects of the Civil War, focusing on minute that are normally overlooked. His love of this most important era brought him to study
it on his own. Although he holds no formal history degree, his zeal for all things Civil War related makes us label him, Texi-pert. Come hear his discussion
of The Battle of Fredericksburg. It is December 11th, 1862. Journey back in time to learn about this battle, and then, go grab your miniatures and try your
hand in The Battle at
Fredericksburg. Can you reenact history OR change it with your newfound knowledge? "We dare you to try!" ~ Unknown Union General.
Discussion will entail an overview of the events that occurred at Fredericksburg between December 11th and December 15th, 1862. There will be time for
Q&A after the seminar.
(GC) Presenters: Kevin & Karl Pajak
Seminar Type: General Convention Information
Seminar Name: Welcome
Number of registrants: Everyone at the convention.
Description: Kevin and Karl welcome all participants, give valuable information, and take questions.
(GC) Presenters: The Twins
Seminar Type: Information, Being welcoming to attendees
Seminar Name: Who Are You?
Number of registrants: 1 to 8 plus 2-6 Standing room.
Description: How to meet new players and introduce yourself. The Twins discuss how to increase your player base, and bring camaraderie to the
convention.
(GC) Presenter: Kevin Pajak
Seminar Type: Information, Increasing game attendance
Seminar Name: Hey You!
Number of registrants: 1 to 8 plus 2-6 Standing room.
Description: Kevin discusses the tactics that GMs can employ to get players interested in joining a gaming group.
(GC) Presenter: Cameron Bradford
Seminar Type: Information, Building Community
Seminar Name: Gaming for a Better Life
Number of Registrants: 1-8 plus 2-6 Standing Room.
Question and Answer period: No.
Description: Have you ever thought, "I am lonely" or "Darn! I wish I had some real friends to do something with." Tabletop Gaming can fill your life with
people who are fun and exciting to be around. Moreover, Tabletop Gaming brings people together who like the spirit of challenge
while also maintaining true sportsman ship.
Have you ever been playing a game and used cheat codes? Did that game get boring? It should have. Why? Because what cheating does is break the rules
that have been crafted to make the game fun. Then why do people cheat at computer games? More often than not, it is because they are bored. There is no
true human competition occurring in computer games.
Tabletop games give life and meaning to the term Game. Even better, Tabletop Gaming brings people together for an evening of challenging fun that unfolds
in the spirit of competition. What a better way to spend the evening than gaming with people who are fun and friendly. These people may even become new
life long friends who hold similar interests as you do. They do play the same game that you play, so chances are they like what you like.
In Gaming for a Better Life Gaming Expert, Cameron Bradford, discusses how Tabletop Gaming and the lifestyle associated with it can help people change
their lives for the better by becoming part of the extraordinary and fun Gaming Community.
(GC) Presenter: Keith Crow
Seminar Type: History discussion (U.S. Civil War)
Seminar Name: I'll out Flank You: Indecision at its Finest!
Number of registrants: 1-8 plus 2-6 Standing room.
Description: Keith will give the Fredericksburg seminar at 11:00-12:00 and again at 1:00-2:00 Each seminar is a 30min seminar with 30min Q&A
Civil War Pundit Keith Crow brings his expertise on Civil War history. We have pushed aside the mountain of books, trudged through the stacks of paper,
and pulled open the vaults (and when the battle smoke cleared) brought him to the light of day. His first words were, "Ack! Day light." Keith has
extensively studied most aspects of the Civil War, focusing on minute that are normally overlooked. His love of this most important era brought him to study
it on his own. Although he holds no formal history degree, his zeal for all things Civil War related makes us label him, Texi-pert. Come hear his discussion
of The Battle of Fredericksburg. It is December 11th, 1862. Journey back in time to learn about this battle, and then, go grab your miniatures and try your
hand in The Battle at
Fredericksburg. Can you reenact history OR change it with your newfound knowledge? "We dare you to try!" ~ Unknown Union General.
Discussion will entail an overview of the events that occurred at Fredericksburg between December 11th and December 15th, 1862. There will be time for
Q&A after the seminar.
(GC) Presenters: Kevin & Karl Pajak
Seminar Type: General Convention Information
Seminar Name: Welcome
Number of registrants: Everyone at the convention.
Description: Kevin and Karl welcome all participants, give valuable information, and take questions.
(GC) Presenters: The Twins
Seminar Type: Information, Being welcoming to attendees
Seminar Name: Who Are You?
Number of registrants: 1 to 8 plus 2-6 Standing room.
Description: How to meet new players and introduce yourself. The Twins discuss how to increase your player base, and bring camaraderie to the
convention.
(GC) Presenter: Kevin Pajak
Seminar Type: Information, Increasing game attendance
Seminar Name: Hey You!
Number of registrants: 1 to 8 plus 2-6 Standing room.
Description: Kevin discusses the tactics that GMs can employ to get players interested in joining a gaming group.
(GC) Presenter: Cameron Bradford
Seminar Type: Information, Building Community
Seminar Name: Gaming for a Better Life
Number of Registrants: 1-8 plus 2-6 Standing Room.
Question and Answer period: No.
Description: Have you ever thought, "I am lonely" or "Darn! I wish I had some real friends to do something with." Tabletop Gaming can fill your life with
people who are fun and exciting to be around. Moreover, Tabletop Gaming brings people together who like the spirit of challenge
while also maintaining true sportsman ship.
Have you ever been playing a game and used cheat codes? Did that game get boring? It should have. Why? Because what cheating does is break the rules
that have been crafted to make the game fun. Then why do people cheat at computer games? More often than not, it is because they are bored. There is no
true human competition occurring in computer games.
Tabletop games give life and meaning to the term Game. Even better, Tabletop Gaming brings people together for an evening of challenging fun that unfolds
in the spirit of competition. What a better way to spend the evening than gaming with people who are fun and friendly. These people may even become new
life long friends who hold similar interests as you do. They do play the same game that you play, so chances are they like what you like.
In Gaming for a Better Life Gaming Expert, Cameron Bradford, discusses how Tabletop Gaming and the lifestyle associated with it can help people change
their lives for the better by becoming part of the extraordinary and fun Gaming Community.
Miniatures Seminars
(M) Presenter: Brian Guarnieri
Seminar Type: Terrain Making
Seminar Name: Modern and Sci-fi Terrain: The Madness of the Bits Box
Number of registrants: 1 to 8
Description: We’re not talking GW bits, no. We’re talking about little bits of plastic, paper, and other odds that end you hoard away for a rainy day. How the
bits box can be utilized for some funky terrain to turn cheesy bits into something new?
(M) Presenter: Karl Pajak
Seminar Type: Painting Discussion
Seminar Name: Paint by the Numbers
Number of registrants: 1 to 8
Description: How to prepare figures for painting.
(M) Presenter: Greg Pitts
Seminar Type: Terrain Making
Seminar Name: The Basic Hill
Number of registrants: 1 to 8 plus 2-6 Standing room.
Description: In this three part series, Terrain 101 – Hills, Rivers, & Trees, Greg Pitts will cover various aspects of creating terrain. These three short
sessions cover how to make basic war gaming terrain, focusing specifically on hills, rivers or streams, and trees for making forest sections.
In this first part, Greg Pitts covers the basic hill. In this spectacular seminar, Greg asks us to open our eyes. "Have you ever really looked at the terrain
outside your car window?" In this seminar, Greg challenges us to really see what is around us and how to use what we see to make stunning hillsides with a
minimum of cost. Making basic war gaming terrain that will greatly enhance the visual look of your gaming event is easy, fun, and can save you a bundle of
cash! All that is required are a few basic materials, a bit of your time, and a little imagination.
(M) Presenter: Greg Pitts
Seminar Type: Terrain Making
Seminar Name: Rivers: The Deep Impasse
Number of registrants: 1 to 8 plus 2-6 Standing room.
Description: The Major moved his troops, falling back in a slow retreat. His men held together by his force of will alone. Their fear was barely contained,
but held it did. The Major knew that if they could just make it over the top of the rise and down, they would be safely away. Then, disaster struck. On the
other side, a river, laughing at them in its cold burbling voice, called out their names one by one. Could they find a ford or would they be crushed at the line
they could not cross and the hammer just cresting the hill?
This is the second Seminar in Greg Pitts' series: Terrain 101 – Hills, Rivers, and Trees. In this Seminar, Greg continues his discussion of terrain
construction. This time he navigates the mysteries of river making. The power of water as a major player in warfare is often overlooked. This blue demon
can attack suddenly or act like a narrowing impasse where troops are forced into a slow moving thin line.
Too often water that cold moving source is overlooked as a major player in battles. Even more disturbing is its absence on the field of battle. Come learn
the simple and beautiful art of river construction. Greg once again graciously reveals his techniques to terrain construction. This time, he focuses on
rivers. Come join Greg and learn how to produce magnificent rivers that will not only enhance the look of the field but can also alter it.
(M) Presenter: Greg Pitts
Seminar Type: Terran Making
Seminar Name: Trees and Forest
Number of registrants: 1 to 8 plus 2-6 Standing room.
Description: Deep in the piny woods the troops slowly moved ever closer to their destination. Flavius Maximus Giaus gave the signal to the phalanx. They
began moving. All that was heard in the hushed forest were the light clings of the men's armor and the wind in the branches. His plan would make him
most favored in the eyes of the general. He would finally take his rightful place as the General's tactician. All hinged on the forest. He had led the enemy,
with a lesser retreating force, to this spot. In their greed, they failed to see the trap closing upon them, and now, it was too late. With the setting of the sun,
the forest disgorged its contents. Thousands of men poured down upon the Germanians, sending them to the graves they so richly deserved.
This is the final installation of Greg Pitts Triple Terrain Tumble. (He told me not to say that). In other words, this is his last Seminar in the series: Terrain
101 – Hills, Rivers, and Trees. In this Seminar, Greg continues his discussion of terrain construction. This time he tackles the woody subject of tree
construction. Forests have proven invaluable in both defense and attack tactics.
The tree and the forest are simple, yet vital, additions to any mountain campaign. In this Seminar, listeners will learn methods they may employ to create
trees and forests out of simple, ready-to hand, cheap alternatives to the usually more expensive ones without sacrificing look or quality. He will also discuss
coloration and foliage, time permitting. Although trees prove the more complicated terrain feature in his lecture series, they are also the most dramatic. The
power of the tree to pull new players into any historical miniatures strategy game must not be over looked.
(M) Presenter: Brian Guarnieri
Seminar Type: Terrain Making
Seminar Name: Modern and Sci-fi Terrain: The Madness of the Bits Box
Number of registrants: 1 to 8
Description: We’re not talking GW bits, no. We’re talking about little bits of plastic, paper, and other odds that end you hoard away for a rainy day. How the
bits box can be utilized for some funky terrain to turn cheesy bits into something new?
(M) Presenter: Karl Pajak
Seminar Type: Painting Discussion
Seminar Name: Paint by the Numbers
Number of registrants: 1 to 8
Description: How to prepare figures for painting.
(M) Presenter: Greg Pitts
Seminar Type: Terrain Making
Seminar Name: The Basic Hill
Number of registrants: 1 to 8 plus 2-6 Standing room.
Description: In this three part series, Terrain 101 – Hills, Rivers, & Trees, Greg Pitts will cover various aspects of creating terrain. These three short
sessions cover how to make basic war gaming terrain, focusing specifically on hills, rivers or streams, and trees for making forest sections.
In this first part, Greg Pitts covers the basic hill. In this spectacular seminar, Greg asks us to open our eyes. "Have you ever really looked at the terrain
outside your car window?" In this seminar, Greg challenges us to really see what is around us and how to use what we see to make stunning hillsides with a
minimum of cost. Making basic war gaming terrain that will greatly enhance the visual look of your gaming event is easy, fun, and can save you a bundle of
cash! All that is required are a few basic materials, a bit of your time, and a little imagination.
(M) Presenter: Greg Pitts
Seminar Type: Terrain Making
Seminar Name: Rivers: The Deep Impasse
Number of registrants: 1 to 8 plus 2-6 Standing room.
Description: The Major moved his troops, falling back in a slow retreat. His men held together by his force of will alone. Their fear was barely contained,
but held it did. The Major knew that if they could just make it over the top of the rise and down, they would be safely away. Then, disaster struck. On the
other side, a river, laughing at them in its cold burbling voice, called out their names one by one. Could they find a ford or would they be crushed at the line
they could not cross and the hammer just cresting the hill?
This is the second Seminar in Greg Pitts' series: Terrain 101 – Hills, Rivers, and Trees. In this Seminar, Greg continues his discussion of terrain
construction. This time he navigates the mysteries of river making. The power of water as a major player in warfare is often overlooked. This blue demon
can attack suddenly or act like a narrowing impasse where troops are forced into a slow moving thin line.
Too often water that cold moving source is overlooked as a major player in battles. Even more disturbing is its absence on the field of battle. Come learn
the simple and beautiful art of river construction. Greg once again graciously reveals his techniques to terrain construction. This time, he focuses on
rivers. Come join Greg and learn how to produce magnificent rivers that will not only enhance the look of the field but can also alter it.
(M) Presenter: Greg Pitts
Seminar Type: Terran Making
Seminar Name: Trees and Forest
Number of registrants: 1 to 8 plus 2-6 Standing room.
Description: Deep in the piny woods the troops slowly moved ever closer to their destination. Flavius Maximus Giaus gave the signal to the phalanx. They
began moving. All that was heard in the hushed forest were the light clings of the men's armor and the wind in the branches. His plan would make him
most favored in the eyes of the general. He would finally take his rightful place as the General's tactician. All hinged on the forest. He had led the enemy,
with a lesser retreating force, to this spot. In their greed, they failed to see the trap closing upon them, and now, it was too late. With the setting of the sun,
the forest disgorged its contents. Thousands of men poured down upon the Germanians, sending them to the graves they so richly deserved.
This is the final installation of Greg Pitts Triple Terrain Tumble. (He told me not to say that). In other words, this is his last Seminar in the series: Terrain
101 – Hills, Rivers, and Trees. In this Seminar, Greg continues his discussion of terrain construction. This time he tackles the woody subject of tree
construction. Forests have proven invaluable in both defense and attack tactics.
The tree and the forest are simple, yet vital, additions to any mountain campaign. In this Seminar, listeners will learn methods they may employ to create
trees and forests out of simple, ready-to hand, cheap alternatives to the usually more expensive ones without sacrificing look or quality. He will also discuss
coloration and foliage, time permitting. Although trees prove the more complicated terrain feature in his lecture series, they are also the most dramatic. The
power of the tree to pull new players into any historical miniatures strategy game must not be over looked.
Role-Play Seminars
(R) Presenter: Kevin Pajak
Seminar Type: Character Creation
Seminar Name: Casting Yourself
Number of registrants: 1 to 8 plus 2-6 Standing room.
Description: Veteran Player, Kevin Pajak, discusses methods players can use to get into character, stay in character, and develop a character. He also discusses
the benefits of doing so.
(R) Presenter: Kevin Pajak
Seminar Type: Character Creation
Seminar Name: Casting Yourself
Number of registrants: 1 to 8 plus 2-6 Standing room.
Description: Veteran Player, Kevin Pajak, discusses methods players can use to get into character, stay in character, and develop a character. He also discusses
the benefits of doing so.
Board game Seminars
(B) Presenter: Karl Pajak
Seminar Type: Board game enhancement/ Terrain use for Board games/ Aesthetics
Seminar Name: It's SOOOOO Real!!!
Number of registrants: 1 to 8 plus 2-6 Standing room.
Description: Out across the game store a cry of excitement rings out. "Mom! Look at that." It is at this moment that the group knows they have a new player.
Long time miniature player discuses how to bring board games to life by using terrain in strategic ways. Developing depth to board games while playing them in
your local game store will entice new people to join in the fun of playing your favorite board game. Moreover, it will also add new life to that game that seems to
be losing its flavor.
(B) Presenter: Kevin Pajak
Seminar Type: Rule alteration
Seminar Name: Risky Business
Number of registrants: 1 to 8 plus 2-6 Standing room.
Description: Have you ever found yourself with extra time and wondering what to do with it? You know that you cannot play your favorite game. It takes too
long. This Seminar will discuss ways to speed up board games so that they can be squeezed into less time while maintaining the same feel and playability.
We are looking for people who desire to give Seminars. If you desire to give a presentation on any subject, please contact
Kevin Pajak at kevin@texicon.net
Presenters are required to bring all of the necessary items for their Seminar. Please note: Texicon may have audio-visual equipment for use
during a presenter's Seminar.
Kevin Pajak at kevin@texicon.net
Presenters are required to bring all of the necessary items for their Seminar. Please note: Texicon may have audio-visual equipment for use
during a presenter's Seminar.