The global tabletop gaming industry descends on Germany next week for the world’s biggest board game fair, Spiel Essen, for several packed days of showcasing new releases and networking with other industry professionals.

This year Spiel is bringing its annual series of panel discussions and talks to the main show floor via a new 1,000 sq m stage in Hall 4, featuring everything from professional discussions about crowdfunding and fulfillment to a bagpipe-playing workshop and cosplay craft showcase.

BoardGameWire has rounded up some of the most interesting-looking sessions for tabletop game industry professionals from across the four days.

Thursday, October 23

Discovering Career Paths in the Tabletop Gaming Industry (English)
11:40am – 12:10pm
An exploration of the wide range of jobs available in the tabletop gaming industry, beyond just the better known roles such as game designer and marketing manager. Asmodee’s Ross Thompson, who also co-runs the hugely popular Tabletop Game Jobs Facebook page, will also discuss how you can make your experience more attractive to publishers and companies

Let’s Talk About Games (German)
12.10pm – 12.50pm
A panel of board game critics and academics join Spiel des Jahres jury spokesperson Maren Hoffmann to discuss why, when Germany is such a big board gaming nation, reporting on the hobby is still largely confined to the hobby or semi-professional sphere.

The Rising Tide: How Interpersonal Connections Help Create Your Favorite Games (English)
12.50pm – 1:20pm
What Do Flip 7, Votes for Women, and Daggerheart have in common? They were created with collaboration and consideration at top of mind. ACD Distribution and Luma Imports marketing director Danni Loe and Keymaster Games producer Jen Graham-Macht highlight products and professionals who prove how working closely with others shapes some of the most recognized, sought after, and enjoyable games in the industry.

Launching Your Board Game: Insights into Crowdfunding, Manufacturing, and Fulfillment (English)
1:50pm – 2:50pm
What does it take to get your game idea funded, manufactured, and into the hands of board gamers? Experts in crowdfunding (LaunchBoom), manufacturing (Panda Game Manufacturing), and fulfillment (Spiral Galaxy Games) come together on this panel to supply their tips and tricks on how to navigate the process successfully.

Board Game Adaptations – The Next Big Thing? (German)
3:20pm – 3:50pm
Film producer Benjamin Munz (Blood Red Sky, Brick) presents a comprehensive overview of the evolution of film adaptations – from books to comics and video games -before tracing the history to the first board game adaptations. Using excerpts and anecdotes, he will use selected examples to illuminate how game mechanics are translated to the screen, and demonstrate the creative challenges and enormous potential of this still young film genre.

Saturday, October 25

The Great Big Convention Panel About Conventions (English)
11.10am – 12.10pm
Organisers and representatives of the world’s biggest tabletop gaming conventions – including Spiel Essen’s Carol Rapp, Gen Con’s Megan Culver and UK Games Expo director Tony Hyams discuss the craft of convention running, what makes their conventions unique – and what makes a convention successful.

The Hitster Story: From Idea to Bestseller (English)
1:30pm – 2:00pm
How does a board game go from a simple idea at the kitchen table to becoming one of Europe’s best-selling games? This talk from the game’s inventor, Marcus Carleson, and Jumbo brand manager Ferran Codina looks at how the idea was born, the design choices that shaped the game, and how Jumbo helped turn it into an international success.

The full schedule of panels, which run from Thursday 23 to Sunday 26, is available here.

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