In 2022 we ran an online knowledge sharing seminar and two in person seminars in the UK at Airecon and the UK games expo.
Next events
We have a knowledge sharing session at Airecon 2023 Friday 10th March 5pm. Join us.
Gender Inclusive Language and Allyship and Privilege online. End of May?
Gender Inclusive Language and Allyship and Privilege in person – Hereford Mid April
We hope to run more online sessions to chat and share knowledge.
History and minutes:
Session 1 was online February 24th 2022 General knowledge sharing
Minutes Board-Game-Organisers-knowledge-share-Feb-2022-Online.pdf (herefordshireboardgamers.co.uk)
Session 2 March 10th At Airecon 2022 General knowledge sharing
Minutes Board-game-organiser-knowledge-share-March-2022-airecon.pdf
Session 3 June 4th at the UK games expo 12:30 to 13:30 General knowledge sharing
Board Game Club & Community Round Table – UK Games Expo
Draft Minutes
Hereford 1st Feb 2023. 6.30 at the Herdsman. Gender Inclusive Language and Allyship and Privilege.
No minutes produced.
https://herefor.games/knowledge/gender-inclusive-language/
https://herefor.games/knowledge/allyship-and-privilege/
2022 General Findings
Advertising
Attendance is around 50-60% compared to pre-covid numbers
Meet Up is expensive and only worth it for some clubs, normally those in a large city. There is an option to share one paid subscription between three groups or organise a wider regional meet up.
Parish/village/community magazines are good free advertising
Outreach programs at schools / fetes/ museums can work but are volunteer heavy
Maintaining membership
Dedicated greeters
Starting with social icebreaker games where players can join in like Codenames
Setting standards via a code of conduct. Clear rules are generally a positive thing.
Diversity
Removal of members as a last resort was agreed by all. Working to find solutions including ground rules written in conjunction with the individual where appropriate.
Grants
National Lottery: Awards for All and local building firms/ supermarkets can be good places to try.
There are different levels of requirements for grants that standard game clubs may not meet i.e. bank accounts, charters, constitutions, and accounting.
Regions often have local funding hubs with multiple grants and schemes.
Beginners and being inclusive.
Build a culture, games library, dedicated greeters, clear signage, not starting long games straight away.
Venues
Always a challenge, pubs/ restaurants can offer free room use but it appears harder post covid.
To do
Grants how to!
Social Media How to
Running Charity events including getting sponsorship
Herefordshire Board Gamers Policies
https://herefordshireboardgamers.co.uk/policies/
Herefordshire Boardgamers guides:
https://herefordshireboardgamers.co.uk/mental-health-and-communities/
https://herefordshireboardgamers.co.uk/what/how-to-run-a-great-games-night/
https://herefordshireboardgamers.co.uk/what/tips-for-running-a-games-club/
https://herefordshireboardgamers.co.uk/what/howtoteachgames/
https://herefordshireboardgamers.co.uk/welcome-area-beginner-games/
External Resources
https://www.facebook.com/groups/BoardGameClubOrganisers
Other resources
https://www.resourcecentre.org.uk/information-category/organising-events-and-activities (Good range or resources and templates)
https://communitymatters.org.uk/
https://learning.nspcc.org.uk/research-resources/2019/introductory-guide-safeguarding-child-protection