Gaming Convention set for March 27-28

The University of North Georgia’s (UNG) Tabletop Gaming Club and Esports crew will host the third annual Nighthawks Gaming Convention from March 27-28 within the Convocation Center at UNG’s Dahlonega Campus. This occasion is free and open to the general public for ages 5 and up. Children beneath 18 will need to have a mother or father or guardian current with them on the conference. Free tickets may be reserved forward of time by means of the Nighthawks Gaming Convention webpage.

Hours for the Nighthawk Gaming Convention are midday to 9 p.m. March 27 and 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. March 28. Cosplay and costume contests with a number of divisions will kick off at 5 p.m. March 28, with check-in an hour earlier than that.

Festivities will embrace a Mario Kart World Smash Bros match, Dungeons & Dragons, greater than 200 board video games, puzzles, charity bingo, and a sensory-friendly carnival.

Dr. Bryan Dawson, affiliate division head and professor of psychology and college adviser for the Tabletop Gaming Club, launched the preliminary Nighthawks Gaming Convention in 2024.

“We couldn’t possibly put on such an incredible event without the support and volunteers from our students, staff and faculty being willing to share their love of games and science with others,” Dawson mentioned.

The occasion greater than doubled to 500 attendees in 2025 and has 700 tickets accessible this March.

“I couldn’t be more thankful for Bryan Dawson and the work he puts in to make this event possible,” Nathaniel Hehl, UNG Esports coach, mentioned. “We all want to be part of it because of how passionate he is about it.”

Aramark could have meals on the market on web site, together with barbecue, nachos and popcorn.

Maddox Newell, a senior from Marietta, Georgia, pursuing a level in cybersecurity, served three years because the president of UNG’s Tabletop Gaming Club and is the general public relations officer this yr. He is keen to welcome college students, school, workers, and neighborhood members to the conference.

“Everyone will have a space to do something they’re interested in. There’s truly something for everybody,” Newell mentioned. “It’s genuinely been surreal. I never imagined I’d get to be a part of organizing something so much bigger than myself. I’m immensely proud to be part of it and work with our team.”

Andrew Bonam, a sophomore from Cumming, Georgia, additionally pursuing a level in cybersecurity, is a member of the Tabletop Gaming Club. He is happy to see the group including occasions that attraction to a big selection of attendees, with a kind of choices being a miniature portray session.

“I want to help the convention grow and succeed and serve more people,” Bonam mentioned.

Thanks to a partnership with native nonprofit ConnectAbility, the occasion will even have a sensory room for visitors who want a calmer house for any period of time. Students in a management class with Dr. Kathryn Narciso, senior lecturer of psychology, shall be a part of each the carnival and the sensory-friendly room.

“We want to create a calmer place where these participants can be more comfortable,” Narciso mentioned.

John Nicholason, a senior from Cumming, Georgia, pursuing a level in psychology, is a kind of who shall be aiding within the room.

“This will be the first time I’m able to apply my psychology major,” Nicholason mentioned. “I’m excited to be able to help offer these sensory-friendly experiences.”

Also aiding within the room is Saums Saxena, a junior from Suwanee, Georgia. She, too, is pursuing a level in psychology. Saxena helps with the carnival, as properly, and is happy to assist others have enjoyable on the occasion.

“This will help me learn to become a leader by working with a team,” Saxena mentioned. “This will give me opportunities to grow.”