WHAT IS GDEX?

GDEX is The Midwest’s Premier Gaming Expo dedicated to a love of games and creative technology, located in Columbus, Ohio. GDEX features a weekend expo showcase, combined with presentation sessions, artist alleys, raffles, tournaments, and Charity events. The GDEX expo is a curated showcase of some of the most exciting up-and-coming developers so that you can see the latest games before anyone else!

GDEX started in 2013 as a community event to bring together Ohio game developers to Connect with each other, share their projects and technologies, and Learn from each other as well as industry professionals. It has since grown into the Premier event of its kind in the Midwest, drawing an audience from across the country with unrivaled quality educational sessions and opportunities for individuals and small businesses to accelerate their growth. There truly is no other event like GDEX in the Midwest, and we are proud to be a part of making the community and industry in the area.

EVENT GUIDE

Need more information? Check out our Event Guide (PDF)!

THE GDEX CULTURE

GDEX is a place for everyone who loves games, regardless of Age, Race, Gender, Religion, Sexual Orientation or Identification, Nationality, and anything else that makes you, you. We create an environment of connectivity and learning and invite everyone to be a part of the growing game community in Ohio, the Midwest, and around the country.

As a part of a diverse community, you may see something that you find objectionable. We ask that you please be understanding of others’ cultural differences when viewing content at GDEX. If the content is against our Code of Conduct policy listed below, please contact a GDEX team member to have it addressed.

CODE OF CONDUCT

By attending GDEX, you agree to conduct yourself in a manner that positively supports the community and our guests. Any unacceptable or disruptive behavior that takes place at GDEX or any of our Activities, Community Events, Parties, or Partners’ events will be dealt with quickly, which could include suspension from the event without a refund. We expect all guests to act as responsible and respectful members of our community, and though we understand that people can make mistakes or get caught up in the moment, GDEX is a place designed to be inclusive and welcoming to everyone. We will not tolerate behavior that is harmful to our guests, our environment, and our culture.

Below is a non-exhaustive list of unacceptable behaviors.

  • Violence, threats of violence, or violent language directed against another person.

  • Insults against others both verbally and in writing, as well as both physical and digital.

  • Sexist, racist, homophobic, transphobic, ablest, or otherwise discriminatory jokes and language will not be tolerated.

  • Posting or displaying sexually explicit or violent material.

  • Posting or threatening to post other people’s personally identifying information (“doxing”).

  • Inappropriate photography or recording.

  • Inappropriate physical contact.

  • Unwelcome sexual attention. This includes sexualized comments or jokes; inappropriate touching, groping, and unwelcomed sexual advances.

  • Deliberate intimidation, stalking, or following (online or in person).

  • Sustained disruption of community events, including talks, presentations, or events/parties.

  • Destruction or harm to people, property, or reputation of GDEX and its guests and partners.

Please alert a GDEX team member at the front desk or one of our volunteers should you witness any of these unacceptable behaviors. Staff can be easily identified by their orange GDEX shirts with a large "!" on the back.

EXPECTED LEVEL OF MATURITY

We treat GDEX as an opportunity to positively learn about and share gaming and gaming culture. Our presentations and workshops are expected to be on the level of a typical Higher Education session in a College or University setting. This means that mature and adult topics may be discussed, dissected, and visualized. It also means that the audience is expected to engage with all content and topics in a mature manner, with a focus on positive, appropriate discussion. You are responsible for your conduct during any workshops or presentations you attend, so please be sure to read and understand the content of the session before attending.

EXPO FLOOR BOOTH BABE AND ADULT CONTENT POLICIES

GDEX has a strict No Booth Babe policy. Please do not include sexually explicit or conducive materials in your booth with the intent of drawing attention to your space. If found in violation of this policy, you may be asked to change clothing or remove the individuals from your space until the issue can be addressed. We understand that character and Cosplay are a part of gamer culture, and you are welcome to exhibit characters related to your game or content. Questionable characters will be approved on a case-by-case basis by GDEX.

Adult Content is a part of any art form, and games are no different. Though GDEX has an understandingly broad description of what constitutes Adult Content, please remember that GDEX draws a wide range of attendees from all age groups. We ask that you gauge your booth’s content with this in mind. If you have sexually explicit content or extreme violence, we ask that you let us know ahead of time so that we can plan to structure your booth in a way that ensures content is visible only to the individuals currently viewing it.

WEAPONS POLICY

No weapons will be allowed at GDEX or in other spaces within the GDEX Weekend Experience. Weapons include but are not limited to guns, explosives (including fireworks), large knives such as those used for hunting or display, and any other item used for the purpose of causing injury or harm to others. Anyone seen in possession of one of these items will be asked to leave immediately and will only be allowed to return without the weapon, at our discretion. Failure to adhere to the policy and the direction of GDEX staff and volunteers may result in you being permanently removed from the event. Attendees are further expected to comply with all state and local laws on this matter.

Thank you for making our community awesome, and we hope everyone has a fun and safe GDEX!

COVID HEALTH & SAFETY POLICY

The health and safety of our guests is always our primary priority. Based on current epidemiological information and CDC guidelines, we will be returning to our standard guidelines and will not require vaccination or masking starting GDEX 2023. We encourage everyone to follow the below guidelines, and please do not attend the show if you are feeling ill.

Please vaccinate yourself to help protect yourself and those around you!

GDEX is hosted in the Greater Columbus Convention Center, or the GCCC. Located at 400 N High St, the Convention Center is right in the middle of Columbus, with a short walk to Food, Entertainment, and other amenities.

GDEX is Hosted at:

The Greater Columbus Convention Center

HALLS TBA
400 N High St.
Columbus, OH 43215

Where’s GDEX?

 

Come Visit Us!

There is plenty to do in Columbus, Ohio.  Here you will find information about hotels, parking, food and entertainment around the city.

HOTELS

Book your hotel with Hyatt Regency, or check out other local hotels!

PARKING

Use the buttons below to navigate your way to the The Hyatt Regency Hotel or the closest parking garages to GDEX! Rates average $18 per 24 hours at each garage. (Note: These links work best with Google Maps, but should work on all GPS Systems)

FOOD & DRINK

Columbus is one of America's up and coming culinary destinations.  Here are some of our favorite places to get a bite to eat within a 5 minute walk of the Greater Columbus Convention Center.  Also listed the food court which is conveniently located inside the convention center.

THINGS TO DO

Want to come in early or stay a couple days after GDEX? There is always something happening in Columbus. Experience Columbus is the ultimate guide to find out about local attractions, food, and events around the city. They also provide information about travel to, from, and around Columbus.