Convergence 2025

The biggest annual event from the Waikato Role-Playing Guild is returning for the 13th and 14th of September: Convergence!

We will be bringing you an epic weekend of role-playing, giveaways, and banter, capped off with a social function on Sunday evening.

For news and updates, select Going on the Facebook event, join our Discord server or browse our links on Linktree.

Tickets are now generally available - get in quick as we sell out earlier and earlier each year.

Purchase Your Ticket Now

Timetable

Saturday will have 3 sessions and Sunday will have 2 sessions, with a mix of 3 and 4 hour slots based on the GM submissions. Below is a rough timetable, based on what has happened in previous years. The start and end times of sessions may end up changing by September, please check back closer to the time. Always aim to be 15 minutes early to sessions as the raffle draws and announcements will come beforehand.

Friday 12th

6:30pm

Social & Setup

Saturday 13th

8:00am	Doors Open
8:45am	Welcome
9:00am	Session 1
12:15pm	Lunch
1:15pm	Session 2
4:30pm	Dinner
6:00pm	Session 3
10:00pm	End of Day

Sunday 14th

8:00am	Doors Open
8:30am	Welcome
8:45am	Session 4
12:00pm	Lunch
1:00pm	Seminars
2:00pm	Session 5
6:00pm-	Social at Hotel Bar

Location

The Distinction Hamilton Hotel & Conference Centre, 100 Garnett Avenue, Hamilton.

The Conference Centre is at the rear of the hotel.

What is a TTRPG?

Table top role-playing games are mostly played with friends, and usually require pen, paper and dice to play. You have probably heard of Dungeons & Dragons, but thousands of different systems exist. From simple romps to complex campaigns games can cover topics such as drag racing raccoons, eldritch horrors, sci-fi, fantasy, dystopias, TV shows, and even Carly Rae Jepson. They all need the players to use their imagination to drive the story and make the game come alive.

What's on at Convergence?

Convergence is a 2 day games convention based in Kirikiriroa, Hamilton. The aim is to give new and experienced players a chance to meet like-minded people, make new friends, try new games and have a blast doing so. The name comes from the idea of all the different game systems coming together in one space. There will be 5 gaming sessions over the weekend, so plenty of chances for you to try new systems, or the same systems with new people.

TTRPG One-shots

The games will run in 3 and 4-hour sessions. All the games will be run as "one-shots" meaning it will be a self-contained adventure within the time slot, with pre-generated characters provided where needed. There will be games for newbies and experienced players alike. We'll make sure you have everything you need to hit the ground running and have a fantastic weekend. All you need to bring is yourself and some enthusiasm. You can bring your own favourite dice to show off if you wish, but if you don't have your own dice we have you covered.

Merchants and Artists

Our merchants can also help you out, as we will have a market area for you to peruse. Go straight from your table to buy your new favourite game, collect dice or adore the artists alley.

Mini Painting, Cosplay, Board Games & More

If you want to try something other than TTRPGs during the weekend we will have a miniature painting area, a cosplay parade, board games corner and crowdsourced megadungeon you can contribute a room to.

Seminars

On Sunday we'll be hosting a variety of entertaining and educational seminars with guest speakers from the wider community on a variety of topics! These will be a great opportunity to learn more about what's going on in the TTRPG community, hear from experts, and have a chance to ask questions.

Click to view the seminars on offer!

Socials

If that isn't enough we also have socials on Friday and Sunday night. Join us in the bar area of The Distinction before and after the weekend to chill and chat about gaming.

Just Hang

If you aren't that sure about TTRPGs or want to check things out but not play then you can come and spend time in the merchant area without a ticket, and can also come to the Sunday seminars for free.

Seminars - What seminars are running?

Room 4: Questbook

The Future of Professional Storytelling

Join Jak and Dion from Questbook as they talk through their vision for the future of professional storytelling.

Side Room (8): GRAIL - Shaun Garea

Shaun Garea presents on the GRAIL gaming research project from the Massey University School of Psychology. See how TTRPG's can be integrated into your work in academia, hear the working hypotheses of ongoing projects, and get a first peek at the preliminary data that the project is bringing back.

Room 5: Nacho The Clown

Join the guild's own Brook for an hour of comedy as nacho the clown, an escaped TTRPG character. A show you'll never forget but wish you did!

Ticket Prices - What are the ticket prices?

Tickets coming on the 11th of July.

General Admission

Weekend Ticket: $50
Saturday Day Ticket: $30
Sunday Day Ticket: $25

Concession
(Under 18, Student, Community Services Card Holder)

Weekend Ticket: $40
Saturday Day Ticket: $25
Sunday Day Ticket: $20

Parking - Where is the best parking available?

The best entrance to use is the Conference Centre entrance which is right next to a lovely big car park. From the entrance of the hotel, drive straight past the hotel buildings until you get to an open area for parking. The entrance should be clearly visible from here, to the left.

Accommodation - I'm from out of town, where can I stay? Are there discounts?

If you're coming from outside of the Tron this year, The Distinction Hotel, Hamilton is offering a special discount for Convergence attendees, so you can sort accommodation for the weekend at only $195/night for a superior king/twin room!

To access this discount you will have to book by phone only, quoting #192608. The code will not work booking online.

Food and Drink - Where can I get food during event?

Unfortunately, we are not able to organise food for attendees. There are plenty of options available, however. You are welcome to bring your own food in, as a packed lunch or take away from a restaurant. There is a bakery around 5 minutes walk away, as well as several cafes. We will have a list and map for these available on the website in the near future. Feel free to eat your own food at a free gaming table but please be mindful of GMs setting up for the next session.

We'll have a coffee cart available for you to get your caffeine fix.

During the social on Sunday, dinner and drinks will be available from the hotel bar!

Photography - Will I be photographed? Do I have permission to take photographs?

We'll be taking photographs throughout the event to record the fun that everyone is having. Some of those will probably be used in our promotional material or social media spaces. If you don't wish to have your photograph taken, please speak to one of our staff members on the day and we'll make sure you're kept out of any snaps we take.

Feel free to take your own photographs and to share them on social media but please ensure you have permission to do so from anyone who features in your photos.

Age Restrictions - What ages can come to Convergence?

TTRPGs can be great for kids - they improve social skills, promote teamwork and involve maths! Children ages 13-15 are welcome to play, however, a parent/guardian needs to attend with them. Unfortunately, we cannot host under-13s at this event, but you can bring them to our merchants area and Sunday seminars. Other WRPG events are child friendly, such as Dice & Districts.

Parents are welcome to bring very young children with them. We have had attendees GM and play with babies strapped to their chest!