Board Game Convention and Geek Adventure Camp
August 19-23rd, 2026
2027 Tentative Dates: Aug. 18-22nd, 2027
Venue Location: Y at Watson Woods
9620 Dry Run Road Painted Post, NY 14870
We are an annual fun-for-the-whole-family tabletop board game convention and geek adventure camp located in the Finger Lakes region of Upstate NY. In addition to tabletop games, LARP, and RPG’s, there will be other engaging activities, including collaboration with board game designers, workshops, attendee-led events, and board game playtesting. This event also includes primitive woodcraft, axe throwing, climbing wall, Finger Lakes nature trails, wading creek, archery, miniature painting, leatherworking, disc golf, pickleball, corn hole, GaGa ball, giant lego construction zone, and more. Join us for the whole event or join us for any day that works best!
The Y at Watson Woods is a YMCA 400-acre family event and retreat center. Corning, Watkins Glen, and Hammondsport are just minutes away, serving as the perfect places to enjoy Seneca Lake, Keuka Lake, Wineries & Cider Houses, Watkins Glen International Speedway, Watkins Glenn State Park, the Corning Museum of Glass, Corning’s Gaffer District world famous for glass blowing, and the natural beauty and rolling hills of the Southern Tier.
REGISTRATION - How do I sign up?
Registration is as easy as 1, 2, 3... choose the options that work best for you!
Step 1 - Choose Your ADMISSION (Required),
Step 2 - Choose Your LODGING (Optional),
Step 3 - Choose Your MEAL PLAN (Optional),
Step 4 - PLAN GAMES in advance! Use tabletop scheduling software to invite others to join you for a game before you arrive!
Ready to start? CLICK on a STEP BELOW to register (and for more details).
🏆 Inaugural Tabletop Game Design Contest
Are you designing a tabletop game? Whether your game is still a prototype, preparing for Kickstarter, self-published, or already in limited publication, bring it to GEOTL26, get it in front of real players, receive feedback, and compete for our first-ever GEOTL26 Tabletop Game Design Grand Prize.
First Place Grand Prize
🏅 Official GEOTL26 Board Game Design Award Seal
The winner may display the award seal on their game box, rulebook,
website, and promotional materials.
🎲 Industry Consulting
The winner will receive consulting opportunities with a cross-section
of tabletop game industry professionals.
🐉 Winner Announcement
The winner will be announced during the Grand Feast of Dragonia
on Saturday, August 22.
Industry Professionals
- Rob Dougherty — CEO, Wise Wizard Games; Magic: The Gathering Pro Tour Hall of Fame inductee; internationally recognized tabletop game designer and publisher, with more than 160 game design credits, including Star Realms, Hero Realms, and Robot Quest Arena; founder of Your Move Games and former tabletop game retail store owner.
- Debbie Moynihan — CFO, Wise Wizard Games; experienced in tabletop publishing and marketing, with experience in MIT management and MIT engineering.
- Dan Hundycz — CEO, DPH Games; Upstate New York tabletop game designer and publisher with 14 published titles, including Affliction: Salem 1692, recipient of the Dice Tower Seal of Excellence, and the award-winning Campfire Smokeout. His catalog also includes Sip & Savor, Legacy at Sea, Inca Empire, Madoshi: Priests of the Sun and Moon, Usurp the King, and The Gate of R'lyeh.
- Will Carson — Owner & CEO, InDiPro Games; experienced in self-publishing, game development, production, fulfillment, logistics, warehousing, and taking games to market.
- Ken & Jen Yentzer — Owners, CEO & CFO, Great Escape Adventures; four retail locations and 11 years of retail experience; founders of Great Escape on the Lakes — Board Game Convention & Geek Adventure Camp, now in our 6th year, and the Community Board Game Network, a 501(c)(3) charitable nonprofit organization.
Interested in entering the contest?
Email us to reserve your place and tell us about your game.
Questions? Email GEOTL@GreatEscapeAdventures.net
Click a topic below for more information...
24/7 Board Gaming
Grab a casual pickup game at any time. Tables will be available 24 hours a day, all week long in the Castle (Main Lodge dining hall).
Plan Ahead: Sign up to play or lead events here: “SCHEDULING GAMES”.
–> Check out the current list here <–
We moved to a larger venue in 2025, the Y at Watson Woods, on 400 Acres in Painted Post, NY
What are others saying?
"I want to thank you guys for everything you do for this event. It has sparked an interest in Dylan that I didn't even realize he was so interested in. He has even started an after-school D&D club at his school and is a proud little DM!" ~ Amy L
Great Escape on the Lakes
"The Most Adventurous Experience Ever"
The Community Board Game Network is a 501(c)(3) charitable nonprofit organization dedicated to community building, mentorship, leadership development, and experiential learning through tabletop gaming, workshops, game design, creative activities, and adventure-based experiences.