How To Use Boardgames in Staff Training • We10-14 • Jon Lockwood
Dr. Jonathan Lockwood, a professor at the National War College, will present both a discussion and a demonstration of a "what if" staff simulation of the battle of Gettysburg in which two competing "staffs" of up to 10 players each will plan and fight the first day of the Gettysburg campaign using a blind simultaneous movement system with a referee. This “what if ” simulation is designed to introduce the factors of limited intelligence, “fog of war”, and “friction” to the participants in this wargame of Gettysburg that allows you to change the overall operational strategy and tactics for either side from what they were historically. 

Spouse Program (Sit & Stitch) • We14-15, Th14-15, Fr11-12 • Tamara Houde
Are you not quite as enthusiastic about gaming as the crew you accompanied? Or perhaps you are just ready to clear your mind. Bring along your sewing, knitting, crocheting or just yourself and enjoy the camaraderie. Tamara will bring extra supplies and patterns for anyone who wants to learn or pick up a new project. Make connections for the rest of the week and coordinate excursions (with or without children) outside the hotel, including plays, shopping, or mini-golf. Contact Tamara at sneacta@yahoo.com to indicate your preferences for activities or outings.

Probability & Late-Night Games at WBC • We18-20 • Chris Yaure
This year's seminar will focus on probability and late night games at WBC, including Liar's Dice, Slapshot, and Can't Stop. Significant time will be spent using hands-on simulations.

Snapshot of a Card-Driven Game Under Development • Fr17-18 • Ed Beach
Come hear game designer Ed Beach talk about the current state of development of Virgin Queen, the sequel to the card-driven multiplayer game Here I Stand. The new title will cover the period of Queen Elizabeth's reign in England, including major events of the late 16th Century such as: the French Wars of Religion, the Dutch Revolt, raids on the Spanish New World empire, and the Spanish Armada's attack on England itself. Hear about the challenges of "marrying" these new elements with the existing Here I Stand game mechanics.

WBC 2008 Video • Th12-14 and Fr12-14 • Debbie Gutermuth
Debbie has assembled photos from last year into an outstanding video with music that will help you relive those good times while creating new ones at WBC 2009. There will be no presentation--the video will simply be available for viewing during these times. We appreciate the time Debbie took to put this together and hope you enjoy it during one of your lunch breaks during the week. (Remember, you do have to eat to keep up your strength for gaming!)

Game Design Doesn't Just Happen • Sa15-17 • Lewis Pulsipher
Game design doesn't "just happen".  A designer and teacher describes the process of game design—not just a matter of “creativity”. You’ll be more successful if you structure effort. You need to understand the process in order to design efficiently, and there are helpful methods and software.  Dr. Pulsipher (designer of Britannia and other games) teaches game design in college and is a frequent contributor to boardgame sites, books, and magazines, as well as Gamasutra/GameCareerGuide, the premiere site for video game creato. 

Hollywood's Stalingrad • Sa17-18 • Steve Cunliffe
Steve Cunliffe, designer of Clash of Arm's new The Hell of Stalingrad, leads a discussion about how WWII movies, especially Stalingrad, has been portrayed on film and where it differs from the historical reality. 

Wits & Wagers Game Show • Fr20-22 and Sa20-22 • Dominic Crapuchettes
Take a break from your competitive tournaments for this 90-minute trivia event you can win without knowing any trivia by betting on the best answer provided by another team. Seven teams of from 4 to 10 players compete to win prizes. Bring your own team or form one when you get there. No need to learn rules beforehand—just show up and play! Win funny money for having the smartest team, best team name or simply for making the hosts laugh! You can use North Star Funny Money instead of U.S. dollars to purchase North Star Games products. See Northstar Games' website for additional details.

Decision Games/Strategy & Tactics Press Update • Sa10-12 • Dr. Christopher Cummins
Doc hosts an overview of new games for 2009 and a preview of the upcoming games for 2010 for Decision Games, Strategy & Tactics magazine, World at War magazine, Strategy & Tactics Press books, and Decision Computer Games. Designers, developers, and artists will be on hand to discuss their projects. Artwork will be available for viewing. Some games will be available for playtest.

From First Idea to In-Print - Designing and Publishing Your Game • Sa14-15 • Steve Rawlings
Steve Rawling, publisher of ATO Magazine, talks about how to transform your design concepts into published games.

Charles S. Roberts Awards Presentation • Sa19-20 • Allan Rothberg
The Charles S. Roberts Awards are presented annually for excellence in the historical wargaming hobby. Charles S. Roberts, in whose name this award is given, invented the modern wargame industry almost single-handedly. As a designer and the original owner-operator of The Avalon Hill Game Company. This year Allan Rothberg, one of the executive directors for the award committee, will recognize the 2008 winners and present them with their awards.