|
|
Hyatt Regency Crystal City
2799 Jefferson Davis Hwy
Arlington, VA 22202
|
|
|
|
February 15, 2020: Year 11; Edition 4
|
|
Hi, Folks ~
THE SUPERNOVA PRESALE (scheduled for tonight) IS POSTPONED
NOVA Open 2020 SCHEDULE & INFORMATION IS DELAYED
RESCHEDULED FOR NEXT SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2020!
NOVA Open Executive Board member, Neil Gilstrap, created what we affectionately call "NOMS" several years ago. This NOVA Open Management System is a bespoke and highly effective piece of software which has had a great deal to do with the reputation we enjoy as organized and professional. For 2020, we commissioned an upgrade to introduce a number of automations and enhancements which we trust will make both your cart experience and our management capabilities even better, smoother, and stronger.
Running an annual convention is SO MUCH FUN!
This past week, we discovered the upgrade has a few bugs to work out to ensure a high quality registration and [eventual] convention experience. An unready system is no system at all. The results of the bugs was a decision to push SuperNOVA early bird registration back a week. Sadly, this also delays our release of the schedule and online store which allows for viewing of all event details. While an unfortunate inconvenience, it is exponentially more important to provide a smooth, fair and fun pre-sale experience.
Watch for a Special Edition Newsletter next Saturday to remind eligible SuperNOVAs about the pre-sale and to provide access for all attendees to visit and view schedule and event information about what will be happening at the 11th NOVA Open.
In the meantime, take some time to be amazed by the enormous amount of content our teams and leads have put together in the newsletter below. Use the Game Info and Primer buttons - I'm told most game leads have provided new information to anyone interested in attending their events.
Best,
- Mike Brandt
|
|
READ THIS NEWSLETTER TO LEARN MORE ABOUT:
|
|
Headlines for This Week in the News
Draft Primers are Live
Game Info and Updates
Seminars
Capital Palette
NOCF News
Get Involved
Community at Large
Photos & Videos
Vendors & Sponsors
|
|
POSTPONED:
SuperNOVA Pre-Sale
|
|
The NOVA Open 2020 SuperNOVA pre-sale has been postponed. We will not be opening the store for pre-sales tonight.
REPEAT: SuperNOVA pre-sale will not be held tonight - on Saturday, February 15th - as previously announced.
All eligible SuperNOVAs have known since the end of NOVA Open 2019 that NOVA Open is working to update our convention management software. However, the software release has been delayed. Because of this, we cannot be certain that the pre-sale would be conducted to our usual high standard. We will not move forward until we're sure that your pre-sale experience will be seamless, professional, efficient and fair. To that end, we regrettably have made the decision to delay.
The reschedule date for the pre-sale is Saturday, February 22nd at 8:00 PM EST. The NOVA Open Executive will reconvene on Wednesday, February 19th to confirm the new date and time. Please check your email that night or on Thursday, February 20th for final confirmation of this date and time.
As always, thank you for your support and understanding.
|
|
Those of you who were SuperNOVAs in 2017, 2018 and/or 2019 have already been notified that you are eligible.
To expedite your registration, be prepared with your bag choice, shirt size, and game system. Check out immediately after you add the SuperNOVA upgrade to your cart.
We’re happy to report that the cost of the SuperNOVA package remains $239. There’s been no price increase for 2020. There are 246 eligible participants and just 50 SuperNOVA bags/passes available for pre-sale. When these bags are sold out, they're sold out.
*SuperNOVAs will not be refunded, dropped, transferred or shipped; NOVA Open will not maintain a wait list.
|
|
|
REGISTRATION OPENS MARCH 1ST
|
|
WE'RE 2 WEEKS AWAY FROM REGISTRATION FOR NOVA OPEN 2020
|
If this will be your first NOVA Open, WELCOME! Our registration process is easy, although deciding what events to choose from our many options may be a little more difficult. It's always best to set up your account BEFORE registration opens.
Here's what you'll need to do
ANYTIME BEGINNING FEB 23:
- Go to novaopenstore.com
- Click on “Register” at the top, right of the page
- Set up an account
Once that's done, registration can go more quickly:
- Select your pass - you'll need a Convention Access Pass, Weekend Pass, SuperNOVA, DwarfNOVA or day pass (or passes) before you can register for any events. Add the pass to your cart.
- Select and add to your cart any/all events, seminars and merchandise you wish to purchase.
- Read and agree to the terms and conditions.
- Check out via PayPal.
Once you've registered, you can change your schedule of events using our drop/add feature. You can also use our self transfer feature if you choose to transfer any of your events to another player (can not transfer merchandise). You will get a receipt for your purchase, but will NOT get tickets or passes online or by mail. All registration is electronic. All you'll need to do is show up in August and check in at our registration desk.
|
|
"AUSTRALIAN KOALAS" RAFFLE CLOSES AT 12:00 MIDNIGHT TONIGHT
DRAWING WILL BE HELD TOMORROW
|
|
The bushfires in Australia have captured the hearts of people around the world, challenging all of us to wonder what we can do to help. In our tabletop wargamer and miniature hobbyist communities, it is no different. Last week, Roman Lappat reached out with a wonderful fundraising idea to benefit the relief efforts currently underway.
NOCF is happy to announce and participate in this collaborative effort with him.
BUY TICKETS TODAY
and read more about this raffle at
|
|
|
|
|
GAMES WORKSHOP PREVIEW EVENT
|
|
GAMES WORKSHOP TO HOST STUDIO PREVIEW EVENT
|
Join
Games Workshop’s Community Team as they return to the NOVA Open! They are planning another Preview Event and NOVA has added 100 seats! 350 tickets available, so act quickly on March 1st for an exclusive look at what’s in store for Warhammer fans in 2020. You’ll be among the first in the world to know what the future holds with a look at some MAJOR reveals.
Join us, Wednesday, Sep 2, 2020 from 7:00-8:30 PM at the Hyatt Regency Crystal City. A Convention Access Pass (CAP) or Day Pass is required to attend this exciting Preview Event. Once you have a pass, add the ticket to your cart. When the 350 tickets are gone, they're gone - add your name to the wait list to snag any that come back into our inventory after that.
|
|
CONVENTION SCHEDULE AND NOVA OPEN ONLINE STORE
|
|
A special splash newsletter edition will hit your inbox next Saturday, Feb 22, which will include both the convention schedule and a link to the NOVA Open online store and will make all 2020 Event Information available to our attendees.
|
|
|
|
|
MINIATURE ARMY PHOTO SESSION
|
NOVA Open brings community together like none other - and it's always fun! For instance, dozens of the best miniature armies and terrain ever featured at NOVA Open came together two weeks ago to photograph a siege on Washington, D.C. in front of a green screen. Yeah, really! Mike Brandt and Dylan Davis rallied the troops (and they came from far and wide), trudging through snow-covered roadways like Washington crossing the Potomac. Watch for the graphics campaign roll out in coming weeks.
In the meantime, many thanks to:
CJ Kinder, Mackenzie Cadden, Joseph Costable, Allise Bryant, Dave Gonzalez, Chris Stover, Oscar Lars, Martin Orlando, Nick Pasch, Jordan Mechanic, Sebastian Padrino, Steve Fuller, Devin Moreno.
Check out photos from the event, yo!
|
|
|
|
NOVA Open is blessed with year-round support from the Amazing 40K Couple, Amanda and Ethan Voce. They have begun a series of interviews you can follow here.
|
|
|
|
|
STAY ON SITE 85% SOLD OUT!
The NOVA Open room rate $120 is available for ten (10) nights this year (August 29 - September 8).
Questions? Contact us:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
NOVA OPEN BLOCK OUT OF DOUBLES
The Renaissance Arlington Capital View Hotel
2800 South Potomac Avenue
Arlington, VA, 22202
Questions? Contact us:
|
|
CONVENTION ACCESS PASSES (CAPS), DAY PASES & PREMIUM SWAG BAGS
|
|
IMPORTANT ATTENDEE INFORMATION
|
|
- A PASS is required to attend the NOVA Open: Convention Access Pass (CAP $60) is good from Monday - Sunday.
- Weekend Pass (WP $50) is available Friday-Sunday.
- Single Day Pass ($20) is also available if one does not wish to attend the entire weekend or convention.
- All Passes are non-refundable, non-transferable items.
- There are two upgrades available which include a CAP: SuperNOVA and DwarfNOVA. When you place an upgrade in your cart, a CAP will automatically be added and you will purchase as one item at checkout.
- The only people who will receive one of the NOVA Open's Premium Swag bags will be the "First 400" who purchase CAPs (and all 150 SuperNOVA upgrades). This is based on registration date/time stamp alone.
- If any of the "First 400" cannot attend: The swag bag is forfeited unless arrangements are made ahead of time with Marti Seraphin (customerservice@novaopen.com) for a friend to pick it up. NOVA Open will not ship.
- Use of board games from the NOVA Open library and/or participation in side events scheduled in that hall are free to those with a Pass; however, Board Game tournaments which confer prizes will require a nominal fee.
|
|
SEMINAR PRESENTATIONS BY COMPANY
|
|
The following parent companies will hold seminar presentations at NOVA Open 2020.
|
|
PRE-CON SEMINARS - AMAZING!
|
|
PLAN YOUR NOVA OPEN TRIP
TO INCLUDE A PRE-CON CLASS SCHEDULE!
In 2017, Games Workshop joined NOVA Open in the first Wednesday evening event, which sold out when registration opened. That same year, Roman Lappat brought his 3-day JAR Beginner workshop as a NOVA Open Pre-Con event (Sun-Tues). It was a great success with a wait list, so we were happy to have the class return in 2018.
Last year, NOVA Open had the good fortune to host a 3-day Sam Lenz workshop – followed by the Games Workshop Preview and Reveal. Once again, we learned that Pre-Con seminars were something our attendees enjoyed and were increasingly interested in. To that end . . .
NOVA Open is pleased to feature several great instructors and guest speakers beginning Sunday and running throughout the day and into the evening on Wednesday. These classes range from an
Advanced Workshop
, to those designed to help you
finish your armies and tanks
ahead of your GT, to
Dioramas and Lighting
your favorite model, to a
Semi-Private Master Class
to
Prep Classes for the first-time attendee!
Here’s the line up to get your plans off to a great start:
|
|
JAR ADVANCED WORKSHOP
Sunday – Tuesday (8/30-9/1)
28 Hours
Roman Lappat
AIRBRUSHING A TANK
Monday (8/31)
9 Hours
Dev Sodagar of CK Studios
BETTER FASTER UNIT PAINTING
Tuesday (9/1)
9 Hours
Dev Sodagar of CK Studios
DOWN THE DIORAMA RABBIT HOLE
Tuesday (9/1)
4 Hours
Keith Rudis
IT’S LIT!
Wednesday (9/2)
5.5 Hours
Joe Johnson
HOW TO POP YOUR TABLETOP
Wednesday (9/2)
5 Hours
Oscar Lars
|
|
BASE YOUR ARMY CLINIC
Wednesday (9/2)
4 Hours
Austin Thompson of Death Ray Designs
SEMI-PRIVATE 1:4
Wednesday (9/2)
4 Hours
Clay Williams of M3 Studios
DOWN THE DIORAMA RABBIT HOLE
Wednesday (9/2)
4 Hours
Keith Rudis
WRITING ABOUT PLAYING WH
Wednesday (9/2)
2 Hours
James Grover of Goonhammer.Com
YOUR NOVA OPEN EXPERIENCE
Wednesday (9/2)
2 Hours
Robert & Greg of Goonhammer.Com
GAMES WORKSHOP PREVIEW
Wednesday (9/2)
2 Hours
GW Community Team
|
|
 |
MAX DUBOIS BIO:
Max Dubois is a hobby enthusiast from Quebec City, Canada. Over the past decades, he's worked as a freelance miniature painter as well as occupying nearly every single job possible in the tabletop gaming industry. Miniature painting eventually turned into blogging, which turned to writing, which, coupled with the years working in game stores, turned into opening his own storefront in 2016. There is nothing he loves more than talking shop with other hobby enthusiasts, loudly playing 40K, and speaking about himself in the 3rd person.
|
|
|
|
DEV SODAGAR BIO:
Dev has been painting off and on for 25 years. In that time he's painted miniatures from countless different companies for both tabletop and display but especially for board games and skirmish games. He works very hard at being lazy and has used this to find as many shortcuts to great looking models as possible. Recently he's taken up the mantle of sharing these discoveries in classes and on his live streaming channel on YouTube. He has been the Community Coordinator for CK Studios since 2017 and became a full instructor with the team last year. He focuses on techniques for gamers to help them get better results, faster.
|
|
|
|
GAME INFO & UPDATES
Most of the game pages have updated today!
(Click on the Orange Game Buttons Below)
|
|
QUESTIONS, THOUGHTS, IDEAS, SUGGESTIONS?
|
|
QUESTIONS, THOUGHTS, IDEAS, SUGGESTIONS?
|
|
QUESTIONS, THOUGHTS, IDEAS, SUGGESTIONS?
|
|
QUESTIONS, THOUGHTS, IDEAS, SUGGESTIONS?
|
|
QUESTIONS, THOUGHTS, IDEAS, SUGGESTIONS?
|
|
QUESTIONS, THOUGHTS, IDEAS, SUGGESTIONS?
|
|
QUESTIONS, THOUGHTS, IDEAS, SUGGESTIONS?
|
|
QUESTIONS, THOUGHTS, IDEAS, SUGGESTIONS?
|
|
HOBBY, ART, STRATEGY, REVEALS
|
|
|
We are excited to share the current list of instructors coming to NOVA Open 2020. Together, these incredibly talented artists, hobbyists, game creators, and internet personalities have combined to serve up a schedule of 105 workshops and seminars!
|
|
|
|
- Rob Alderman (LotR)
- Werner Born
- Michael Brandt (Mournival)
- Drew Carrington (One Inch Heroes)
- Max Dubois (Hellfire Painting)
- Games Workshop (Preview/Reveal)
- James Grover (Goon Hammer)
- Bryan Haven (GREX)
- Joe Johnson
- Roman Lappat (Massive Voodoo)
- Oscar Lars (Oscar Lars Studio)
- Gutier Lusquinos (Corvus Belli)
|
|
- Sean McAfee (Brush for Hire)
- Chris Peach (GW Warhammer TV)
- Keith Rudis (Mad Hatter Miniatures)
- Evan Slagle
- Dev Sodagar (CK Studios)
- Erik Swinson
- Neil Szabo
- Austin Thompson (Death Ray Designs)
- Vince Venturella
- Joe White (Smooth Blend Studio)
- Clay Williams (M3 Studios)
- Wyrd (Malifaux / The Other Side)
|
|
|
The Seminar team is still on the look-out for talented 2D artists who would like to teach classes similar to last year's Acrylic Pours. If you or someone you know might be interested, please contact:
seminars@novaopen.com.
|
|
Now that the holidays are coming to an end, you’ve most likely taken advantage of some sweet deals on new hobby supplies and set new goals and new year’s resolutions. Yep, we’re going to finish all our unpainted figures before buying new ones, too! Here’s another thought: Get your models/figures ready for NOVA Open’s Capital Palette 2020. Last year was our largest event yet with a growing field of great apprentice artist starting their competition journey alongside our always impressive Masterclass artists.
Join us in making the Best Capital Palette
EVER at NOVA Open 2020!
While you’re practicing new techniques or finishing up your latest masterpiece, the Capital Palette team is getting things ready for another round of fantastic Capital Palette contests. We’re reviewing our playbooks, reading your survey comments, and making changes to our operations to give you the experience you expect from NOVA Open.
A few things to expect this upcoming year:
- Better cuing for entry submission and pickup
- More photographers on hand to get your entries on display faster
- Expanded Capital Palette footprint with more display cases
We know you will not be disappointed with the improvements being planned! As always, we’re interested in what you have to say and your ideas. Feel free to send your comments and suggestions to
customerservice@novaopen.com
. If you’re interested in miniature photography, don’t miss the opportunity to attend our free seminar in Vienna, VA, on February 2.
Best Regards,
NOVA Open’s Capital Palette Team 2020
|
|
Board Games at NOVA Open will have an exciting slate of tournaments and events this year, drawing from feedback and game tournament requests from previous attendees. In addition to running demos and maintaining our lending library of games, we are pleased to announce that we will again host a Catan national qualifier. Other tournaments and events will be added to the schedule in the next few weeks. We'll keep you updated in future newsletters with the details! Plan some time in your NOVA Open schedule to stop by, grab a new game and learn to play. We'll see you there!
QUESTIONS, THOUGHTS, IDEAS, SUGGESTIONS?
|
|
NOVA OPEN CHARITABLE FOUNDATION: THE GAMERS' CHARITY
|
|
WORKS IN PROGRESS - CLICK TO ENLARGE OR SEE MORE IMAGES
|
|
Eidolon of Mathlann
Aspect of the Sea
Roman Lappat
|
|
Freeblades Eclipse Army
Organized by Kevin Armitage
Artist: Andrew Weber
|
|
Freeblades Trazoorite Army
Organized by Kevin Armitage
Artist: Jason Gibeault
|
|
Australian Koalas
Roman Lappat
|
|
Sisters of Battle!
Roman Lappat
|
|
Thundrick's Profiteers
Artist: Joe White
|
|
Dark Angels Chaplain
Artist: Mary Profitt
|
|
Sister Superior Amalia Novena
Artist: Sean McAfee
Twitch, IG, Twitter: brushforhire
|
|
AoS Stormcast Hammer
Digital Designs by Marko Makaj
Painting by Bob Likins
|
|
Abaddon
Artist: Thor Intararangson
|
|
Lady Justice & Her Death Marshals
Models/Faction Provided by Wyrd
|
|
SMILE.AMAZON.COM
Do All Your Shopping Here!
If you have NOT signed on to support NOCF when you shop Amazon.com, consider doing it today. Click on the button below and - in one minute - become a regular contributor to the Gamer's Charity!
|
|
|
THIS IS HIGH SCHOOL & COLLEGE INTERN SEASON
Check with your professors, teachers, advisors, parents. Many credit-based internships require advanced planning.
NOVA Open
and
NOCF
have provided intern experience to dozens of individuals over the years. We are always excited when people get to use this experience, and our letters of recommendation, to enter the job market, enhance their careers, or even to change educational direction. Whether you are a member of the community looking for a way to support NOVA Open with existing skills or a student looking to add experience to a resume, we could use the help.
EVENT PLANNING - SOCIAL MEDIA - PHOTO/VIDEO - ADMIN - IT
|
|
|
NOVA Open & NOCF HAVE OPPORTUNITIES FOR ALL
NOVA Open programs require the help of many volunteers. Your time and effort are invaluable to the success of this convention. These volunteer opportunities allow the tabletop wargaming community to come together, build new friendships, and support the continuation of NOVA Open and the NOCF.
Year-round volunteers staff particular areas of the convention which require regular and constant attention.
Bi-weekly events take place traditionally at Lorton, VA on Saturdays, with few exceptions.
An Evite invitation usually lands the prior Monday or Tuesday of the event weekend. If you are on the Evite distro list and don't receive it, check your spam folder; if you want to receive the notices, write
volunteers@novaopen.com. We want you on our team!
At-convention volunteers are needed as early as Tuesday, September 1 (move-in), in various positions throughout the convention, and ending on Monday, September 7 with move-out.
if you wish to be added to the volunteer evite distro list.
|
|
LORTON TERRAIN EVENT
February 29, 2020
10:00am - 4:00pm
Telegraph Storage
8935 Telegraph Road
Lorton, VA 22079
|
|
2020 NOVA OPEN TERRAIN BUILDING SEASON
|
|
MARK YOUR CALENDARS - 2020 TERRAIN BUILDS
(dates are subject to change)
|
|
START BY JOINING THEM FEB 29TH 9AM - 5PM
TELEGRAPH SELF STORAGE
8935 TELEGRAPH RD, LORTON, VA 22079
|
|
Feb 29
Mar 14
Mar 28
Apr 11
|
|
Apr 25
May 9
May 23
Jun 13
|
|
|
WHAT'S GOING ON IN THE COMMUNITY?
|
|
What's going on in the tabletop wargaming community? Share important information with NOVA Open and we'll try to publish it here! Write
newsletter@novaopen.com
|
|
Mike Brandt invited attendees to share their memories/stories from previous NOVA Open conventions:
|
|
From Gareth Newton-Williams: NOVA is in a class of it’s own.
I came to my first NOVA in 2014 and was both surprised and delighted when Mike emailed out of the blue to offer me an alternate spot in the 40K Invitational where I met and played a game with Tony Kopach. All told a pretty great start.
At the end of the weekend, I bumped into Mike and he invited me to join him for some hot wings with some of the NOVA team. Just about the best way for a weekend to end, too.
Oh, and it’s all for charity? It’s not a gaming convention. It’s a phenomenon. I look forward to attending for years to come.
|
|
Do you have a story to share? If so, we'd love to hear from you. Write to us at
customerservice@novaopen.com
|
|
FIND YOURSELF AT NOVA OPEN
|
|
Thanks to the amazing efforts of Peter Thomas and his photography team, we have hundreds of photos from the 10th anniversary of NOVA Open.
|
|
A FEW BOOTH SPACES REMAIN - CONTACT US TODAY
|
|
NOVA Open's Vendor Hall is nearly full. Many vendors from past years are back and are already committed to helping us make our 11th year even greater than our past years.
These vendors are going above and beyond in committing to help support our prize packages, the SuperNOVA, and more!
The vendors listed below are locked in for NOVA Open 2020. We hope you will take a few moments to show your support this holiday season by visiting their sites and stores to shop for end-of-year gaming needs. Scroll to the end of the newsletter and click on their logos to get started!
|
|
If you are a Vendor and would like to receive Vendor Information and an Application, write to
vending@novaopen.com
|
|
INTERVIEW WITH TODD KINKADE
|
|
NOVA Open is blessed with year-round support from the Amazing 40K Couple, Amanda and Ethan Voce. They have begun a series of interviews you can follow here.
Click to learn more about
Tablewar Designs - who they are, what they do, and why they attend NOVA Open and support the NOVA Open Charitable Foundation!
|
|
|
|
|
Many companies in the business of selling products and gaming aids to the tabletop wargaming community are unable to attend and vend at NOVA Open. For these companies, we offer sponsor packages which provide name and product placement, as well as product, in the hands of our attendees.
|
|
Sponsor packages include a wide variety of marketing opportunities for companies of all types and sizes. If you would like to become a NOVA Open sponsor, contact us today:
|
|
WANT YOUR FOOD TRUCK AT NOVA OPEN 2020
|
|
Food Trucks are already reaching out to NOVA Open for spots at our 2020 convention. We want to know which trucks YOU (OUR ATTENDEES) want to see again.
Send your list of favorites to:
|
|
|
VENDOR & SPONSOR LOGOS/LINKS
SCROLL DOWN - VISIT OUR PARTNERS TODAY
|
|
|
|
Atlantis Games and Comics
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
