Creators, Merchants, & Sponsors
We are deeply grateful for the support and generosity of the game designers, publishers, merchants, artists, and sponsors who help bring this gathering to life. Your creativity and passion amaze us every year. Thank you!
Are you interested in joining us this year as a Merchant or Tabletop Game Designer?
Cost: $25 non-refundable administrative fee, plus a raffle donation to support the players and GEOTL (recommended value of $25 or more).
Included:
+ Two complimentary full-event admissions, valid Wed–Sun ($100 value). May arrive Tuesday for setup.
Children 9 and under are free for vendors. Additional admissions, beyond the two complimentary ones, are $50/event, $15-20/day, and $5 Sunday.
+ An indoor or outdoor space, approx. 12 ft x 12 ft.
— Inside space – Electric available free to use: The Merchant Sector (Vendor Hall) is located below the chapel. Merchant vendors will be positioned closest to the exit door to the lawn. At the end of the hall nearest the kitchenette is the LARP Tavern and tables for gaming.
–– Inside space – Tabletop Game Designers may request the Main Lodge Dining Hall (primary tabletop gaming area) – for an 8’ table while space permits.
— Inside spaces for overflow – due to the nature of this facilty there are some inside spaces that can be utilized as overflow or in the case of inclement weather.
— Outside space: Vendors may set up on the outside lawn in front of the main lodge straight out from the entrances to the vendor hall parallel to the road. Merchant vendors will be arranged in two lines with a 15 – 20 ft lane between them.
Not Included: Tent, tables, and chairs (available to rent if planned ahead); Outdoor sites do not have electricity. Lodging and meals are optional and must be purchased separately.
Merchant Core Hours: 10am–12pm and 2pm–4pm.
Merchants are welcome to remain open beyond these times; however, we ask that booths be staffed during these core hours at a minimum.
Merchant Vendor & Tabletop Game Designer Approval: Please click the button below to register your desire to be a vendor. Then email GEOTL@GreatEscapeAdventures.net with pictures of your setup (or a description if this is your first time), a list of your wares (we try to avoid overlapping with others as much as possible), and why you believe Great Escape on the Lakes is a good fit for you.
Note: If you are not approved as a vendor, you will be fully refunded.
Examples of merchant products we actively seek each year include:
Experiential creators — products or activities created on the spot that draw people into a memorable experience. Examples include not-yet-published tabletop games, playtesters wanted, blacksmithing, pottery making, crafting demonstrations, and other hands-on creative moments that spark curiosity for anyone walking by.
Handcrafted items, examples include woodwork, pottery, leatherworking, blacksmithing, metalworking, jewelry, candle making, soap making, and walking sticks
LARP items and garb
Homemade treats and baked goods
Specialty coffees and teas
Adventure and fantasy-themed items, such as Dragons and other imaginative creations
Creative curiosities
Artistic items born of imagination
This is just a short example list to help convey the culture and atmosphere we aim to create at GEOTL
Please note that as merchant spaces fill, applications may not be approved simply due to overlap within a given category for that year. If that happens, we encourage you to apply again the following year.
Marketing / Convention Booklet Announcements
If you would like to market yourself or announce games in our full color 8 1/2″ x 5 1/2″ convention booklet, please reach out to GEOTL@GreatEscapeAdventures.net
Do I Qualify for the Merchant Discount?
The rule of thumb to qualify for the merchant discount is whether you will be selling things that others may purchase.
Playtesting and prototypes are encouraged, but do not typically qualify for the vendor discount. We do sometimes make exceptions for those with a full vendor setup and/or are actively fundraising, e.g. kickstarter, or have clear plans to publish within +/- 3 months. However, you would need to commit to be at your table providing demos during core hours at a minimum. If you feel like this is you, please reach out via email to GEOTL@GreatEscapeAdventures.net!
About Great Escape on the Lakes
+ We are a fun-for-the-whole-family Board Game Convention and Geek Adventure Camp.
+ Tabletop Game Design – We enjoy a strong focus on board game design and collaboration; including hosting luncheons, panels, and play testing.
+ LARP (Live Action Roleplay) – We are world building year-over-year in the Kingdom of Dragonia. Players immerse themselves theatrically, acting out quests in an ancient, medieval, fantasy world where dragons are both friend and foe. The story and quests change as we build, however it is always within the same world. This enables players to make or procure outfits, garb, accessories, tents, and equipment that will be usable for years to come.
What to know before you apply to sell at GEOTL
“Is GEOTL a good fit for what you are looking for?”
Attendance the past two years has been about 250. With our move to a larger space and adding marketing, our goal now is to grow to 500.
Many of our attendees return year after year.
GEOTL is typically very laid back in terms of vendor traffic. It is not a fast-paced convention scene — attendees may be participating in activities around the retreat, such as a nature hike.
This is a five-day immersive event with something for every age and member of the family Vendors who offer something for a wide range of people seem to do better than those with a very niche focus.
We do see fresh faces each day, however the majority of attendees stay for most or all of the event. Saturday is our highest-attended day.
I have asked several merchants and game designers why they return each year. Two different merchants shared that they first attended as guests and later became merchants, and both were happy with sales.
Two different game designers have told me they are committed to helping build GEOTL, even though their sales are often low. I remain both amazed and humbled that they continue to return each year.
One game designer, sales also typically on the lower side, shared that they choose to help each year because we need it, and they have observed and appreciated that people feel cared about and valued.
So, some merchants do well year over year, and they are happy, while for others it is hit or miss. Game designers have shared that sales do well at first, and then sales drop in future years if no new game.
Great Escape on the Lake
"The Most Adventurous Experience Ever"
The Community Board Game Network is a not-for-profit initiative that utilizes board gaming, adventure, and creativity to add value to local communities. Funds are used to operate and support Great Escape on the Lakes, with a focus on keeping participation accessible and fairly supporting those who help bring the event to life.
Founded and supported by Great Escape Adventures.
Refunds, less 10% to cover fees, are provided up until July 1st. All purchases are final after July 1st.