August 15, 2019: Year 10; Edition 16
Hi, All ~

We're about to host NOVA Open's 10th Anniversary, and I cannot wait to see everyone there! So much left to do ~ So little time!

Do me a favor? When you see a volunteer at the convention, give them hugs ~ one for me and one from you. Every year is a journey of epic proportions, but this year has brought out the best in all of us. It's not an easy thing to run a massive tabletop gaming convention, and the staff is still entirely volunteer. They make incredible sacrifices of their time, lives, families, and more in order to make this great event happen for you, the attendees.

One thing that impresses me in a very personal way is how our great staff of volunteers commits to the attendees no matter what challenges are on their plate. We all join together and work hard to make sure everyone has the best time at NOVA Open. I know you'll feel the warmth and welcome they give to every person they come across throughout the convention weekend. Let them know you appreciate them - hugs, high fives, a smile, handshake or pat on the back .... they've earned it!

We look forward to seeing you at the con. If you arrive early, no one will stop you from joining in to help with the move-in and hall set ups! Whether you're participating in an art seminar, catching live music in the lounge on Saturday night, or playing in a massive grand championship of your favorite tabletop wargame, it's great to know you'll be a part of celebrating NOVA Open's 10th Anniversary while we all foster good works for charity and build great friendships.

Numbers are crazy things that cause all types of mental gymnastics when you're putting on a large event. For kicks and giggles, here's something I thought might be fun to share: We are nearly 600 attendees HEAVIER in terms of registration compared to this time last year and walk-ins have been on a similar pace for years.

For all of us here, that means it's gonna be crazy - fun and maybe not just a little bit wild! For all of you who are already registered or planning to drop in and join us at the Hyatt, we are grateful and super excited to welcome you to the party!

Best,
Mike Brandt, NOVA Open CEO
ANNOUNCEMENTS
IN THIS NEWSLETTER
Be sure to scroll all the way down the newsletter for lots of important information and updates! Below is a list of what you'll find in this newsletter.

ANNOUNCEMENTS:
NOCF Summer Raffles,FFG Marvel Demos, Games Workshop Introduces Warhammer Booth, Con Volunteers Needed, KR Multicase Golden Tickets, Wait Lists, LotR Announcement, NOCF Fundraisers, Sam Lenz Workshop, #howfarwouldyougo, Food Trucks

REGISTRATION INFORMATION:
REGISTER AN HOUR EARLY! WAIT LISTS ARE IMPORTANT! Schedule, FAQ's, CAP's Day Passes, & Premium Swag bags, NOVA Open Online Store, Foundation Lounge Schedule, Volunteer Saturdays, Rooms Available at the Residence Inn

OPEN SEATS:
Pre- Con Event, Seminars, Specialty Games, FFG and GW

ARTS & HOBBY:
Capital Palette, Tabletop Olympics, Hobby Haven, Lemonade Raffle, Vendors at NOVA Open 2019
2019 NOCF SUMMER RAFFLES
HELP REACH THIS YEAR'S $70,000 GOAL!
NOCF 2019 Online Summer Raffles went live on July 1. The Artists’ Consortium – those renowned hobbyists who volunteer their time and energy to creating and painting bundles, armies, models and specials for NOCF – continues to grow, and the results of their dedication are evident in this summer’s thirty-three (33) raffles!


CONTINUE READING IMPORTANT RAFFLE INFO HERE AND SEE THE RAFFLE ITEMS HERE!
MARVEL CRISIS PROTOCOL AND MARVEL CHAMPIONS
FFG DEMOS AT NOVA OPEN 2019
FANTASY FLIGHT GAMES ( AsmodeeNA) has just announced that they will be bringing the new Marvel Crisis Protocol miniatures game - as well as Marvel Champions card game - to NOVA Open 2019!

Plan to join them at their booth for demos throughout the convention! We can now confirm that Will Pagani, of Atomic Mass Games, will be attending to support Crisis Protocol. 

Check your convention schedules for Friday around noon - and follow NOVA Open on Facebook and Twitter starting today. There are rumors of a possible presentation or Q&A in the works ... if it happens, space will be limited and will likely go fast!

We'll see you there.
REGISTERED RULES
WAIT LISTED FOR A SOLD-OUT EVENT?
BE ON SITE & INSIDE THE HALL AN HOUR BEFORE START
Important Information You NEED to Know!

REGISTERED PLAYERS in Sold-Out Events, Please Review Carefully

CHECK IN ON TIME!

Check-in for registered players in all sold-out events will begin ONE HOUR before the event starts, and will continue for just 40 MINUTES.

All registered players must be checked-in by that time to claim your spot in the event. You will not be considered officially checked-in until the judges have entered you into the event.

If you have not completed check-in 20 minutes before the scheduled event start, your slot in the tournament will be offered to a player on the wait list.

GAMES WORKSHOP GREEN SCREEN IS BACK
The Games Workshop community team will be returning with the Green Screen and Prop Box for NOVA Open 2019. You don't want to miss your chance to Be In The Game! Too Fun!!

INSTAGRAM SCAVENGER HUNT
A 10th YEAR EVENT at NOVA OPEN 2019
Pick up the Instagram Scavenger Hunt Booklet at the NOVA Open store booth when you arrive. 55 Clues will be Provided. Come to NOVA Open Prepared for the Hunt!

Find and photograph clues, then post to Instagram. 
Winners will be determined by who posts the most. 
Ties will be toppled by timestamps!

PRIZES:
  • FIRST PLACE Award + $150 NOVA Open Credit for 2020
  • SECOND PLACE Award + $75 NOVA Open Credit for 2020
  • THIRD PLACE Award + Bragging Rights
  • FOURTH & FIFTH PLACE Staff Favorites

SCAVENGER HUNT RULES:
  1. Instagram posts only: one submission per item, no duplicates
  2. Must follow @thenovaopen on Instagram
  3. Tag @thenovaopen + include #novaopenhunt in all posts
  4. Find clues in the Scavenger Hunt Playlist 
  5. Use the #hashtags provided for each clue
  6. No more than one hashtag per clue submission
  7. Do NOT interrupt private classrooms during classes
  8. Do NOT photograph other anyone without permission
  9. Original posts only - No posting other players’ photos
  10. Total clues found on each page where indicated

Submit Booklet to:
NOVA Open Registration Desk by 12:00pm EST Sunday, September 1st.
Winners announced / Awards Presented at Final Awards Ceremony.
ATTENTION AOS PLAYERS
One of our attendees has developed a tool over the past couple of months in which you may be interested. You may not have seen it or heard of it yet, but it's been making the rounds on TGA and Reddit. It's called AoS reminders ( https://daviseford.com/aos-reminders/).

Basically, you can drop your army list into the app and it spits out a print-friendly list of reminders for your army. Rules are broken down into phases - for example, Seraphon players with Ripperdactyls will have a reminder to place their Blot Toad in Turn One Hero Phase.

  • if you're interested in reviewing this tool and perhaps in using it this year at the NOVA Open, you can find the link above.
LUDO MENSAM PROVENIENTIA
WORTHY OF HOSTING KILLPOCALYPSE!
The Historical Provenance of this Donated Wargaming Table is Epic! Stop by the Lounge to learn all about it - plan to play Killpocalypse to help raise funds for charity.

The NOVA Open Charitable Foundation Lounge will feature an amazing relic of the past. This table, built for Games Day Baltimore in 2007, was donated by Michael Laggini. NOVA Open volunteers - Andrew Barron and Steve Duall - refurbished it during our summer staff events. The original thought was to put it in the Silent Auction, until the team saw what magic Andrew and Steve had conjured!

Mike Brandt took one look at this amazing behemoth and decided it just had to be used for a charity Kill Team special event during the NOVA Open’s 10th Anniversary. Newly christened with a plaque highlighting its unique provenance, the board will stand ready for ad hoc “fire when ready” games of what we’re calling “Killpocalypse” during Foundation operating hours. As little as 4 friends or as many as 12 strangers can come together to throw small Kill Team groups against each other across a sprawling game board in tight confines using the Arena interior rules.

Players register in the Lounge for $25, with proceeds going to charity
Cost includes one beverage token valued at $5
Table Available 11am - 6pm Thursday through Saturday
Reservations Can Be Made with Lounge Staff Upon Request

Mike created the rules for Killpocalypse -- and why not? As a Kill Team playtester, who better? As the NOVA Open organizer, you know who to applaud (blame?) and where to find him!

The game will operate like a multiplayer Kill Team event with very straightforward rules. If you’ve never played Kill Team before, but have a handful of Games Workshop Warhammer 40,000 basic infantry models, you’ll be able to fit right in. We hope to have players, playtesters, and even the occasional Games Workshop rules writer on hand to help you out with how to play.

GAME TYPE: Ultra casual, ultra fun – play with a beverage in hand and a good attitude!

NUMBER OF PLAYERS: 4-12

POINTS: 50 Points, 1 Specialist, 1 Leader, no Elites, no Commanders. Maximum of 5 models per player.

WHAT IF NO MODELS? A limited number of “spare” Kill Teams will be available to borrow for games when a volunteer is present to help run the game. If no staff member is available during off hours, unfortunately you’ll need your own!

DIDN'T BRING A KILL TEAM? The Vendor Hall includes sellers of used and new models, and the Hobby Haven includes a full range of amazing painting supplies and tools provided by The Army Painter. Acquire and build a team!

SET-UP: Roll for Initiative (2d6), rolling-off for any ties. Starting with the winner and moving clockwise, players select an entryway onto the board and deploy their models in entirety, keeping them all as close as possible to the edge

PLAYING THE GAME: Players complete 5 Battle Rounds of multi-player Kill Team. Roll for Initiative (2d6) to determine the order of play each Battle Round. The additional rules apply:

  • Games are played as a Free for All; the more players involved, the more immediate the action is.

  • You can climb up on “top” of the board, but only by moving up the ladders located throughout the board.

  • Earn 1 Point for each model your Kill Team takes out of action . . . after all, it is called KILLpocalypse!

  • Lose 1 Point for each of your models that are “Shaken” at the end of the game . . . cowards don’t score points!

  • Earn 1 Point for each model from your Kill Team that ends the game within 3” of the Objective in the furthest “Scoring Room” (noted on the tabletop) from your starting location; controlling objectives is always cool!

  • At the end of the game, the player with the most Points wins the game *and* another $5 Beer Token for the Lounge

  • If more than one player is tied for the most Points at the end of the game, play an adjudicated 3-round game of Rock-Paper-Scissors to determine who wins the coveted Killpocalypse Beer Token

We hope you'll find time to participate in this 10th Anniversary special side event!
WARHAMMER 40,000 GT
2019 AWESOME HONOR ~ "CHARITY"
A very special award for a very special player - one of the winners of the Warhammer 40,000 Grand Tournament will walk away with a unique prize . . . we call her "Charity." She will be in display at the NOCF desk throughout NOVA Open 2019. Who will win? Attend the Final Awards Ceremony on Sunday night, 9/1, to find out!

GAMES WORKSHOP INTRODUCES THE WARHAMMER BOOTH AT NOVA OPEN 2019
They have rolled all things Games Workshop into this Booth which will include everything Warhammer . . .from paints and hobby supplies to Forge World and Citadel Products.

Show Specials include community merchandise (Dice Tray, Dice and Objective Markers) and they will be featuring an event exclusive miniature launched this year - Lieutenant Amulius (pictured on the right). Anything ordered during NOVA Open at the Warhammer Booth will ship free across the globe, with no minimum order amount . . . which is great since it allows large kits, that attendees might not want to carry around the show, to ship direct. Easy peasy!

NOVA Open staff with Convention Access Passes can shop early on Wednesday from 9-10pm. SuperNOVAs with their passes visible will have exclusive access to the Warhammer Booth from 9-10am on Thursday.
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED PRE-CON. . . AT CON
If you enjoy the NOVA Open and being a part of the charitable work of NOCF - and you have the time and energy to put into volunteering - please send us an email telling us you'd like to help: customerservice@novaopen.com 

We need help on Saturdays in August, convention support . . . and there are even a couple of areas where we offer a stipend for dedicated volunteers! See more in the Volunteer Saturdays Article below.

SIGN UP AS A CONVENTION FLOATER HERE! Be sure to check out the perks on the Pledge Level & Shirt Size Tab.
3200 ATTENDEES ANTICIPATED
HUNDREDS OF EVENTS WITH SEATS
The NOVA Open is one of the world's largest wargaming-focused events. This 10th Annual convention runs from August 28-September 1. With the event a few short weeks away, many of the nearly 300 events and seminars are sold out; however, there are a few organized activities still open for you to enjoy alongside everything else the con has to offer.

40K GT WAITLIST AND ALL OTHER SOLD OUT EVENTS
The 40K GT has less than 20 people on the current wait list. This means there is a HIGH PROBABILITY that, if they show up at NOVA Open 2019 an hour BEFORE the GT launches, they will have a seat vacated by a "No Show." 

If you want into this event, contact customerservice@novaopen.com today and ask to be added to the Wait List.
ATTENTION LORD OF THE RINGS PLAYERS
Games Workshop just released a new FAQ and Errata for the Middle Earth SBG system: 

These FAQs are very significant and have been released on the exact date of the NOVA Open LotR Primer update cutoff. We are pleased to announce that this new FAQ and Errata (released 08/01/2019) will be in effect for all NOVA Open LotR events.

If you have any questions, please contact customerservice@novaopen.com
NOCF FUNDRAISERS
THE ART OF ACRYLIC POURING
Proceeds to NOCF
NOVA Open presents Kat Jackson and her “Art of Acrylic Pouring” class – just in time to celebrate its 10th Anniversary! These classes provide everyone with a fun adventure outside miniature wargaming. Originally intended as an activity for significant others when their gamer halves were wrapped up in hobby activities, it quickly became an all-inclusive, fun and messy time for everyone!

SIGN UP for a Friday “Art of Acrylic Pouring” class today:


Bring home good memories and great artwork from NOVA Open 2019!
SAM LENZ CLASSES AT NOVA OPEN 2019
Top world-class painters, including Sam Lenz (who is teaching 5 seminars and a 3-day workshop at NOVA Open this year) gather at Games Workshop's Warhammer World in the U.K. to work with and explore the new Contrast Paints. Great video, fun and interesting to hear them talk about these paints in person.
 
Check out Sam's classes and sign up for his workshop today:    http://novaopenstore.com/Home/EventContainer/15

HUNGRY AND THE FOOD TRUCKS ARE GONE FOR THE DAY?
#HOWFARWOULDYOUGO?

Murphy Barker "jumped" at the chance to join the others who have participated in this 10th Anniversary challenge. No doubt, it is the HIGHEST anyone has gone ... and the FARTHEST anyone has fallen ~ way to go, Murph!
IS YOUR FOOD TRUCK AT NOVA OPEN 2019?
Food Trucks are already reaching out to NOVA Open for spots at our 2019 convention. We want to know which trucks YOU (OUR ATTENDEES) want to see again.

Send your list of favorites to: foodtrucks@novaopen.com

The following are planning to be at NOVA Open 2019:

REGISTRATION


THE SCHEDULE IS FINALIZED!

The 2019 NOVA Open schedule is posted. Make it a point to check the newsletter for additions/changes.
FREQUENTLY ASKED REGISTRATION QUESTIONS
Now that registration for NOVA Open 2019 is in full swing, many players are contacting Customer Service with questions. Read the FAQ HERE.

CONVENTION ACCESS PASSES (CAPS), DAY PASES & PREMIUM SWAG BAGS
A Convention Access Pass (CAP) is required to attend the NOVA Open; it is good from Sunday-Sunday. Single day passes are also available if one does not wish to attend the entire convention.

Continue reading about passes online HERE.
RETURN TO THE NOVA OPEN ONLINE STORE
This year's NOVA Open offers its largest schedule yet. Many events have sold out, but don't be alarmed. There are still many more things that you can fill your schedule with at NOVA Open 2019!

AVAILABLE:
  • All FFG events are starting to fill; jump in before the wait lists begin.  
  • Games Workshop events still have space, including some in Blood Bowl, Underworlds, LotR and the Narrative.
  • Infinity, WM/H, Guild Ball/God Tear, D&D, and Malifaux are all looking for more players.

CHECK OUT: Seminars - New Events - Expansion - More Updates!

Visit the online store HERE.
FOUNDATION LOUNGE SCHEDULE
FOUR BANDS / D&D / KEG NIGHTS AND MORE
When you attend NOVA Open, you quickly learn how to press the Penthouse button on the elevators. This little action will deliver you to a full-service bar with panoramic views of DC and the Potomac. More important, it will introduce you to the NOCF's Foundation Lounge where every drink benefits deserving charities!

NOVA Open has always been known as a Family Con, which may have started because Mike enlisted his mom, Laurie, to run it. The moniker is nowhere more apparent, though, than in the penthouse where Mike's aunt, Susan Perkins, manages the Foundation Lounge with his cousins and family friends.

Continue reading about the Foundation Lounge and Keg Night HERE.
VOLUNTEER SATURDAYS DAYS
PLEASE MARK YOUR CALENDAR: The terrain requirements are complete. NOVA Open thanks to everyone who was able to find time this year to help out with these projects!  The next event at Lorton is August 17th and will focus packing prize bags. With the support of a dozen volunteers, we should be able to complete these tasks early in the day.

NOVA Open Storage Facility
8935 Telegraph Road, Lorton, VA, 22079

* * * 
PLEASE MARK YOUR CALENDARS FOR THE 2019 SWAG & PRIZE PACKING SATURDAYS: These events require dozens of volunteers to work through assembly line processes + labeling, organizing, and wrapping the loaded carts for their destination trip to Hyatt.

AUGUST 17, 2019 - 9:00am - 5:00pm
NOVA Open Storage Facility
8935 Telegraph Road, Lorton, VA, 22079

* * * 
PLEASE MARK YOUR CALENDARS FOR THE 2019 HYATT WALK-THRU SATURDAY:
If you're local and wish to volunteer at the convention this year, consider joining us at the Hyatt for a walk-thru which will provide an overview of space and needs.

AUGUST 24, 2019 - 9:00am - 12:00pm
HYATT REGENCY CRYSTAL CITY
2799 Jefferson Davis Highway, Arlington, VA  22202
 
If you're local to the metro DC area, please plan to help at any one or all of these events. New friends will be made. If you haven't been receiving evites and wish to attend, write customerservice@novaopen.com
Book at Residence Inn Today ~ Going Fast!
NOVA Open Block is out of Doubles
Kings have been Added
We are working with other hotels to secure rates

If they sell out before you book, notify us: customerservice@novaopen.com

Residence Inn Arlington Capital View
2850 South Potomac Avenue
Arlington, VA, 22202

COURTYARD ARLINGTON CRYSTAL CITY
2899 Richmond Hwy
Arlington, VA, 22202

SEMINARS
PRE-CON EVENTS
Sunday - Monday - Tuesday - Wednesday
ART & HOBBY EVENTS
ARTISTS PREP YOUR BRUSHES!
SEVENTH ANNUAL CAPITAL PALETTE COMPETITION
The NOVA Open convention invites hobbyists and artists to proudly display their work in Capital Palette, a juried, open-forum award, miniature art competition. The three Divisions - Apprentice, Journeyman and Masterclass - are each judged by their own 3-judge panel of world-renowned miniature artists (identified below). Those panels will award first place crystal awards across the Division's six Categories. Gold, silver, and bronze accomplishment medals are also awarded in a ceremony on Sunday at 2:00pm in the Foundation Lounge. Read more about the Capital Palette HERE
PREPARE FOR THE 2019 TABLETOP OLYMPICS
The Tabletop Olympics (TTO), which started in 2014, is a free personal achievement and group competition where anyone who attends the NOVA Open can participate. Players accumulate personal "forever achievement points" and can also form groups of 3 to 20 people to compete against other groups. Points can be amassed individually and/or combined with other attendees if individuals band together for group points. In addition to tracking points for teams during NOVA Open 2019, we will also keep track of cumulative points for individuals that accumulate across NOVA Open conventions. Read more about TTO and see the UPDATED scoring chart HERE.
HOBBY HAVEN SPONSORED BY THE ARMY PAINTER
For years, hobbyist and painters have gathered in various places throughout the NOVA Open to paint their models, socialize with fellow hobbyists, and exchange techniques. In 2017, the NOVA Open introduced Hobby Haven, a large, general-use painting area with painting supplies, on the second floor of the Hyatt Regency. The area is intended to form a central, social hub, which provides opportunity for casual interaction and impromptu teaching of painting and artistic techniques.  Read more about Hobby Haven HERE.
WHEN LIFE GIVES YOU LEMONS
At the NOVA Open, we believe when life gives you lemons, you should make lemonade. Therefore, we run the annual Lemonade Raffle - where you can win for losing! In order to be eligible, you must have lost at least one of your tournament games. If you are not playing in a tournament, you are not eligible for the Lemonade Raffle. For every tournament round you lose, your event's Lead will enter your name into our raffle pool. This does not apply to non-tournament pickup games. For example, if you lose one (1) round, you will have one (1) entry in the Lemonade Raffle, if you lose five (5) rounds, you will have five (5) entries in the Lemonade Raffle, and so on. Tournament organizers for your specific game system/s will be responsible for entering your name into the raffle pool. Read more about the Lemonade Raffle HERE.
VENDORS AT NOVA OPEN 2019
NOVA Open is excited to announce that the following vendors are locked in and will be there for you at NOVA Open 2019:
SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS!
KR Multicase
Games Workshop
Fantasy Flight Games
Toledo Game Room
Steamforged Games
Corvus Belli
Atlantis Games and Comics
The Chance Cube
Secret Weapon Miniatures
Grex
Wyrd Miniatures
Powered Play Gaming
Crystal Brush
Firmer Terra
Stiff Neck Studios
Green Stuff World
The Army Painter
Privateer Press
Black Maria Designs
Mini Duels
Hampton Inn
Forge World
Printable Scenery
Broken Egg Games
‌
Florian Stitz
Victory Comics
Game Envy Creations
Tectonic Craft Studios
Anvil Eight Games
Fallout Hobbies
Tablewar
Crafted Storage
TNT Laserworks
Best Coast Pairings

Slugfest Games
Creature Caster
Epic Quest Master
Shadow's Edge Miniatures
Death Ray Designs
RMC Gaming
The Genesys Project
Dad's Armies
Games and Gears
Redgrass Games
Warhammer Age of Sigmar Champions
The Magnet Baron
White Metal Games
Andres Jimenez Design
Dancing Yak Miniatures
Shadow's Edge Miniatures