The Waikato Role-Playing Guild's biggest event of the year - Convergence - returns this September 12th and 13th!
Get ready for an epic weekend of role-playing, giveaways, and plenty of banter, all wrapped up with a social gathering on Sunday evening!
For news and updates, select Going on the Facebook event, join our Discord server or browse our links on Linktree.
Keep an eye out for more updates including game highlights, ticket sales, and sneak peeks of what's in store.
We want YOU to GM at Convergence 2026
We're looking for game masters to run one-shots at Convergence!
Submissions are open until the 19th of June.
Venue
The Distinction Hamilton Hotel & Conference Centre, 100 Garnett Avenue, Hamilton.
The Conference Centre is at the rear of the hotel.
Timetable
Saturday 12th
| 8:00am | Doors Open |
| 8:45am | Welcome |
| 9:30am | Session 1 |
| 12:30pm | Lunch |
| 1:45pm | Session 2 |
| 4:45pm | Dinner |
| 6:00pm | Session 3 |
| 10:00pm | End of Day |
Sunday 13th
| 8:00am | Doors Open |
| 8:45am | Welcome |
| 9:00am | Session 4 |
| 12:00pm | Lunch |
| 1:00pm | Seminars |
| 2:30pm | Session 5 |
| 6:30pm- | Social at Hotel Bar |
| 7:00pm | Battle of the Alexs |
What is a TTRPG?
Tabletop role-playing games (TTRPGs) are a form of collaborative storytelling, Typically played with pen, paper, and dice, these games let you take on any role imaginable. While Dungeons & Dragons might be the most famous, there are thousands of systems ranging from the quirky (like raccoon drag-racing) to the epic (think eldritch horrors or fantasy realms). TTRPGs rely on creativity and collaboration to bring stories to life.
What is Convergence?
Convergence is a 2 day games convention based in Kirikiriroa, Hamilton. The aim is to give new and experienced players a chance to meet like-minded people, make new friends, try new games and have a blast doing so. The name comes from the idea of all the different game systems coming together in one space. There will be 5 gaming sessions over the weekend, so plenty of chances for you to try new systems, or the same systems with new people.
What's on at Convergence?
TTRPG One-shots
The games will run in 3 and 4-hour sessions. All the games will be run as "one-shots" meaning it will be a self-contained adventure within the time slot, with pre-generated characters provided where needed. There will be games for newbies and experienced players alike. We'll make sure you have everything you need to hit the ground running and have a fantastic weekend. All you need to bring is yourself and some enthusiasm. You can bring your own favourite dice to show off if you wish, but if you don't have your own dice we have you covered.
Merchants and Artists
Our merchants can also help you out, as we will have a market area for you to peruse. Go straight from your table to buy your new favourite game, collect dice or adore the artists alley.
Mini Painting, Cosplay, Board Games & More
If you want to try something other than TTRPGs during the weekend we will have a miniature painting area, a cosplay parade, board games corner and more to be announced!
Seminars
On Sunday we'll be hosting a variety of entertaining and educational seminars with guest speakers from the wider community on a variety of topics! These will be a great opportunity to learn more about what's going on in the TTRPG community, hear from experts, and have a chance to ask questions.
Socials
If that isn't enough we also have socials on Friday and Sunday night. Join us in the bar area of The Distinction before and after the weekend to chill and chat about gaming.
Just Hang
If you aren't that sure about TTRPGs or want to check things out but not play then you can come and spend time in the merchant area without a ticket, and can also come to the Sunday seminars for free.
Ticket Prices - What are the ticket prices?
Ticket sales open on the 6th of July.
General Admission
- Weekend Ticket: $50
- Saturday Day Ticket: $30
- Sunday Day Ticket: $25
Concession
(Under 18, Student, Community Services Card Holder)
- Weekend Ticket: $40
- Saturday Day Ticket: $25
- Sunday Day Ticket: $20
Parking - Where is the best parking available?
The best entrance to use is the Conference Centre entrance which is right next to a lovely big car park. From the entrance of the hotel, drive straight past the hotel buildings until you get to an open area for parking. The entrance should be clearly visible from here, to the left.
Accommodation - I'm from out of town, where can I stay? Are there discounts?
For those traveling to Hamilton, The Distinction Hotel will have a discount code.
Food and Drink - Where can I get food during event?
Unfortunately, we are not able to organise food for attendees. There are plenty of options available, however. You are welcome to bring your own food in, as a packed lunch or take away from a restaurant. There is a bakery around 5 minutes walk away, as well as several cafes. We will have a list and map for these available on the website in the near future. Feel free to eat your own food at a free gaming table but please be mindful of GMs setting up for the next session.
We'll have a coffee cart available for you to get your caffeine fix.
During the social on Sunday, dinner and drinks will be available from the hotel bar!
Photography - Will I be photographed? Do I have permission to take photographs?
We'll be taking photographs throughout the event to record the fun that everyone is having. Some of those will probably be used in our promotional material or social media spaces. If you don't wish to have your photograph taken, please speak to one of our staff members on the day and we'll make sure you're kept out of any snaps we take.
Feel free to take your own photographs and to share them on social media but please ensure you have permission to do so from anyone who features in your photos.
Age Restrictions - What ages can come to Convergence?
TTRPGs can be great for kids - they improve social skills, promote teamwork and involve maths! Children ages 13-15 are welcome to play, however, a parent/guardian needs to attend with them. Unfortunately, we cannot host under-13s at this event, but you can bring them to our merchants area and Sunday seminars. Other WRPG events are child friendly, such as Dice & Districts.
Parents are welcome to bring very young children with them. We have had attendees GM and play with babies strapped to their chest!