We went to Salute52 and forgot to tell anyone

This post contains some Amazon affiliate links, so we earn a small amount from qualifying purchases.

The plan that was half made

Back in February, we released the new Wargaming3D site and WG3D-founder Michael reached out to let us know he'd be at Salute 52 in the coming April, and we should catch up.

"We should do that!" I said, and then planned on getting things ready for the event: free stuff to give away (using a new feature we hadn't developed yet), new hoodies and swag, business cards, models (my printer's decommissioned for garage renovations) ...

Then March happened. And April. I managed to just about get the hoodies ready, but between all the little things that were important long term and the event materials, the site had to take priority. So Saturday 12th April, we found ourselves wandering around Salute52 as attendees, without business cards (which everyone we spoke to asked for), and absolutely zero advance marketing about our attendance.

Catching up with Michael

It was really lovely to finally meet the person who started this whole endeavour in person. We talked about the site, our respective journeys and he showed us that we're actually in print! Wargaming3D is referenced in Modeling and Painting Vietnam Wargames by Michael Farnworth on page 100!

We'll be keeping in touch and catching up with Michael again, to share what's been happening and get his input on how things are going.

People we bumped into

Michael introduced us to Brad at BobMack3D, promoting BattlegroundHD.

Steve and I are new to the historical wargaming scene (although we're both old hands with 3D printing and other games), so having a chance to see all the beautiful games and dioramas in person was such a treat.

Simon Miller of BigRedBat Ventures took pity on us and was very generous in showing us around the "To The Strongest!" rules and demo game that was happening near the entrance of the event.

We spent some time with the folks at Lasting Games talking about Butcher and Bolt. Only having played a few of the more common sci-fi and fantasy wargames myself, it was very interesting to hear about the attention to detail in simulating and playing through historical events. Having a weather component impacting the game play hasn't been something I've ever considered in my usual games!

People we missed

Of course, if we'd actually told anyone we were going to be there, we might have been able to say hi to:

• The sublime Steffan from Flank March
• The legendary Henry Turner
• The fabulous RXK Miniatures
• The wonderful Matthew Webb from W3 Wargaming

Lessons learned

• Communication is important, actually.
• We should probably do something with social media and updates in future.
• Matching hoodies are great fun for us, and being able to use Steve as a living business card ("do you have a card, no but take a photo of this man's back!") entertained me no end.
• Business cards.
• Getting more people's names recorded if I'm going to write another post like this ...

What's next?

Despite our complete failure at basic marketing, it was wonderful to be there with so many people who were passionate about the scene and to see some of what we're helping to support in person. We've come away with some things to discuss, a collection of new contacts, and the firm resolution to actually tell people about our next convention appearance.

Happy printing, and happy gaming!

- Piete & Steve.