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In this episode of Wargaming Recon, host Jonathan J. Reinhart welcomes Brian Butler, president of the Maine Historical Wargamers Association and chief organizer of the Huzzah convention. They discuss Brian’s experiences organizing Huzzah, which drew over 300 attendees this year with its theme “The Crossing.” Highlights include unique gaming events and family-friendly activities that promote community engagement. Brian also teases next year’s theme—“The Revolution.” Jonathan encourages listeners to attend and keep the gaming spirit alive.
Disclaimer: Huzzah is a sponsor of Wargaming Recon, but that does not influence the content or opinions expressed in this podcast.
In this episode of Wargaming Recon, host Jonathan J. Reinhart welcomes a very special guest, Brian Butler, the president of the Maine Historical Wargamers Association (MHWA) and chief organizer of the beloved Huzzah convention. Huzzah, which takes place annually in Portland, Maine, is a significant event that draws in wargaming enthusiasts from all around, and in this conversation, Jonathan and Brian dive deep into the intricacies and experiences of organizing this fantastic event.
Kicking off the episode, Jonathan shares Jonathan’s long-standing love for Huzzah, having participated in nearly all of its installments since its inception. Brian echoes this sentiment as he describes the extensive preparation involved in organizing the convention, revealing some of the behind-the-scenes struggles and triumphs he faced in his role as chair for the first time. They discuss how Brian spent endless evenings preparing for the event, from painting miniatures to managing logistical details, including a humorous anecdote about the surprising location of raffle tickets at a local Staples.
Throughout the conversation, Jonathan and Brian reflect on the successful turnout and programming of this year’s Huzzah, with Brian noting that they had over 300 registered attendees, despite challenges with double and triple badges. They discuss how Huzzah strives to create a welcoming atmosphere that allows attendees—many of whom are families—to enjoy not just gaming, but community-building experiences, including dinners and late-night gaming sessions.
They explore the various programming elements and themes of the convention, notably how this year’s theme focused on “The Crossing,” which inspired a variety of unique games and events. Brian shares insights into some of the remarkable games played, including some historical scenarios that profoundly engaged players. From bridge-crossing battles to painted miniatures competitions and a vibrant flea market, the spirit of camaraderie thrived throughout Huzzah.
Another highlight discussed is the inclusion of family-friendly activities, emphasizing Brian and Jonathan’s advocacy for involving younger generations in gaming. They recount heart-warming stories of attendees—especially children—who connected with the convention’s friendly atmosphere, such as a first-time visitor who discovered the joy of painting miniatures under the guidance of experienced players like Carol Pandolph, a talented painter renowned for her welcoming instruction.
The conversation also turns to the future of Huzzah, with Brian revealing plans to keep the convention at the same hotel in Portland for the coming years. He teases next year’s theme—“The Revolution”—which is sure to inspire further exciting gaming experiences as the convention continues to evolve and maintain its emphasis on community engagement.
As the episode wraps up, Jonathan encourages listeners to consider attending Huzzah, praising the sense of community and fun that permeates the event. Jonathan reminds everyone to keep on gaming, no matter their circumstances, and mentions Jonathan’s own streams on Twitch, where Jonathan explores hobbies like painting miniatures and building LEGO in a more relaxed and personable setting.
Overall, this episode serves as a heartfelt testament to the power of conventions like Huzzah, shining a light on the intricate planning behind such events and the undeniable joy they bring to the gaming community.
Disclaimer: Huzzah is a sponsor of Wargaming Recon, but that does not influence the content or opinions expressed in this podcast.
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Credits
Our theme song is “Downtown” by Matthew Ebel. The podcast logo was created by Peter Bryant. Audio editing was done by Jonathan J. Reinhart. Show notes for this episode were written by Jonathan J. Reinhart.
This recording is licensed under a Creative Commons BY-NC-SA 3.0 license.
Disclosure
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Wargaming Recon pays tribute to Andrew, a cherished listener whose invaluable support inspired the show’s name. Let us observe a collective moment of silence to honor Andrew’s memory.
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