Having faithfully attended MACE for several years now, I realized it was time to post a review of this excellent convention. The registration is quite reasonable, $17 pre - reg and $25 at the door. The High Point downtown Ramada Inn has been working with the convention for several years, and the staff are courteous and eager to be of help. The convention has a deal worked out for a reduced room rate for con - goers. Parking is adequate and there are plentiful places to eat within walking distance or quick driving distance.

This year the convention added a "MACE Cafeteria" that doubled as an open - gaming area. Eat, drink and be gaming! Two local restraunts served hearty subs and pizza right across the room from you. My friend and I spent most of our time camped right here. There was a dealer's room and even special "guests" from the Charlotte Metro Zoo , a lepoard cub and a lion cub that would you give a watchful eye if you scratched his back the right way. Sales from the convention T-Shirts go to support the zoo, hence the special guests. Sales from the charity auction go to support the Reading Connection, a local literacy organization. See, gaming with a social conscience!

MACE is a gaming convention. That is to say, there are no guest authors, celebrity guests, panel discussions, etc. There is more of that type of thing at MACE's sister convention Stellar - Con, held at the same location in the early spring (March usually). Gaming is why you would go to MACE, and the whole enchalida is available to choose from. Table - top role - playing, LARPing, board - gaming, card games, computer gaming, you name it, it's represented. There is a plentiful selection of RPGA tournament gaming for those persuing those points, and there was even (shudder) a Pokemon tournament. As I get a bellyfull of Pokemon at home, being the proud parent of a 6 year old, I passed on that option. The LARPs fill up quickly, so it's a good idea to sign up early for those.

MACE is usually held on one of the first 2 weekends in November. Periodically check the JustUsProductions website for the posting of the date. If you live in one of the Mid Atlantic states, or anywhere on the East Coast or in the Southeast, you owe it to yourself to attend MACE. I know I'll be back next year!

Style: 4 (Classy and well done)
Substance: 5 (Excellent!)