Programs

There's a lot going on at Origins 2006! The following are the programming tracks for this year's show, designed for gamer and non-gamer alike:

“SuperCelebration” – a themed programming track that includes individual games and tournaments, special events and Guests, screenings, and seminars, all related to comic-book superheroes.

Traditional Board and Card Game Program – aimed at the broadest base of standard game players, this program invites the participation of National organizations to run events, tournaments and programming related to their game specialty, such as Bridge, Chess, Backgammon, Checkers, Hearts, Cribbage, Go, Euchre, and more.

The Origins Awards - Origins 2006 will host the 32nd Annual Origins Awards ceremony. At this event, the Game Manufacturers Association's Academy of Adventure Gaming Arts and Design will honor the industry's top achievers in several categories. We will celebrate the best in board, role-playing, miniatures, play-by-mail, and trading card games; professional and amateur magazine publications, game-related fiction, and accessories and supplements at this gala event. See The Academy of Adventure Game Arts and Design for more information.

StrategiCorps – combining several genres of gaming and other activities, StrategiCorps historical programs offer attendees the perspectives of the real, historical past. Components include the National Security Decision-Making Game, the Origins War Collegeseminar series, strategic & tactical gaming in the War Room, Historical Miniatures, and more. This year's StrategiCorps theme is "Extended Wars". See the StrategiCorps page for more details.

“Fright of Scares” – tumble down the “Fright of Scares”  into the basement of your deepest nightmares in this horror-themed programming track, including games and tournaments, special events and Guests, screenings and seminars.

“Promise of a New World” – whether it’s the European discovery of the Americas, or establishing a colony on Mars, humanity thrives on overcoming the challenges of new environments. With games, seminars, screenings, Guests, and special events, we promote the spirit of exploration that fires our imagination and inspires our greatest achievements.

“Through A Glass Darkly” – Mega-Corps and theocratic dictatorships, environmental degradation, humanity scattered and defeated among distant planets - Writers often create dystopian visions to warn us of what might be if we remain on our current course. In our final theme track, we examine all the ways that humanity could go wrong - so we make sure to get it right!

Spouse & Family Program – Origins offers entertainment for the whole family, even the non-gamers among them, with scheduled day-trips, and on-site activities in a space where families can have fun together.  Origins is pleased to expand this highly successful program in 2006.

Teacher’s Hall Pass Program – Going into its fourth year, this program grants free admission to licensed teachers, and provides them with three days of seminars and activities on the use of games in Education.  See the Teacher's Hall Pass page for more information.

Newcomers Program – In 2004, the Game Hosts in our Newcomers Program taught more than 300 first-time attendees and new hobbyists how to play various games in all genres. 

Kids Program – If you’ve brought little ones to Origins, there’s no need to worry what they’ll find here. Our Kids Program provides age-appropriate games and activities right until bedtime.

Origins Art Show – In 2004, GAMA announced a new effort to set the professional standard in game-related art with the introduction of a professionally-judged art competition and supporting programs. This first effort attracted the participation of some of the industry’s best-known names. Expansion continued in 2005, with the addition of illustrator workshops and participation in the Gallery Hop.

Origins Collectible Games Auction – Sponsored this year by Troll and Toad - we're excited to see what they're putting together! Please see the Auction page for more details.

Guests of Honor – Our attendees enjoy meeting and playing with their favorite game designers, authors, artists, and even some media celebrities with ties to our hobby.