Tickets and Discounts Explainer for CGDC 2025
Confused about Tickets and what discounts exist? We’ve got you covered.
First, it’s important to know that there are 3 different events, all being held at the Devos Place Convention Center in Grand Rapids, Michigan on July 18th – 20th: The Realm Maker Writer’s Conference, the joint Realm Makers / CGDC Expo, and the CGDC Conference (see illustration above) – all held in the same location on the same dates.
Who needs (and doesn’t need) CGDC Conference Tickets?
Anyone who wants to be in the room for sessions, workshops, or activities put on by CGDC at the Devos Place Convention Center OR attending the conference virtually.
If you, your spouse, or other supporting family members are just going to be hanging out in the Expo or roaming the halls (e.g. not sitting in on sessions) then they don’t need a conference ticket (but you might)! Also, those ONLY attending/exhibiting at the Expo, don’t need a conference ticket (Expo attendees will need a Realm Makers Expo ticket. Exhibitors will have different options).
What different tickets are available for the conference? There are In-Person Tickets and Virtual Conference Tickets that give you access to conference content either in-person or digitally (both are happening concurrently). Once the schedule is finalized, individual sessions and workshops will be posted to the Events Calendar on our website (and we’ll announce it). These tickets will be available through our website (not through Devos Place ticketing).
What do I need to know about in-person attendance?
In addition to a larger, more professional setting, there are several changes this year. First, the days of the week have changed from the usual Thursday, Friday, Saturday to Friday, July 18th to Sunday, July 20th (and yes, there will be a Sunday Service). Second, registration this year does not include food (but there are several options we’ll let you know about, including Evening Gatherings). Third, since we’re not holding the conference at a University, there are no dorms. Fear not, we’ve booked a block of discount rooms at the Holiday Inn Grand Rapids Downtown nearby Devos Place.
What do I need to know about this year’s Virtual Conference?
This year’s conference will be streamed and recorded by Love Thy Nerd using professional equipment. It will include interviews, moderated chats, and polished graphics.
Any other tickets? What are they for?
This year we’ve added 2 new tickets for those who are able to be financially generous: the Pay It Forward Ticket and the Include My Processing Fee Ticket. Continuing our tradition of offering need-based scholarships, the Pay It Forward Ticket allows individuals to assist the Community by purchasing an in-person registration for someone who wants to come but is struggling financially (You’ll be given the option to do so anonymously or not). The Include My Processing Fee Ticket covers the charges assessed by payment processors (PayPal and Credit Card companies) which helps us keep costs down.
Are there any Discounts?
Yes, two of them. Those who join our Conference Mailing List will receive a discount code for the Early Bird discount, which takes 20% off registration for those who do so on or before April 30th. Also available are discounts for Volunteers who donate eight or more hours of their time during the conference (see link for details).
Still have questions? Check out our Conference FAQ or email us at info@cgdc.org
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