AdeptiCon 2025: The Ultimate Comprehensive Guide

This guide is your all-inclusive resource for everything you need to know—from the event’s humble beginnings to its record-breaking expansion, from the variety of tournaments and seminars to exclusive limited-edition miniatures and the thrilling AdeptiCup Army Showcase.

A Look Back: The History of AdeptiCon

Humble Beginnings

AdeptiCon first opened its doors in 2003 with just 110 dedicated attendees. What started as a small convention focused on the miniature wargaming hobby quickly grew into an event that now attracts thousands of fans from around the globe.

Over the years, AdeptiCon has moved through five different venues as it expanded in scope and ambition. Today, the convention is a celebration of every aspect of the hobby, featuring over 1250 tournaments, event games, hobby seminars, and social gatherings.

Growth Through the Years

Since its inception, AdeptiCon has consistently pushed the boundaries of what a tabletop gaming convention can be. From its early days, the focus has been on quality and community:

2003: A small but passionate community gathers.
2010s: The event steadily grows, expanding its offerings and increasing attendee numbers.
2024: AdeptiCon hits a record 8,000 attendees, demonstrating its incredible evolution and influence.

Each year, the convention adds a new chapter to its storied history—sharing tales of glorious victories, close calls, and the camaraderie that binds the community together. As AdeptiCon moves into 2025, it enters a new era—a new book in the saga that honors tradition while embracing innovation.

Adepticon 2025 Event Details: Dates, Location, and Registration

2025 Location

For AdeptiCon 2025, the convention will be hosted at the state-of-the-art Baird Center in downtown Milwaukee, WI. The venue’s modern facilities and expansive layout provide the perfect backdrop for an event of this magnitude.

Baird Center
400 W Wisconsin Ave
Milwaukee, WI 53203

Date and Schedule

Mark your calendars for a five-day extravaganza:

Dates: March 26th – 30th, 2025
Days: Wednesday through Sunday

The event is packed with activities every day, culminating in the highlights of tournaments, seminars, and the renowned AdeptiCup Army Showcase.

Registration and Ticketing

As the convention continues to break records in attendance, early registration is essential. With the event’s growth to thousands of participants, the registration process has been streamlined to ensure a smooth experience. Attendees can register online in advance and check in at the registration desk upon arrival. Look out for any updates on ticket tiers and special packages as the event draws nearer.

A World of Activities: Tournaments, Seminars, and More

AdeptiCon 2025 is not just a convention—it’s a multifaceted celebration of the entire tabletop gaming hobby. Here’s a breakdown of what awaits you:

Tournaments and Competitive Play

With over 1250 events on offer, AdeptiCon caters to every competitive spirit. The tournaments span a wide range of game systems, including:

Miniature Wargaming: Warhammer 40,000, Warhammer Age of Sigmar, Warmachine/Hordes, Infinity, and more.
Board Games: From classic strategy titles to the latest releases.
Role-Playing Games: Immerse yourself in narrative-driven adventures and cooperative storytelling experiences.
Team and Doubles Tournaments: Get involved in unique formats like team trivia and special event duos.

Hobby Seminars and Painting Competitions

For those looking to hone their skills or learn new techniques, AdeptiCon offers an impressive lineup of hobby seminars and painting competitions. These sessions cover topics such as:

Advanced painting techniques
Model conversions and scratch-building
Terrain and scenery creation
Strategic gameplay insights
Industry trends and product showcases

Expert hobbyists and industry professionals lead these seminars, providing invaluable tips and live demonstrations.

Exhibitor Hall

The Exhibitor Hall is a bustling marketplace where over 125 exhibitors showcase the latest products, run demos, and interact with the community. Exhibitor Hall hours are:

Thursday, Friday, and Saturday: 10 AM – 6 PM
Sunday: 10 AM – 3 PM

From new miniatures and paints to accessories and gaming gear, the Exhibitor Hall is a treasure trove for enthusiasts eager to get their hands on the latest innovations.

Social Gatherings and Community Events

AdeptiCon is as much about community as it is about competition. Enjoy a variety of social events designed to bring hobbyists together:

Casual Meetups and Networking Events: Forge new friendships and reconnect with old ones.
Themed Parties and Social Nights: Dance, celebrate, and revel in the spirit of the hobby.
Interactive Experiences: Participate in live streams, panel discussions, and Q&A sessions with renowned figures in the industry.

Highlights and News: The Dawn of a New Era

Record-Breaking Growth

In a recent announcement titled “The Dawn of a New Era”, event organizers revealed that AdeptiCon 2025 has smashed all previous registration numbers and is set to be the largest AdeptiCon ever.

With a record-breaking offering of tournaments, event games, classes, and seminars, this year’s convention will celebrate the hobby in unprecedented style.

The new, larger venue—the Baird Center—opens up a world of possibilities, providing ample space and state-of-the-art facilities for every aspect of the event.

A New Chapter in the AdeptiCon Saga

AdeptiCon’s history is one of continuous evolution. Every year, friends old and new share tales of victorious battles and near-misses, adding another chapter to this grand saga. The 2025 event represents a new era—a fresh book in the epic story of AdeptiCon. As the community gathers to celebrate, expect heartwarming reunions, thrilling competitions, and inspiring displays of creativity.

Limited Edition Miniatures: “Captain Joan”

In another exciting piece of news, Victoria Miniatures has announced the official limited-edition miniature for AdeptiCon 2025. Sculpted by the legendary Victoria Lamb, “Captain Joan” is set to lead the assault at the event.

This striking sci-fi miniature will be included in swag bags and showcased at the Trenchworx Booth during the convention. Additionally, a limited number of Captain Joan models will be available for purchase online via the Victoria Miniatures store, with plans to offer a digital version for the first time. More details and release dates will be announced soon.

Warhammer Event Miniatures Revealed

AdeptiCon has long been a platform for exclusive Warhammer model reveals, and 2025 is no exception. Two new Commemorative Series miniatures will debut:

Skaven Clawlord Kettek Throatbite: A fierce commander from the depths of Blight City, armed with wicked weapons and ready to lead a horde.
Genestealer Cults Primus: The enigmatic and formidable Primus, whose mastery of guerilla tactics makes him a constant existential threat in the 41st Millennium.

Both models will be available for the first time at AdeptiCon 2025 starting March 26th, and will later appear at other Warhammer events around the world.

The AdeptiCup Army Showcase: Celebrating Team Excellence

One of the most unique features of AdeptiCon is the AdeptiCup Army Showcase, a highlight event where the best team tournament entries display their meticulously crafted armies in a dedicated showcase area. This competition brings together the pinnacle of tabletop wargaming displays and rewards the most visually stunning and creatively presented armies.

What is the AdeptiCup Army Showcase?

From the war-torn worlds of the 41st Millennium to the historical battlefields of our own world, armies from across the hobby gather at AdeptiCon’s Team Tournaments. The best of these teams are invited to exhibit their armies in the AdeptiCup Army Showcase—a dedicated area that spotlights the full spectrum of hobby excellence.

Participating Events

For AdeptiCon 2025, the following events will participate in the AdeptiCup Army Showcase:

A Song of Ice and Fire Team Tournament
Star Wars: Shatterpoint: Team Premier Showdown
Marvel: Crisis Protocol Teams Tournament
Star Wars: Legion Doubles
Adeptus Titanicus: Doubles – The Ruin of Maerdan
BattleTech Alpha Strike 350 Doubles Tournament
Bolt Action Doubles
Halo: Flashpoint Duos Tournament
Horus Heresy: Grand Team Event
Infinity Fireteam Duo Tournament
Judgement Team Event
Middle-earth SBG Friendly Doubles Tournament
SAGA Grand Melee – Historical Doubles
Warhammer 40,000 Kill Team Doubles Tournament
Warhammer 40,000 Team Tournament
Warhammer 40,000: The Long War Doubles
Warhammer: Age of Sigmar Team Tournament
Warhammer: The Old-World Doubles
Warmachine: 2-Player Doubles Tournament
Warmachine: Americas Team Championship

The AdeptiCup Trophy

The ultimate prize of the Army Showcase is the AdeptiCup—a traveling trophy awarded to the “Best in Show” team. The winning team’s trophy will reside in their game system’s hall of fame until the following year’s showcase. Additional accolades include:

AdeptiCup Best of Show: Overall top winner
AdeptiCup Reserve Best of Show: Overall runner-up
Commended Entries: Recognizing outstanding efforts
Best Skirmish: Awarded to the top small-format game system
Best Display: For the highest-rated display board
People’s Choice: Voted on by attendees
Judge’s Choice: Personal favorites of each of the five judges

Schedule for the AdeptiCup

The Army Showcase will be held in the Baird Center Grand Ballroom Foyer (1st Floor) on Saturday, March 29th, 2025. The schedule is as follows:

6:30 PM: Pre-Showcase Instructional Meeting
7:00 PM: Setup for Showcase Finalists
8:00 PM: Viewing, Judging, and People’s Choice Voting
10:00 PM: Awards Ceremony
11:00 PM: Tear-down

How Teams Get Selected

Each tournament organizer collaborates with the AdeptiCon Army Showcase team to select the best entries from their events. Selection is based on a holistic review of:

Army appearance
Display quality
Theme and composition
Overall visual impact (“wow factor”)
Technical execution

Being selected for the showcase is a prestigious honor, and finalist teams will receive an exclusive invitation to attend and participate in the showcase.

FAQs and Contacts for the AdeptiCup

For any questions regarding the AdeptiCup Army Showcase, please email with the subject “AdeptiCup 2025” to info@adepticon.org. Notable industry figures and experienced hobbyists—such as Eric Locke (Eric’s Hobby Workshop), Louise Suggs (Rogue Hobbies), Victoria Lamb (Victoria Miniatures), Duncan Rhodes (Duncan Rhodes Painting Academy), and Dave Taylor (Build Paint Play)—will also be sharing their insights and experiences related to the showcase.

AdeptiCon 2025 Model Policy and Guidelines

AdeptiCon takes pride in upholding the highest standards for models used in tournaments and events. The convention’s Model Policy ensures that every entry is both competitive and true to the spirit of the hobby.

General Rules for All Events

Three-Color Minimum: All models for tabletop wargames must be painted to a minimum of three colors. An honest effort to fully paint each model is expected.
Accurate Representation: Units must be represented accurately and completely. The “What You See Is What You Get” (WYSIWYG) rule is in effect—every model must clearly display its intended weapons and options.
System Consistency: Armies should primarily consist of models from the given game system. Supplementary models or third-party additions are allowed but should not dominate the entry.
Family-Friendly Content: All models and displays must adhere to a PG-13 standard. AdeptiCon reserves the right to remove any models deemed offensive.

Guidelines for Games Workshop Events

Official Product Requirement: For participation in the official Games Workshop live stream at AdeptiCon, every model in a player’s army must be from Games Workshop’s product range. Excessive use of third-party or 3D-printed components may lead to disqualification.
Current Base Sizes: Models must use the current factory-provided base sizes. Older models are acceptable only if updated appropriately.

Scratch-Built and Count-As Models

Scratch-Built Models: Conversions and scratch-built models are allowed if they do not incorporate significant pre-assembled components. These models should be consistent with the aesthetic of the game system they represent.
3D-Printed Models: Fully 3D-printed models require pre-approval from tournament organizers. Approval requests must be submitted by February 28, 2025, along with clear digital photos and descriptions of the model.
Count-As Armies: Count-as armies are permitted provided they clearly represent the intended units. These entries must be well-converted and easily identifiable.

Submission and Enforcement

Any models or conversions that do not adhere to these guidelines may be disallowed, and further scoring penalties may be applied. For clarifications or approvals, please contact the AdeptiCon judges well before the event.

The Impact of AdeptiCon on the Hobby

AdeptiCon has played a transformative role in the tabletop gaming community. Here are a few key ways the convention has made its mark:

Community Building

AdeptiCon is a celebration of the collective passion for miniature wargaming. It has provided a platform for hobbyists, competitive gamers, and industry professionals to come together, share ideas, and form lasting friendships. The convention’s blend of tournaments, seminars, and social events fosters a unique sense of camaraderie that continues to grow with each edition.

Innovation and Education

From cutting-edge painting techniques to groundbreaking model conversions, AdeptiCon serves as a hub for innovation. Seminars led by industry veterans provide valuable insights into advanced hobby skills, while the competitive tournaments push participants to refine their techniques and showcase their creativity.

Industry Influence

The success and growth of AdeptiCon have had a significant impact on the industry. Exhibitors use the event to debut new products and gauge community feedback, while the convention’s widespread influence has even led to collaborations with major publishers and manufacturers. As AdeptiCon continues to expand, its influence on product development and hobby trends is expected to grow even further.

Looking Ahead: What to Expect in 2025 and Beyond

AdeptiCon 2025 is not only a milestone event—it’s a stepping stone into a vibrant future for the convention and the hobby itself. Here are some of the exciting prospects for the coming year:

A New Era of Record-Breaking Attendance

The record-breaking registration numbers for 2025 signal a new era for AdeptiCon. With the shift to the expansive Baird Center and innovative programming, the event is set to be the largest yet, attracting enthusiasts from across the globe.

Expanded Programming and New Features

Expect a vast array of new tournaments, seminars, and community events designed to cater to every aspect of the hobby. New interactive experiences, live streaming opportunities, and digital releases—such as the first digital version of the Official AdeptiCon Miniature—are all part of the future roadmap.

Continued Commitment to Quality

Despite its rapid growth, AdeptiCon remains committed to delivering the highest quality wargaming event possible. Every decision—from venue selection to programming and judging standards—is driven by a desire to honor the hobby’s heritage while pushing creative boundaries.

The Legacy of AdeptiCon

With over two decades of history, AdeptiCon has become an institution in the world of miniature wargaming. Its legacy is built on tradition, innovation, and community, and every year’s event adds a new chapter to its enduring story. As you prepare for AdeptiCon 2025, remember that you are part of a legacy that continues to inspire and shape the future of the hobby.

Final Thoughts and Essential Tips for 2025

AdeptiCon 2025 promises to be a landmark event that celebrates every facet of the tabletop gaming experience. Here are a few parting tips to ensure you get the most out of this extraordinary convention:

Plan Ahead: Register early, review the schedule, and mark your calendar for key events and seminars.
Engage Actively: Whether you’re competing in tournaments, attending seminars, or exploring the Exhibitor Hall, get involved and connect with fellow hobbyists.
Prepare Your Entry: For competitors, ensure that your models meet all guidelines and are ready well before the event. Documentation, preparation, and attention to detail will set you apart.
Stay Informed: Keep an eye on official AdeptiCon channels for updates on event schedules, new product releases, and additional programming announcements.
Enjoy the Community: Remember that AdeptiCon is more than just a competition—it’s a celebration of creativity, friendship, and shared passion for the hobby.

AdeptiCon 2025 is poised to be an unforgettable celebration of miniature wargaming, where tradition meets innovation and every attendee is part of a grand narrative that spans over two decades.

Related Articles: