Gaming Convention set for March 27-28

The University of North Georgia's (UNG) Tabletop Gaming Club and Esports team will host the third annual Nighthawks Gaming Convention from March 27-28 in the Convocation Center at UNG's Dahlonega Campus. This event is free and open to the public for ages 5 and up. Children under 18 must have a parent or guardian present with them at the convention. Free tickets can be reserved ahead of time through the Nighthawks Gaming Convention webpage.

Hours for the Nighthawk Gaming Convention are noon to 9 p.m. March 27 and 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. March 28. Cosplay and costume contests with multiple divisions will kick off at 5 p.m. March 28, with check-in an hour before that.

Festivities will include a Mario Kart World Smash Bros tournament, Dungeons & Dragons, more than 200 board games, puzzles, charity bingo, and a sensory-friendly carnival.

Dr. Bryan Dawson, associate department head and professor of psychology and faculty adviser for the Tabletop Gaming Club, launched the initial Nighthawks Gaming Convention in 2024.

"We couldn't possibly put on such an incredible event without the support and volunteers from our students, staff and faculty being willing to share their love of games and science with others," Dawson said.

The event more than doubled to 500 attendees in 2025 and has 700 tickets available this March.

"I couldn't be more thankful for Bryan Dawson and the work he puts in to make this event possible," Nathaniel Hehl, UNG Esports coach, said. "We all want to be part of it because of how passionate he is about it."

Aramark will have food for sale on site, including barbecue, nachos and popcorn.

Maddox Newell, a senior from Marietta, Georgia, pursuing a degree in cybersecurity, served three years as the president of UNG's Tabletop Gaming Club and is the public relations officer this year. He is eager to welcome students, faculty, staff, and community members to the convention.

"Everyone will have a space to do something they're interested in. There's truly something for everybody," Newell said. "It's genuinely been surreal. I never imagined I'd get to be a part of organizing something so much bigger than myself. I'm immensely proud to be part of it and work with our team."

Andrew Bonam, a sophomore from Cumming, Georgia, also pursuing a degree in cybersecurity, is a member of the Tabletop Gaming Club. He is excited to see the group adding events that appeal to a wide array of attendees, with one of those options being a miniature painting session.

"I want to help the convention grow and succeed and serve more people," Bonam said.

Thanks to a partnership with local nonprofit ConnectAbility, the event will also have a sensory room for guests who need a calmer space for any amount of time. Students in a leadership class with Dr. Kathryn Narciso, senior lecturer of psychology, will be part of both the carnival and the sensory-friendly room.

"We want to create a calmer place where these participants can be more comfortable," Narciso said.

John Nicholason, a senior from Cumming, Georgia, pursuing a degree in psychology, is one of those who will be assisting in the room.

"This will be the first time I'm able to apply my psychology major," Nicholason said. "I'm excited to be able to help offer these sensory-friendly experiences."

Also aiding in the room is Saums Saxena, a junior from Suwanee, Georgia. She, too, is pursuing a degree in psychology. Saxena is helping with the carnival, as well, and is excited to help others have fun at the event.

"This will help me learn to become a leader by working with a team," Saxena said. "This will give me opportunities to grow."