The organisers of WizardCon 2, the tabletop gaming convention scheduled for this weekend in Battle Creek, Michigan, have announced a last-minute cancellation and rescheduling. In a statement released via social media on Monday, the organisers cited an unspecified “incident” as the reason for the move, while explicitly stating that neither the convention staff nor the host hotel were to blame.
The decision has left attendees and vendors in a state of uncertainty. Rather than providing immediate clarity on the nature of the “incident” or the new dates, lead organiser Don Semora has directed fans to a scheduled YouTube livestream at 8:00 PM EST tonight for further information. The lack of a dedicated news section on the official WizardCon website has forced participants to rely on social media updates for critical logistical information, including hotel room cancellations and vendor refunds.
The “Incident” and the Battle Creek Context
The cancellation comes at a tense time for the city of Battle Creek. Local authorities have been dealing with a string of violent incidents, including a fatal shooting on April 19 – just 24 hours before the convention’s cancellation notice. While the Holiday Inn Battle Creek, the venue for WizardCon, is located miles from the downtown area, the “incident” referenced by organisers may be tied to heightened security protocols or local emergency service constraints that have yet to be publicly detailed.
The Human Element: Don Semora and Wizard Tower Games
Don Semora, the head of Wizard Tower Games and the driving force behind the convention, is no stranger to industry friction. Semora and his company were previously drawn into the complex legal disputes surrounding Justin LaNasa and the various incarnations of TSR. Having been subpoenaed during the high-profile Wizards of the Coast litigation in 2022, Semora has maintained a defensive posture in his public communications. This is mirrored in the current announcement, which prioritises exonerating the organisers and the hotel before explaining the situation to ticket holders.
Transparency and the “Livestream” Hurdle
The handling of the announcement has drawn sharp criticism from the community. With many fans already having booked non-refundable travel, the decision to withhold the specific cause and new dates for a “tell-all” video broadcast is being seen as an unnecessary delay.
As one observer noted:
“This is a huge announcement to leave fans hanging on. If it’s true, then why wait for a YouTube video? Get clarification up on socials as soon as possible and consider a website with an official news section for next year.”
The organisers have confirmed that the Holiday Inn will not charge for room reservations, but the logistical burden of re-arranging travel for a yet-to-be-announced date remains a significant hurdle for the fledgling convention’s reputation. For those who need to contact the venue directly regarding existing bookings, the Holiday Inn Battle Creek can be reached via its official website.
