got a meeting...now what?

Jinx,

Well, in what context did you get the meeting? Is the publisher expecting to look at a certain game that you have informed them about? If so, then I'd say a nice-looking (not necessarily professional, just complete and nice-looking) playable prototype of the game with a coherent ruleset is quite important to have with you, including a copy that you can leave behind. Bring a resumé, business card, contact info for yourself. Having some other game outlines handy is always a nice thing too in case their eyes glaze over at your initial presentation...

I am working out of Toronto too, by the way. Perhaps we can share info or collaborate/playtest sometime. PM me if you're interested, good luck with your meeting! (What local publisher are you meeting with? Spinmaster?)

~Josh

A question: I got a tentative meeting with a game board publisher here in Ontario set for the spring of 2006 and I was wondering what I should bring with me to this preliminary meeting. I'm thinking at least one finished protoype would be smart to have, as well as a few other completed ideas. Any opinions?

Thanks in advance,

If you have the know how/equipment, consider video recording some actual play sessions of the game and edit it to show the highlights. You might also consider video taping an explanation of game play and include that to play before the video of session highlights. Ideally you'll want to show people playing, having fun, talking about the game, laughing, etc.

I also agree that having a good looking, functional prototype and rules set to leave them is an absolute must.

Good luck and congratulations on getting your meeting with the publisher.
-Darke