History
PoRtaL convention started as a dream of a larp convention which would function as a regional meeting point of larpers. A central point of news, theory, presentations, panels, discussions and sharing of experiences.
Three letters are capitalized in PoRtaL: P stands both for Play and for PoRtaL (as a recursive acronym). R stands for Role-play. L stands for Larp. The word Portal itself symbolizes a gateway to all the different stories and worlds that we experience in larps.
The first convention (organized in Zagreb, Croatia) was inspired by both the Nordic larp conference Knutepunkt / Knutpunkt / Knudepunkt / Solmukohta, as well as organizers' experience with running local gaming conventions.
You can read impressions from the first convention on Diary of a Croatian larper:
In 2014, the convention was picked up and organized by the Hungarian team in Budapest.
Drawing in much more people from various and distant countries, PoRtaL2 grew in size, significance and focus.
You can read impressions from the second convention on Diary of a Croatian larper here, or visit the convention webpage.
The third PoRtaL convention returns to Zagreb. Some things will remain exactly the same as with past conventions. Others will change.
What's it about
There are several principles which have been the base guidelines for PoRtaL since its' inception, and they'll be upheld on PoRtaL3 in 2015:
- Free entrance. Cost will not be a barrier to participation, and no profit will be made for PoRtaL.
- Larpers and larps of all styles are welcome. All larp content - theoretical, practical, promotional etc. - is welcome, as well as interdisciplinary content.
- Expect presentations, panels, discussions, workshops, larps and hanging out with other larpers.
- This convention is by larpers, for larpers. We want to hear what you're doing. Should you wish to run anything on convention, let us know.
- We're expecting mainly visitors from the region (due to proximity), but participants from anywhere in the world are welcome.
- Due to its' international character, English is the working language of the convention.
