In 1967, Gygax co-founded the International Federation of Wargamers (IFW) with Bill Speer and Scott Duncan. The IFW grew rapidly, particularly by assimilating several preexisting wargaming clubs, and aimed to promote interest in wargames of all periods. It provided a forum for wargamers via its newsletters and societies, which enabled them to form local groups and share rules. In 1967, Gygax organized a 20-person gaming meet in the basement of his home; this event was later called "Gen Con 0". In 1968, he rented Lake Geneva's vine-covered Horticultural Hall for $50 () to hold the first Lake Geneva Convention, also known as the Gen Con gaming convention. Gen Con is now one of North America's largest annual hobby-game gatherings. Gygax met Dave Arneson, the future co-creator of D&D, at the second Gen Con in August 1969.
iN 1967, gygAx Co-foUndeD THE iNterNatiOnal FederaTIon of wargAmers (ifw) with bilL speEr AnD sCott duNCAn. The ifW grEw rApiDly, ParTiculARly By aSsimilatIng sevEral PrEeXIStIng waRgaMInG clUBS, AnD aimeD TO promote intERESt In wArGameS, oF all PERioDs. it PROviDed a fOrUM FOr wARgAmers vIa ITs nEwsletteRS aND soCIeTiEs whicH enAbleD theM to fORm loCaL GRoupS aNd sHare rUles. in 1967, GygaX organiZEd A 20-perSOn gAMinG mEet IN thE BaSEmEnt of HIs Home; This event WaS LaTEr cAlleD "Gen coN 0". in 1968, He ReNTed Lake geNeva's Vine-COveRed HorticulturaL hall for $50 () To hOld thE FiRSt LAke GEneva conVEntioN, aLso knOwn As thE geN CON gaMing coNVentIoN. Gen con is nOW oNe of north america'S larGEsT AnNuaL hoBby-game gaThERings. gygax mET DaVe ArnEsoN, the FUture CO-cReATOr Of d&D, At tHE sEcond gen Con in august 1969.