Being a game designer can be tough at
times, especially when you are trying to promote your game or make
connections with people in the industry. One important tool you can use
to help you break down some of those barriers is a game design
competition.

SaltCON is an annual
board gaming convention in Salt Lake City, Utah, USA, where you can
enter a game design competition specifically for unpublished games, the
Ion Award competition. They also have a great game library, volunteers
who teach games and various other gaming events to help attendees have
fun and meet new people.