Honestly, I am trying to get ready for a convention in about eight months. I intend on running the beginner boxes (Force and Destiny if available by then) but I also wanted to run one of the adventures over the course of four days. However, I wanted to make some pregens for the game but now I have close to 54 specializations with 3 universals. All the different races also add to the mix it just seriously a bit overwhelming. So I came here for guidance on how to make them or suggestions on how to proceed on this or recommendations what not to do? I appreciate all the help I can get.

The first thing you need is OggDude's character generator:

http://community.fantasyflightgames.com/index.php?/topic/89135-another-character-generator/

This will let you easily play around with all kinds of options.

After that, judging from the existing pregens from the beginner boxes, they do seem to take extra Obligation (or whatever) in order to get extra XP, which then seems to be mostly spent on characteristics. So the first thing to decide is if the character is a specialist (with stats like 4/3/2/2/2/2 ) or a generalist (with stats like 3/3/3/3/2/2 ). If you decide that and then spend mostly on characteristics, you'll have fewer options to tweak and your job should be simpler.

Thanks for the advice I already got the character generator and you are right it is awesome. I am also looking for advice on some good solid starting builds for players. Also what of using AoR or F&D characters in the existing EotE adventures or has anyone even tried such a thing yet? I think Jewel of Yavin could lead to some interesting things especially with F&D characters.

How many people do you want to be able to play? Are you hoping to attract new players or run something for people with experience? If its for new people...

With new people, too many options can be overwhelming. I would probably stick to one branch of the game per run through. Maybe afterward show off the other pregens and explain the scope of each part of the game.

As far as specializations, those are too specific to worry about. Focus on having one character per career, and then just come up with a character concept and select a specialization that fits. I don't have the FaD beta, but assuming it has 6 careers, that is 18 pregens.

As for races, keep 1/3 to 1/2 human, then mix in other species and droids. Focus on species that had known movie roles, with one or two wild cards. Wookiee, Twi'lek, Sullustan, Mon Cal, Droid, Zabrak, Duros, Bothan, Rodian, Togruta, Cerean seems like a good mix.

Just how I would approach it.

Oh, I forgot to add...

I didn't look at the starting characteristics for those species. You might need to swap some out to better fit the careers. Again, just how I would do it.