I'm nearly ready to head out to my fourth trip to PAX in Seattle. Yeah,
exciting, I know. If it helps anyone out there, here are a few things
I've learned for how to have a successful PAX.
-Plan ahead. Guidebook is a great app for iPhone and Android that gives
tons of useful information. Many major events use it and PAX does so
very well: all of the convention hall maps are available, detailing
which booths are where, as well as theatres and gaming areas. There's a
full schedule for every panel, tournament, and concert, and you can
check off anything you're interested in to create a custom calendar with
alerts. It's great for panning out an efficient schedule so you can do
as much as you want during the convention, which addresses my next
item...
-You can't do everything. PAX is huge and busy and has long lines (but
some really cool stuff has short lines) and there's just too much going
on to do it all. Seriously, it's not possible. I know I have panels I
want to see happening during tournaments I want to participate in. Be
ready to make some hard choices about what your priorities are.
-Hug an Enforcer. Not literally, unless you ask permission. Enforcers
are amazing people. They're the all-volunteer staff in blue shirts that
makes sure people are safe, not breaking the rules, and are having a
good time. They know about everything that's going on and they're happy
to share that info with you. Enforcers are awesome people.
-Get into some games. PAX is all about games! They're everywhere! Video
games are a huge draw, but there's a ton of tabletop RPGs, board games,
card games, retro games...even the convention hall treasure hunt makes
PAX a game! All sorts of game publishers and developers big and small
bring their stuff to PAX; a lot of the big booths show stuff I know is
coming out in six months, so I love to find the indie games that I've
never even heard of before. Whatever game you're into, somebody else at
PAX probably is too, and they want to play. Bring your portable; PAX is
3DS StreetPass heaven.
-Eat something. I don't know about you, but sometimes I forget to eat
when I'm busy, and at PAX I'm very busy. There are a couple cafes in the
convention center, plus a Subway, a pretty good burrito joint, and there
are loads of restaurants nearby. You're going to be doing a lot of
walking and standing, so get some lunch and maybe carry a snack.
-Wash your hands. With all the humanity in the hall, germs are easy to
spread. Do everyone and yourself a solid by keeping clean and watching
where you sneeze and cough. Elbow bumps are appropriate as a friendly
greeting.
-Your badge is everything. Your badge is not backed up by any kind of
identification, so try not to lose it. And don't be one of those people
who scalps badges at an inflated price. Those people are dicks, and they
deprive someone who passionately wants to be at PAX from doing so. Don't
be a dick.
-Meet people. Big gaming celebrities go to PAX and they're usually
friendly. Sometimes they'll sign autographs. I like to find out who will
be on the floor and bring my copy of their game to autograph. My first
PAX I took a picture with Ed Boon at the Mortal Kombat booth. Be cool
and people will be cool back.
-Bring a bag. Lots of stuff is being sold and given away at PAX, and you
need something to help you haul it around. For a special experience,
just bring one t-shirt with you, and then complete your wardrobe with
free shirts from the show floor. Do not attempt this with underwear.
Hope to see you there!
What I'm Playing:
Main Campaign: Super Mario 3D Land
Side Quest: Super Mario Bros. 2
