PAX: Things to know?

[PathMaster]

Is there anything I should know about before I get there?

Some secret, or unannounced event? Something I should really see? Something I should not miss?

A friend mentioned they were to send lanyards in the mail, any truth to that?

[Suave Peanut]

Here's the secret you should know: vitamin C.

[AniAko]

Yeah, I'd say, just try to be healthy. You won't get to see everything, so I'd suggest perusing the panels on the schedule, and the vendors planning to attend. And wear comfortable shoes, not all vendors believe in cushy carpeting when standing in line.

[Voodoo]

If you aren't on the Google Doc contact sheet have contact information of others going, you'll miss A LOT of CoG events. They are often thrown together quite ad-hoc and communication is key. If you are using Twitter, be sure to follow everyone going. If you don't have access to Twitter on your phone, be sure to have everyone on your phone so you can txt them to see what's up. If you have neither, well, you're going to have to be really pro-active.

[Ink Asylum]

Yeah, I plan on stocking up on vitamin C and Purell.

Will there be a CoG PAX hash tag of some sort?

[Sl1pstream]

There are 3 things you need to make it through PAX:

- Sleep
- Food
- Water

[Voodoo]

Yeah, I plan on stocking up on vitamin C and Purell.

Will there be a CoG PAX hash tag of some sort?

Yup! #cogpax

[hunterx280]

My advice, check out the schedule before and plan some things out if there are a lot of panels you want to attend. For the biggest ones, make sure you allot plenty of time to wait in line. Seriously, like an hour or two for some. Either that, or just wing it.

Also, figure out what upcoming games you want to see and make sure you know where the developers are. Hit them as early as possible because some things will have long lines. Blizzard especially.

I've been kind of winging it the last couple years and I think this year I'm going to schedule/plan ahead a lot more.

[AniAko]

My advice, check out the schedule before and plan some things out if there are a lot of panels you want to attend. For the biggest ones, make sure you allot plenty of time to wait in line. Seriously, like an hour or two for some. Either that, or just wing it.

Also, figure out what upcoming games you want to see and make sure you know where the developers are. Hit them as early as possible because some things will have long lines. Blizzard especially.

I've been kind of winging it the last couple years and I think this year I'm going to schedule/plan ahead a lot more.

It doesn't matter how much you plan, you always end up winging a good portion of it :D

[Dukefrukem]

There are 3 things you need to make it through PAX:

- Sleep
- Food
- Water

The first thing should be SHOWERING.

[AniAko]

The first thing should be SHOWERING.

Thankfully, most patrons at PAX Prime see that as an implicit action of each day

[TrackZero]

It doesn't matter how much you plan, you always end up winging a good portion of it :D

Agreed. Pick only maybe one or two items a day you REALLY want to go see from the schedule, as there will be far too much going on for you to stick to any more of a time line and enjoy yourself without feeling like you're missing out on other stuff.

Again per voodoo, check the twitter #cogpax, seriously, I can't stress this enough.

Also, eat early. Have an early breakfast, grab lunch around 11am during the show if possible (the food vendors will be utterly decimated by the time it hits 12pm). Get yourself a snack bar to eat in the mid-afternoon to tide you over until dinner/supper (or whatever you call it). You do not want to suddenly realize in all the excitement that you're mad hungry and now have to stop what you're doing to go find food in some rush and come across a hour long lineup at the only food joint left that has stock (this happens).

Sleep varies from person to person. For myself, if possible, try to grab a cat-nap on the sumos at some point in the late afternoon or at your hotel in the early evening pre-dinner shenanigans. As often we go out drinking at night and things can run late (but you really want to have energy the next day). As some can attest to, I got really hungover the first day of my first PAX (pre-PAX drinking) and it really messed up that whole first day for me.

Also, the morning lineups to get into the show...this also just depends on you. Some people like the experience of waiting in lineup with thousands of people, the buzz in the air, etc. If you do, get in at least an hour early if you want to be in the line proper (that you see in pictures, not the one stretching down hallway after hallway single file that they never show). If not, just wait until 15 minutes after the show opens and you'll be able to walk right in without dealing with the lineups (though everyone else will already have clogged up the main exhibition hall).

Don't worry about getting a lanyard. You'll have more of them than you'll know what to do with. You'll get the standard one (whatever that is) in the gift bag when you go in on day one. If you don't get a gift bag there for some reason, go to the information desk and they'll give you one, or ask one of the CoGers with media access to get you a spare from the media room (they always have way more than the media needs). Also, if you plan on buying any sort of merch, do it day one first thing. Do not see some awesome art book, t-shirt or what have you and think "awesome, I'll pick it up later today when I'm leaving", they will be sold out by then, hands down. Do all your shopping that first morning, run back to the hotel at/after lunch and drop that shit off.

For your first day at least, I recommend finding the CoG group and sticking with the people that you get along with best (usually the group proper splinters into 5-6 smaller ones). To that, I should say there's usually a morning meetup for CoG in the building lobby area (not sure, haven't been following the PAX East threads). For the other days, stick with the groups or wander solo for awhile. Personally I found some of my most amazing experiences off by myself just randomly searching around and meeting people.

The weird thing about PAX is that while there's thousands of strangers everywhere, I've always found you can immediately strike up conversation with anyone and have positive outcomes. Gamers love to talk about games (and themselves). Go stand in line at the Rock Band freeplay and hook up with 3 other people you don't know and jam out in front of a hundred other folk, just that simple thing is in itself a memorable experience.

Also, watch out for Adam Sessler. You'll wake up in your hotel room with that guy laying next to you. He's everywhere. You go to take a piss? He's at the urinal next to you. Going out for a beer? Guess what, he's paying your tab. Throwing up over the toilet? HE'S HOLDING YOUR HEAD.

Lastly, don't ask Randy Pitchford about Steam. Seriously, just don't.

Hopefully you find all of the above helpful Path, wish I could be there, but I can only afford one PAX this year and I'm sticking with Prime. Maybe next time. ;)

[Dukefrukem]

Thankfully, most patrons at PAX Prime see that as an implicit action of each day

I find it hard to believe, but we'll see I suppose.

[AniAko]

...
Also, watch out for Adam Sessler. You'll wake up in your hotel room with that guy laying next to you. He's everywhere. You go to take a piss? He's at the urinal next to you. Going on for a beer? Guess what, he's paying your tab. Throwing up over the toilet? HE'S HOLDING YOUR HEAD.
...

He gives me nightmares man, it's like that scene in Being John Malkovich: Everyone is Adam Sessler, you're marrying Adam Sessler, at the same time he's also the administering the marraige!

[Ink Asylum]

Great advice, Track. I know I'll be following it. Thanks!

[Suave Peanut]

I didn't believe that bit about Adam Sessler, but I'll be damned if the first thing I did on Day One of PAX was to scurry over to the Rock Band booth and check out the Beatles and who was at the front of the line talking to the reps? Adam Sessler.

[Dukefrukem]

I'd like to point out, I will be hitting up Sunset Grille Fri night by coincidence that some of my friends will be there. We talked about going here in the Boston thread, but for those that don't know, Sunset Grille is a bar/restaurant with 200+ bottled beers and 112 draft beers. Check it out here (http://www.allstonsfinest.com/) if interested. If anyone wants to tag along, they are welcome.

[Voodoo]

I'd like to point out, I will be hitting up Sunset Grille Fri night by coincidence that some of my friends will be there. We talked about going here in the Boston thread, but for those that don't know, Sunset Grille is a bar/restaurant with 200+ bottled beers and 112 draft beers. Check it out here (http://www.allstonsfinest.com/) if interested. If anyone wants to tag along, they are welcome.

That sounds awesome! BTW, will you be updating your feed with your PAX adventures?

[Sandman]

The first thing should be ALCOHOL .

Fixed that for ya. I mean WTF...you are in Boston after all.

[DoctorFinger]

Any babies conceived at PAX will have their named determined by a CoG poll.

[Dukefrukem]

That sounds awesome! BTW, will you be updating your feed with your PAX adventures?

Which feed would that be?

[Voodoo]

Which feed would that be?

Twitter, of course. It is the "go to" for this event.

[Dukefrukem]

Twitter, of course. It is the "go to" for this event.

Oh fer sure!

I'll also be Foursquaring (http://foursquare.com/)it up as well. That will provide exact locations where I am. :P

Just followed you on Twitter btw.

[AniAko]

Just word of warning, My carrier (AT&T) had a difficult time getting my txtmsgs out in Seattle, it may be the same fate for this convention as far as signal floods. I know the DS doesn't handle signal floods well.

[Voodoo]

Just word of warning, My carrier (AT&T) had a difficult time getting my txtmsgs out in Seattle, it may be the same fate for this convention as far as signal floods. I know the DS doesn't handle signal floods well.
Just put your phone in 2G mode. Worked very well at PAX West.

[Kielaran]

Track gave a ton of good advice. One thing I have to add though is bring an extra bag for your swag. You should be able to walk away with around 10 free shirts if you want them, plus other random swag. Someone suggested I pack a bag in my luggage for PAX Prime and I think that was the best piece of advice I recieved.

[AniAko]

Just put your phone in 2G mode. Worked very well at PAX West.

If that works, I may have to buy you dinner :)

[Sl1pstream]

The first thing should be SHOWERING.

Obviously. But unless you're going to go back to your room to shower in the middle of the day, it's not what you'll need while you're at PAX.

[Ten19]

Also recommended: oxygen. Carbon dioxide is optional.

[AniAko]

Also recommended: oxygen. Carbon dioxide is optional.

Don't forget to beat your heart once in a while too!

[Sl1pstream]

Fuck you guys. :p

[Psykoboy2]

The ability to walk or in some other way transport yourself from one place to another is also commonly required while attending PAX.

[PathMaster]

Some excellent advice. I especially like the extra bag advice as well as making sure to line up early.

[Dukefrukem]

Obviously. But unless you're going to go back to your room to shower in the middle of the day, it's not what you'll need while you're at PAX.

It's not obvious to gamers.

[Ink Asylum]

The official PAX twitter posted a bunch of advice last night. (http://twitter.com/Official_PAX)

A sampling:

Merch table will take Visa/MC, and the building is attached to a mall, so food is abundant!
Lanyards will be given out when you arrive!
The trains won't be running any later than normal sadly.
Doors close at 2 AM Fri/Sat and 6 PM Sun.
Lineup to get in starts @ 10 AM on Friday, 8 AM on Saturday/Sunday


The abundant nearby food thing is great.

[Psykoboy2]

It's not obvious to gamers.

Aww come on...you should give us more credit than that.

[Dukefrukem]

Aww come on...you should give us more credit than that.

I've been two too many conventions to know this. I even took pictures of signs at Quakecon and Blizzcon where one of the rules is "Please Remember to Shower".

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1020/1026419896_5cc0000cea.jpg

[Sl1pstream]

Aww come on...you should give us more credit than that.

Is that why people were already smelly on Friday morning last year?

[Sl1pstream]

I didn't believe that bit about Adam Sessler, but I'll be damned if the first thing I did on Day One of PAX was to scurry over to the Rock Band booth and check out the Beatles and who was at the front of the line talking to the reps? Adam Sessler.

By the way, I'm at Manticore Theatre this year. First panel Sunday morning: Harmonix!

[Kielaran]

The official PAX twitter posted a bunch of advice last night. (http://twitter.com/Official_PAX)

A sampling:

Merch table will take Visa/MC, and the building is attached to a mall, so food is abundant!


The abundant nearby food thing is great.

Have a back up. Don't count on this, since I wouldn't be surprised if they sold out daily.

[Sandman]

Have a back up. Don't count on this, since I wouldn't be surprised if they sold out daily.

They had that problem at PAX West. Also; expect lines for food at all hours in the day for at least a block in all directions around the convention center. Expect to either walk or wait for food basically.

[Kielaran]

They had that problem at PAX West. Also; expect lines for food at all hours in the day for at least a block in all directions around the convention center. Expect to either walk or wait for food basically.

Yep. The best bet is to find a small deli/eatery about 2 blocks away and it should still be stocked since people are more likely to go hungry than go searching. You could also eat early and carry something around with you in case you get hungry. At PAX Prime I usually had a bagel with me in case I was in a line or something and didn't want to leave.

[Sl1pstream]

Also, there's an iPhone app for the convention center. It doesn't include any specific PAX details, but there's convention center stuff. Like food.

[PathMaster]

Some kickass advice in this thread. I had an excellent time at PAX East.

Most showered, but not all. I stood in line or was behind some on the escalators. The backpack came in handy for the whole show.

[National Kato]

Any preferences on the Seattle hotels? I see they're all about 1-3 blocks away from the event this year, but I've never stayed in Seattle before. Does CoG typically stay at one? What's the dealio?

[Ghostbear]

A central hub is the Sheraton next to the con center. Thats where Jackel and I will be staying.

[Jackel]

Bingo. Sheraton or the Hyatt are the two close ones. You really want to stay within walking distance if you want to attend a lot of the cog events.

[wyeast]

A central hub is the Sheraton next to the con center. Thats where Jackel and I will be staying.

Huh? I thought Jackel was all about pimping that apartment scene?

[National Kato]

A central hub is the Sheraton next to the con center. Thats where Jackel and I will be staying.

I take it that's the Sheraton Seattle Hotel & Towers on Sixth Avenue?

[Jackel]

Huh? I thought Jackel was all about pimping that apartment scene?

The apartment was great (and easily within walking distanace). I'm just getting old enough that I want my own bed and not just a pull out couch since I'm already trashing my body enough with the drinking.

I also don't want to deal with worrying about what happens there with having my name / CC on the lease.

If anyone is interested in it, I can give you the number to call. Arrange it early, as last year the rooms were booked by the end of april.

[PathMaster]

What is the average of the rooms/night at that Sheraton? I looked last night and it would cost me nearly $1100 for round-trip flights and a hotel room for 5 days. Ugh. $389 for the flights total and over $700 for the room. That is far more than I paid for a room at the Boston Sheraton for PAX East, $400.

[AniAko]

The Hyatt, 1 block down is ELEGANT, it's a little more money, but pound for pound kills the Sheraton rooms.

Not that the Sheraton rooms are bad, I stayed in them for 3 years until I found the Hyatt. If you're looking for bang for buck, Hyatt, pinching pennies Sheraton.

[PathMaster]

Redid the Hotwire, without the flight attached, hotel (I think the Sheraton) and it came to $120 a night. A couple hundred less, but still a little high.

[Ghostbear]

Redid the Hotwire, without the flight attached, hotel (I think the Sheraton) and it came to $120 a night. A couple hundred less, but still a little high.

Sorry? Split a room with someone, thats what I'm doing.

[PathMaster]

Might have to do that.

[Goronmon]

Wow, I can get an amazing deal on Hotwire if I book with the Red Lion hotel and book the flight right now...

[TrackZero]

The Hyatt, 1 block down is ELEGANT, it's a little more money, but pound for pound kills the Sheraton rooms.

Not that the Sheraton rooms are bad, I stayed in them for 3 years until I found the Hyatt. If you're looking for bang for buck, Hyatt, pinching pennies Sheraton.

Yeah, I gotta say, after seeing the Hyatt rooms, jesus wept.

[Rogue_hunter]

Might have to do that.

I'll split the room with you.

Real time room availability here (https://onpeak.compassreservations.com/compass/external/index.cfm?fuseaction=dsp_block_summary&CFID=360842&CFTOKEN=387118&PID=P44578701D161) (you may need to refresh the session, if that doesn't work just do a hotel search and click the "View Entire Block")

The Hyatt sold out of two beds already and is close on single beds, but they apparently didn't have much set aside this year.

[PathMaster]

Huh, odd, I need to see if I can get the days off. Might do Wednesday or Thursday to Monday or Tuesday. Let me get back to you on this Rogue.

[Wilkz07]

i'd like to know if there is an easy way to tell if the cosplay girls are really girls instead of that awkward moment when you contemplate it back at the hotel room.

[AniAko]

i'd like to know if there is an easy way to tell if the cosplay girls are really girls instead of that awkward moment when you contemplate it back at the hotel room.

Just do the Mick Dundee approach before you leave the bar.

[AniAko]

Got some new information here for anyone interested http://www.colonyofgamers.com/cogforums/showthread.php?t=23642

[Dorkandproudofit]

Anyone know if there will be Rock Band or Guitar Hero at PAX?

Also, will Von's have fried chicken?

[Psykoboy2]

Pretty sure that's a yes on both counts. Although the chicken is probably fried in the "finger/strips" sense of the term.

[Dorkandproudofit]

Pretty sure that's a yes on both counts. Although the chicken is probably fried in the "finger/strips" sense of the term.

Sweet.

Also, Fried chicken fingers/strips was more or less exactly what I was referring to. So thanks.

And if I get a turn at Rock Band, I call dibs on vocals. Trust me, I'm a pretty good tenor/countertenor.

[Jackel]

Sweet.

Also, Fried chicken fingers/strips was more or less exactly what I was referring to. So thanks.

And if I get a turn at Rock Band, I call dibs on vocals. Trust me, I'm a pretty good tenor/countertenor.

Does this mean you'll grab the mic and do a solo for us at Vons?

I always like entertainment with dinner.

[AniAko]

DUDE, do the pot stickers. BEST pot stickers in the world (I think it's their sauce)

[Press Ninja]

Question for a first timer to Seattle; What's the weather like? Jeans/pants or shorts? Hoodies needed, or not?

How should I dress?

[wyeast]

All of the above. Weather could be just about anything. Likely mild, but I've seen instances where it was cool, or even drizzly.

A lot of it depends on what you're planning to do. If you're gonna be indoors most of the time, then shorts or jeans and a tshirt will be fine. If you're going out to forage, at least pack a windbreaker.

[wsuhoey]

Lately it's been upper 60's to lower 70s. I'd recommend against shorts. Long pants and short sleeves will be OK. A light jacket or light long sleeve will be fine.

Our summer's over already :(

[wyeast]

I bring up shorts because if you're spending all day inside the convention center, it does get warm in some areas. :o

Also, it largely depends on your tolerance for heat/cold. I'm fine with shorts in the upper 60's. :D

[Press Ninja]

I bring up shorts because if you're spending all day inside the convention center, it does get warm in some areas. :o

Also, it largely depends on your tolerance for heat/cold. I'm fine with shorts in the upper 60's. :D

Thanks for the advice, I'll probably go short sleeves/pants and maybe a hoodie if I need it. I don't think I want to blind anyone with my pasty white legs :D

[wyeast]

Thanks for the advice, I'll probably go short sleeves/pants and maybe a hoodie if I need it. I don't think I want to blind anyone with my pasty white legs :D
You know there are lots of old Norwegians who live in Seattle, uff da? We've seen pasty white legs before. :p :D