PAX EAST 2011 Registration now open!!!

[KillerMcDead]

So I received a little text message today informing me that registration for Pax East 2011 is now open. (http://www.paxsite.com/paxeast/registration.php)

So who's commin' with me?

EDIT: Decided to throw up a list of who has said they're coming. So far it looks like this:

KillerMcDead
Ink Asylum
Goronmon (friday)
wsuhoey
PathMaster
Vodoo
Akela
Bapenguin
Klunka
Psykoboy2
Destoo
Wilkz07
NoName
Deadend
DukeFrukem (did you get a pass?)

Don't forget to follow #cogpax hashtag on Twiiter, and watch this thread as I might be working on a surprise for everyone....We'll see.

[Dukefrukem]

Since I live there... ummm me?

[Ink Asylum]

I'll be there.

[xoanon]

It's on my calendar. I can't wait.

[Goronmon]

I plan on going as well.

[wsuhoey]

Interesting... on the registration order form it asks for names of people on the passes. Is this different than PAX Prime? I went because someone sold me their ticket (name was not on it). This kinda makes me pause if they are name checking.

[PathMaster]

I am in for my second Pax East. I do wonder where I will stay this time. Sheraton was great, but alas no where near the new digs.

[Rogue_hunter]

Interesting... on the registration order form it asks for names of people on the passes. Is this different than PAX Prime? I went because someone sold me their ticket (name was not on it). This kinda makes me pause if they are name checking.

The name is just for registration purposes. It has never been printed on the badge itself, the name is required for will call and international ticket pickup.


Another East, another time I won't be there.

[KillerMcDead]

This should be sweet.

Interesting... on the registration order form it asks for names of people on the passes. Is this different than PAX Prime? I went because someone sold me their ticket (name was not on it). This kinda makes me pause if they are name checking.

Yeah, you had to provide your name when I registered for Pax Prime. They do not appear on the badge itself.

[wsuhoey]

Awesome, thanks for the info guys.

EDIT: Got two 3-day passes :)

[Dukefrukem]

I am in for my second Pax East. I do wonder where I will stay this time. Sheraton was great, but alas no where near the new digs.

Yup, the new location SUCKS for people who want to experience the city. You're far from pretty much everything.

[Voodoo]

I'll be there!

[Akela]

Yup, the new location SUCKS for people who want to experience the city. You're far from pretty much everything.

Bummer...

I've got my pass, though.

[Sl1pstream]

I'm not going. I'll be back for Prime '11, but I'm not going to Boston anymore. As much as I'd love to go to PAX.

[Dukefrukem]

Yes you made that clear before. You hate Boston because it's loud.

[bapenguin]

I'll be there.

[Klunka]

You bet your ass I'll be there!


edit: oh snap! This one is at the Convention Center. That place is goddamn huge. I wonder how much of it they're going to use

[Klunka]

Yup, the new location SUCKS for people who want to experience the city. You're far from pretty much everything.

You're right on the water front however. Which could be good or bad depending on the weather. The only real problem I see is that it's a pretty expensive area of town.

There's some nice places for us to grab dinner, but none of them are cheap. You can get the best goddamn steak you'll have in your life at Morton's a block down the street, but you'll pay for it.

[Dukefrukem]

Morton's IMO is the worst steakhouse in Boston, (out of all the top premium steakhouses) I've never felt more ripped off at that place at the prices they charge, and the mediocre food they serve.

[KillerMcDead]

You bet your ass I'll be there!


edit: oh snap! This one is at the Convention Center. That place is goddamn huge. I wonder how much of it they're going to use

Lets hope they utilize some of it as a concert venue. Honestly, I loved Benaroyal hall in Seattle, but the experience was sullied by the sheer amount of bitchery I heard about having to walk 3 blocks.

[Sl1pstream]

Yes you made that clear before. You hate Boston because it's loud.

Among other reasons. Does that even matter in this thread?

[Akela]

Among other reasons. Does that even matter in this thread?

No.

I'll miss you, though.

Lets hope they utilize some of it as a concert venue. Honestly, I loved Benaroyal hall in Seattle, but the experience was sullied by the sheer amount of bitchery I heard about having to walk 3 blocks.

Some of the best times at Prime '10 at Benaroyal.

And people will complain about the damnest things...Did not sully my experience, though. I could honestly give less of a damn about complainers.

IF (MyOpinion != YourOpinion) THEN
YourOpinion = FALSE;
ENDIF

[Psykoboy2]

I'll be there again.

[PathMaster]

So, from the locals, or those who know the area, what do you suggest for hotels in or around the new convention center? I stayed at the Sheraton this year and it was good, but appears to be not within easy reach of the new location.

And how is the weather in Boston around that time? I know here I could get a blizzard at any time around then. I am definitely not expecting the same weather as this years PAX East, 70+ degrees the day before!

[Klunka]

So, from the locals, or those who know the area, what do you suggest for hotels in or around the new convention center? I stayed at the Sheraton this year and it was good, but appears to be not within easy reach of the new location.

And how is the weather in Boston around that time? I know here I could get a blizzard at any time around then. I am definitely not expecting the same weather as this years PAX East, 70+ degrees the day before!

If you're going for convenience:
http://www.starwoodhotels.com/westin/property/overview/index.html?propertyID=1528

http://www.seaportboston.com/

Both are pretty much right there, and from what I understand are good hotels.

http://www.bhh.com/

Boston Harbor is about three quarters of a mile away, but definitely has the best buzz about it for the closer hotels.

List of Hotels near there: Link (http://travel.ian.com/index.jsp?&pageName=hotNetList&showUserHotels=true&pageNumber=0&mode=2&currencyCode=USD&numberOfRooms=1&cid=171854&additionalDataString=vrBookingSource%7ChotInfo&locale=en_US&stateProvince=Ma&postalCode=&showPopUpMap=false&country=Us&propertyType=A&room-0-adult-total=2&landmarkDestinationID=2e2825ca-34d3-4ba6-a585-454ee5bb2dcf&streetAddress=&city=Boston)

Know that I've never actually had to stay at a hotel in Boston, so I know none by experience.

May as well add in the link for the convention center itself: http://www.bostonconventioncenter.com/

[Wilkz07]

I ordered my badge as did a friend. waiting on the hotel link to open then book that and flights.

can i get a CoG t-shirt so i'm easily identifiable by other coger's, snipers, and to keep the girls away?

[KillerMcDead]

I ordered my badge as did a friend. waiting on the hotel link to open then book that and flights.

can i get a CoG t-shirt so i'm easily identifiable by other coger's, snipers, and to keep the girls away?

I could probably organize another run of shirts for East. I was thinking we should wait until a little bit closer to the show's date before we get them printed though. 5 months is a lot of time for me to lose something.

[PathMaster]

Yea, I missed out on the shirts last time, I will definitely get the shirt this time.

[Wilkz07]

I could probably organize another run of shirts for East. I was thinking we should wait until a little bit closer to the show's date before we get them printed though. 5 months is a lot of time for me to lose something.

i'd lose it. or wear it and get baby barf on it.

booked my flight, hopefully my friend who i'm coming down with also booked his this morning.


What can I expect at this show? First time going and hope to make it an annual trip.

[destoo]

I will be there again, might even be sponsored by someone, we'll see. (Senheiser!)
I'll also try for press passes again.. Just being on the press list opened a lot of doors and got us many crazy interviews. It's just the the sites being french and in Quebec, we don't get a big audience.

This show is a geek fest. Video games, tabletop games, huge music shows, career-setting panels and workshops.. plus all a game convention has to offer (like game companies giving out pens and bags)

[PathMaster]

I will be there again, might even be sponsored by someone, we'll see. (Senheiser!)
I'll also try for press passes again.. Just being on the press list opened a lot of doors and got us many crazy interviews. It's just the the sites being french and in Quebec, we don't get a big audience.

This show is a geek fest. Video games, tabletop games, huge music shows, career-setting panels and workshops.. plus all a game convention has to offer (like game companies giving out pens and bags)

Don't forget the shirts!!

[Sl1pstream]

I will be there again, might even be sponsored by someone, we'll see. (Senheiser!)

Sennheiser? Good luck! :p

[Backseat Killer]

Unless my employer holds a gun to my head, I am not going to any more conventions.

After E3, Tokyo Game show, various PAXs, GDC, Austin GDC and traveling all over to visit partners, I am done. Done, done. Sorry all!

But anytime anyone wants to come to Austin, I love to hang out with fellow CoGers :) Well, there are a couple exceptions...

[Ink Asylum]

What can I expect at this show? First time going and hope to make it an annual trip.

More gaming culture than you can roll a 20-sided die at. Video game rooms, board game rooms, PnP RPG rooms. Panels from the video game industry. A show floor with kiosks, demos and displays from gaming and hardware companies. Late night concerts with geek bands. Sumo lounges. Cosplay. Free play and LAN rooms.

[Akela]

What can I expect at this show? First time going and hope to make it an annual trip.
More gaming culture than you can roll a 20-sided die at. Video game rooms, board game rooms, PnP RPG rooms. Panels from the video game industry. A show floor with kiosks, demos and displays from gaming and hardware companies. Late night concerts with geek bands. Sumo lounges. Cosplay. Free play and LAN rooms.

They give you a toy box and opportunity to embrace thy neglected inner geek! Give it a hug, a cuddle. Let it plant that starry-eyed look firmly on thy face!

[NoName]

Wow, this subforum has been dead for over a month.

Well, I got my 3 day pass and plane tickets, I'll be going to my first PAX come March. :D

[PathMaster]

I am still trying to figure out if I can swing the hotel solo. Nothing quite as convenient as the Hilton this year.

[Suave Peanut]

Wow, this subforum has been dead for over a month.

Well, I got my 3 day pass and plane tickets, I'll be going to my first PAX come March. :D

Awesome! How about a carpoo...plane tickets!? :(

[destoo]

I am still trying to figure out if I can swing the hotel solo. Nothing quite as convenient as the Hilton this year.

Boston Seaport is right across the street. Is there a tunnel or walkway connecting it?

[PathMaster]

Hmm, have to see how the cost is then.

[Wilkz07]

Any word on shirts? Couple months away, I'm sure not to lose or stain it this close.

[Ink Asylum]

I got my ticket as a Christmas gift. Can't wait.

[Dorkandproudofit]

I live in Tennessee, so getting there might be a pain, but I'll try to be there. Besides, it will be my fist on other than MTAC, and my first time actually meeting any of you.

[KillerMcDead]

Any word on shirts? Couple months away, I'm sure not to lose or stain it this close.

I can work on gettin' em printed again if somebody wants to start working on a design.

[Dorkandproudofit]

Dammit, turns out I won't be able to come.

I HATE that MTAC is the only con that comes anywhere near where I live.

Not to mention no one here has any interest in going there (beside me).

[Sl1pstream]

Dammit, turns out I won't be able to come.

I HATE that MTAC is the only con that comes anywhere near where I live.

Not to mention no one here has any interest in going there (beside me).

Which is exactly why they've invented airplanes (okay, maybe not exactly why). Distance isn't an excuse unless you're afraid of flying. Even then, you could join the super trips they're organizing on the PA forums.

Edit: I forgot about this being PAX East, I'm not sure about the super trips for this one but it wouldn't hurt to check.

[Dorkandproudofit]

Which is exactly why they've invented airplanes (okay, maybe not exactly why). Distance isn't an excuse unless you're afraid of flying. Even then, you could join the super trips they're organizing on the PA forums.

Edit: I forgot about this being PAX East, I'm not sure about the super trips for this one but it wouldn't hurt to check.

The problem with flying is the cost of doing it! I just can't afford to fly there ATM--not to mention the costs of getting a hotel, costs of eating, getting in, buying things, etc.

[Goronmon]

Yeah, I'm questioning my desire to attend PAX East at this point and I live 2 hours away. I've been to so many PAX events at this point I'm thinking about putting the money towards a different trip.

[Dukefrukem]

Yeah, I've questioning my desire to attend PAX East at this point and I live 2 hours away. I've been to so many PAX events at this point I'm thinking about putting the money towards a different trip.

:eek: !

[Sl1pstream]

Yeah, I've questioning my desire to attend PAX East at this point and I live 2 hours away. I've been to so many PAX events at this point I'm thinking about putting the money towards a different trip.

That's why I skipped Prime and will skip East. I just couldn't get as excited about them as I got for the last couple of PAXes. It helped, since I'm kind of starting to look forward to Prime now.

[Goronmon]

:eek: !
It's not for sure yet. If I can sneak into someone's room and stay for cheap, I might consider going down. I'm just not putting up for a hotel and spending $400+ on my own.

[Deadend]

I am 85% sure I will be making it.
I just need to figure out transit and if I am missing anything major at school.

[xoanon]

I'm out, too, and I'll miss seeing you guys. I'll definitely be at Prime this year, though.

[Goronmon]

My plan for PAX East is to take an early train down Friday and then taking an 11 o'clock train that night to make it back.

Will cost me $60 for the trip instead of a few hundred and I still get in on the best day to be down there.

[Dukefrukem]

My plan for PAX East is to take an early train down Friday and then taking an 11 o'clock train that night to make it back.

Will cost me $60 for the trip instead of a few hundred and I still get in on the best day to be down there.

Only going for 1 day? :(

Sucks cuz I am working on Friday and Have class on Sat from 8am-530pm

So I'd only get to enjoy a few hours Fri night and Sat night then Sunday.

[Goronmon]

Only going for 1 day? :(
Well, I just didn't want to deal with staying at a hotel. Plus, Friday is generally the least crowded day, so I figure it would be the best day to choose.

Since the train out isn't until 11, I can still hang out down there quite a while.

[Dukefrukem]

Still a bummer.

Maybe I'll take that whole day off.

[divinechaos]

I really, really wanna go but I kinda hate being alone for things. I'll see if some friends wanna make the trip from DC to Boston.

[destoo]

I'll book an hotel today for the weekend and I plan on it being around 30 minutes away from the convention center.
I'll also try to get a government rate.

Any suggestions? I was just going to pick something at random, but so far I see many places at 80$/night for three persons.

What killed me last year is spending more on parking that on gas for the whole trip. The BCEC's parking is 10$ a day, so we'll just drive each day.

Going to drive from Montreal to Boston, so something along the 93 around Lawrence or Andover would be fine.

[xoanon]

I know I have no right to them, but if I could reimburse someone for the costs and their time, I would love a PAX East t-shirt.

[bapenguin]

I'll be there from Mid-Day Friday until Sunday morning.

[Deadend]

I'm still trying to find a cheap way to get from MI to Boston. I can't remember the names of the Greyhound alternatives.

[KillerMcDead]

Might I suggest we get a list of those who are confirmed as going? Do we want to do shirts or badges? What about some CoG meet-ups? I was thinking if enough people are interested, I could see about bringing a 360 and a couple of Tournament arcade sticks with me, get some pre-pax fight gaming in. Anyone have plans for thursday night?

[destoo]

I just booked an hotel 30 minutes from the convention center.
We'll be arriving friday morning, so no Thursday goodness for us.

Panel schedule (http://east.paxsite.com/schedule.php) is out.

Badges? We don't need no stinkin' badges!
... but seriously, COG badges would be awesome. Much more versatile than shirts, in this damp cold New England weather.
Someone should start a badges thread.

[Dukefrukem]

pretty pissed the 3 days passes are sold out... my own fault for waiting too long

[KillerMcDead]

pretty pissed the 3 days passes are sold out... my own fault for waiting too long

There's a thread in the PA forums dedicated to people who want to sell/need passes. You could try there, it's worth a shot.

[Dukefrukem]

There's a thread in the PA forums dedicated to people who want to sell/need passes. You could try there, it's worth a shot.

THanks! I'll check it out.

[KillerMcDead]

http://forums.penny-arcade.com/showthread.php?t=137048&page=5

In case you can't find it. Looks like a lot of Needs, but theres a few recent haves in there too.

[Dukefrukem]

Yeh e-mailed a bunch of those guys. See if I can get any responses.

[wsuhoey]

Duke,

I may have a 3-day pass for you, pending waiting to hear from my ex-girlfriend to see if she still wants her pass or not. I'm giving her til tomorrow.

EDIT: PM me

[NoName]

So is anything going on with CoGers at this PAX? Any twitter feeds I should keep an eye on to know what's up?

This is my first PAX so I'm a bit lost on how things work. :)

[KillerMcDead]

At prime we had badges, shirts and had a meet-up for dinner. I've tried getting something together for badges, but there doesn't seem to be a lot of interest. I hope we still have a meet up of some sorts. Perhaps we should compile a list of who's coming?

As for Twitter, there are a TON of options, so I guess it depends on what you want to see while you're there. The Pax_lines one (I believe that's what it's called, I don't tweet much) is a must. If you take a glance over at the PA forums in the PAX section, they've compiled quite a comprehensive list of Twitter feeds, you might want to check it out.

Other than that, check the schedule and the Expo Hall map and figure out what you wanna see. Good luck!

[destoo]

So is anything going on with CoGers at this PAX? Any twitter feeds I should keep an eye on to know what's up?

This is my first PAX so I'm a bit lost on how things work. :)

We might as well stick to the #cogpax hashtag.
Hopefully, the wifi cover will cover the whole convention center (I only have an iPod touch I can use in the states, none of our phones are enabled south of the border and it costs one month of data usage for 3 days, so meh)
The rally point seemed to be the press area, but it all depends on this year's configuration.

[Ink Asylum]

Spy Party will be playable at PAX East. Awesome.

[NoName]

We might as well stick to the #cogpax hashtag.
Hopefully, the wifi cover will cover the whole convention center (I only have an iPod touch I can use in the states, none of our phones are enabled south of the border and it costs one month of data usage for 3 days, so meh)
The rally point seemed to be the press area, but it all depends on this year's configuration.

Ah, #cogpax makes a lot of sense. I'll keep an eye on it during PAX in case anything is thrown together. Thanks! :)

[Deadend]

Alright, I will be there Friday afternoon-evening, Saturday, and part of Sunday. hope to see you all there.

[KillerMcDead]

Updated the OP with a list of who I can tell is coming. If corrections need to be made, let me know.

[Goronmon]

So apparently I never actually got around to buying a badge for PAX East. So, at this point in time I won't be showing up unless I can find a pass.

Slightly annoying as I already purchased the train tickets down, haha.

[Dukefrukem]

So apparently I never actually got around to buying a badge for PAX East. So, apparently I won't be showing up.

Slightly annoying as I already purchased the train tickets down, haha.


Well I think I just bought $110 3-Day Pass ...

[Goronmon]

Actually, was able to snag a Friday pass off someone on the PA forums. As long as everything goes smoothly Friday and we can make the hand-off, I'll be able to make it.

Or if something goes wrong, I'll be spending the day hanging around Boston, heh.

[Dukefrukem]

Keep in mind, and I'm sure you're aware of this Goronmon, the new convention center is not easily accessible to Downtown Boston.

[Goronmon]

Keep in mind, and I'm sure you're aware of this Goronmon, the new convention center is not easily accessible to Downtown Boston.
Yeah, which is a bummer. But that'll just mean it'll be easier to waste time getting around, haha.

[Dukefrukem]

So which panels are you interested for Friday Goronmon?

[Goronmon]

So which panels are you interested for Friday Goronmon?
Since I'm only going to be there Friday, I doubt I'll want to spend much time in lines, so things like the Keynote and PA Q&A are probably going to be avoided. The only panel that looks like it might be something I'm interested in is the Legal Issues in Gaming one.

[Psykoboy2]

Whatever you do, stop by the Twisted Pixel booth and tell'em In Game Chat says hi.

[Ink Asylum]

I find I'm definitely looking forward to the Exhibition Hall more than anything else. I really enjoyed checking out the games there and talking to the developers.

[Dukefrukem]

I'll meet up with you again Ink.

Looks like I found someone with a 3 Day pass for $85... awesome.

[KillerMcDead]

The Expo hall is where it's at. Definitely the most bang for your buck if you're only there one day.

I'd have to say I'm most excited about seeing the Protomen again. They're my favorite band and other than PAX I really don't get a chance to see them. I'll be in line early Friday afternoon sporting this:

zxZRBHc3u8U

I'm also working on the crew for the community DVD this year. Pretty psyched about that.

[Deadend]

I probably won't see anyone on Friday. I don't get into town until 4:30 PM, then I'm heading to the hotel to shower after the bus. My friend I'm staying with wants to hit up a RIFT event from 7-10.

[Dukefrukem]

Fuck yeh. Got a $55 3 Day pass!

[Goronmon]

We should setup a time to do a get together for dinner or something on Friday.

[Ink Asylum]

I'm game. The Friday concert doesn't interest me as much as the Saturday one.

[Dukefrukem]

I'm in. Whereever, Whenever.

Ink make another Twitter COG Group like you did last year.

[Ink Asylum]

Did I do that? Don't we have a twitter hashtag we used?

[Dukefrukem]

http://twitter.com/#!/InkAsylum/cog-pax

[Ink Asylum]

Hey, look at that. :) If anyone here is going that uses twitter and isn't on that list, post your twitter here. If anyone is on that list that doesn't want to be this year, do the same.

[Dukefrukem]

For some reason, it feels like it's just you, me and Goronmon.

[KillerMcDead]

For some reason, it feels like it's just you, me and Goronmon.

...Really?

I'm gonna be there, though I'll be filming the concerts friday night, so I wouldn't be able to make it.

My Twitter is KillerMcDead. I'll keep an eye on the hashtag and try to find you guys.

[Dukefrukem]

...Really?


:o I just mean we're the only people who are posting lately.

Is Saddie coming?

[Voodoo]

If you have an Android or iPhone, I highly recommend using Beluga.

[destoo]

I'm there.

Here's the tweet from Sadie.
@Dukefrukem no :-( we're only doing Prime this year. We couldnt afford both and East was so expensive. It totally sucks.

[Dukefrukem]

If you have an Android or iPhone, I highly recommend using Beluga.

What is this?

ALso i have my pass IN HAND. I am a confirmed TO GO>

[Voodoo]

What is this?

ALso i have my pass IN HAND. I am a confirmed TO GO>
It is a multi-party chat app that uses SMS. Since there are so few of you I would think instant wide-band communication would be much more beneficial.

[Dukefrukem]

*Signed up*

Looks useful

[Klunka]

Time to dust off my twitter again it seems. I'm a definite for Pax East this weekend!

[wsuhoey]

So I'm here in Boston. Alone. And I don't want to be [alone]. Anyone meeting up with anyone else somewhere this afternoon/evening for any pre-PAX festivities? I'll be intermittently online as I'm using Starbucks free interwebs.

[Dukefrukem]

Sorry dude. Got school work. :-/

[wsuhoey]

Also, I'm a newb to twitter and I've just figured out about twitter via texting (I don't have a smartphone). I can't seem to find the #cogpax thing to follow. Tips?

[wsuhoey]

My twitter is wsuhoey. Note that I'm a newb to twitter.