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PAX East 2011 Information and FAQ Thread (QUESTIONS GO HERE!)
Moe Fwacky
Super Moderator, Moderator mod
Super Moderator, Moderator mod
So here it is, the big new FAQ Thread. If you guys still have suggestions for things to put in here, please post them. If you're just somebody with a question to ask, please ask it here.
When: March 11, 12, 13, 2011
Where: Boston Convention and Exhibition Center, Boston, Massachusetts
What:
In 2010, PAX East sold out at over 52,000 in its first year.
Links: Penny Arcade, PAX Website, PAX topic at Wikipedia
What this forum is: This forum is for the discussion of PAX, finding people to travel with, finding people to split the cost of a hotel room, and general questions and information about PAX as well as community events and gatherings.
What this thread is: This thread is a place for people to ask questions, and for the PAX experienced to provide answers (and some general PAX wisdom).
Frequently Asked Questions
Click here for the Official PAX Page FAQ
This is a community-based FAQ for those of you who don't want to comb through this thread to see if your question has been answered already.
Note: This thread was edited from the PAX Prime thread and therefore may contain elements that do not properly relate to Boston/PAX East. If you spot any such element, please let me know and I will correct the error.
When: March 11, 12, 13, 2011
Where: Boston Convention and Exhibition Center, Boston, Massachusetts
What:
Wikipedia wrote:The Penny Arcade Expo (PAX) is an annual gamer festival held in Washington. PAX was created by Jerry Holkins and Mike Krahulik, the authors of the Penny Arcade webcomic, because they wanted to attend a show that gave equal attention to video gamers, computer gamers, and tabletop gamers. No such show existed, so PAX was born.
Created in 2004, PAX has increased exponentially in size each successive year and has been hailed as a weekend-long celebration of gamer culture. Defining characteristics include game-inspired concerts, panels on game industry topics, exhibitor booths, after-hours parties, tournaments, and freeplay areas.
Theros wrote:PAX is awesome
ashridah wrote:PAX is not your personal army
Liger wrote:unless your name is Robert Khoo
HotSake wrote:PAX is 50,000 friends you never knew you had.
In 2010, PAX East sold out at over 52,000 in its first year.
Links: Penny Arcade, PAX Website, PAX topic at Wikipedia
What this forum is: This forum is for the discussion of PAX, finding people to travel with, finding people to split the cost of a hotel room, and general questions and information about PAX as well as community events and gatherings.
What this thread is: This thread is a place for people to ask questions, and for the PAX experienced to provide answers (and some general PAX wisdom).
Frequently Asked Questions
Click here for the Official PAX Page FAQ
This is a community-based FAQ for those of you who don't want to comb through this thread to see if your question has been answered already.
- General Stuff
Spoiler:When will x be announced?
Soon. Don't expect any definite announcements any sooner than 4 weeks before PAX. Don't expect a final schedule and show map until about two weeks before PAX. If you're curious if your favorite game developer, journalist, internet personality is going to be there, shoot them an e-mail and ask, because if it hasn't been announced, we don't know either.
How do I register for PAX?
You can register online at http://www.paxsite.com/paxeast/registration.php
Do the PAX passes have my name on them?
No. PAX passes can be used by anybody who holds one.
It's after February 16, if I order my ticket online, where do I pick it up?
In the Will Call line (location to be disclosed)
Can I volunteer to help out at PAX this year?
If they open up enrollment, an announcement will be made with a link to the application on the main PA site. There will also be a thread here in this forum.
What are the hours of PAX?
EVENT HOURS
Friday, March 11th - 10am to 2am
Saturday, March 12th - 10am to 2am
Sunday, March 13th - 10am to 7pm
EXHIBIT HALL HOURS
Friday, March 11th - 10am to 7pm
Saturday, March 12th - 10am to 6pm
Sunday, March 13th - 10am to 6pm
BYOC Check-in is Friday starting at Noon
What does BYOC stand for?
Bring Your Own Computer, more information will be forthcoming soon. Watch for a BYOC Thread here in the forum.
What is the exhibit floor like?
The exhibition hall is full of awesome. There are upcoming games, and hardware showcased as well as things for sale from games, to guides, to t-shirts, to dice. Prices are comparable with standard retail pricing, or a little cheaper, even. Also, there's tons of free shirts and other swag being handed out by various companies.
I live outside the United States. How do I fill in my phone number on the registration form? It doesn't fit.
You just have to split it up the way US numbers are split (###-###-####). It's a 10 digit number if I'm not mistaken. If you've got more than 10 digits, I don't know.
The ticket says the Exhibit Hall closes at 6pm/7pm but the Event stays open until 2AM. Does this mean there will be actual things happening and things to look at until 2AM or does it just mean people are allowed to co-mingle in the building until they close the doors at 2AM?
Once you hit the later hours, the Expo Hall and most of the panels will be shut down. However, you'll still have the Concerts, Console/PC Freeplay, Handheld Lounge, Tabletop Lounge, etc. In previous years, there have also been movie/webisode screenings fairly late as well. Basically, it's "Make your own fun with people time!"
How do we transfer tickets? I bought a registration and BYOC pass, but recently found out I won't be going, and have a friend who wants to buy my tickets from me, but neither of us have any idea how to get the ticket to be transferred.
BYOC ticket registration is done differently than the 3-day pass. For the 3-day pass you just have to mail it to the guy when they are shipped out. If you would like to transfer the ticket it's a little more involved. If you have or are buying tickets that must be picked up at will call, e-mail Cathy Glickstein, she is the senior registrations manager over at Reed. She can also handle address changes and the like, so if you sell your tickets before packets go out, you should be able to have mailed tickets transferred as well.
I have moved since buying my PAX passes. How do I change my address information to ensure that my passes get mailed to my current address and not my previous address?
First, you should submit a change of address through the USPS. This will ensure all mail sent to your previous address is sent to your current address. As far as changing your registration, e-mail the updated information to:Cathy Glickstein, Senior Registration Manager, Reed Exhibitions, cglickstein@reedexpo.com
Will there be WiFi accessable at PAX?
Yes, but with the number of people using it, it will be slow and difficult to connect.
Are there going to be a ton of people this year?
There's going to be a ton of people.
Will just one day will be enough PAX?
No matter who you ask on this forum, we're all going to say no. If you don't want to believe us, that's fine, but when you get to PAX for that one day and realize you could have had three days of that, you're going to regret not buying a three day pass.
I'm wearing a costume that has plastic weapons that look like real weapons. Will I have any problems with security/police?
Yes. Do yourself a favor and leave anything that resembles a weapon at home.
How early should I get in line each day?
Getting in line is something that should be decided by YOU, so many of us can't tell you exactly when you should show up.
If you are the more social geek, I would highly recommend getting in line as soon as you can.
The people are what make PAX, and there is no better way to meet/converse/trade pokemans with these people than being in line. Remember, you are all there showing your love for games in some way, shape or form, so feel free to strike up a conversation with the person next to you!
However, if you end up befriending these people, I would highly suggest getting their contact info, as I have lost many potential friends this way, watching the people I just spent 3 hours with in line fade off into the crowd of gamers.
My God! The Lines! The Crowded Crowded Lines! What do I do about the Lines?
Whichever venue PAX is in, on Whatever coast in Whosoever dimension, Crowding is almost omnipresent. Recent PAXes have sold out weeks in advance, and The various convention centers have been unable to contain their awesomeness in a roomy manner. There are lines for almost everything, including lines in order to get into lines (I'm talking to you, Merch line PAX East). Short of becoming an Omeganaut, there is little you can do to avoid them.
Neither is there a hard and fast rule for when you need to get in line for a panel or event, as it depends on demand for the individual panel, as well as what day of the Con it's on, what's going on at the same time, and whether Wil Wheaton is involved in any way. For most Panels an hour beforehand is quite sufficient, and you might be able to get away with 30 minutes, if you're lucky. The Make A Strip Panel, any Wil Wheaton Panel, and Scott Kurtz are likely to require a little more time. If you want to get into the keynote on Friday, you'll need to arrive at the convention center when it opens at 8:00am, and go straight to the queue room.
Advice for surviving the linesSpoiler:- Relax - Lines happen. Getting angry, impatient or upset will not make them go away. Before you line up, decide whether spending this time is worth it, and then simply go with it. Take the time to plan the rest of your day, read the forums or, better yet, refer to the bottom entry in this list.
- Plan Ahead and Prioritise - Unfortunately there is no chance that any one person can experience everything PAX has to offer, and any five people would have their work cut out for them. When you're looking at which panels or events to go to, choose a few select things you absolutely can't miss and spend the time in line to make sure you get in. When looking at the timetable try to mentally add queue times to the beginning of each session, to get a more realistic idea of what you can and can't see.
- Queue Responsibly - Don't impede walkways. If an enforcer asks you to move, he's not taking away your place in line, just trying to consolidate it into something more manageable and less in the way.
- Get comfortable - If sitting on a hard surface or standing for extended periods of time causes you discomfort, you might want to consider bringing a cushion or a collapsible chair to sit on == is this actually allowed? ==. Unfortunately, chairs or beanbags can't be provided because they would hamper evacuation in the event of fire.
- I need to pee - That's not a problem. Just ask your friendly line neighbor to hold your place, and go. Try not to leave it until the doors open, and DO NOT open your DS or check your Facebook whilst enthroned. If you want to be super prepared, check to see where the nearest restroom is before you get in line, and visit it before you settle down to wait. Also, don't dehydrate yourself just in order to hold your place in line.
- Enjoy the lines - Seriously. There are few places in the world where the next random person standing next to you is likely to be friendly, and instantly grok your rim-shot Monty Python reference, Trade you that last Pokemon, or finally explain THAC0 to your satisfaction. Take your Magic deck, DS, Zombie Dice, Travel Catan and a bottle of water, and hang out with some interesting people for a while.
There are of course some people who find it impossible to wait in line for any reason. If you have a medical condition which precludes lines, take yourself over to the Will Call area and get yourself a medical badge. If you are simply temperamentally unsuited to waiting, or don't want to take the time to do so, there are ways to enjoy yourself at PAX without waiting around. Many freeplay areas, especially Tabletop, can easily be navigated without having to wait at all, or with a simple sign-up sheet. Large portions of the expo halls also, and the Concerts have generally been accessible 20 minutes or so after the line has gone in. Playtests for the major developers are essentially impossible to get intoYou may need to sit or stand nearer to the back of the hall, but if you hate lines you probably aren't all that fond of mosh pits either. Not all the sessions fill up to capacity, especially later in the con. As long as you avoid the big ticket sessions, and are prepared for disappointment, you may simply be able to ask the enforcers on the door if there is any space inside.
What is the music in the PAX commercial on PATV?
Anamanaguchi - Helix Nebula - Relax - Lines happen. Getting angry, impatient or upset will not make them go away. Before you line up, decide whether spending this time is worth it, and then simply go with it. Take the time to plan the rest of your day, read the forums or, better yet, refer to the bottom entry in this list.
- Concerts
Spoiler:I heard the concerts were loud. Is this true?
Yes, and maybe. It's all relative, but the concerts can get pretty loud. It's a big space, with a lot of people, and everyone wants to be able to hear, right?
Can you turn the volume down? It's hurting my ears!
No, unfortunately, the volume cannot be turned down; the knobs on all the amps were taken off by sneaky Rock Gremlins. If you think that volume might be an issue, we suggest this time-tested concert junkie trick: bring a set of earplugs to help muffle the sound. Convenient personal sound dampening, available in several fun colors!
How do the concerts work?
Much like everything else at PAX, concerts are first come, first served. However, please don't attempt to line up for them more than a reasonable time prior to the start of the concerts. Ask an enforcer in the area where the concerts will be taking place and they can tell you when you will be allowed to start lining up.
What happened to concert wristbands?
Wristbands have been done away with in favor of the new system - Merch Booth
Spoiler:The PA merch booth has ITEM X that I really really really want. When should I get it?
As soon as you can. Typically this means Friday morning on your way to the queue line. If what you want is guaranteed to be in limited supply (like the PAX East scarves, merch hats, or uncommonly sized tee shirts) get it first.
What will be for sale at the official merch booth?
The PA booth generally stocks a healthy supply of the books (Splendid Magic and comic Volumes 1-5), the most popular tee shirts from the website in sizes S-4XL for men and S-2XL for babydoll, some other items limited items such as merch hats and select hoodies (hats are one size, hoodies are unisex sizes S-3XL), and of course the coveted, limited PAX-specific goodies such as tee shirts and/or scarves.
Will there be scarves at East?
Maybe. Maybe there will be something else equally awesome. The Official PAX twitter gave sneak peaks this year of what the item was last year. They may do the same for Prime.
The merch line is longer than longcat! When will it die down?
There may be a lull on Sunday afternoon, when much of the stock is depleted. Don't worry! The line moves quick and it's a good way to meet other people with pokewalkers/magic cards/beach balls/THAT THING YOU LIKE.
Why is ITEM X sold out?! I really wanted it!
A lot of other people wanted it too. Brian the Awesome Merch Master Guy does his best to estimate demand, but he is a genuine meat human. If you really want ITEM X, buy it early and don't wait until the end of the show. If it is not PAX-specific, you can probably find it on the PA Merch website.
I waited in line for a half hour and NOW you're telling me you don't have ITEM X? Sad Boosh.
This happens sometimes. It could be it sold out while you were waiting in line. It might have been the guy in front of you. It might have been 10 minutes after opening on Friday (in which case there will hopefully be a sign posted). Don't fret. There is plenty of other stuff for you to get. Think ahead and have a Plan B of How To Spend Your Money. - Tournaments
Spoiler:When do I sign up for tournaments?
Tournament registration is day-of. Get there early, most tournaments fill up within an hour or two of PAX opening.
Will x tournament or event be happening at PAX?
Possibly, announcements will be made about 4 weeks prior to PAX.
How do I become and Omeganaut?
Just check the button that says, "I want to be considered to be an Omeganaut" when you pre-register. Then you just have to hope you are one of the lucky people to get the call. PAX East's Omeganaut selection process is now the same as PAX Prime. - Handicap/Limited Mobility/Children
Spoiler:I'm disabled/ have a mobility impairment/ use a wheelchair, how easy will it be to get around PAX?
No problem, apply for a medical pass, and you get special accommodation getting into panels and the like. You can apply for a pass for yourself and a +1 so you can have someone help you. A medical pass can be acquired at the registration/will-call desk.
Should I Bring my Children to PAX?
PAX is open to all ages, and many parents choose to bring their children and infants, but before you haul little Timmy and Amanda down to the showfloor, a few things to consider:
- PAX is LOUD. Little ears tend to be sensitive, so take this into consideration if your child doesn't like noisy environments.
- PAX is CROWDED. People don't tend to look down; be prepared to keep the little ones from being stepped on if they're on the shorter side. This is true of any crowd situation, not just PAX. You will need to be aware of all people at all times. Also, per the preregistration site (Interactive Ticketing), "Strollers are not permitted on the show floor at any time". Perhaps try a front pack?
- PAX breeds GERMS. Again, true of all crowded/convention situations. PAX Prime '09 saw a fairly large outbreak of H1N1 and other flu strains; keep this in mind before exposing any little ones that might be in concern catagories for illness.
- PAX is full of SWEARING. The typical demographic of PAX, while fairly diverse, does contain a large number of younger people with a tendency swear. Profusely. About everything. If language is a concern for you, be aware that epithets are a time-honored PAX tradition, and will be overheard everywhere.
- PAX is FREE for kids 6 and Under. Conversely, PAX is FULL PRICE for kids 7 and older. So, budget accordingly.
Now, taking everything into consideration, it's up to you! A little planning ahead and your kids can have just as much fun at PAX as everyone else! Just be aware what hurdles there may be, and prepare appropriately!
I'm under 18. Will I be able to get into a panel for/play the demo of <insert M-Rated game here>?
It is convention wide policy to follow the ESRB ratings, even if your parents are present. - Travel
Spoiler:What should I bring with me to PAX?I better get this in just so everyone is kinda prepared and in the know of what to bring to PAX or any con that may come their way. (I'm sorry for the huge post, but a lot of people don't know what to bring.)The exhibition hall is full of awesome. There are upcoming games, and hardware showcased as well as things for sale from games, to guides, to t-shirts, to dice. Prices are comparable with standard retail pricing, or a little cheaper, even. Also, there's tons of free shirts and other swag being handed out by various companies *cough*nVidia*cough*Spoiler:The Top Twenty Items Forgotten by Convention Attendees Checklist
1. Personal Towel (We know the hotel provides them, but if you're sharing a room with several people, this guarantees you your very own towel. Also, if you plan on using a lot of makeup for a costume or dying your hair *and* use hotel towels, you will be charged a hefty fee for damaging hotel property. Please bring your own towels if you plan to do this.) You may also dip the ends in liquid vitamins and suck on the corners when needed.
* A pretty cool tip involving this is bringing a small clothespin with your name on it to attach to your towel so people can differentiate between yours and theirs. In fact, bring a couple, so you can share with people.
2. Shampoo and Conditioner (Again, the hotel provides these, but the bottles are quite small. Bringing your own ensures you will have some, especially if you use a lot of shampoo or have long hair.)
3. Toothbrush and Toothpaste (You'd be amazed at what going three days without brushing tastes like. Gross.)
4. Deodorant (If you don't bring and use this, don't be surprised when people start edging away from you in packed rooms and theaters. Don't forget the strange looks and cringed noses you'll begin to see.)
5. Razor and Shaving Cream/Gel
6. Comb and/or Hairbrush (some people do use both. You'd be surprised.)
7. One shirt for each day of the convention, plus an extra. (3 days = 4 shirts)
8. Pants (Same number as shirts.)
9. Underwear (3 sets, plus an extra.)
10. Socks (One pair per day plus an extra pair.)
11. Swimsuit (You never know.)
12. Jacket or warm sweater
13. Shoes (If you plan on spending a lot of time dancing or on your feet, make sure you have comfortable shoes with you. Your feet will hurt if you don't have comfy shoes to at least change into.)
14. Any prescribed medication (Make sure to tell your traveling companions/roommates about any medical needs you may have.)
15. Tylenol/Aspirin/etc
16. Photo ID / Driver's License / Checkbook / Car keys
17. A phone card (Not only is this cheaper than having calls charged to your hotel room, but having several people using one phone can lead to billing confusion with long distance calls. Bring a phone card so you can let your parents/significant other know you made it to the con safely.)
18. An extra pillow and blanket if several people are staying in your room.
19. Some non-perishable food from a supermarket (Like peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, chips, pretzels and bottled water or juice. While there are a lot of restaurants close by, this is an easy way to save money. In addition, you'll be able to have your midnight snack without leaving your room.)
20. Your best public manners. (You'd be surprised how many people forget to bring these along.)
the spoiler is for the REALLY well prepared
Spoiler:A List For The Well Prepared
* Small tube of super glue
* 3 straight pins
* 3 safety pins: 1 small and 2 medium
* Hair pins: 3 medium and 3 heavy
* Small sewing kit (small enough to fit into the palm of your hand)
* Safety matches (1 pack)
* Disposable plastic razor
* Small emery board
* Tylenol/Aspirin (travel sized container)
* 6 chewable Vitamin C tablets (at least 500 mg each)
* 2 Vitamin B complex tabs, stress formula
* 1 pack Tums/Rolaids
* 6 bandaids (or a travel sized pack)
* 6 antihistamine tablets
* 1 travel pack of tissues
* Tube of chapstick or other lip balm
* 6 cough drops or throat lozenges
* Smallest size of tiger balm or camphophenique oil
* Travel size tube of spot remover
* Spare car and house keys
* Breath freshener
* 6 moist towelettes (for cleaning hands)
* Small pencil sharpener
* Small pen
* 1 small pack of post-it-notes (the square ones work fine)
* Clear nail polish
* Small amount of masking tape wrapped around a short pencil
* 6 rubber bands
* 3 unlubricated condoms
* Small penknife
* Small tube of neosporin
* 3 garbage bag twist ties
* Mustache scissors (small pair of scissors will work as well)
* Styptic pencil or qwik stop
* Hand lotion (travel size)
* Aloe vera gel (travel size)
* 3 nail polish remover pad
* Tampons or pads if you are the type to bleed occasionally
I'm flying to PAX, how soon should I book my flight?
As soon as you can. Airline tickets cost more the closer you get to the date of travel.
Is it safe to put your DESKTOP PC into an airplane? Can you check it with your airline carrier and see it in once piece at it's destination? Can you ship it to your hotel safely and timely? What other alternatives are there?
The safest way is driving it and bringing it with you. The next safest is taking it and having it professionally packed, lots of styrofoam and bubble wrap and shipping it one of the quicker (2-3 day) options as opposed to the 6 day or so ground transport. The absolute worst way is on an airplane. First, it's going to cost you since just about everyone is charging for bags now, second, chances are TSA is going to open whatever you have it carefully packaged in and third, baggage handlers hate you. - Hotels
Spoiler:What, other than the convention center and hotels, is in the area around PAX? Places to eat, shop, etc?
Check out the other threads on the forum for ideas of what there is to eat and in the area of PAX. The Hitchhiker's Guide to PAX East thread contains a wealth of information about the area.
How do I get the PAX discount on my hotel room?
All information on hotels offering a PAX discount is available at http://www.paxsite.com/paxeast/hotels.php
All pricing given is per night
What days can you book for at the discounted rate?
Thursday Check-in - Monday Check-Out (note: thursday night and sunday night discount rooms are more limited)
Do they charge my credit card when I reserve my room?
It depends on the hotel, most only use your credit card to hold the room. When you check in, they put a hold on the card you present them at that time for the amount of your stay and when you check out they charge that, plus any billable charges (phone calls, pay per view, room service) to your card at that time. Some hotels have started requiring a deposit equal to one night's stay. If this is the case, it should be clearly noted on the hotel's website.
How far away are the hotels from the convention center?
The Westin is about attached to the BCEC. Other hotels' distances are notated on the PAX Travel Desk website.
How many people can stay in one hotel room?
Most hotels allow four, however be aware when you reserve a room with four people per room, they tack on an additional charge. Some hotels will charge for every key over 2 per room that you ask for.
When/where should I book my hotel
As soon as hotel info goes up on this site
X Hotel's website says the PAX rate is sold out for date x. What does this mean?
This means that the hotel will not honor the PAX rate for date x. If you're having trouble with the website, call the hotel.
What time is check in at these hotels?
Most hotels have check in at around 3pm. If you're going to be arriving in town later in the evening or at night, be sure to let the hotel know when you make your reservation. If you are arriving early, most hotels will hold your luggage if you want to see the city before check-in time - Downtown Boston
Spoiler:Oh God, I can't leave! I might miss something important! But, what is this land you call... this land?!
Everybody coming to Boston may not necessarily be a resident. Don't be afraid to take time away from the convention with your newfound friends, check out a restaurant or two, poke down to whatever sites of local interest there are - look into joining one of the community gatherings, it may take you into the city to find things you wouldn't know about otherwise.
What's the weather like in Boston during PAX?
It will be mid-March, so expect anything from moderately pleasant to snow up to your eyeballs.
Is there any free parking downtown?
No, parking costs money downtown.
How much does it cost to park?
To self park ($10), drive past valet and continue straight along the side of the building. At the end of the building, make a right and go down the ramp. The South Parking Lot entrance is at the bottom of the ramp, on your left. Valet parking ($20) is available via Summer Street. To access, turn onto East Side Drive and the valet area will be immediately on your right.
Where can I get something to eat?
There is a food court in the BCEC. Other eating establishment information to be announced.
Where do the parties happen?
Hotel Rooms and a few industry sponsored parties at local establishments
Is there an age limit on the parties?
21+ unless there's no alcohol involved
How hard is it to get around downtown Boston? Will I need a car?
The BCEC isn't as close to things as the Hynes was. However, Boston's roads were based off of cow paths from a very long time ago, making them confusing to outsiders. Their subway system (the T) is pretty good, however. More information on the T should become available either here or in a dedicated thread.
MBTA Parking: There are parking lots at the end of subway lines that charge low rates of $2-5 per day. This could be a great way of getting into the city, especially if you are only coming for the day. This parking has easy access to regional highways with direct rides on the subways and trolleys to downtown Boston. One example is the parking lot at Riverside Station in Newton, Massachusetts. It is signposted off of Interstate 95 just south of where that interstate crosses Interstate 90. The Silver Line is the one that runs to the BCEC. - Social
Spoiler:I'm above the average age of 26 by a decade or more. Will I be the oldest person there?
No, plenty of the older gaming crowd come out to enjoy PAX as well. You are not alone. PAX is geeks reveling in geekery. Age wasn't much of a concern.
PAX was awesome! I want to see everything next year! Should I apply to be an Enforcer?
- Even if an open call for Enforcers does happen, Enforcing means that you are likely to see less, not more, of PAX. When considering becoming an Enforcer it's very important to remember that you go from attending PAX for fun to attending PAX for work, and that has certain implications. Rule #2 of Enforcing is: PAX Is Not For Us - it's for Attendees. (Rule #1, of course, is 'Don't be a Dick'.) If you want to see the maximum number of things at PAX, you should consider returning as an Attendee instead of applying to be an Enforcer.
Should I buy a Nintendo DS/bring my DS to PAX?
YES
Is anybody going to be doing anything before PAX opens/after PAX closes or ends?
Yes, there will be tons of stuff going on, keep an eye on threads in this forum to find awesome stuff to do with other PAX-goers.
A bunch of people are getting together at an area bar, but I'm under 21. Will I still be able to go and hang out if I'm not drinking?
No, bars in Boston are pretty strict. If you're not 21+, it's a safe bet they won't let you in. - IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING THE HAVE/NEED PASSES THREAD
Spoiler:Typically 3-4 weeks before PAX, we allow a thread to allow people seeking passes after sellout from people who bought tickets, but can no longer attend. This will still be allowed to happen with one exception: From here forward, all passes must be made available at face value (at current that is $55 for 3-day passes and $35 for single day passes). Anybody who wishes to sell their passes for more than face value must do so off site (i.e. ebay, craigslist, etc).
If somebody tries to sell you a pass through this thread above face value: Either PM Moe Fwacky or report his/her post or private message. Appropriate action will be taken to preserve this rule.
Note: This thread was edited from the PAX Prime thread and therefore may contain elements that do not properly relate to Boston/PAX East. If you spot any such element, please let me know and I will correct the error.
Moe Fwacky on
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Dear Train travelers:
If you're on the Northeast Regional line (which goes down to Washington D.C. and as far west as Philly) Amtrak is offering 25% off. I can get round trip to Boston for $98.
How about in BYOC? If its built into my computer?
Moe was in charge of the train coordination last year, and I'm sure he'll toss up a thread sometime in the future if he's doing it again. It's still quite a bit early for stuff like that go to up. Expect it in a few months, prolly.
Welcome aboard!
EDIT: Rdr and Moe cleared that up quite nicely, and now my post is superfluous and lame.
Organizer of the Post-PAX Party. You should come!
Satellite Theater for life!
Actually, that's a pretty good question.
Does Aramark have a contract with the new convention center?
There are food contracts in every convention center.
Dear random person I have never met before and certainly never lived in the same dorm as. We should go together.
Absolutely. Let's move this over to some PMs so we don't muck up this thread.
Aren't wristbands a thing of the past?
Also, it says it doesn't open till 2pm on Friday. Is that right??
Also, why the 2:00 Friday start again? Awful lot of thumb-twiddling going on for several hours Friday morning on the attendee side. I haven't been to Prime but I thought I heard it started at 10 all 3 days. I get that it's a ton of work but I dunno, can you open some of the open gaming rooms early or something?
Nope!
Starting at 2:00pm gives us more time to get PAX setup, there are a lot of moving parts at the show, and it takes some time to get them all together. Prime does indeed start at 10:00am all three days, but we have been in the WSCC for the past several years and know that building *really* well.
http://twitter.com/h_e_e_l_s
www.reedpop.com
Yeah... "Technically" PAX closes at 3am on Sunday morning
Yeah, last I heard it's 2pm friday. The wristbands thing was left over from the old FAQ, I must have missed it when editing.
More worried about flying for the first time ever (though, the flight doesn't scare me. remembering all i need to remember and where i need to be when, etc is scary!)
dcoffman@penny-arcade.com
Later. The travel desk hasn't opened yet so VERY few people have the rooms yet.
Short story short: I bought my tickets, then 24 hours later I had my phone stolen which held the ticket info and PDF file for the print outs. The phone was not locked, so the thief has access to that, including a few other things.
I sent an e-mail to the company that sells the tickets about this. Though there's a low chance that my PAX tickets get used or re-sold, I still want to make sure that I don't book hotels for a few days and drive 6 hours to Boston only to find out I can't get in.
While I'm waiting for a response on their part, does anyone know if they can void my tickets and issue new ones? Sounds like it would be the easiest thing to do... I remember there was a clear "NO REFUND" policy, which is too bad, it would have solved my problem quickly.
[RSS Feed] Episode # 10 is up ~ Eastward Bound to Boston ~ Community Podcast on PAX East
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This is where I failed to say that I'm from outside the US and the tickets where bought in Online Fashion. I got a PDF file where I have to print the tickets, and that PDF file is readily accessible on the phone wich was not locked.
Will the actual thief have an interest in PAX too and drive down to Boston? Chances are slim! But thieves being what they are, it would probably be easy for him to re-sell them on Craigs or something. I need to have them cancelled and get fresh ones.
I'm still waiting from the organizers the point me in the right direction. I'm sure something like this happened before and there must be some kind of solution available.
EDIT:
In developing news, I fiddled around the ticketing web site and managed to get hold of a customer rep who said something can be done, however I will be called back. I presume there are issues regarding this location which seems to have a no refund policy.
EDIT 2:
It was indeed an issue to have my tickets refunded, but they understood my predicament and managed to cancel the old tickets. I'm now setup with a fresh pair and I'll have them delivered this time around. Thank you people of Pax and Ticketing system!
[RSS Feed] Episode # 10 is up ~ Eastward Bound to Boston ~ Community Podcast on PAX East
Steam ~ Twitter ~ Google+
I live in Canada, and made two separate orders for a total of four 3-day passes. Based on some very recent changes in my career, I may end up moving between now and when the badges are sent out. Now, unfortunately, because FedEx is being used for international orders for the badges, the badges will not be automatically be redirected to my new address (only stuff sent by USPS or Canada Post would go through that system).
Now, I don't have the details of where exactly I'll be living yet, but I'm 95% sure this will happen. Is there some way I can adjust the mailing address for my badges, or possibly switch them to will-call after the fact? I'd even be willing to switch them immediately to a friend's address, just to ensure it's all taken care of now.
tl;dr - What are my options to change delivery info for badges after purchasing?
You did read the first post of this thread, right?
Yes, I read that, but I wasn't sure how much of it applied to my situation. Being an international order, USPS has nothing to do with my address and FedEx (being a private courier) won't look at my Canada Post change of address info.
I figured contacting Cathy Glickstein was my next best option, but the term used there is "changing your registration", and I didn't know if that was synonymous with "changing your address", or if it was related to another portion of the Expo (ie: BYOC, exhibitors, etc...).
Except his previous post implies that he paid for international FedEx shipping.
I thought people had the option to FedEx them, which was what Dachande referenced?
Right, I ordered my tickets with the FedEx option, then received career-changing news a few days later that will require a move in the next few months.
So, that being settled, does anyone know if e-mailing Cathy Glickstein (cglickstein@reedexpo.com) will take care of this, or is that not her role? Basically, I know the order hasn't already gone out to Fedex (and won't for a few months), so as long as I can get in touch with the right person, I can just change the address to a friend's and then not worry about it.
So I'm not the only one that's gonna be a first at this event
Also, for me, if my girlfriend goes with me, we cannot take a plane (she refuses to fly and I want her to come), so more than likely we are taking a bus. We live in Missouri. Yea...this is gonna be a lot of fun.
My personal quote.
Plus, for some reason, I just like bus trips. I don't know why.
My personal quote.
According to amtrak.com here's the closest stations:
Warrensburg, MO (WAR) - 123. miles
Lee's Summit, MO (LEE) - 126. miles
Sedalia, MO (SED) - 132. miles
etc
Also bringing some foul weather with this question. If the East Coast is hit with some big blizzards again is there a contigincency plan or other things we should know about for planning our trip?
Finally just a comment. I am so glad to hear the have/need ticket thread will only be going for face value on the boards. Upsets me when people buy bulk and makes hundreds of dollars off of people.
I am a monster truck that walks like a man.