Also strongly consider whether you need to check bags at all. A full-sized airline carryon (for most US carriers, that's 22" x 14" x 9" and 40 pounds max) is really quite a bit of space if you pack efficiently -- plenty of room for three days' worth of clothing, toiletries, your DS, and whatever other little things you pick up at PAX. You can also bring a second small carryon bag (like a medium messenger bag) on top of that. Even if you just have a backpack, do a test run and see how tightly your clothing compresses down. Don't go overboard with what you bring!
Space Saver/Space Bags save my life every time I travel. The few times TSA has had to look in my bag (damn you USB drive...) it was quick to repack and move on. The things seriously compress clothes down by 2/3rds of their volume.
The title says it all. This will be my first PAX and flying from Arkansas to Seattle will be the first time I've ever flown. So if anyone has any suggestions they would be much appreciated.
Wes
The best advice I can give you is to relax. My guess is you're flying to Dallas and connecting from there to Seattle. DFW is a really well-laid out airport with tram service between the different terminals and plenty of food/beverage options available. As long as you have at least an hour layover, you'll be fine. If it's Cincinnati, it's still pretty easy to get around. Even O'Hare isn't THAT bad, thanks to the moving sidewalks. If you do happen to get lost, just ask for help. Their job is to get you where you're going as quickly as possible.
The first flight will be a puddle-jump to your connection airport - no more than an hour or an hour-and-a-half. Barely enough time to get up to cruising altitude. The second flight will be longer, but get a window seat and check out the Rockies as you fly over.
As for security, I'll echo the advice of having your I.D. handy. If you're taking your laptop, I might even suggest one of the special backpacks that unzips flat for scanning, so you don't have to pull it out at security. Best $25 I ever spent outside of Minecraft. The nice thing is that you only have to go through security once each way - at your departure airport. Unless you leave the secure (terminal) area at your connection airport (which you shouldn't have to) you're still in. You'll have to go through it again when you head home (and I'd suggest being at least 2 hours early leaving Seattle the day after PAX), but again only the once.
I fly a fair amount (if you couldn't tell) and I have yet to have a body scan or anything more invasive than a random bag screening, and I've only had that once. Whatever happens, just be cool. As long as you aren't trying to bring 10 pounds of Silly Putty to PAX, you'll be fine.
As for the flights themselves, don't worry. Icing won't be a problem because it'll be AUGUST. Other problems, were they to arise, would be handled by the redundacies built into every system on the aircraft, from flight controls, to multiple engines, to hydraulics, to the environmental systems.
Flying's like half the fun for me, but I'm weird that way. Just relax and take it all in. "An inconvenience is an adventure wrongly considered." - G.K. Chesterton.
The Conventionist only supports Android (meh) and iOS (bleh) at the moment. They're working on a Blackberry (meh) version and HTML5 (bleh). The WinMo version (awesome) is supposedly going to be almost identical to the HTML5 version (bleh). Why you do this, ProximaLabs? WinMo is the easiest platform to code for. ;_;
Is it worth it to buy a DS JUST for the fact I'm going to PAX? I used to have one but someone broke it in half (Accidentally. I have no clue how this is possible but it happened.)
Also will my backpack be a good enough bag to hold everything in while in the convention center? I plan on bringing snacks and stuff like that in my bag but I'm of course going to get merch and swag so yah.
Is it worth it to buy a DS JUST for the fact I'm going to PAX? I used to have one but someone broke it in half (Accidentally. I have no clue how this is possible but it happened.)
Also will my backpack be a good enough bag to hold everything in while in the convention center? I plan on bringing snacks and stuff like that in my bag but I'm of course going to get merch and swag so yah.
To be honest, I tend to pick up another bag for swag, and stuff only the things I'll want later in my regular pack (there's just so much swag, one bag can't hold it all!). Plus, the past couple years, booths have given away drawstring bags, which I've found make for a good supplement bag (if you can get one). May even be able to fit one of those bags on over a backpack as well.
As for if getting a DS will be useful, that's more subjective. There are a few general pros and cons, though:
Pros:
Thousands of people to play with (tag mode in any game works especially well at PAX)
Pictochat (expect it to be constantly filled with penises, though)
Cons:
Not cheap, especially if you go for a DSi or 3DS
Single player just isn't the same after PAX
In short, if multiplayer is something you REALLY want to do, and you'll have the cash for it, I'd say it's worth it. Otherwise, it might be better to give it a pass for now. There's always next year!
Thank you for the information. I may or may not get a DS. Not sure yet. I used to have the "Old Brick" as most people called it. I loved it but somehow it broke. I still have the games for it so it might be kinda worth it to get a DS.
And I will have other people with me with bags so I won't worry too much. Mine will probably be for personal things.
Thank you for the information. I may or may not get a DS. Not sure yet. I used to have the "Old Brick" as most people called it. I loved it but somehow it broke. I still have the games for it so it might be kinda worth it to get a DS.
And I will have other people with me with bags so I won't worry too much. Mine will probably be for personal things.
Not worth it, its too easy to spend time doing other things at PAX. If you're dead set on it, I'm sure you'll find a use for a gently used DS. Far from being required to get the most out of the experience!
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Moe FwackyRight Here, Right NowDrives a BuickModeratormod
I will divulge my group's secret, don't tell anyone: camelbaks.
I'm suprised there are not more people who use these. Fill the bladder about 1/3rd full with ice, follow with 2-3 cans of NOS or Rockstar Cola. Insert a couple of water bottles in the side pockets and you are good to go. Our camelbaks also have storage compartments like a small back pack so we are able to put either extra drinks/snacks or swag and merch.
In regards to feeding yourself, I strongly recommend pulling yourself away from the WSCC for food. If you have the time and the budget, Seattle has some great eateries all within walking distance.
I made the mistake of going to Subway twice last year, and regretted. I can get Subway at home. The same Subway. They're all the same. Why do what I can do at home when I can try something new or different in a different city. I had some incredible sushi (tried BBQ eel for the first time), great Italian, and even wonderful breakfast, all just by taking a few steps away from the WSCC. PAX will still be there when you get back.
Don't be afraid to ask. Be sure to line-up early for things you really want to see, things fill up fast. You'll make friends in the line-up, that's how I spent a couple hours in the concert line-up. We (my friends and I) learned a lot about Seattle after we spent a couple hours talking to some people who were locals. Everyone is really friendly so don't be afraid to meet people. Try and bring something to entertain yourself too, a DS is a great idea because there's a Pokemon League and lots of people to play with.
Oh, and don't try to plan everything. You'll be dissappointed when you don't get to places on time, etc. Keep an eye on things you really want to attend like high-profile panels, they will fill up fast. Be sure to check out all the booths, some of the best games are the small indie booths.
I also recommend bringing some cash to the event. There's a lot of merch and it's so tempting! I couldn't help myself last time but I don't regret spending a single cent even today.
Oh, and the biggest tip of all: PLAN FOR ONE HEALTHY MEAL WHILE YOU ARE AT PAX. THIS DOES NOT MEAN A SALAD FROM MCDONALDS. Plan for a decent meal or two while at PAX, it'll make your experience much better. I went to the Hard Rock Cafe one night after eating fast food the rest of the time, and it was probaly the best $30 I spent at PAX. I highly recommend it, and last year, there was a discount at the cafe for PAX-goers.
Plus, they have an awesome gamer drink that's a mix of Mango, Red Bull, and crushed ice. So good.
I couldn't agree more. I spent a good amount of time making an itinerary of all the panels I wanted to go see back to back, and in reality once I got to PAX and saw the lines for each I knew it would be impossible to follow. Even if you miss out on every panel/concert at PAX, roaming the convention center all three days is such an awesome time.
Also, I agree with the Hard Rock Cafe, feeling a bit adventurous I tried the Seattle coffee burger and it was incredibly good. I can't wait for August to get here so I can re-do my favorite things come PAX time.
If you can, my recommendation is to get to Seattle by Wednesday to get your bearings and a feel for the area, that way come Friday you're not overwhelmed by both Downtown Seattle and PAX.
odd question kind of I guess. But as someone who has never gone to PAX what are some videos of past PAX's I could watch? If you have links that's a bonus.
on a lot of the first two pages, I noticed people asking how much money they should bring for food, merch, etc.
we already know you've spent the money for your ticket, plane ticket, and hotel. so that's already taken care of.
first, make sure if you are staying far away, or are flying, that you have transportation money set aside. From the Sheraton to SEATAC Airport is a hefty taxi price of about $30-$40 bucks. But as others mentioned, the Light-Rail is way cheaper.
second, make sure you have money for food. There are cheaper places like the grocery store, but if you plan to eat at fancy restaurants. That said, there are places at Pike's Place and at certain highrises that are pretty cheap for lots of food. Still, plan on $40 PER DAY. Remember, tip 15%-20% if the service was good. Dont fall for the sob story of "gamers dont tip well".
now you can think about merch. spend only what you can afford to spend. Dont be like those crazy christmas shoppers a couple months after PAX that will spend $5k on every friggin person they know. At Pax Prime 2010, T-shirts were sold at $20 starting. Dice were pretty expensive too from what I remember (but they are cool as sin).
Some places sold hats for $10.
Myself, Im not a big merch spender, I got away with about $200 for merch -and- food at Pax 2010. Still, I had $300 that I was willing to part with that weekend.
I too have $200-$300 for merch. My friend is also putting away that much money for merch. Should be great. Going to be my first PAX so hopefully there are some interesting things to buy apart from clothes.
I've been the last four year and besides a couple of shirts, I don't buy the merch. It's not like you can't usually get it before or after PAX. Also I do some research of area restaruants and their prices, stars, and best times to eat there. I usually make it out $25-30 a day on food. It is up to everyone personally, how much they are going to spend?
hml151 on
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School Girl Goodness...Watch for us at future PAX Prime events. If want some of my geek chic collection, click on the etsy link.
Moe FwackyRight Here, Right NowDrives a BuickModeratormod
edited April 2011
The easy answer to this is that you decide how much you're going to spend and spend it. For food, you have to spend something, and the quality of the food you eat will be dictated by the amount of money you decide to spend on it. As for swag, you can get away with spending nothing or spending $500 depending on your interests and budget. Chances are, no matter how much you decide to spend, there will always be something that you want that you can't afford/aren't willing to part with that much money on.
So, make your own budget and stay within those means. If you have a basic idea of things you will definitely want to buy, then make sure your budget covers those things plus a little extra for those things that you will come across that you didn't know you wanted until you saw them.
1) Be warned, Seattle is ridiculously expensive, especially on the food. $30 for just a meal (no drinks) in Seattle downtown is to be expected. At least $150 for swag if you want a lot of memories. But, you can also do it cheap, I've done one year with literally $20 for food over three days (I also used to fast for a week once a year for religious purposes, so be careful about doing that. I'm kinda used to low amounts of food and being fine, most folks aren't.)
2) Last year's weather was bad, hopefully this year it will be better. But be prepped for the drizzle of doom that Seattle is infamous for.
3) Good shoes, good clothes, and long showers make PAX much more fun. I carry my backpack with me, so I can go berserk on goodies if need be.
4) Use the Conventionist / apps / twitter to figure out what you want to do. Lines were ridiculous last year, and they'll be the same this year. Be selective, plan out the must-do activities, and just enjoy the rest.
5) If you like avoiding crowds, figure out when the best panels are, and hit the expo hall then. Granted, you miss those panels, but, hey, you avoided crowds, right? (Also, don't the DVDs have all the panels on them?) I tend to do Friday panels, Saturday expo hall. You don't get swag, or always the best panels that way, but you don't have as much of a crowd to deal with usually. Then again, last year, the big panels weren't in the convention center, so that also made things different.
6) Be social; PAX is the friendliest place I've ever been (and I'm a midwesterner to boot). Everyone there is a geek. Also, Seattle is geek mecca, so most folks, even if they aren't geeks themselves, will get most of the pop culture references. I haven't had to use my DS, just because I can usually strike up a conversation with the people in line with me, and that can make the time fly.
If you do your research you can get really good for for under $20 but you have to look about online and really take the time to see what your fellow people think. There is a great forum page for food and pax (http://forums.penny-arcade.com/showthread.php?t=140607).
hml151 on
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School Girl Goodness...Watch for us at future PAX Prime events. If want some of my geek chic collection, click on the etsy link.
1) Spouting internet memes doesn't make you a comedy genius.
2) The people around you at PAX are now your friends, but are still strangers. Don't push this new relationship too far.
3) Just play it cool, boy. Real cool.
I can't stress #1 here enough! - Yes we all get it, you love invisible bicycle cat you're hilarious.... 'cept while those things amuse us too, there are other more valuable things to discuss when talking to a person who is standing in front of you and not some anonymous name on the internet.
Politeness will get you VERY FAR at PAX. Nobody wants to help the guy/girl butting people out of their way because they NEED to get to the Portal 9 Demo before everyone else!
Think someone is worth talking to but feeling awkward about starting up a conversation? Compliments are usually a very nice way to break the ice!
Ok, I have a question in the vein of swag. On average, how much swag that's actually worth keeping do you usually get? I'm going to be picking up a 2-4 things from the merch booth, but what kind of other stuff is worth keeping and bringing home?
I'm asking because I'm going to want to pack as light as possible, i.e. as small a set of luggage as possible for the trip. Don't want to bring a monster suitcase only to come back with it mostly empty, and don't want to get stuck with too much stuff and only a small bag to try to fit it into.
Ok, I have a question in the vein of swag. On average, how much swag that's actually worth keeping do you usually get? I'm going to be picking up a 2-4 things from the merch booth, but what kind of other stuff is worth keeping and bringing home?
Very little. If you're lucky, you might get a T-shirt in your size, and there might be a couple of little things from the swag back you want to keep - demo discs, CCG starter, but nothing bulkier. On the very slim chance you get something that's both genuinely nice and inconveniently large from a contest giveaway (does Intel hand out their button prizes on site?), there's a FedEx shipping station in the convention center and a post office just down the hill.
does the convention center (or 'centre' for those in UK English) have lockers that you can rent out?
I didnt think about this, but that's a good question - In case we want to drop something off and pick up later and stuff.
yeah, like if you have heaps of schwag that you don't want to constantly carry back and forth from your hotel room. more time at the expo = more to experience.
thegh0sts on
Next PAX: PAX AUS 2017
Previous PAXs: PAX Prime 2011, PAX AUS 2013
does the convention center (or 'centre' for those in UK English) have lockers that you can rent out?
I didnt think about this, but that's a good question - In case we want to drop something off and pick up later and stuff.
yeah, like if you have heaps of schwag that you don't want to constantly carry back and forth from your hotel room. more time at the expo = more to experience.
As I recall from last year (MY 1st PAX), no lockers. Which is one of the reasons (IMO) that the Sheraton is the hotel of choice for a lot of PAX-ers. Extremely close, so easy to run (or in my case walk fast-ish), drop stuff off, get back very quickly.
savagehart on
Doofenshmirtz: Wow, if I had a nickel for every time I was doomed by a puppet, I'd have two nickels, which isn't a lot, but it's weird that it happened twice, right?
Sometimes the back pain is worth it. I have a spinal condition and expect to take full medications and lot of stretching to the enjoyment of the weekend. We have found over the last four years that you just take two to three times a day we are going to the hotel or part of our group is and we can send our goodies hotel side.
hml151 on
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man i am going to have a sore back from all that free stuff.
If time (and the amount of panels you want to go see) permits it, it's easier to go through the Expo Halls on Friday, get all the free stuff/purchase stuff THAT DAY. That way, you will have a lighter bag/backpack on the other two days and you don't have to worry about the whole "Non-Buyer's Remorse"* throughout the rest of the Con.
* = Opposite of Buyer's Remorse, most commonly seen during conventions of any kind. For example, you wanted the PAX '11 shirt in fill-in-the-blank size that you saw on Friday. You wait until Sunday to get it. Oops! No more of fill-in-the-blank size. And you mumble and grumble about it until the following year (or until PAX-E '12.)
CaptainTapole on
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Do any of you guys have suggestions of bags that work for you? I'm probably putting too much thought into this, but I dont want to end up with my pax ruined due to a crappy bag.
Do any of you guys have suggestions of bags that work for you? I'm probably putting too much thought into this, but I dont want to end up with my pax ruined due to a crappy bag.
Read further back in this thread suggestions were made.
Do any of you guys have suggestions of bags that work for you? I'm probably putting too much thought into this, but I dont want to end up with my pax ruined due to a crappy bag.
Read further back in this thread suggestions were made.
I know, a lot of people say messenger bags are the way to go, and I'm just wondering what people agree is a good size/model/brand to bring.
I bought a really nice SWISS backpack that I love and was fantastic win for me. A fair number use camelbaks as well because they include a water reservoir which can be very useful for keeping hydrated.
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Space Saver/Space Bags save my life every time I travel. The few times TSA has had to look in my bag (damn you USB drive...) it was quick to repack and move on. The things seriously compress clothes down by 2/3rds of their volume.
The best advice I can give you is to relax. My guess is you're flying to Dallas and connecting from there to Seattle. DFW is a really well-laid out airport with tram service between the different terminals and plenty of food/beverage options available. As long as you have at least an hour layover, you'll be fine. If it's Cincinnati, it's still pretty easy to get around. Even O'Hare isn't THAT bad, thanks to the moving sidewalks. If you do happen to get lost, just ask for help. Their job is to get you where you're going as quickly as possible.
The first flight will be a puddle-jump to your connection airport - no more than an hour or an hour-and-a-half. Barely enough time to get up to cruising altitude. The second flight will be longer, but get a window seat and check out the Rockies as you fly over.
As for security, I'll echo the advice of having your I.D. handy. If you're taking your laptop, I might even suggest one of the special backpacks that unzips flat for scanning, so you don't have to pull it out at security. Best $25 I ever spent outside of Minecraft. The nice thing is that you only have to go through security once each way - at your departure airport. Unless you leave the secure (terminal) area at your connection airport (which you shouldn't have to) you're still in. You'll have to go through it again when you head home (and I'd suggest being at least 2 hours early leaving Seattle the day after PAX), but again only the once.
I fly a fair amount (if you couldn't tell) and I have yet to have a body scan or anything more invasive than a random bag screening, and I've only had that once. Whatever happens, just be cool. As long as you aren't trying to bring 10 pounds of Silly Putty to PAX, you'll be fine.
As for the flights themselves, don't worry. Icing won't be a problem because it'll be AUGUST. Other problems, were they to arise, would be handled by the redundacies built into every system on the aircraft, from flight controls, to multiple engines, to hydraulics, to the environmental systems.
Flying's like half the fun for me, but I'm weird that way. Just relax and take it all in. "An inconvenience is an adventure wrongly considered." - G.K. Chesterton.
People still use WinMo? :P
FTC: HONK.
PAX Prime 2014 Resistance Tournament Winner
Also will my backpack be a good enough bag to hold everything in while in the convention center? I plan on bringing snacks and stuff like that in my bag but I'm of course going to get merch and swag so yah.
To be honest, I tend to pick up another bag for swag, and stuff only the things I'll want later in my regular pack (there's just so much swag, one bag can't hold it all!). Plus, the past couple years, booths have given away drawstring bags, which I've found make for a good supplement bag (if you can get one). May even be able to fit one of those bags on over a backpack as well.
As for if getting a DS will be useful, that's more subjective. There are a few general pros and cons, though:
Pros:
Cons:
In short, if multiplayer is something you REALLY want to do, and you'll have the cash for it, I'd say it's worth it. Otherwise, it might be better to give it a pass for now. There's always next year!
And I will have other people with me with bags so I won't worry too much. Mine will probably be for personal things.
Conventionist and PAX Assistant (android, and maybe wp7 I think? no iOS) will be updated much closer to PAX itself.
Not worth it, its too easy to spend time doing other things at PAX. If you're dead set on it, I'm sure you'll find a use for a gently used DS. Far from being required to get the most out of the experience!
I'm suprised there are not more people who use these. Fill the bladder about 1/3rd full with ice, follow with 2-3 cans of NOS or Rockstar Cola. Insert a couple of water bottles in the side pockets and you are good to go. Our camelbaks also have storage compartments like a small back pack so we are able to put either extra drinks/snacks or swag and merch.
Also, try something new. Why not?
I made the mistake of going to Subway twice last year, and regretted. I can get Subway at home. The same Subway. They're all the same. Why do what I can do at home when I can try something new or different in a different city. I had some incredible sushi (tried BBQ eel for the first time), great Italian, and even wonderful breakfast, all just by taking a few steps away from the WSCC. PAX will still be there when you get back.
I never finish anyth
I couldn't agree more. I spent a good amount of time making an itinerary of all the panels I wanted to go see back to back, and in reality once I got to PAX and saw the lines for each I knew it would be impossible to follow. Even if you miss out on every panel/concert at PAX, roaming the convention center all three days is such an awesome time.
Also, I agree with the Hard Rock Cafe, feeling a bit adventurous I tried the Seattle coffee burger and it was incredibly good. I can't wait for August to get here so I can re-do my favorite things come PAX time.
If you can, my recommendation is to get to Seattle by Wednesday to get your bearings and a feel for the area, that way come Friday you're not overwhelmed by both Downtown Seattle and PAX.
we already know you've spent the money for your ticket, plane ticket, and hotel. so that's already taken care of.
first, make sure if you are staying far away, or are flying, that you have transportation money set aside. From the Sheraton to SEATAC Airport is a hefty taxi price of about $30-$40 bucks. But as others mentioned, the Light-Rail is way cheaper.
second, make sure you have money for food. There are cheaper places like the grocery store, but if you plan to eat at fancy restaurants. That said, there are places at Pike's Place and at certain highrises that are pretty cheap for lots of food. Still, plan on $40 PER DAY. Remember, tip 15%-20% if the service was good. Dont fall for the sob story of "gamers dont tip well".
now you can think about merch. spend only what you can afford to spend. Dont be like those crazy christmas shoppers a couple months after PAX that will spend $5k on every friggin person they know. At Pax Prime 2010, T-shirts were sold at $20 starting. Dice were pretty expensive too from what I remember (but they are cool as sin).
Some places sold hats for $10.
Myself, Im not a big merch spender, I got away with about $200 for merch -and- food at Pax 2010. Still, I had $300 that I was willing to part with that weekend.
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So, make your own budget and stay within those means. If you have a basic idea of things you will definitely want to buy, then make sure your budget covers those things plus a little extra for those things that you will come across that you didn't know you wanted until you saw them.
2) Last year's weather was bad, hopefully this year it will be better. But be prepped for the drizzle of doom that Seattle is infamous for.
3) Good shoes, good clothes, and long showers make PAX much more fun. I carry my backpack with me, so I can go berserk on goodies if need be.
4) Use the Conventionist / apps / twitter to figure out what you want to do. Lines were ridiculous last year, and they'll be the same this year. Be selective, plan out the must-do activities, and just enjoy the rest.
5) If you like avoiding crowds, figure out when the best panels are, and hit the expo hall then.
6) Be social; PAX is the friendliest place I've ever been (and I'm a midwesterner to boot). Everyone there is a geek. Also, Seattle is geek mecca, so most folks, even if they aren't geeks themselves, will get most of the pop culture references. I haven't had to use my DS, just because I can usually strike up a conversation with the people in line with me, and that can make the time fly.
http://s774.photobucket.com/user/SchoolGirlGoodness/library/
https://www.etsy.com/shop/VeronatheMad
[SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]
What the deuce... O_o last year's weather was perfectly lovely. All the photos I took outdoors during that time were of blue skies and sunshine.
Point still remains, weather can get really, um, squirrely.
I can't stress #1 here enough! - Yes we all get it, you love invisible bicycle cat you're hilarious.... 'cept while those things amuse us too, there are other more valuable things to discuss when talking to a person who is standing in front of you and not some anonymous name on the internet.
Politeness will get you VERY FAR at PAX. Nobody wants to help the guy/girl butting people out of their way because they NEED to get to the Portal 9 Demo before everyone else!
Think someone is worth talking to but feeling awkward about starting up a conversation? Compliments are usually a very nice way to break the ice!
I'm asking because I'm going to want to pack as light as possible, i.e. as small a set of luggage as possible for the trip. Don't want to bring a monster suitcase only to come back with it mostly empty, and don't want to get stuck with too much stuff and only a small bag to try to fit it into.
Very little. If you're lucky, you might get a T-shirt in your size, and there might be a couple of little things from the swag back you want to keep - demo discs, CCG starter, but nothing bulkier. On the very slim chance you get something that's both genuinely nice and inconveniently large from a contest giveaway (does Intel hand out their button prizes on site?), there's a FedEx shipping station in the convention center and a post office just down the hill.
Previous PAXs: PAX Prime 2011, PAX AUS 2013
I didnt think about this, but that's a good question - In case we want to drop something off and pick up later and stuff.
yeah, like if you have heaps of schwag that you don't want to constantly carry back and forth from your hotel room. more time at the expo = more to experience.
Previous PAXs: PAX Prime 2011, PAX AUS 2013
As I recall from last year (MY 1st PAX), no lockers. Which is one of the reasons (IMO) that the Sheraton is the hotel of choice for a lot of PAX-ers. Extremely close, so easy to run (or in my case walk fast-ish), drop stuff off, get back very quickly.
Previous PAXs: PAX Prime 2011, PAX AUS 2013
http://s774.photobucket.com/user/SchoolGirlGoodness/library/
https://www.etsy.com/shop/VeronatheMad
[SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]
If time (and the amount of panels you want to go see) permits it, it's easier to go through the Expo Halls on Friday, get all the free stuff/purchase stuff THAT DAY. That way, you will have a lighter bag/backpack on the other two days and you don't have to worry about the whole "Non-Buyer's Remorse"* throughout the rest of the Con.
* = Opposite of Buyer's Remorse, most commonly seen during conventions of any kind. For example, you wanted the PAX '11 shirt in fill-in-the-blank size that you saw on Friday. You wait until Sunday to get it. Oops! No more of fill-in-the-blank size. And you mumble and grumble about it until the following year (or until PAX-E '12.)
Read further back in this thread suggestions were made.
I know, a lot of people say messenger bags are the way to go, and I'm just wondering what people agree is a good size/model/brand to bring.
Previous PAXs: PAX Prime 2011, PAX AUS 2013