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PAX Prime 2010 Info and FAQ Thread (ASK QUESTIONS HERE)

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Posts

  • freehunterfreehunter Registered User new member
    edited July 2010
    Might be a stupid question, but I'm looking to go to PAX for my first time. I've got some friends planning to come with me, but some of them won't know if they can make it until just a few weeks before the show, one not going to know until that week. Obviously tickets sell out, but I'm confused by some threads and comments here as to if there are tickets at the door or pre-order only. Thanks! I'd hate to drive in from Michigan with a car full of people who can't come in.

    freehunter on
  • Moe FwackyMoe Fwacky Right Here, Right Now Drives a BuickModerator mod
    edited July 2010
    There will not be tickets held for the door, and the way things are looking, Saturday passes will be gone extremely soon with Friday and Sunday passes soon to follow. Even if your friends can't commit until the week of or week before, they should buy passes now if they expect to get them at all.

    However, if you're driving in from Michigan, you should consider joining us on the Cross-Country Supertrip

    Moe Fwacky on
    E6LkoFK.png

  • The_ReflectionThe_Reflection Registered User regular
    edited July 2010
    Raiden333 wrote: »
    Gameshark wrote: »
    What's the best pizza joint around the area? We're looking at ordering a bunch for a party, and would love some suggestions from locals.

    Best pizza place, hands down. My friends and I have ordered pizza from them every single year since PAX moved to Seattle.

    http://www.milano-pizza.com

    They deliver until 3 AM. Fucking amazing combos.

    My favorites:

    Smoked Salmon: Smoked salmon, red onions, capers, ricotta, fresh tomatoes & mozzarella cheese over a creamy garlic sauce.

    House Special: Pepperoni, Canadian bacon, mushrooms, onions, green peppers & fresh tomatoes. (but I have them replace the pepperoni with pineapple, myself)

    edit: Also, the guy who answers the phones is extremely polite and the first year we actually thought he was a robot.

    I can attest to the severity of how awesome this pizza is

    The_Reflection on
  • WormdundeeWormdundee Registered User regular
    edited July 2010
    freehunter wrote: »
    Might be a stupid question, but I'm looking to go to PAX for my first time. I've got some friends planning to come with me, but some of them won't know if they can make it until just a few weeks before the show, one not going to know until that week. Obviously tickets sell out, but I'm confused by some threads and comments here as to if there are tickets at the door or pre-order only. Thanks! I'd hate to drive in from Michigan with a car full of people who can't come in.

    To expand on Moe's reply, I doubt there will ever be tickets available at the door for the foreseeable future. You definitely don't want to be those guys standing outside the centre doors that everyone sees on the first day of PAX begging for tickets.

    Wormdundee on
  • Easyshot08Easyshot08 Registered User regular
    edited July 2010
    So if a friend and myself show up, will we be able to get in. simple question, but an answer would be nice ;)

    Easyshot08 on
  • Moe FwackyMoe Fwacky Right Here, Right Now Drives a BuickModerator mod
    edited July 2010
    As long as you've purchased your PAX passes, and bring them with you, there's nothing to keep you out.

    Moe Fwacky on
    E6LkoFK.png

  • Easyshot08Easyshot08 Registered User regular
    edited July 2010
    Moe Fwacky wrote: »
    As long as you've purchased your PAX passes, and bring them with you, there's nothing to keep you out.

    is that if we bought passes online? because we have not, im wondering if we can buy passes when we are there..

    :edit: just read the above post... so it looks slim to be able to get a pass at the door eh... that sucks :(

    Easyshot08 on
  • Moe FwackyMoe Fwacky Right Here, Right Now Drives a BuickModerator mod
    edited July 2010
    No, passes will not be available at the door. The only passes currently still available online are Friday and Sunday passes. If you intend on attending PAX at all, you need to order those before they sell out.

    Moe Fwacky on
    E6LkoFK.png

  • Curse-TenCurse-Ten Registered User regular
    edited July 2010
    Quick question, my friend is ordering a Sunday badge, but she won't be able to order it till the seventh of August at the earliest. Will the pass still be mailed to her or will she have to pick it up at the Sheraton because it's being ordered after the fifth?

    Curse-Ten on
  • Steel FireSteel Fire Gunboat Diplomat PAI MarketingRegistered User regular
    edited July 2010
    I wouldn't bet on any passes being left to order by the 7th.

    Steel Fire on
  • Curse-TenCurse-Ten Registered User regular
    edited July 2010
    Well speaking if she was able to get a pass, would it still be mailed to her? I'm trying to convince her to order earlier but it's not happening.

    Curse-Ten on
  • Sgt SupermanSgt Superman Registered User regular
    edited July 2010
    It says on the registration page that if you order after the 5th you need to pick up your pass at will call.

    Sgt Superman on
    Now you know, and knowing is half the battle.
  • Curse-TenCurse-Ten Registered User regular
    edited July 2010
    Okay thanks, I wasn't sure if it only applied to International residents.

    Curse-Ten on
  • Sgt SupermanSgt Superman Registered User regular
    edited July 2010
    Well now I am confused too. It sure looks like that little phrase only applies to International orders, but I would think there would be a cut off date for when you have to order by to get your badge mailed to you.

    Sgt Superman on
    Now you know, and knowing is half the battle.
  • Moe FwackyMoe Fwacky Right Here, Right Now Drives a BuickModerator mod
    edited July 2010
    Yeah, it is. After a certain date they can't realistically get the badge mailed to you in time for PAX, no matter where you live.

    Moe Fwacky on
    E6LkoFK.png

  • faitsfaits a panda eating cake seattleRegistered User regular
    edited July 2010
    From the confirmation email they send out when you buy a pass:
    If you purchase your badge after August 5th, or if you're located outside of the US, your badge will be available for pickup at will-call (located at the Sheraton Hotel, Next to the Convention Center).

    August 5th is the deadline to buy your passes and have them mailed to you. Period. Regardless of where you live. I don't know what the wording is on the actual order page, but it's pretty cut and dry in the confirmation (so hopefully this helps clear it up)

    faits on
    faits.png
  • HoLeYHoLeY Registered User regular
    edited July 2010
    Are they happening? I saw something about a TF2 one, but are there any others happening?

    Personally, I would love a Bad Company 2 tournament and maybe another Rockband one.

    Let me know what's going on!

    HoLeY on
  • ZeroHourHeroZeroHourHero Allentown, PARegistered User regular
    edited July 2010
    A thread will be posted about the tourneys including suggestions for them.

    ZeroHourHero on
  • sdmeadorsdmeador Registered User new member
    edited July 2010
    I noticed the recently sold out of tickets for saturday and i was wondering if they will be selling tickets the day of sorry for the stupid question this is my first pax

    sdmeador on
  • whypick1whypick1 PAX [E] Info Booth Manager ~2' from an LCDRegistered User regular
    edited July 2010
    No day of tickets, period.

    whypick1 on
    Is it PAX <insert nearest future PAX here> yet?
  • ElmoFuntzElmoFuntz Portland, ORRegistered User regular
    edited July 2010
    Concerning parking. Does anyone know the cost of parking at the convention center lot? Also is it ok to leave your car there all 3 days including overnight? Rather not drive up and find myself getting towed. I will be staying at the Hilton with a checkout in on Friday and out on Sunday so need to park elsewhere at least two of the days so figure why not leave it the 3rd day if its possible. BTW the Hilton looked like it was fairly close by? I guess not as close as the Sheraton.

    ElmoFuntz on
    Go for the eyes Boo, GO FOR THE EYES!
    vn6ID15.png

  • faitsfaits a panda eating cake seattleRegistered User regular
    edited July 2010
    You probably have to call the garage to get current rates. They're not listed on the site and they do change from year to year. If I remember correctly it was something like $30 for friday and less than $20 on saturday and sunday.

    You shouldn't have any problem leaving your vehicle for three days.

    Any reason you're not just parking at the hilton garage? You'll probably save a few bucks parking at a different local garage (doubt the hotel gives a weekend discount like the other garages do), but most hotels offer daily in-out privileges, in case you want/need to drive somewhere.

    (plus there's the whole walking your luggage from the convention center to the hotel thing)

    faits on
    faits.png
  • ElmoFuntzElmoFuntz Portland, ORRegistered User regular
    edited July 2010
    Thanks for the info. When I called the hotel they were not sure/unclear/negative on if I would be allowed to park all day Sunday if my checkout was Sunday. Friday seemed more likely to be "ok". Of course the person I actually got a hold of was a central operator not the ACTUAL hotel (gotta love that, really).

    ElmoFuntz on
    Go for the eyes Boo, GO FOR THE EYES!
    vn6ID15.png

  • faitsfaits a panda eating cake seattleRegistered User regular
    edited July 2010
    Wow, yeah, that's dumb. I'd see if I could call the hotel directly and speak to the manager, concierge, etc. I've had similar experiences in the past where people at the corporate call center just don't know nothing.

    The problem, as I see it, is that you'd be paying for your parking on your room bill, and you'd be settling your room bill before removing your vehicle from the garage. I'm sure if you could actually talk to someone at the hotel, though, they'd be willing to accommodate you (they want your money and it's pretty easy for you to take your parking business elsewhere when there are about a hundred different parking garages within walking distance)

    faits on
    faits.png
  • LigerLiger Registered User regular
    edited July 2010
    Street parking is free on Sundays and holidays (that Monday) as well. A trick I learned when I moved here is to look for the yellow Unload/Passenger Pickup signs around downtown and read them carefully. Most people see a yellow sign or curb and drive away, but many of them say something like "30 minute parking 7am-6pm" with "Mon - Sat" in tiny print at the bottom. Sundays are up for grabs. If you don't mind trolling for a while to get street parking on Sunday, you can almost always find a free spot somewhere downtown.

    If not, there are plenty of garages with plenty of space within walking distance to the WSCC. If you leave your car there overnight, they will give you the flat 24 hour rate which tends to run $20-35 per day. The WSCC has kiosks that allow you to pay with a credit card, just be sure to keep your ticket!

    I tried to avoid parking costs altogether and opted to find free parking for the weekend on Capitol Hill, once I was moved in to my hotel room. Bad idea. No one broke into it or anything, but when I got back I discovered some lovely huge white gashes along my rear bumper where someone decided to take a temporary 'no parking' sign and drop it on my car. Keep yours in a garage where it will be safe from sign-wielding crazies.

    Liger on
    5932306549_6b4d957b56.jpg CUSTOM LANYARDS FOR PAX
  • ploogleploogle Registered User regular
    edited July 2010
    How would you guys recommend carrying posters? This is my third year and I still can't figure it out. The first year I was totally unprepared and resorted to using one of those Sony tote/oversized gift bags. The second year I was almost totally unprepared and after exhausting my "brilliant" ideas, I resorted to using the Torchlight tote.

    This year I'm remembering this and preparing in advance. I tried cutting some PVC down to size and rolling a sample poster up in that, but that didn't work out so well (approx 2" diam). Anyone have any brilliant ideas on how to carry these? I'm willing to spend some money, but not a lot.

    Preferably I would be able to affix the solution to my pack or slung on my back.

    ploogle on
    If you can't handle me at my Worcestershire, you don't deserve me at my Bestershire.
  • Raiden333Raiden333 Registered User regular
    edited July 2010
    ploogle wrote: »
    How would you guys recommend carrying posters? This is my third year and I still can't figure it out. The first year I was totally unprepared and resorted to using one of those Sony tote/oversized gift bags. The second year I was almost totally unprepared and after exhausting my "brilliant" ideas, I resorted to using the Torchlight tote.

    This year I'm remembering this and preparing in advance. I tried cutting some PVC down to size and rolling a sample poster up in that, but that didn't work out so well (approx 2" diam). Anyone have any brilliant ideas on how to carry these? I'm willing to spend some money, but not a lot.

    Preferably I would be able to affix the solution to my pack or slung on my back.

    Buy or make something like this:

    Black_Tube.jpg

    Raiden333 on
    There was a steam sig here. It's gone now.
  • dyaballikldyaballikl PAX Main Theatre House & Security Manager • PAX Community Cartographer Gold Coast QLD AustraliaRegistered User regular
    edited July 2010
    Raiden333 wrote: »
    ploogle wrote: »
    How would you guys recommend carrying posters? This is my third year and I still can't figure it out. The first year I was totally unprepared and resorted to using one of those Sony tote/oversized gift bags. The second year I was almost totally unprepared and after exhausting my "brilliant" ideas, I resorted to using the Torchlight tote.

    This year I'm remembering this and preparing in advance. I tried cutting some PVC down to size and rolling a sample poster up in that, but that didn't work out so well (approx 2" diam). Anyone have any brilliant ideas on how to carry these? I'm willing to spend some money, but not a lot.

    Preferably I would be able to affix the solution to my pack or slung on my back.

    Buy or make something like this:

    Black_Tube.jpg
    or, considering the event, a cardboard tube. that's my poster transportation method of choice.

    dyaballikl on
    a.k.a. dya
    "Riding a mongoose reminds me of having sex with a man, which is something I do frequently because I am gay!" -Gabe
  • ZeroHourHeroZeroHourHero Allentown, PARegistered User regular
    edited July 2010
    dyaballikl wrote: »
    Raiden333 wrote: »
    ploogle wrote: »
    How would you guys recommend carrying posters? This is my third year and I still can't figure it out. The first year I was totally unprepared and resorted to using one of those Sony tote/oversized gift bags. The second year I was almost totally unprepared and after exhausting my "brilliant" ideas, I resorted to using the Torchlight tote.

    This year I'm remembering this and preparing in advance. I tried cutting some PVC down to size and rolling a sample poster up in that, but that didn't work out so well (approx 2" diam). Anyone have any brilliant ideas on how to carry these? I'm willing to spend some money, but not a lot.

    Preferably I would be able to affix the solution to my pack or slung on my back.

    Buy or make something like this:

    Black_Tube.jpg
    or, considering the event, a cardboard tube. that's my poster transportation method of choice.


    What I did for PAX East was I went to the post office and bought some pre-paid poster tubes, then when I was finished with East, I just mailed them home.

    ZeroHourHero on
  • ElmoFuntzElmoFuntz Portland, ORRegistered User regular
    edited August 2010
    I saw someone mention there was a fedex shipping area in the building? Is this open/available even on Sunday? Is it manned or just a drop box type thing?

    ElmoFuntz on
    Go for the eyes Boo, GO FOR THE EYES!
    vn6ID15.png

  • dyaballikldyaballikl PAX Main Theatre House & Security Manager • PAX Community Cartographer Gold Coast QLD AustraliaRegistered User regular
    edited August 2010
    ElmoFuntz wrote: »
    I saw someone mention there was a fedex shipping area in the building? Is this open/available even on Sunday? Is it manned or just a drop box type thing?
    It's a Fedex Office business, which means you can ship from there, and they also have a small selection of office supplies.
    Hours:
    Saturday–Sunday: 9 a.m.–6 p.m.
    Monday: 7 a.m.–Midnight
    Tuesday–Thursday: Open 24 Hours
    Friday: Midnight–9 p.m.
    (according to website)

    dyaballikl on
    a.k.a. dya
    "Riding a mongoose reminds me of having sex with a man, which is something I do frequently because I am gay!" -Gabe
  • LigerLiger Registered User regular
    edited August 2010
    dyaballikl wrote: »
    ElmoFuntz wrote: »
    I saw someone mention there was a fedex shipping area in the building? Is this open/available even on Sunday? Is it manned or just a drop box type thing?
    It's a Fedex Office business, which means you can ship from there, and they also have a small selection of office supplies.
    Hours:
    Saturday–Sunday: 9 a.m.–6 p.m.
    Monday: 7 a.m.–Midnight
    Tuesday–Thursday: Open 24 Hours
    Friday: Midnight–9 p.m.
    (according to website)

    They may have different hours the Monday of PAX since it is a national holiday.

    Liger on
    5932306549_6b4d957b56.jpg CUSTOM LANYARDS FOR PAX
  • friz898friz898 Registered User new member
    edited August 2010
    Hello,

    Trying to complete an online transaction for a 3-Day pass.

    The person getting rid of them sent me a copy of their online verification, what can I look for on there to make sure it's valid?

    Thank you much..

    friz898 on
  • Moe FwackyMoe Fwacky Right Here, Right Now Drives a BuickModerator mod
    edited August 2010
    The person who sold you the ticket has to have the name/address information for his ticket changed over to yours in order for the passes to get mailed to you. If the pass is to be picked up at will call (for international people), the registration will have to be changed in order for you to be able to pick it up with your id and the barcode information.
    Moe Fwacky wrote: »
    If you have or are buying tickets that must be picked up at will call, make sure you make special arrangements to take care of those tickets. You can do so by e-mailing 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. Changes will only be accepted through August 13. After August 13, no more changes can be made to the registration.

    Moe Fwacky on
    E6LkoFK.png

  • ploogleploogle Registered User regular
    edited August 2010
    Thanks, guys! Looking into cardboard shipping tubes now. I'll probably spraypaint it to blend with my costume and affix a strap to it.

    ploogle on
    If you can't handle me at my Worcestershire, you don't deserve me at my Bestershire.
  • robotbeboprobotbebop Registered User regular
    edited August 2010
    So I'm going from the 2nd and leaving on the 6th. How much money should I bring? I'm probably not going to be buying a lot of merchandise, my main spending will probably be on food and a few things that catch my eye while not being ridiculously expensive.

    robotbebop on
    Do not feel trapped by the need to achieve anything, this way you achieve everything.

    Oh, hey I'm making a game! Check it out: Dr. Weirdo!
  • HeleorHeleor SeattleRegistered User regular
    edited August 2010
    I'd budget 20 dollars per meal, 3 meals per day - some will be cheaper (Subway?) and some may be more expensive. You may also miss a few meals due to pax-ness.

    If you're going on the pubcrawl, setting aside 100 dollars in cash is probably a good idea as well. Same for any drinks you're planning to have.

    I'd also have about 200-300 dollars as a safety net - assuming you don't have a debit card. If you have a credit/debit card for emergencies, you should be fine.

    Heleor on
  • CronusCronus Registered User regular
    edited August 2010
    robotbebop wrote: »
    So I'm going from the 2nd and leaving on the 6th. How much money should I bring? I'm probably not going to be buying a lot of merchandise, my main spending will probably be on food and a few things that catch my eye while not being ridiculously expensive.

    I usually go through 2-300 depending on how much stuff I buy. Though I do end up putting some food on my card, so $400 might be even better. I'd say just bring $200 more than you think you will need. As food is always a bit more expensive and you may see something you want. Plus it's good just to have some spare cash on hand.

    Cronus on
    camo_sig.png
    "Read twice, post once. It's almost like 'measure twice, cut once' only with reading." - MetaverseNomad
  • savagehartsavagehart Registered User regular
    edited August 2010
    robotbebop wrote: »
    So I'm going from the 2nd and leaving on the 6th. How much money should I bring? I'm probably not going to be buying a lot of merchandise, my main spending will probably be on food and a few things that catch my eye while not being ridiculously expensive.

    pretty much what the others have said. My standard rule of thumb is: Half the clothes, twice the money you'll think you need. Plus at least one protein bar per day as an emergency back-up in case you run out of money before you think you will

    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?
  • notsosupermarionotsosupermario Registered User regular
    edited August 2010
    I was wondering if anyone has alternate badge-holding plans besides lanyards (not than lanyards aren't totally cool) - what you're using and where you get/how you make it.

    notsosupermario on
This discussion has been closed.