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PAX East 2014 Solo Attendees

SaintJiubSaintJiub New YorkRegistered User regular
I wanted to start this for anyone who is attending PAX East alone or some of the time alone. Any advice or ideas?? Do a lot of people attend alone?

Thanks Everyone!!

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Posts

  • a fraking toastera fraking toaster W1TRK Registered User regular
    i will be going by myself friday evening,saturday ill be roaming around boston since i dont have a saturday pass.

  • Sgt.MaysSgt.Mays Ontario, CanadaRegistered User regular
    edited February 2014
    I am going solo also, gonna have a battery charge pack with me so i can play lots of 3ds and keep my stuff charged while waiting in long lines.

    Sgt.Mays on
    Gaymer, Nerd and Fan of Freeman's Mind/Half-life/GTA/Red Vs Blue

    Attended: East 14, 15 and West 16
    Attending West 2019
  • SwordnStoneSwordnStone Registered User regular
    This will be my 5th PAX and I've gone alone to all of them. The biggest thing to remember is: talk to people! Don't be afraid of striking up a conversation, all the people around you are into the same things you are. Talk about why you are excited about the panel or game you are in line for or what they're looking forward to.
    A great place to meet people is the tabletop freeplay area. Ask to join a game, almost everyone is glad to have new players and it's a great way to break the ice!
    I love going alone, it pushes me to met lots of new people, which is super fun. (It's great to run into them again the next time as well, or just have that one meeting that leaves a huge impression.)

    Quit now and cake will be served immediately.
  • EchoZeroEchoZero Registered User regular
    This will be my 3rd pax and i only went alone the first one, but as swordnstone said talk to people (especially when you are in line it helps pass the time too) . Its honestly the best piece of advice. Ive found in general people at pax are very easy to talk to especially since we are there for a common interest. Plenty of people do go alone though.

  • gonexallgonexall PhiladelphiaRegistered User regular
    This will be my third year going solo. I always have fun. Talk to people. Follow Wheaton's Law. All will be good.

  • sacratoysacratoy Colorado, USARegistered User regular
    I attended alone last year, and I'll be attending alone again this year. I find it nice that I can manage my time the way I want, and do the things I find interesting, without needing to worry about what my potential partner(s) want to do.

    I recommend attending social events and talking to people in the lines and booths, though. Lots of the devs at smaller booths love to talk about their games/products, and people in line tend to be really cool. I had a really good time last year waiting in the line room at the beginning of the day, playing Mario Kart 7 with those around me.

    PAX Prime 2014: Pass [x] Hotel [x] Flights [x] Vacation Days [x]

    PAX Prime 2014 Preparations Complete
  • jdixon1972jdixon1972 Registered User regular
    This is my 5th PAX East and I've gone solo every year. Some years I would meet a friend on one day, but this year it's all me. I second everything above. Do not be afraid of talking to people. If I was, I would have never learned of Zombie Dice. That game is still an addiction to me today! In any line I'm in, I see people playing card games, ds or vita, or other stuff. If I find it interesting, I start talking. I am definitely not a social butterfly, but this is PAX. Everyone there likes the stuff you do, more or less, and in all five years, I've never been around anyone rude.

  • KythosKythos Mister. Registered User regular
    This will be my second time going solo to PAX East. First time I spent a week staying with a friend since it was during my spring break but I'll have to cut class for two days in order to make this one. I don't mind talking to people, I just have to get our from behind my camera first. :P

    PAX East 2017: Badge [X] Lodging [X] Plane Tickets [X] Time Off [X]

    XBL/PSN: MiFengXia Twitter: @MiFengXia 3DS: 2423-3603-7854 Steam: Kythos
  • CoanCoan TorontoRegistered User regular
    Second pax and alone* both times. Technically I do tend to travel down with/grab meals with my sister and her group of friends, but for everything else I'm doing my own thing like they do theirs.

    I'll second the "talk to people bit" though we've got our share of introverted nerds here, its fairly easy to get comfortable with the people in the same line as you for a panel. One of the best times I had last year was talking with people in line while we waited for a panel.

    Posting on the phorum again like its 1999
  • SaintJiubSaintJiub New YorkRegistered User regular
    edited February 2014
    jdixon1972 wrote: »
    This is my 5th PAX East and I've gone solo every year. Some years I would meet a friend on one day, but this year it's all me. I second everything above. Do not be afraid of talking to people. If I was, I would have never learned of Zombie Dice. That game is still an addiction to me today! In any line I'm in, I see people playing card games, ds or vita, or other stuff. If I find it interesting, I start talking. I am definitely not a social butterfly, but this is PAX. Everyone there likes the stuff you do, more or less, and in all five years, I've never been around anyone rude.

    wow so many of us going alone, but i'm glad to hear positive things about it! my boyfriend will be enforcing all 3 days so I know he will be very busy most of the time, so hey while he works ill go the panels and stuff i want to see and whenever he's done we can meet up after. I will definitely bring some games too while on lines to make a good conversation starter. And funny you mention zombie dice, that really was a big hit while waiting on lines!!

    SaintJiub on
  • upstateny-danupstateny-dan Registered User regular
    Will be solo friday night and all of saturday, my wife said after nycc she doesnt think she could handle more than a day at a convention lol. Shes not huge on crowded places. Plus she can go hang out with ppl we know in boston and I am sure our 1yr old can probably only take a day of sensory overload that I am sure will be what pax is to her, so much to look at. Maybe we can try to get a group together to meet up for lunch saturday? I will also be bringing my vita to keep me gaming when I need a break or waiting lol.

  • RaughnRaughn Registered User regular
    I'll echo the "talk to people" posts. PAX has lots awesome people.

    You may want to take cards with some impersonal contact info like your Twitter handle, Steam ID, etc., to share with people you meet. I wish I had done this last year, as I met several really cool people who I'll probably never see or talk to again.

    Granted, even when I did get contact info, the pace of life keeps me from reaching out much, but it's still nice to know I can get in touch with my PAX pals, particularly as the next show draws near.

  • sediroxsedirox Registered User regular
    Oh good! This makes me happy. This will be my first PAX ever and I'm going by myself. I've never attended a con by myself before so I'm excited to hear that people had a good time going by themselves.

  • WiFiPunkWiFiPunk Registered User regular
    I make people come with me, but we always end up splitting up at some point (usually because of something like me wanting to go to the retrogame roadshow or the PPL, and them wanting to party, sleep, etc). Last year I met a nice guy who was alone, and ended up letting him sleep on my room shared floor because he had nowhere else to go. Be friendly and you'll make a friend who you can spend the rest of the weekend with (assuming you want to).

    If I had any advice for loners it'd just be to not be worried about it, you're a strong, independent black woman who don't need no man.

    PAX East 2015 Status: Badge[X] Hotel[X] Car[X] Vacation[X]
  • SaintJiubSaintJiub New YorkRegistered User regular
    @upstateny-dan yeah that sounds like a great idea!! anyone else in for saturday lunch? @sedirox yay so happy to see another loner girl like myself going haha

  • a fraking toastera fraking toaster W1TRK Registered User regular
    saturday lunch sounds fun.someplace not to expencive tho lol.

  • upstateny-danupstateny-dan Registered User regular
    I am good with any place I can enjoy a beer with food and company.

  • GMNChampionGMNChampion Math Instructor Great Falls, VARegistered User regular
    So even though I have yet to go to PAX East alone to start, the same principle applies. It's important to meet people. Last I checked people at PAX East have at least something in common with you (it's why we have conventions) so don't be afraid to chat with people, especially when you are in a long line.

    Case and point, Wifipunk and I met last year and we still chat on facebook about stuff like bitcoins so you never know.

    PAX East Attendance: '14*, '13, '12, '11, '10 (5 - for - 5)
    Otakon, Anime USA, NekoCon, Katsucon, Anime Mid-Atlantic
  • SomeJerkFromBostonSomeJerkFromBoston SomeJerkFromBoston BostonRegistered User new member
    Listen up, all you MOTHER (expletive deleted for the sake of casual communications)

    I'll try to keep an open line out during the convention. Anyone who's going solo is always welcome to join my friends and I for some gaming goodness. We love new players and we're there for all three days open to close (even though I'd like to sleep, we're there the entire time). I'm only one guy, but if I can make other people's visit amazing, I'll do my best to make it happen.

    It's still early, but I'd like to put our group out there early so everyone knows that solo or not, there are people looking to game with ANYONE.

    (As long as I'm able [read: don't get yelled at by my boss at work] I'll keep reading this thread to see who's interested)

    "I like me."
  • KhaytorKhaytor MassachusettsRegistered User regular
    I go with at least one other person, but we split up a lot. As has been said, talk to people. If you're able to, hit up some of the pre-Pax stuff like the breakfast and dinner, or the MMT. Great ways to meet new people and have a lot of fun too!

  • SaintJiubSaintJiub New YorkRegistered User regular
    @somejerkfromboston lol you sound like fun already, i'm definitely down! i'm a magic player myself (not a fan of planeswalkers though...hope i didn't open a can of worms with anyone here haha) munchkin, d&d, COD, Elder Scrolls, WOW etc. @a fraking toaster @upstateny-dan we could even just group up at the conventions food area, that was kinda cheap right? i didn't get a chance to go to the bar there though, was it any good?

  • FireWaterFireWater Registered User regular
    I am going solo this year, though some of the guys from vVv (where I am an applicant) are going as well.
    I'm staying at the Hyatt, and I play mostly PC Games (FPS and LoL).

    I will be in Thursday and leaving sunday evening.

  • MarsCheliosMarsChelios Registered User regular
    I was solo my first time to PAX as well. I didn't really have any idea about what to expect and was worried about being left out so I set up a murder mystery on the forums to meet people. I'm so glad I did because I'm still friends with a lot of people who joined in for that. I usually attend with a group now, but the assassins games I run at PAX is basically a scaled up version of that original idea.

    You may show up to PAX alone, but you won't be for long. But if you're intrigued by random people coming up to you to assassinate you (or the other way around) check out the Assassins Ball thread.

  • RaughnRaughn Registered User regular
    edited February 2014
    FireWater wrote: »
    I am going solo this year, though some of the guys from vVv (where I am an applicant) are going as well.
    I'm staying at the Hyatt, and I play mostly PC Games (FPS and LoL).

    I will be in Thursday and leaving sunday evening.

    I've been thinking of trying to rally the forum's Hyatt contingent this year, if only for small things like "Meet at X if you're walking to the Pre-PAX dinner and want company." Great hotel, but wow its like we vanish into the walls there. Year over year, I noticed that the hotel thread seemed to have more Hyatt folks, so some small-scale coordination may be possible.

    Raughn on
  • zealezeale Saint LouisRegistered User regular
    Which Hyatt are you guys talking about? I'm at the Hyatt Boston Harbor and would be down for some kind of pre-PAX gathering if that's the correct one.

    dgiab0m7h15x.png

  • The_MadHatter_The_MadHatter_ Registered User regular
    Last year was my first PAX and I went by myself. So I'll echo the idea that it's great that you get to focus more on what you want to do and the advice about just talking to people. Tabletop and freeplay areas are great ideas, but also if you have a short and simple game to play in lines it makes a great icebreaker and if you find one person, others might gather to watch or join in as well. I actually bought Zombie Dice last year specifically for this reason and it worked great. There's also a lot of handheld gaming in lines as well as some Magic.

    PSN ID, Steam: The_MadHatter_
  • RaughnRaughn Registered User regular
    zeale wrote: »
    Which Hyatt are you guys talking about? I'm at the Hyatt Boston Harbor and would be down for some kind of pre-PAX gathering if that's the correct one.

    I'm talking about Hyatt Regency Boston, downtown. I keep forgetting there are two to confuse things.

  • sobe253sobe253 Registered User regular
    I also will be solo and would love to meet some new people attending Pax East! I have always gone to Prime every year so far since 2011 because I am located in WA and its closer to me. It will be my first time flying out to Boston for East and I am really looking forward to the adventure. Anyone else attending the Avicii show thursday? I would love to find some people also going to prefunk with them before the show.

  • RaughnRaughn Registered User regular
    sobe253 wrote: »
    I also will be solo and would love to meet some new people attending Pax East! I have always gone to Prime every year so far since 2011 because I am located in WA and its closer to me. It will be my first time flying out to Boston for East and I am really looking forward to the adventure. Anyone else attending the Avicii show thursday? I would love to find some people also going to prefunk with them before the show.

    Have a look here:

    http://forums.penny-arcade.com/discussion/186822/avicii-concert-during-pax-east

  • KayTee86KayTee86 Registered User regular
    I am not technically going alone, going with my boyfriend and another couple. The couple we are travelling with are experienced Pax-attendees, however it's mine and my boyfriend's first time. I have a strange feeling that I will be spending much of Pax on my own however. We all have rather different interests so I have a feeling we will all wander off to do our own thing. So this will be interesting for me as I'm the quiet one of our group.

  • KhaytorKhaytor MassachusettsRegistered User regular
    Another great way to meet people is through Buttoneering. Check out the thread in the forums (the thread is: What's This About Buttons and Cards).
    Just have a bunch of buttons made up and ask people if they want to trade. You'll meet a lot of awesome people that way. You just can't be shy about it.

  • Hyperion098Hyperion098 Registered User regular
    SaintJiub wrote: »
    I wanted to start this for anyone who is attending PAX East alone or some of the time alone. Any advice or ideas?? Do a lot of people attend alone?

    Thanks Everyone!!


    A few people came up to me while i was standing in line or something and just asked me a question like "whats your favorite game" or something silly and we ended up having nice conversations! I love every one I have met at pax lovely bunch of people

  • ChoujicosplayerChoujicosplayer Cape Cod, MARegistered User regular
    My first time at Pax and im coming solo. Hoping its as great as i've heard :3

    Get some cookies, so you can eat 'em and grow up big and strong and kick Piston in the butt-butt.
  • upstateny-danupstateny-dan Registered User regular
    SaintJiub wrote: »
    @somejerkfromboston lol you sound like fun already, i'm definitely down! i'm a magic player myself (not a fan of planeswalkers though...hope i didn't open a can of worms with anyone here haha) munchkin, d&d, COD, Elder Scrolls, WOW etc. @a fraking toaster @upstateny-dan we could even just group up at the conventions food area, that was kinda cheap right? i didn't get a chance to go to the bar there though, was it any good?

    Not sure, this will be my first. I thought I saw somewhere that drinks were a little pricey but I am down for whatever even if just for a little while to put some faces to forum handles lol. I do suggest signing up for the pre pax dinner, will be there with my wife and baby. They are just attending Friday, Saturday I can fully geek out lol.

  • SomeJerkFromBostonSomeJerkFromBoston SomeJerkFromBoston BostonRegistered User new member
    SaintJiub wrote: »
    @somejerkfromboston lol you sound like fun already, i'm definitely down! i'm a magic player myself (not a fan of planeswalkers though...hope i didn't open a can of worms with anyone here haha) munchkin, d&d, COD, Elder Scrolls, WOW etc. @a fraking toaster @upstateny-dan we could even just group up at the conventions food area, that was kinda cheap right? i didn't get a chance to go to the bar there though, was it any good?

    Stupid work firewall blocked access to the forum, making me disappear for a few days. Catch me @SomeJerkFB, I'll follow pretty much anyone who's looking to game. As for the bar, it's alright. Decently priced for where itis but it's on the slow side.

    "I like me."
  • XX55XXXX55XX Registered User regular
    For my first three times of going to PAX, I pretty much solo'd it. People are generally cool (some people allowed me to walk around with them for a bit). And even in 2013, when I had plenty of friends around, I still hung out with strangers quite often because people want to do their own thing.

    However, don't conflate people's friendliness with the possibility that they might become your friend after the con, except under certain circumstances (like enforcing, etc.) Conventions aren't really the place to make friends, they are places to see and celebrate your hobby and to hang out with like-minded people, be they strangers, acquaintances, or friends.

  • MistyGuyMistyGuy Registered User new member
    I'm going solo on Sunday, anyone wanna meet up and walk around for a bit or get lunch?

    Treading the halls of sanity since '99
  • BursarBursar Hee Noooo! PDX areaRegistered User regular
    This will be my first PAX, and I'll be at the convention by myself, though my gf will be taking a vacation to do some Bostonian tourism while I'm getting my nerd on. ;-) We're both gamers, though, so I think we'll both enjoy our time.

    GNU Terry Pratchett
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    Hit me up on BoardGameArena! User: Loaded D1
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  • gonexallgonexall PhiladelphiaRegistered User regular
    After reading this thread, I have two more pieces of advise.

    First, if you are staying anywhere other than the Westin or the Seaport, you should think seriously about attending the pre-board game night at the Marriot Long Wharf (and the pre-pax forum dinner, which it held just a few blocks away).

    Second, you should realize that planned meetings can be very tricky. You could get stuck in a line or miss each other because of the crowd. This happened to me a few times last year, and it was stressful--so plan carefully if you do this. I would suggest doing more immediate and impromptu meet-ups where you tweet someone to let them know that you've found something cool, or there is no line somewhere, or a great game is about to begin. This way, you can reach out to your people you've met, and they'll either be able to join or not, but you don't have to worry about getting to a specific place at a specific time. If this is your first Pax, you will be surprised at all the different ways you can get off track and delayed (wonderful ways, but not conducive to precise meetings). Wandering is part of the fun.

  • upstateny-danupstateny-dan Registered User regular
    @gonexall good idea, but I hear mobile is spotty in the center? If its anything like Javitts in nyc, I couldnt get on wifi or 4g. Communication was tough aside from phone calls/txt. But yea I will be at the pre pax dinner, definitely agree. I will also be shooting cosplay photos, if anyone wants to join for a photo walk probably saturday for a little while before lunch when the light will be best.

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