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Pre-Pax dinner

GhostDanGhostDan Registered User regular
Hello Everyone,
After last years issues with the Pre-Pax dinner and the following uproar I have decided to not do it this year. The aftermath just took up too much of my PAX. The person that 'assisted' me is no longer active on the forums or in the community from what I can tell.

There's still plenty of time to plan out and have the dinner if someone wants to take on the spot. I can give you some leads if you need as well.

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Posts

  • jdixon1972jdixon1972 Registered User regular
    I'm sorry to hear this! I didn't get to go last year and was looking forward to going this year. If you don't mind me asking, what happened last year and what goes into organizing an event like this?

  • rtm416rtm416 NYRegistered User regular
    I would be willing to co-organize this if somebody else with a touch more PAX experience would like to help me.

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  • GhostDanGhostDan Registered User regular
    jdixon - It's been discussed ad nauseam on the forums, We tried buffet style. It was meant to be all you can eat, restaurant decided all you can eat meant a few trays.. they underestimated the hunger of Geeks getting ready for a night of bar hopping. There's more to it, but that's enough focusing on the past :)

    My biggest suggestion - Don't do buffet style. It works well for PAX Prime, they've done it the last few years, it does not work for East.

    It takes a lot of organization, going around to restaurants and event centers and figuring out who can get a good meal out (so people don't complain about the quality of the meal) at a good price (so no one complains about the price) with enough options (so no one complains they can't eat) and near where the pub crawl starts. The place we found was good (other then the screw up on amount of food) and might work for sit down "You can choose between steak or chicken of vegetable" kind of meal. It takes having enough money to put down the deposit while you wait for people to buy tickets. And it takes a thick shell.

    Also it really should be done with someone who's been to East before. Preferably someone established with the community. It really should be organized primarily by one person, who will be at the event (I know.. but I have to say that). You will probably need trusted helpers (someone to help check people in by the door for example) but other than that it's really a one person show.

  • ClannMorganClannMorgan Registered User regular
    I attended last year, and yes there were issues, but I felt it was a good event and was looking forward to attending in 2015.

    With that said - I am local to the area, have attended PE before, have a thick outer coating and know that you can't please everyone all of the time...so if you want to pass the baton I will gladly take it, and hope that you will at least attend.

  • rascrushrascrush Registered User regular
    Ya last year the main issue was just not enough food that was my 1st year I think if we do sit down order food it will not be so bad. If we did do buffet style I would suggest fire and ice the issue with that is it is far away from the pokecrawl area well at least far enough you would have to take a taxi or train to it

  • jdixon1972jdixon1972 Registered User regular
    Has Fire & Ice been done before with PAX East? I like the place but are they able to handle seating for a large group? I know no one has taken on this task yet, i'm just talking for now. I liked the year that we went to Dicks, and Durgin Park (spell?) wasn't that bad the two years that it was there. I guess, maybe, the first thing that would need to be asked is if there is still an interest in the Pre Pax Dinner? RTM416, do you live near or in Boston? I really don't want to see this tradition die. I may, emphasis on may, be able to help. I would need to check with work, though.

  • rascrushrascrush Registered User regular
    it has never been done there as far as I know. I think they could for sure if you called them and reserved it ahead of time but like I said main issue with that is its away from the pokecrawl

  • zerzhulzerzhul Registered User, Moderator mod
    I believe Fire and Ice is where the dinner was for the first pax east.

  • tvethiopiatvethiopia Salem MARegistered User regular
    edited November 2014
    yes, fire and ice has been suggested many times before but has been rejected because it is close to neither the pokecrawl nor the westin gaming.

    tvethiopia on
    <3 Daintier. Smarter. Better dressed. <3
    7YIpfE5.png
  • ClannMorganClannMorgan Registered User regular
    There seems to still be interest in this Dinner taking place, would anyone mind if I took the reins on this? I know I'm fairly new to the forum community, but I have attended three PAX and have experience in coordinating events.

  • upstateny-danupstateny-dan Registered User regular
    We had a good time last year despite the venue issue on underestimating the hunger force of gamers as @GhostDan‌ pointed out. If it's a "sit down" and family friendly place we'd be in attendance. @ClannMorgan‌ appreciate you volunteering, I'm sure we could help if you want to bounce thoughts/ideas off us.

  • ClannMorganClannMorgan Registered User regular
    Thx! rtm416 and I are going to work together on this, I'm currently scouting out some places, and are defiantly keeping in mind the peramiteres of location, quality, location, accessibility and costs. We will post the details once they are finalized.

  • rtm416rtm416 NYRegistered User regular
    Just want to update everybody. Ticket sales and an official post should be up next week(ish). Pre-PAX dinner is a go!

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  • rascrushrascrush Registered User regular
    were u having it just out of curiosity

  • ClannMorganClannMorgan Registered User regular
    we've narrowed it down to Anthem, we're just finishing up the final details.

  • DisruptedCapitalistDisruptedCapitalist I swear! Registered User regular
    According to Yelp it's closed? I dunno, I haven't been to Quincy Market in over a year.

    "Simple, real stupidity beats artificial intelligence every time." -Mustrum Ridcully in Terry Pratchett's Hogfather p. 142 (HarperPrism 1996)
  • ClannMorganClannMorgan Registered User regular
    According to Yelp it's closed? I dunno, I haven't been to Quincy Market in over a year.

    Nope, not closed. http://www.anthem-boston.com, I believe it reopened in 2010/2011. The full name is Anthem Kitchen and Bar. I visited the restaurant two weeks ago and it's a really nice spot.

  • ClannMorganClannMorgan Registered User regular
    oh, and it opens at 11 am today...so if your checking before then it will say its closed...technically it is...but its not closed down.

  • tvethiopiatvethiopia Salem MARegistered User regular
    wow, it looks really great from the website. nice work!

    <3 Daintier. Smarter. Better dressed. <3
    7YIpfE5.png
  • KaronethKaroneth Elder Scrolling Online Co-Host Lakehurst, NJRegistered User regular
    Place looks nice Clann!

  • rascrushrascrush Registered User regular
    just make sure the place can handle atleast 70 people i would say I wont be able to go this year but I know from past years that seems like around the number they have hit

  • ClannMorganClannMorgan Registered User regular
    The function space(s) can accommodate over a hundred people. Last years attendance didn't hit that high so we should be fine. I toured the spaces and they are really nice, and they are accessible for all.

  • TabooPhantasyTabooPhantasy Registered User regular
    The menu looks incredible! I'm really excited for this regardless of what the food options end up being.

    ~Taboo
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  • DolarrahDolarrah New JerseyRegistered User regular
    Very nice. Are we talking sit down or buffet and what is target price ?

  • ClannMorganClannMorgan Registered User regular
    We are leaning more towards light apps and a plated meal (sit down); there will be a selection of meal types, including GF and vegetarian options - I am still working with the Anthem rep to get things finalized. I think plated meals may work best, as we can coordinated with the kitchen to better accommodate late arrivals. Also, there will be a selection of kids meals.

    Please know that I am keeping a close eye on cost, as this is a huge concern when including ticketing fees, tax, tip, etc. But know that it will be less than $30 adult, $13 kids (ages 3-12) including all fees as stated.

    This will still be a casual event, I hope that everyone can make it and has a great time! We hope to have a detailed announcement out by early next week. Please reach out to me via post or PM with questions or concerns.

  • tvethiopiatvethiopia Salem MARegistered User regular
    any sense of what the alcoholic beverage options might be? cash bar perhaps? the place looks like it has a decent cocktail menu, so i'm curious if that will be an option.

    <3 Daintier. Smarter. Better dressed. <3
    7YIpfE5.png
  • GhostDanGhostDan Registered User regular
    edited December 2014
    For those that need a pre-barcrawl drink :)

    One of the lessons learned from last year was that you guys really do like to drink. The restaurant was surprised how many people were taking advantage of the bar. You might want to mention that Clann, it might help you keep costs down when they realize how much they will make from the bar.

    GhostDan on
  • ClannMorganClannMorgan Registered User regular
    I noticed that fact last year, I sat at the bar and witnessed the steady stream of drink orders.

    This fact was brought up with the rep, hence we are still working out the details, i.e. rates.

    The area we will be in there will be a bar and dedicated bartender. We can even play our own music if we choose.

  • ClannMorganClannMorgan Registered User regular
    edited December 2014
    Oh, and just like last year it will be a cash bar. It will be a full bar, they have a drink menu but you can order off the cuff too.

    ClannMorgan on
  • tvethiopiatvethiopia Salem MARegistered User regular
    really can't wait to see the final details, all of this sounds fantastic!

    <3 Daintier. Smarter. Better dressed. <3
    7YIpfE5.png
  • TabooPhantasyTabooPhantasy Registered User regular
    I feel like this is all too good to be true. SOMEONE PINCH ME

    ~Taboo
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  • KaronethKaroneth Elder Scrolling Online Co-Host Lakehurst, NJRegistered User regular
    Didn't attend this event last year but hope to this year if my friends are willing. Thanks for all the work on it!

  • SutibunRiSutibunRi Montreal, Quebec, CanadaRegistered User regular
    I looked at the menu..

    I'm in.*
    *barring wild dogs/flight delays/the end of days.

  • upstateny-danupstateny-dan Registered User regular
    Great to see this shaping up, appreciate your leg work in organizing. Just a question, do they have high chairs? She'll be 2 then prob just eating whatever we eat.

  • rtm416rtm416 NYRegistered User regular
    Great to see this shaping up, appreciate your leg work in organizing. Just a question, do they have high chairs? She'll be 2 then prob just eating whatever we eat.

    While I can't comment on high chairs, there will also be a kids' menu. If anybody has other questions I might be able to assist as I'm helping Clann.

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  • ClannMorganClannMorgan Registered User regular
    Yes, they have high chairs. When I arrive I will make sure they bring a couple of HCs to our area.

  • ClannMorganClannMorgan Registered User regular
    Oh, and yes there will be a kids menu, it's for ages 3-12, however if any one would like this meal for a younger child that is totally optional, usually at that age they eat the parents food or parents bring "snacks/meals" for them.

  • upstateny-danupstateny-dan Registered User regular
    Awesome, yeah she'll be picking from whatever we eat lol. Given up on ordering a separate meal that barely gets eaten.

  • Sgt.MaysSgt.Mays Ontario, CanadaRegistered User regular
    This will be my first PPD (second PAX East), looking forward to it going solo and it sounds fun!.

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

    Attended: East 14, 15 and West 16
    Attending West 2019
  • KyussKyuss Registered User regular
    Looking forward to this. Thanks for working it.

This discussion has been closed.