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2nd Annual Pre-PAX Charity Tabletop Event & Dinner - Aug 28, 76th floor of Columbia Tower
http://skyhightabletopplay.shindigg.com/
We’re back! And this time we actually have an idea of what to expect, as well as the knowledge from last year’s event in order to know what worked, what didn’t, and what could be improved (thanks in large part to the feedback of those of you who filled out our survey after the party!). We’ve changed a number of things this year (all hopefully for the better) in order to make this year’s event even better than last year’s! Last year, we raised enough money to provide 40,000 meals to low income Washington families and veterans. We're looking to make an even bigger dent in ending hunger this year. If you know you’re already in this year and just want to know what improvements we’ve made check out the “What’s new” follow-up post below.
Who: Hopefully you, along with 249 of your closest friends or soon-to-be friends, ages 21+
What: Back for another year! This is not just another board game party! Featuring thousands of dollars in prizes from the gaming and food industry, life-sized versions of some of your favorite games, food, drinks and the chance to match wits with some of the nation's best game designers, this is THE party to be at on the night before PAX! Every cent - that's EVERY. RED. CENT. - that we raise on this evening (beyond the costs of producing the event) will be donated to Food Lifeline. Rated by Charity Navigator as 4-star charity, they provide food for homeless people in Western Washington and across the nation. Oh, and it takes place in a swanky private club atop the tallest building in Seattle.
When: Thursday, August 28th, 5:00 pm - 2:00 am
Where: Columbia Tower Club, 76th floor, downtown Seattle
Why: Because you're like us - you like to game. Because you want to kick off PAX in style. Because you'd like a tasty alcoholic beverage and a supplied meal whilst you play your games. Because you're bringing an S/O whom you would like to dazzle with the most stunning views imaginable (or to at least distract them long enough for you to play). Because you're traveling and want to go someplace special. And, most importantly, because you'd like to do all of this whilst supporting a fantastic charity - and getting a tax write-off in the process. That's a lot of wins in one package.
What's included in all ticket levels:
• Up to 249 other people to game with
• A game library that you can borrow from (feel free to BYOG, as well)
• Dinner
• Full (cash) bar access
• Guaranteed seating! We will have more than enough seats for everyone attending, so no waiting to play games.
• A pop-up game store (from The Dreaming Comics and Games) to make acquisitions, if you so choose
• A ticket-based drawing, with prizes including gift cards to many of Seattle's best restaurants, tabletop games - and, oh yes, PAX badges in case you struck out and want to go.
• As all monies spent are going to Food Lifeline, all monies spent are 100% tax deductible
VIP ticket levels also get:
• A swankier plated dinner
• Drink vouchers
• Free drawing tickets
• Private-access gaming rooms, if you so desire
• A bigger tax deduction
www.dawgsledevents.com
Click here for the 2014 Event FAQ
We’re back! And this time we actually have an idea of what to expect, as well as the knowledge from last year’s event in order to know what worked, what didn’t, and what could be improved (thanks in large part to the feedback of those of you who filled out our survey after the party!). We’ve changed a number of things this year (all hopefully for the better) in order to make this year’s event even better than last year’s! Last year, we raised enough money to provide 40,000 meals to low income Washington families and veterans. We're looking to make an even bigger dent in ending hunger this year. If you know you’re already in this year and just want to know what improvements we’ve made check out the “What’s new” follow-up post below.
Who: Hopefully you, along with 249 of your closest friends or soon-to-be friends, ages 21+
What: Back for another year! This is not just another board game party! Featuring thousands of dollars in prizes from the gaming and food industry, life-sized versions of some of your favorite games, food, drinks and the chance to match wits with some of the nation's best game designers, this is THE party to be at on the night before PAX! Every cent - that's EVERY. RED. CENT. - that we raise on this evening (beyond the costs of producing the event) will be donated to Food Lifeline. Rated by Charity Navigator as 4-star charity, they provide food for homeless people in Western Washington and across the nation. Oh, and it takes place in a swanky private club atop the tallest building in Seattle.
When: Thursday, August 28th, 5:00 pm - 2:00 am
Where: Columbia Tower Club, 76th floor, downtown Seattle
Why: Because you're like us - you like to game. Because you want to kick off PAX in style. Because you'd like a tasty alcoholic beverage and a supplied meal whilst you play your games. Because you're bringing an S/O whom you would like to dazzle with the most stunning views imaginable (or to at least distract them long enough for you to play). Because you're traveling and want to go someplace special. And, most importantly, because you'd like to do all of this whilst supporting a fantastic charity - and getting a tax write-off in the process. That's a lot of wins in one package.
What's included in all ticket levels:
• Up to 249 other people to game with
• A game library that you can borrow from (feel free to BYOG, as well)
• Dinner
• Full (cash) bar access
• Guaranteed seating! We will have more than enough seats for everyone attending, so no waiting to play games.
• A pop-up game store (from The Dreaming Comics and Games) to make acquisitions, if you so choose
• A ticket-based drawing, with prizes including gift cards to many of Seattle's best restaurants, tabletop games - and, oh yes, PAX badges in case you struck out and want to go.
• As all monies spent are going to Food Lifeline, all monies spent are 100% tax deductible
VIP ticket levels also get:
• A swankier plated dinner
• Drink vouchers
• Free drawing tickets
• Private-access gaming rooms, if you so desire
• A bigger tax deduction
www.dawgsledevents.com
Click here for the 2014 Event FAQ
Reenie on
+4
Posts
We’ve added and adjusted a number of things this year based on feedback we received last year. A few of the changes we’ve made include:
Expanded hours! Last year’s event was 7:30 to 2:00 am because the space was unavailable before 7:30. This year, the event will run from 5:00 pm to 2:00 am. 9 hours of gaming!
More space! Last year, a private group reserved one of the conference rooms (the nicest of them, in fact) for a dinner before we asked for it, and that space was unavailable for use for much of the night. This year, we’ve taken over the entire 76th floor. More space, more people, more game!
The pacing of the dinner for the VIP’s. The Columbia Tower Club didn’t quite understand that our VIP’s just wanted to eat their meal, have it cleared, and then put games back on the table and, as a result, the VIP dinner took almost 90 minutes last year. We’re working with the host manager of the tower club as well as the executive chef to ensure the pacing of the meal is greatly improved so there aren’t 30 minute wait periods between courses and the food offerings are conducive to a still-elegant meal, but by which the courses can be served without long down-times.
Streamlined prize Drawing! Due to overwhelming support from the game companies, local restaurants and entertainment venues and the sheer volume of prizes, the prize drawing took over 90 minutes last year, which took away from gaming time. This year, we are streamlining the drawing process to include a system by which you can check your tickets on screens to see what you’ve won, and approach dedicated volunteers working the prize booth to redeem your prize at your leisure once the drawing has been conducted. This will eliminate the need to announce each individual game, then a ticket number, then wait for everyone to check and see who won, snake their way through the crowd to claim their prize, etc. Gaming will not be interrupted for the drawing this year.
Looking for game/group system: Something we heard last year was it was difficult for people looking for a game to join to find a group looking for players amongst all the tables - and that it was hard for tables looking for players to identify people who were looking for a game to join amongst everybody walking around. Tabletop is about building friendships, and we’re here to facilitate. This year we’re implementing a balloon Looking for group/game system at all tables. Are you a player short and want to see if someone new will ever possibly trade you wood for sheep? Raise your balloon up high and see who comes by to play. Feeling aggressive and wanting to stomp some zombies, but forgot to bring 3 friends? Look for a balloon up in the air - those people are looking for someone just like you.
Improved meals! Feedback for the dinner offering last year was quite positive, but let’s be honest: It was a bit of a starch and carb bomb fest. This time, we’re working directly with the club’s executive chef to ensure the meal will be more balanced this year, as well as to ensure there are options for our vegetarian and gluten-free attendees. Our VIP menus will also be changed up this year, still including creative and daring options for foodies that chef Tyler is known for, but also including more traditional choices for our meat and potatoes guests.
New pop-up store! Some feedback we got last year was our vendor for the pop-up store was not price-competitive and the selection was thin. We’ve brought in The Dreaming Comics and Games this year. Aron’s prices are highly competitive, and he has a massive selection of games for sale, as well as a much-expanded lending library vs. last year. Aron has also generously included purchase vouchers to be used at the pop-up or his physical store with certain tiers of event tickets for sale. More on the vouchers is below.
Ticket pricing: So last year we were actually selling each ticket at a not-insignificant loss vs. what the actual cost was per person (that view is *not* cheap...), shouldering the price difference expense personally out of pocket, and then relied entirely upon donations at the door and prize drawing proceeds to create the final donation to Food Lifeline. And this year we’ve added a number of improvements, which come with additional expense. We’ve feathered up the price of admission slightly this year to reflect a more cost-neutral cost of admission for tier 1 purchasers. We’ve also implemented a graduating ticket price schedule. Early bird and Tier 1 tickets will be available until July 31st or until the respective tiers sell out. Tier 2 tickets will be available until August 15th, and tier 3 pricing will be in effect from that point until the event completely sells out. Quite simply: Buy early and before others, pay less. We’ve also got 2 price points within each tier – one with The Dreaming’s sales voucher, and one without.
Gaming Vouchers: The Dreaming Comics and Games will have a pop-up store at the event where you can purchase games! You have the option of purchasing 2 $10 gaming vouchers with your ticket for only an additional $5! What these vouchers allow you to do is take $10 off of any one game priced at $30 or more. We also did this at International TableTop Day, and it was a huge success. Here's the proverbial fine print: Vouchers only have full effect on games costing $30 or more. Vouchers can be used on games priced below $30, but the lowest price a voucher can reduce the price to is $20. For example, a voucher used on a game costing $35 reduces the price to $25. A voucher used on a game costing $30 reduces the price to $20. A voucher used on a game costing $25 reduces the price to $20. A voucher used on a game costing $18 has no effect. Also, you cannot use multiple vouchers on the same game.
There you have it – an event where the hosts ACTUALLY listen to you and enact your wishes! Last year’s event was a huge hit, this year’s will be even better! We will see you on August 28th!
http://shindigg.com/Event/7g94bPJv
MENUS:
The VIP menu is still having the finer points of it fleshed out - there will be 4-5 options for each course this year as opposed to the 3 last year (will be themed to feature Washington's local bounty). There's no real rush on finalizing it since VIP is already sold out, and we want to make sure to get every detail right on that meal. Wanted to get out in front with the general admission menu though, as we know some people are awaiting the offerings.
Chef Tyler and our food guru worked out a lot of details this morning. We're presenting a luau theme with the general meal this year. General admission dinner will be (subject to changes, of course, but unlikely to do so):
-Whole roasted Kalua pig (no, you won't see the whole animal on display) served 2 ways - shredded and loins. Served w/ a tropical slaw and w/ or w/out buns for sandwich style
-Whole sides of fish - what type of fish is TBD depending on what looks good at the fishmonger when the purchase is made. Given what's good end of August, we're likely looking at either steelhead or mahi mahi. Preparation style TBD depending on type of fish
-A tropical salad w/ fruits both local and exotic, mixed with peppered greens (likely mizuna) and tossed with a lime white balsamic and orange olive oil vinaigrette (gluten-free menu choice, though the above may qualify as well)
-Tropical rice pilaf, specifics TBD
Sponsors & Demos:
The following companies will be physically in attendance showing off games and providing prizes and instructionals:
-Japanime Games, who will be demoing ‘Krosmaster Arena’, with a giant Krosmaster board and figures
-Eagle-Gryphon, which will be showing off games such as ‘Francis Drake’, ‘Fleet’, ‘Games of Art’, and possibly the new ‘Defenders of the Realm’
-Frog the What, who is demoing their upcoming Kickstarter ‘Slaughterball’
-Privateer Press, makers of games such as Level 7 (Omega Protocol), ‘Zombies Keep Out’, and ‘Bodgers’ (pending final confirmation)
-Harebrained Schemes, demoing ‘Golem Arcana’ (pending final confirmation)
-Calliope Games, likely again be bringing the life-size ‘Tsuro’ game board
-Volunteers will be on-hand demoing games from various publishers who support the event in various ways but cannot physically attend, including Plaid Hat Games (‘Bioshock Infinite’, ‘Mice & Mystics’), GMT (‘Dominant Species’, ‘Command & Colors’), Stronghold Games (‘Space Cadets’) and numerous others.
Behind the scenes, we’re currently working on having some special guests hosting the games they’ve designed. This is of particular interest to those who are into the ‘King of Tokyo’, ‘Werewolf’, and ‘Smash Up’ titles to use as 3 examples. We’ve already secured the confirmation on one, but not sure if they want us pre-announcing their specific attendance or not.
PRIZES
So this list is going to evolve as things roll in. Last year, most of our donors and supporters didn't get things to us until about a week before the event, which will likely be the case again this year. Will update the status of these periodically as things show up. What is presently a known commodity to be given away at the drawing:
GAMES:
Note: Many of our donors are providing or have provided multiple copies of certain games. The exact amount that will be given away is either the total they've provided or the total minus 1 in case we don't have a copy of the game to demo or put in the lending library. This is per the publisher's requests, as part of the reason they support this event is so that people will be exposed to their games. So if we publish a picture of the prize table with 4 copies of Bioshock Infinite on it and give away 3, the 4th one is at a demo table; it didn't "fall off the truck".
-Plaid Hat Games - Copies of Bioshock Infinite
-Japanime Games - Copies of Krosmaster Arena and 20 assorted characters that are given away in promotions only
-Chivalry Games - Chaostle & the Melee expansion (the core game box is HUGE so if you're traveling, you might need to talk to us about shipping it)
-Gearbox Software - A Borderlands 2 Swag-filled Limited Edition Diamond Plate Loot Chest
-AEG: An assortment of games, including Guildhall, Dominare, Smash Up, and War of Honor (information at AEG's website). Added bonus: There are also certificates for the limited edition "Geeks" faction for Smash-Up
-Hurrican: Augustus, nominated at the 2013 Spiel for best game.
-Harebrained Schemes is donating Golem Arcana
-Privateer Press has donated multiple copies of Zombies Keep Out and Warmachine
FOOD GIFT CERTIFICATES & MORE:
-John Howie (of John Howie Steak, Seastar, Sport, and the new Wildwood Spirits Co. & Beardslee Public House) has once again gone completely over the top with donations. We still don't have everything in-hand yet, but he's giving away an immense amount of stuff, including the first item at our event that is worth so much, it's necessitating a silent auction. For those traveling, John has what is considered by many to be the finest steakhouse in the Northwest, and what is arguably the best seafood restaurant in the entire nation.
-Calozzi's Cheesesteaks on 4th & Union (best, realistically only, authentic cheesesteaks in town) has put in 2 $25 gift cards.
-Tom Douglas restaurants (multiple James Beard awards, including the James Beard award for best restaurateur in the world last year) has donated lunch for 2 at his famous Dahlia Lounge along with an autographed copy of one of his books
-The Miller's Guild, a nose-to-tail themed homage to all things meat & James Beard award winning chef Jason Wilson's latest endeavor located on 6th and Stewart has donated 2 gift cards
As mentioned above, quite a bit more is still to come in, will update as it does.
[ X ] Badge
[ X ] Hotel
[ X ] Plane
Wish me luck!
2015 PAX Prime Omeganaut (I will forever hate Katamari)
2015 PAX Prime Omeganaut (I will forever hate Katamari)
What is the dress code outside of cosplay?
[ X ] Badge
[ X ] Hotel
[ X ] Plane
Wish me luck!
I'm curious about this as well.
What’s this about a Dress Code?
There is one, but it doesn’t really apply to our event since the gaming tables are all in the banquet area (which is separate from the members only areas). Since we have these areas reserved exclusively for us, the general club’s dress code does not apply. That being said, unless you are wearing cosplay (more on this below), we ask that you follow the general club rules: No athletic wear (including baseball caps, beanies and the like, sorry guys and gals), no shorts, and no flip flops or athletic sandals. The only penalty for not adhering to this is that you won’t be able to go down and explore the members only areas on 75, but it will not affect your gaming in any way.
“Dressy” hats are acceptable club attire for men and women – fedoras, berets, etc. In case anyone has a strong aversion to venturing out without a hat, there is a great hat store located a few blocks from the Columbia Tower Club – Byrnie Utz. Their hours vary, but they close at 6:00 pm on Thursdays.
Can I wear my costume to the Club?
Yes, just as long as you don’t enter the members only area on the 75th floor! Once you reach the 75th floor, if you haven’t already checked in, hang a right outside the elevators and check in with the concierge desk. After you’ve checked in, take the elevator up to the 76th floor (directly across from the elevator bank that brought you to 75). Congratulations! You will be one of the few people to ever wear a gaming costume on the 76th floor of the Columbia Tower!
This was last year's FAQ, so don't take it as law.
2015 PAX Prime Omeganaut (I will forever hate Katamari)
Click here for the 2014 Event FAQ
Can't wait!
Thanks for the heads up, I managed to get the last two VIP tickets. My wife and I are looking forward to it.
3DS: 0817-4905-9201
XBL: Brandobaris
It's what I get redirected to from the original Shindigg link.
2015 PAX Prime Omeganaut (I will forever hate Katamari)
http://imgur.com/a/Z25fx
2015 PAX Prime Omeganaut (I will forever hate Katamari)
Just click on the first image and it'll start a close-up slideshow.
https://plus.google.com/u/0/photos/107478566112796580756/albums/6036761438427060353
[ X ] Badge
[ X ] Hotel
[ X ] Plane
Wish me luck!
Just checked it and it got me fixed up. 3 tickets bought! Can't wait to meet everyone, and enjoy this event!!
My group is in picture 16! As you can all see from the pictures by @Reenie there is no such thing as a bad seat in this place. Also - I HAD NO IDEA THEY HAD KROSMASTER ARENA THERE LAST YEAR!!! :-(
2015 PAX Prime Omeganaut (I will forever hate Katamari)
Well then, this is really going to blow your mind, cause Japanime Games is one of our sponsors this year, and they are showing up with an extra large Krosmaster board and significantly larger playing pieces, running demos all night.
I love you for this. My wife, on the other hand.... ;-)
2015 PAX Prime Omeganaut (I will forever hate Katamari)
You have 2 options: plan flights accordingly for next year (oh yes, there will be an event next year!), or look into how much it would cost to change flights
[ X ] Badge
[ X ] Hotel
[ X ] Plane
Wish me luck!
[ X ] Badge
[ X ] Hotel
[ X ] Plane
Wish me luck!
2015 PAX Prime Omeganaut (I will forever hate Katamari)
Looking at companies that are going to be in attendance demoing offerings, so far we’ve got:
-Japanime Games, who will be demoing ‘Krosmaster Arena’, with a giant Krosmaster board and figures
-Eagle-Gryphon, which will be showing off games such as ‘Francis Drake’, ‘Fleet’, ‘Games of Art’, and possibly the new ‘Defenders of the Realm’
-Frog the What, who is demoing their upcoming Kickstarter ‘Slaughterball’
-Privateer Press, makers of games such as Level 7 (Omega Protocol), ‘Zombies Keep Out’, and ‘Bodgers’ (pending final confirmation)
-Harebrained Schemes, demoing ‘Golem Arcana’ (pending final confirmation)
-Calliope Games, likely again be bringing the life-size ‘Tsuro’ game board
-Volunteers will be on-hand demoing games from various publishers who support the event in various ways but cannot physically attend, including Plaid Hat Games (‘Bioshock Infinite’, ‘Mice & Mystics’), GMT (‘Dominant Species’, ‘Command & Colors’), Stronghold Games (‘Space Cadets’) and numerous others.
Behind the scenes, we’re currently working on having some special guests hosting the games they’ve designed. This is of particular interest to those who are into the ‘King of Tokyo’, ‘Werewolf’, and ‘Smash Up’ titles to use as 3 examples. We’ve already secured the confirmation on one, but not sure if they want us pre-announcing their specific attendance or not.
hnnnnnngh
2015 PAX Prime Omeganaut (I will forever hate Katamari)
PAX Prime / PAX Dev 2014
PAX Prime 2013
PAX Prime 2009