If you're getting this, that means you have purchased a BYOC spot at PAX South to bring your computer and play on our dedicated network alongside a couple hundred friends you haven't met yet. To help make sure your BYOC festivities go smoothly, we've put together this little information packet for you. If you ever have any questions, feel free to email us at pax_pc@paxsite.com or to help ensure others benefit from your question, post in our forums at https://forums.penny-arcade.com/discussion/232529/pax-south-byoc-2020-mega-thread/p1
--- Location ---
BYOC has moved to a new location! We will be in the Stars at Night ballroom on the third floor immediately above the main entrance. It's a beautiful room and we can't wait to put it to good use!
--- PAX South Badge Registration ---
Your PAX South BYOC badges should be mailed to you shortly if you haven't received them already. Should you have questions or issues with this, please contact pax_questions@paxsite.com. If you do not receive your badge in the mail it can be picked up at Will Call. Will Call is open Thursday 12:00pm - 8:00pm, Friday 8:00am - 7:00pm, Saturday 8:00am - 7:00pm, and Sunday 8:00am - 5:00pm.
--- Getting There ---
If you're driving to PAX South with your computer in tow, we have special instructions for you! The short version is you'll be using a loading dock around back of the building (we will have signage pointing the way). The inside of that loading dock puts you pretty close to our registration area, so you'll just walk across the hall into the main lobby, use an elevator to go up to Level 3, and you're there. Please do not leave your car in the loading dock any longer than necessary! We've attached a flyer with details and here's a google maps link to the loading area for your convenience: https://goo.gl/maps/AL14y5TbupA3EpG49
If you aren't driving, just use the main entrance. If you're carrying computer bits or bytes, do not wait in the line, just come to the front entrance and we'll get you sorted.
The PC Room has early entry on Friday (and only Friday) to find a seat and set up your gear - we'll be starting load-in at 8:30 AM. Saturday and Sunday opening will be normal PAX time - 10:00am.
--- Basic LAN Party Information ---
If you've never been to a LAN party, be sure to bring the following equipment:
- BYOC Pass (if you did Will Call, get it before trying to check in!)
- Computer
- Monitor (Please no bigger than 27" LCD) and connecting cable
- Keyboard
- Mouse (we recommend wired, just to avoid any potential interference)
- Mouse pad
- Ethernet cable (25 feet should be sufficient, but longer is always better)
- Power cables (but no extension cords or power strips. Maximum of two power connected devices)
- Headphones
- Games CDs/DVDs, Windows CD, and backups for other programs you may need to install/reinstall.
We suggest printing off this list checking each item as you pack it. If you end up forgetting something, talk to an Enforcer and we might be able to help out.
Please update/patch your games before coming to PAX. This includes updating Steam, Impulse, Origin, and such. You will have access to the Internet, but bandwidth is limited!
Please be sure to enable virus protection on your computer before connecting it to our network. Any computers that are found with a virus will be immediately disconnected from the network until the matter is resolved.
***AGAIN, PATCH YOUR PC BEFORE YOU ARRIVE***
The PAX South BYOC schedule is as follows:
Friday: 8:30 am - 12:00am
Saturday: 10:00am - 12:00am
Sunday: 10:00am - 6:00pm
--- Tournament Schedule ---
The PC Tournament Schedule can be found on our forums. Note this does not account for the various BYOC contests we'll be peer pressuring you into.
--- BYOC Contests ---
The BYOC staff will be running organized games throughout each day in the games on the list. Some of the activities will have signups ahead of time while others you can just jump in game and join us. Extended descriptions for each of the organized events will be posted on the PAX Forums. Scheduled times will be available on site starting at check-in. The PAX South BYOC twitter account is @BYOC_South, and can be followed for updates leading up to and during the show.
--- Security Information ---
There's a lot more to do at PAX than just play PC games, and we want you to be able to go do all of these things secure in the knowledge that your computer and peripherals are safe and sound. To that end, we probably put a much higher emphasis on security than most other LAN parties. Before you enter the PAX BYOC area, you will have to quickly register your computer and any monitor you're bringing into the computer area. We've gone to great lengths to keep the security processes in check, and as such, please keep your BYOC badge as visible as possible when entering the room.
While we will make every attempt to keep all equipment in the room safe, be aware that there is little we can do to prevent iPods, tablets, portable game consoles, CD's, big wads of cash, and other small items from walking off. We strongly suggest you keep such items out of plain view and use some common sense when it comes to your own security. If you're coming with a laptop, we also STRONGLY recommend you invest in a laptop lock. Seriously.
--- Voice Chat Information ---
We will have a Discord client available for tournaments and public gaming. While we will have the client available on our file server, it is recommended that you download and install Discord before you come to the event. You can download the client at https://discordapp.com/apps
-- Other BYOC information
If you have any PC related questions at all during PAX, please see the BYOC Help Desk (near the entrance of BYOC). If they're not able to provide a solution, they'll be able to direct you to the right people to get your problem solved.
That's all we've got! Thanks for reading all this, and see you all at PAX!
Are the hours for the BYOC same as last year? (Didn’t get the Pass/mailer information with my tickets). I believe it was as early as 8:00am on Friday we can get to the loading dock and then go in and get started?
Everything I read before purchasing my byoc badges said that we would have early entry for setting up our computers, but the email says we have to wait until 10:00. Does this still apply for those of us bringing in equipment on Saturday and/or Sunday?
but we will be able to park in the dock area and allowed to get our badges right? will we be required to have security check our gear on the docks?
Negative - you'll be able to park in the loading dock only to bring your gear into the building and drop it off with a waiting enforcer. You'll need to then move your car, park, go through security, and pick up your badges.
You won't NEED your badge to drop off your gear. If you ended up going through Will Call first, or today, it would be handy.
Folks, we've checked in over 100 of you now, and we've not seen a car in about an hour, so we're closing down the loading dock entrance at noon. We will still have carts available for you at BYOC if you'd like to borrow them, but you'll either have to bring your equipment from wherever you parked or wherever you're staying.
What's the plan for removing our gear tomorrow? Do we have to be broken down and out the door by 6:00 or is there a grace period so we can enjoy the con until 6?
What's the plan for removing our gear tomorrow? Do we have to be broken down and out the door by 6:00 or is there a grace period so we can enjoy the con until 6?
Posts
Yep! Mailer going out shortly with details, but we'll open at 8:30 on Friday for load-in.
If you're getting this, that means you have purchased a BYOC spot at PAX South to bring your computer and play on our dedicated network alongside a couple hundred friends you haven't met yet. To help make sure your BYOC festivities go smoothly, we've put together this little information packet for you. If you ever have any questions, feel free to email us at pax_pc@paxsite.com or to help ensure others benefit from your question, post in our forums at https://forums.penny-arcade.com/discussion/232529/pax-south-byoc-2020-mega-thread/p1
--- Location ---
BYOC has moved to a new location! We will be in the Stars at Night ballroom on the third floor immediately above the main entrance. It's a beautiful room and we can't wait to put it to good use!
--- PAX South Badge Registration ---
Your PAX South BYOC badges should be mailed to you shortly if you haven't received them already. Should you have questions or issues with this, please contact pax_questions@paxsite.com. If you do not receive your badge in the mail it can be picked up at Will Call. Will Call is open Thursday 12:00pm - 8:00pm, Friday 8:00am - 7:00pm, Saturday 8:00am - 7:00pm, and Sunday 8:00am - 5:00pm.
--- Getting There ---
If you're driving to PAX South with your computer in tow, we have special instructions for you! The short version is you'll be using a loading dock around back of the building (we will have signage pointing the way). The inside of that loading dock puts you pretty close to our registration area, so you'll just walk across the hall into the main lobby, use an elevator to go up to Level 3, and you're there. Please do not leave your car in the loading dock any longer than necessary! We've attached a flyer with details and here's a google maps link to the loading area for your convenience: https://goo.gl/maps/AL14y5TbupA3EpG49
If you aren't driving, just use the main entrance. If you're carrying computer bits or bytes, do not wait in the line, just come to the front entrance and we'll get you sorted.
The PC Room has early entry on Friday (and only Friday) to find a seat and set up your gear - we'll be starting load-in at 8:30 AM. Saturday and Sunday opening will be normal PAX time - 10:00am.
--- Basic LAN Party Information ---
If you've never been to a LAN party, be sure to bring the following equipment:
- BYOC Pass (if you did Will Call, get it before trying to check in!)
- Computer
- Monitor (Please no bigger than 27" LCD) and connecting cable
- Keyboard
- Mouse (we recommend wired, just to avoid any potential interference)
- Mouse pad
- Ethernet cable (25 feet should be sufficient, but longer is always better)
- Power cables (but no extension cords or power strips. Maximum of two power connected devices)
- Headphones
- Games CDs/DVDs, Windows CD, and backups for other programs you may need to install/reinstall.
We suggest printing off this list checking each item as you pack it. If you end up forgetting something, talk to an Enforcer and we might be able to help out.
Please update/patch your games before coming to PAX. This includes updating Steam, Impulse, Origin, and such. You will have access to the Internet, but bandwidth is limited!
Please be sure to enable virus protection on your computer before connecting it to our network. Any computers that are found with a virus will be immediately disconnected from the network until the matter is resolved.
***AGAIN, PATCH YOUR PC BEFORE YOU ARRIVE***
The PAX South BYOC schedule is as follows:
Friday: 8:30 am - 12:00am
Saturday: 10:00am - 12:00am
Sunday: 10:00am - 6:00pm
--- Tournament Schedule ---
The PC Tournament Schedule can be found on our forums. Note this does not account for the various BYOC contests we'll be peer pressuring you into.
--- BYOC Contests ---
The BYOC staff will be running organized games throughout each day in the games on the list. Some of the activities will have signups ahead of time while others you can just jump in game and join us. Extended descriptions for each of the organized events will be posted on the PAX Forums. Scheduled times will be available on site starting at check-in. The PAX South BYOC twitter account is @BYOC_South, and can be followed for updates leading up to and during the show.
--- Security Information ---
There's a lot more to do at PAX than just play PC games, and we want you to be able to go do all of these things secure in the knowledge that your computer and peripherals are safe and sound. To that end, we probably put a much higher emphasis on security than most other LAN parties. Before you enter the PAX BYOC area, you will have to quickly register your computer and any monitor you're bringing into the computer area. We've gone to great lengths to keep the security processes in check, and as such, please keep your BYOC badge as visible as possible when entering the room.
While we will make every attempt to keep all equipment in the room safe, be aware that there is little we can do to prevent iPods, tablets, portable game consoles, CD's, big wads of cash, and other small items from walking off. We strongly suggest you keep such items out of plain view and use some common sense when it comes to your own security. If you're coming with a laptop, we also STRONGLY recommend you invest in a laptop lock. Seriously.
--- Voice Chat Information ---
We will have a Discord client available for tournaments and public gaming. While we will have the client available on our file server, it is recommended that you download and install Discord before you come to the event. You can download the client at https://discordapp.com/apps
-- Other BYOC information
If you have any PC related questions at all during PAX, please see the BYOC Help Desk (near the entrance of BYOC). If they're not able to provide a solution, they'll be able to direct you to the right people to get your problem solved.
That's all we've got! Thanks for reading all this, and see you all at PAX!
Are the hours for the BYOC same as last year? (Didn’t get the Pass/mailer information with my tickets). I believe it was as early as 8:00am on Friday we can get to the loading dock and then go in and get started?
Appreciate it.
https://www.wunderground.com/forecast/us/tx/san-antonio
Yep, 8:30 Friday. If you're coming in Saturday or Sunday it's a 10:00 start time
Negative - you'll be able to park in the loading dock only to bring your gear into the building and drop it off with a waiting enforcer. You'll need to then move your car, park, go through security, and pick up your badges.
You won't NEED your badge to drop off your gear. If you ended up going through Will Call first, or today, it would be handy.
There's a grace period.
Yes, as of 2p.