Saturday, March 30, 2013

PAX East 2013 Notes

Apparently it's been a little over a year since I've updated my blog. I guess it's not so surprising. I realize now that I meant to write a PAX East 2012 recap and forgot... Oops!

Instead of the usual recap, I decided to just summarize the things that went well and the things I should remember for next year. Overall, I really enjoyed PAX this year. I definitely did more than last year and had more fun!

Things that went well

  • Downloaded and used the Guidebook app for iOS (very helpful before and during PAX!)
  • Made a schedule beforehand
  • Looked over the map(s) beforehand and noted important locations
  • Took off work on Friday to get to PAX early
  • Surveyed the convention center Friday morning
  • Talked to some industry folks
  • Participated in some tournaments (won 3rd in Mario Kart 7 out of 95, 4th in Mario Kart DS out of 17)
  • Brought food, only spent money on dinner once

Things to do next year

  • Plan more in advance! PAX will sneak up on you due to work & Made in MA party.
  • Make an expo hall plan in addition to a panel/tournament plan to prevent idle wandering.
  • Make a packing list; plan what to bring before the night before.
  • Allow 30-60 minutes for waiting in lines for panels, more for popular panels.
  • Network with people you know again, but also meet new people.
  • Play more games on the expo floor, especially lesser-known indie games.
  • Demo lines in the expo hall shrink close to closing. Don't waste time waiting in line if you can play quickly right before closing time.
  • Spend some time in the classic arcade, console free play, and other rarely-visited places.
  • Meet up with and hang out with friends sometime.
Unlike last year, I was actually sad that PAX was over this year. I hope to get just as much, if not more, out of the convention next year!

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