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PAX Prime 2012 Registration - ALL SOLD OUT

I moved to Seattle last year right as pax prime was going on and was unable to go because I was still looking for a place to live and setting up for work. This year I had no idea the tickets would be sold out so quickly... wish I grabbed them soon as I knew they went on sale. I really wanted my roommates to be able to come with me this year =[ Ill have an exhibitor pass but itll stink going alone.
 
I'm not sure how E3 works, I've never been there. But at PAX literally everything you do or want to go to requires you to have and present your badge. You can't tell me that there's a realistic way of doing badge and ID checks for panels in the gigantic conference rooms that fit 800 people in a timely fashion, not even just the Expo Hall itself. Also going by attendance numbers E3 2011 was 46,000 compared to PAX Prime 2011 70,000 and PAX East 2012 which was reportedly bigger than that.
Oh, you have it wrong, no sane group would check ID every time people entered. How E3 does it, is you are sent your badge in the mail, with your name and security features on it. Then when you arrive in town, at some point you must go to the convention center to pick up a badge holder - to get the holder you must present government ID which matches the badge and is in their computer system. The badge holder and the badge have hidden markings which work together to create a recognizable pattern under a black light, which they have over very entrance to an expo hall, along with handheld black lights held by the security staff.

As for attendance, E3 2005 had 70,000 people, E3 2006 had 60,000. I'd call that about what PAX gets.
 
Oh, you have it wrong, no sane group would check ID every time people entered. How E3 does it, is you are sent your badge in the mail, with your name and security features on it. Then when you arrive in town, at some point you must go to the convention center to pick up a badge holder - to get the holder you must present government ID which matches the badge and is in their computer system. The badge holder and the badge have hidden markings which work together to create a recognizable pattern under a black light, which they have over very entrance to an expo hall, along with handheld black lights held by the security staff.

As for attendance, E3 2005 had 70,000 people, E3 2006 had 60,000. I'd call that about what PAX gets.

Ah, I see now. PAX East had a somewhat similar security feature for the badge but didn't require the process. I still don't see much of a point in going through all that hassle, none of the large conventions I go to have your actual name on the badge. I'll stand behind moving the convention to a venue that accommodate a larger group of people! :)
 
fellow gafers, I am in need of a pass, preferably just Friday and Saturday...but will take anything right now. Maybe someone has and extra ticket or maybe down the line find out you cant go. I know I may not get anything but its worth a try....and I don't want to pay those ridiculous ebay prices.....thanks...
 
I just got this email:


Hello krae_man,

We have transferred your early registration into our new database system.
Click here to to receive a new copy of your registration email confirmation.

Anyone know if this is legit?
 
Ah, I see now. PAX East had a somewhat similar security feature for the badge but didn't require the process. I still don't see much of a point in going through all that hassle, none of the large conventions I go to have your actual name on the badge. I'll stand behind moving the convention to a venue that accommodate a larger group of people! :)
PAX just needs to upgrade to RFID badges, similar to what GDC had this year. You have your badge, and it could be scanned at any door. It also had a blacklight watermark.
 
- Explore the city. Seattle is a great place with tons of great food not far from the convention center. Do a little research to find places to eat. I highly recommend Honeyhole (heavy/greasy sandwiches, open until 2am) and Po Dog. Oh and go to Pike's Place if you can.

I forgot to hit Po Dog on my last trip up there earlier this month; still kicking myself :(

Pike's Place is great for fresh fruit first thing in the morning; grab a few of your liking and munch on them throughout the day. Heartily recommend The Crumpet Shop if you want something slightly more substantial and starchy for breakfast.

For lunch there's MOD Pizza right down the street from the convention center (other locations spread throughout Seattle). Seven bucks for a good sized pizza with whatever toppings you want. Keep in mind the downtown location is closed Sundays and close at seven every other day.
 
I'm wondering, is it even still possible for someone to resell their PAX badge/pass if they still wanted to? I posted a request in the buy/sell/trade thread, because I might actually be able to afford to go now, but it sucks. I never know if I can afford to go to these types events before they even sell out, and I'm really hoping I can still maybe buy from someone who changes their mind.
 
I'm wondering, is it even still possible for someone to resell their PAX badge/pass if they still wanted to? I posted a request in the buy/sell/trade thread, because I might actually be able to afford to go now, but it sucks. I never know if I can afford to go to these types events before they even sell out, and I'm really hoping I can still maybe buy from someone who changes their mind.
Yup.
 
Is PAXDev actually good?
Last year was their first year, and it was roughly in-line with what I had expected, a sort of GDC-lite experience with sessions and panels, but definitely needed some work. I was hoping to see how this year turns out, but on it's own, it's hard to say whether the ~$250 for 2 days is worth it if you have similar alternatives.
 
Looking forward to PAX this year. Will try to hit the GAF meetup again with BuddyC like we did last year :)

Same here! This year will be my first year at PAX so I am stoked.

BTW, if anyone was still wanting to go to PAX Prime but missed their shot there is still a fraction of a chance to go. I saw on their website that applications to become an enforcer are still open until tomorrow. It could be a way to get a ticket.

I really hope I get my badge soon.
 
Got my badge today!

I hope I get mine soon. Hopefully I'll get the shipping notice shortly(I'm in Canada so I paid for the good shipping).



Anyway, Is there an ETA on the schedule? I've seen some people/podcasts announce panel times but I don't see a complete schedule on the website.
 
So due to some fantastic friends I'll be up there and going to the show. Knowing a few gaffers who will be there already will make the meet up quite special.
 
Has anyone NOT gotten their badge yet? Particularly anyone who's local 'round these parts (Seattle)?

Also: Has there been chatter about this year's official NeoGAF PAX Meet-up yet? I would be humbled to arrange and host this again! :)
 
Has anyone NOT gotten their badge yet? Particularly anyone who's local 'round these parts (Seattle)?

Also: Has there been chatter about this year's official NeoGAF PAX Meet-up yet? I would be humbled to arrange and host this again! :)

I live in Tacoma, haven't got my badge yet =\
 
I received my badge on Friday! Do we need to buy our own lanyards to carry the badges on or are they provided at PAX?

You'll get one upon registration at the venue. Or you're welcome to swap it out with one you prefer. But don't miss out on your swag bag! There's usually some sweet loot in it.

I live in Tacoma, haven't got my badge yet =\

gtk, thanks. I'll tell the lady to chill out, then... :)
 
Provided.

You will get a Behemoth Studios lanyard. At least if they still have ones... lol. Of course they have. So do not fear.

You'll get one upon registration at the venue. Or you're welcome to swap it out with one you prefer. But don't miss out on your swag bag! There's usually some sweet loot in it.

Cool, thanks for the information! My hotel is only 5-6 blocks away from PAX so I am definitely going to get there as early as possible to get the swag. This is my first time going to PAX or any convention period.
 
Cool, thanks for the information! My hotel is only 5-6 blocks away from PAX so I am definitely going to get there as early as possible to get the swag. This is my first time going to PAX or any convention period.

Congrats and allow me to pre-welcome you to Seattle as a born native here!

In addition: PREPARE YOURSELF!!! (I'm quite serious)

These cons may be super-exciting for the first-timer, but they are incredibly exhausting marathons. As a vet of well over 10+ yrs of PAXes, E3, CES, Comic-Con, etc...it's rough. So come prepared. My biggest tips:

  • [*]Bring hand sanitizer
    Everything is touched by many, many, MANY dirty geeks. It's a shame, but it happens. Protect yourself.

    [*]Plan your meals AWAY from the venue
    You want Subway at the CC anywhere between 1030a and 7p? Then enjoy sitting in that 45 min line. Plan meals OUTSIDE the venue, and in advance. Try to eat outside of the usual breakfast, lunch and dinner times. You'll save yourself a headache! (Also hit me or any other local-GAF for recommendations!)

    [*]Give plenty (and I mean PLENTY) of time between "to-dos" or things to see
    Lines are long. Chokepoints are plenty. And short skips over to other booths or halls will seem like days. Give yourself TONS of time.

    [*]Don't go out EVERY night
    Don't burn yourself out. It's not worth it. Even if you wanna hit up the exclusive Machinima/Square/SEGA/Capcom/whatever parties every night (and good luck at that anyways), it's just not worth slogging yourself around the expo hall the next morning. Get a reasonable amount of rest each night. Unless your coldvein, where sleep is never an option. Which is an awesome perk to be born with.

    [*]Keep in mind: You will NOT get to see everything you want to!
    Don't overplan or overbook yourself. Don't plan on making one panel then immediately the next in a half-hour. Chances are, the line for it was already full when you started the previous panel that took you two hours to sit in line for. Plan on getting to the popular panels EARLY!!

    [*]Bring cash for vendors
    It's the nice thing to do. And lots of times card readers die or don't work. Don't pay $22 dollars to use the local-nobody ATM in the CC. Pack some cash from your own bank's ATM prior to the show.

    [*]Come to the GAF meetup!
    Looks like I'll be hosting this again in 2012! Last year's was awesome. Resulting in a Cap Hill pubcrawl of the forever and getting into near-brawls with scrubs dressed has Harry Potter. Also, you get to meet crazy industry cats like AdamF and many others, myself included. It's good times, trust me.

I'll add more when stuff comes to mind. I'm very bored at work.
 
Got my plane ticket and pass ready.

Still trying to figure out a roomshare, PM if you have something open.
 
Congrats and allow me to pre-welcome you to Seattle as a born native here!

In addition: PREPARE YOURSELF!!! (I'm quite serious)

These cons may be super-exciting for the first-timer, but they are incredibly exhausting marathons. As a vet of well over 10+ yrs of PAXes, E3, CES, Comic-Con, etc...it's rough. So come prepared. My biggest tips:

  • [*]Bring hand sanitizer
    Everything is touched by many, many, MANY dirty geeks. It's a shame, but it happens. Protect yourself.

    [*]Plan your meals AWAY from the venue
    You want Subway at the CC anywhere between 1030a and 7p? Then enjoy sitting in that 45 min line. Plan meals OUTSIDE the venue, and in advance. Try to eat outside of the usual breakfast, lunch and dinner times. You'll save yourself a headache! (Also hit me or any other local-GAF for recommendations!)

    [*]Give plenty (and I mean PLENTY) of time between "to-dos" or things to see
    Lines are long. Chokepoints are plenty. And short skips over to other booths or halls will seem like days. Give yourself TONS of time.

    [*]Don't go out EVERY night
    Don't burn yourself out. It's not worth it. Even if you wanna hit up the exclusive Machinima/Square/SEGA/Capcom/whatever parties every night (and good luck at that anyways), it's just not worth slogging yourself around the expo hall the next morning. Get a reasonable amount of rest each night. Unless your coldvein, where sleep is never an option. Which is an awesome perk to be born with.

    [*]Keep in mind: You will NOT get to see everything you want to!
    Don't overplan or overbook yourself. Don't plan on making one panel then immediately the next in a half-hour. Chances are, the line for it was already full when you started the previous panel that took you two hours to sit in line for. Plan on getting to the popular panels EARLY!!

    [*]Bring cash for vendors
    It's the nice thing to do. And lots of times card readers die or don't work. Don't pay $22 dollars to use the local-nobody ATM in the CC. Pack some cash from your own bank's ATM prior to the show.

    [*]Come to the GAF meetup!
    Looks like I'll be hosting this again in 2012! Last year's was awesome. Resulting in a Cap Hill pubcrawl of the forever and getting into near-brawls with scrubs dressed has Harry Potter. Also, you get to meet crazy industry cats like AdamF and many others, myself included. It's good times, trust me.

I'll add more when stuff comes to mind. I'm very bored at work.

Thanks! I am super excited about being able to go this year. I was just happy that I was checking the PAX website 5 times a day like a madman so I was able to secure my tickets.

I will make sure to bring some hand sanitizer and cash since I was planning on it already. I was going to bring a backpack to carry things in so I don't have to leave the convention for everything. I was already planning on also bringing things like a water bottle, some granola bars, pens, etc.

I have no idea where good places are to eat in Seattle since I have only been once as a kid. I heard someone mention a good place to get crepes for breakfast across from the CC but I can't remember what the name was. I will gladly take any other food recommendations since I will be there a week.

For what is at the convention, I was mostly looking to find 2-3 main things I want to see and plan everything that may come around there so I don't get too disappointed while there by not seeing everything.

How does one exactly get into the after parties? That would be amazing to get into one somehow but I have no connections anywhere so that more than likely would never happen.

A GAF meetup would be really cool. Let me know when that is and I would try going.

I appreciate all the advise so keep it coming! I am making sure to write them down.
 
Some parties have a certain way to get on the list. Usually there's a thread on PA's site about them. Otherwise it's talking to developers at their booth and they may offer you a token/ticket to get in.

Excited for this year, it's going to be vastly different for me than any other.

Random eateries:

The Crumpet Shop - 1503 1st Ave (between Pike St & Pine St)
Honeyhole Sandwiches - (703 E Pike St.)
Dragonfish Asian Cafe (722 Pine St.)
Crepes Sucrey Saley (1361 E Olive Way)
Pike's Place Market (1501 Pike Pl.)
Maximus Minimus - BBQ food truck, check their site for when they're in which location.
Beecher's - Pike's Place Mac & Cheese place
Marination Station - Taco food truck, check when.
Lunchbox Lab
Baguette Box - By Cap Hill I think, has some great sausages.
MOD Pizza - (1302 6th St.) - Cheap and really good pizza, very close to the convention center as well.

Highlighted the ones I've been to personally, others are recommendations from various years.
 
I'm sad that I can't go, but yes, for those of you are going. GO TO THE PAX MEETUP! Last year's meetup at the Fox sports grill(?) had an awesome turnout (better than the East one, where BostonGAF failed us).
 
Still waiting for my badges to arrive but it looks like I have an extra Friday and Saturday Badge.

Anyone need them?
 
Got my badges last Friday and I'm starting to get hyped! This will be my fifth or sixth PAX and it's always my absolute favorite three days of the year (and I pretty well hate Penny Arcade too so, go figure :-P).

I also strongly encourage newcomers to the city to take some time to stretch your legs and see downtown Seattle outside of the convention center - there's tons of good places to eat and August is the best month of the year for Seattle weather-wise. In addition to the spots already mentioned, there's a Chipotle not too far from PAX, but far enough that the lines aren't usually too awful; Harried and Hungry has good cheap food and quick service; Seattle also has a Potbelly now, so there's much better alternatives to Subway. ;-)
 
Has anyone NOT gotten their badge yet? Particularly anyone who's local 'round these parts (Seattle)?

Also: Has there been chatter about this year's official NeoGAF PAX Meet-up yet? I would be humbled to arrange and host this again! :)

I haven't got my Badge yet. I'm Canadian though so it might take a little longer. I can't remember when I got mine last year. Feel free to host the GAF-PAX meetup again.



Exit: Also Boo! I thought the bump was for the schedule :(
 
Some parties have a certain way to get on the list. Usually there's a thread on PA's site about them. Otherwise it's talking to developers at their booth and they may offer you a token/ticket to get in.

Excited for this year, it's going to be vastly different for me than any other.

Random eateries:

The Crumpet Shop - 1503 1st Ave (between Pike St & Pine St)
Honeyhole Sandwiches - (703 E Pike St.)
Dragonfish Asian Cafe (722 Pine St.)
Crepes Sucrey Saley (1361 E Olive Way)
Pike's Place Market (1501 Pike Pl.)
Maximus Minimus - BBQ food truck, check their site for when they're in which location.
Beecher's - Pike's Place Mac & Cheese place
Marination Station - Taco food truck, check when.
Lunchbox Lab
Baguette Box - By Cap Hill I think, has some great sausages.
MOD Pizza - (1302 6th St.) - Cheap and really good pizza, very close to the convention center as well.

Highlighted the ones I've been to personally, others are recommendations from various years.

I am an idiot half of the time when it comes to the gaming industry but I wanted to talk to the developers at every chance I get while I am there. That just sounds like such an amazing experience to talk to the people that create the games I love to play.

I will remember those places. I am not sure if the crepe place that you mentioned is the same one I heard of or not. I was definitely going to visit Pike's Place Market on one of the other days that I am there.

I'll be buying my 3 day pass from work in about a week or so. One of the many perks of working in the industry :)

Dang, I wish I worked in the industry to have that ability. It would make my visits to forums less bad as well since they are video game related.

If this is your first ever PAX, be sure to go see at least one of the Mike/Jerry onstage panels. They're gracious hosts and always entertaining on stage.

I have heard the Mike and Jerry panels are really good so I was going to make sure to see one.
 
Make sure to buy a slacker stool for waiting in line for the panels as well. That + water and granola bars or other small snack foods are a must for waiting in lines.
 
[*]Plan your meals AWAY from the venue
You want Subway at the CC anywhere between 1030a and 7p? Then enjoy sitting in that 45 min line. Plan meals OUTSIDE the venue, and in advance. Try to eat outside of the usual breakfast, lunch and dinner times. You'll save yourself a headache! (Also hit me or any other local-GAF for recommendations!)

Been going to PAX for years and I always just go down to Taco del Mar downstairs. I have never had to wait more than 15 minutes at the most, though I tend to go at something like 2 PM for lunch. Saves lots of time and since I don't have a Taco del Mar local to where I live, I get my yearly fix!
 
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