Shinyidol
Games, Movies, Movies, & Random Thoughts

A Seattleite’s PAX Prime 2011 Guide

PAX Prime is just four days away, and with 70,000 people coming into downtown Seattle, it can get a little crazy. I thought I’d give some tips to those who are going to their first PAX, coming to Seattle for the first time, or just like reading some random notes from someone who has gone to every PAX so far.

Keep Clean

Nerd flu will be in high effect during PAX Prime. No matter how clean you think you are, you are going to be full of germs. Best to use the hand-sanitizer stations that should be all over the convention center exits. Use them. Be even more prepared and buy a travel/pocket sized one for yourself.

On top of clean hands to prevent nerd flu, best to keep clean yourself. It appears that it will be in the mid 70′s during PAX, and that will make it a little sweaty for everyone, so keep clean and don’t make all those stereotypes of gross dirty stinky nerds in their mom’s basement true.

There Is More Than Subway

Ever since PAX moved to the Washington State Convention Center, I am amazed as the massive line at Subway on the 3rd floor and right at the entrance. I know the $5 Foot Long is a good bargin, but there are tons of places to eat just a block or two away from the convention center. Shorter lines, if there are even lines, and more selection. Also it is good to pace yourself at PAX, getting away from the show floor for 30 minutes will help recharge your batteries. There are tons of places to eat within a 1/2 a mile from the convention center, even more options are if you are willing to catch a bus (free in downtown Seattle), take a ride on the S.L.U.T. South Lake Union Trolly to South Lake Union, the Monorail to Seattle Center House, or Metro Route 99 which goes down to the waterfront. To show you all your options, here is a handy map of places to eat within 0.5 miles and a couple a little bit further away but worth checking out.
[map w="500" h="400" kml=http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?authuser=0&vps=2&ie=UTF8&msa=0&output=kml&msid=206039410449337379681.0004ab100f5860fbc5268]

As you can see there are tons of places to eat, that really aren’t that far away from the convention center. I don’t even list all the places to eat at Pike’s Place Market, which is just six blocks away. Venture out, have some fun.

Need Water!

While we are talking about food, we might as well talk about keeping hydrated. Yes, even after hours of free play Mario Kart, you should have something to drink. Bring a water bottle or pick something up at a local store around the convention center, NOT at the convention center. Walk a block or two over to Bartell Drugs or Walgreen’s. You can also pick up some snacks there as well.

I Didn’t Get Your Text

With 1,000′s of wireless signals floating around from DS, PSP, Cell Phones, and more, you are going to have a hard time getting services while in the convention center. No matter which provider you have, you are going to have some troubles. One handy tip is to drop to a lower connection speed, 3G to Edge. Typical those networks are less crowded, and if all you need to do is make a phone call or get a text, this might be your best option.

Well Laid Plans

Penny Arcade provides a great schedule, but sometimes it is nice to have it right at your finger tips and the good people at Guidebook did just that. They have created an app for iPhone and Android (no Windows Phone 7, boo) that lets you schedule which events you want to attend. I think it will even provide reminders.

Be Cool, Be Friendly, Have Fun

It is events like PAX that make me excited about the industry I work in. It is great fun getting to meet people who enjoy the same things you do, so don’t be a stranger. Come to a panel, say hello to developers at their booths, high five some cosplayers for going all out on their costume. In the end, have a good time.