RPG Superstar Season 9 Top 16, RPG Superstar 2015 Top 32
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I have been to only a few conventions over the years, my favorite being Stumptown Comic Fest in Portland, and most of my experience with conventions is with business related conventions. I have never been to a gaming convention, mostly due to being far enough away that my funds didn't allow it.
So, PaizoCon being the first one on my list of conventions I want to attend in 2011, I would like to know what advice people have on how to receive the most from it.
What should I be prepared for?
If I want to meet certain people, how will I find them?
I am aware of special events and games, how do I find out about them and how do I secure a place in them?
What should I not miss out on?
What should I avoid or not do?
What advice can be given on travel, hotel, and food?
Anything else?
What should I be prepared for?
If I want to meet certain people, how will I find them?
I am aware of special events and games, how do I find out about them and how do I secure a place in them?
What should I not miss out on?
What should I avoid or not do?
What advice can be given on travel, hotel, and food?
Anything else?
1.) A lot of crazy dedicated fans!
2.) Depends on which people you're talking about, but there is usually a Thursday night Meet n' Eat organized by Tim Nightengale (aka Timitius) that's great for getting introductions out of the way.3.) There will be event registration/lottery closer to PaizoCon's date.
4.) Meet & Eat and the Preview Banquet. Also, sleep and a good healthy non-fast food meal.
5.) Talking about "x edition is better than y edition". :P
6.) Come the day before, leave the day after - that gives you time to adjust without having to rush to an event. There is a special hotel rate at the Coast Bellevue for PaizoCon attendees. There are several very decent places to eat nearby, as well as Whole Foods across the street (with an excellent selection of adult beverages, if that's your thing). The hotel's lounge and bar can get swamped, so be prepared. Washington state does have sales tax, so be prepared for that.
7.) Have fun! Play something out of your comfort zone and keep in mind there are usually after-hours events as well that won't be on the schedule.
Wayfinder, PaizoCon Founder
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First of all, great choice for your first gaming con ever! PaizoCon is small enough, and personal enough, that you will get a lot out of it without being overwhelmed. Plus, I LOVE hearing this from people...it makes me feel all warm and fuzzy when people make PaizoCon "their first".
What should I be prepared for?
LOTS of gaming time, followed by late night socializing....so not much sleep. Be sure to bring all the gaming stuff you need to play. Make a PFS character in advance, too. Much PFS scenarios to be had.
If I want to meet certain people, how will I find them?
As Liz said, we have a "meet and eat" event each year. That is a great way to meet people and make friends BEFORE the con even starts. As for coordinating with meeting certain people, use the messageboard threads here to start that process, and then move it off into e-mail space. ;-)
What should I not miss out on?
The Meet and Eat, and the Preview Banquet! Also, after hours stuff like "Werewolf" and the DJ Whispering Tyrant's Mix Party. And several room parties.
What should I avoid or not do?
Do NOT stay off site if you can help it. You will regret having to leave the hotel to go back to YOUR hotel. Also, don't book yourself up with wall-to-wall gaming events. Take a breather, get some food, hang out in the lobby. Get some panels in there too.
What advice can be given on travel, hotel, and food?
What Liz said. Also, what I said about the hotel above.
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Wayfinder, PaizoCon Founder
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Also, Sean K Reynolds assembled a really good advice blog about how to prep for GenCon....and while GenCon is much bigger (understatement!) many of his tips and hints hold true for ANY convention.
Check it out.
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P-Con is going to be my first EVER con of any kind.
I am really excited. I don't see any way I can make the meet & eat, what with my flight getting in from the East Coast and my family to worry about and the like. I am bummed about that. However, I don't have any doubt it's going to be a great time.
Good advice on making the Society character soon. I will get on that.
I am staying offsite, too - but my hope is that my wife will be understanding about when I come and go. She gets that I'm there for the con for those three days. The family vacation comes during the five subsequent days :-)
I too am new to the whole gaming convention front. I've always been an anime con girl. I'm going to go out on a limb here and guess there aren't any costume contests or hall costumers, but are there any competition sort of events?
I too am new to the whole gaming convention front. I've always been an anime con girl. I'm going to go out on a limb here and guess there aren't any costume contests or hall costumers, but are there any competition sort of events?
As I recall, quite a few people wore costumes, all hand made and quite clever of the ones that I saw. Most, if not all, were Paizo lore oriented. I have no idea if there was any actual contest, however.
