|
| 2 people marked this as a favorite. |
If it goes like last year, HQ will have your volunteer packet and rewards available Wednesday afternoon at the Sagamore ballroom. If you have a room reward, your name should be on the reservation and you will need to provide a credit card to cover incidentals that may be incurred. Some hotels in years past just needed one card from anyone in the room, other times they've needed each person to provide a card.
The nice thing this year is that we are at the hotel right across from the Sagamore, so basically just come across the covered bridge on the second floor and you're right there.
As a volunteer, the HQ Leads expect you to be ready and prepared to run your games 30 minutes prior to the slot start time. HQ will hand out water periodically throughout the slot but you should also have some filling, high calorie snacks and more water on hand should you need it. I love the Nature Valley bars and one box will last you through the convention.
There will be plenty of food trucks outside for meals and there should be ample time to hit them up as needed. There are also many good bars/pubs within walking distance should you have needs along those lines.
Also, please fill out your reporting sheets legibly and completely.
|
Seconding visiting the dealer's room, even if only to look.
Check out the food trucks (flying cupcake. so good....) -- or if they're packed, the mall food court which is only 4 or 5 blocks away.
Wander through the room where the miniatures games (Warhammer, Battletech, War Machine) are played -- not only the minis but the tables are worth looking over.
Enjoy!
|
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
Been going to GenCon since '94 (when it was up in Milwaukee).
Things to realize:
Even with the advent of food trucks, properly designated 'meal times' are chaos. Do not anticipate being able to grab something to eat 'between slots'.
I wouldn't recommend eating anything from the Convention center proper, as it is over-priced and minimalist on the serving portions -- save that as a 'court of last resort' situation.
Andrew mentioned the mall, which has a large food court, but be ready to hike about a half mile to a mile to get to it, up and down stairs/escalator (some of the escalator was broken/turned off for part of the convention last year).
Wear cool clothing. Most years, it can get into the mid-80's to low-90's outside, and sometimes the AC in the Sagamore can have a hard time keeping up.
Bring a sweatshirt just in case it *can*, though, because then you'll be facing a chill.
While there are plenty of bars/restaurants/diners in downtown Indy, they almost *never* seem to be able to keep up with demand, and some of them have run out of food or closed their kitchens early (important to note as the last slot is now getting out at 1AM).
I don't know when you'll have free time as a Tier 1 GM, but try to get to the Dealer Hall during a 'non-rush' time if you go there. Saturday is pretty much a *no* on that.
Also, unless you have your heart set on some limited issue item from a given vendor, steer clear from about 930-12 on any given day. The mob starts piling up outside a half-hour before...
Sunday is the best day for deals as the exhibitors are trying to downsize their inventory for the return trip to wherever, but also realize you'll have a lot of bargain hunters there.
Be polite and respectful to your hotel (and any room-mates) as well as your fellow gamers.
The following bears mentioning, even for a long-term convention veteran...
Hygiene is *crucial*. Taking at least one shower a day, getting as much rest as possible, remaining hydrated -- dehydration is sneaky.
|
GenCon and most all cons run similarly (it's just way bigger)
Indy can be really quite hot this time of year 80-100+ is not unheard of with humidity to boot. Then again it could rain the whole time, or just parts, or be cool (the least likely tbh) so layers and being prepared for weather are nice (though you can get around most/all of downtime without going outside). (Jeans/shorts/t-shirt/1 long sleeve shirt/rain proof jacket are all recommended)
Water - you'll get a bottle every slot - it's not enough (at least for me) bring a refillable bottle - or keep your bottle and refill it.
Caffeine - if you like/need/want caffeine you'll probably want to bring some of your own but don't overdo it
Hygiene - first it helps you feel better, second it helps those around you - shower/deodorant/brushing your teeth. I suggest some sort of mints/throat lozenge as well - helps your breath and your throat.
Snacks - are a must. I like jerky and Peanut Butter on bagels - others like other things.
Food - Food trucks and local restaurants (Steak 'n Shake, a couple of bars, etc.) will all provide decent food, but they get very busy. Also, I suggest stopping by Scotty's at least once during the Con - they've been good to us over the years (and there's likely to be a 1 day con there Wednesday - but not guaranteed) Bring some stuff to keep in your room too just in case.
GMs get to know some of the GMs around you they often are running some of the same content so you can pick up hints, plus its fun. Plus, down the road you may find opposite holes in your schedules so you can help each other out with getting food/water/etc.
Activities - I go on the cheap so I like checking out the dealer room, but be warned it can be extremely busy depending on what you want to see, also there's a free mini-painting booth right by the Sagamore. There's a map and such in the event guide, and a coupon book - both are definitely worth checking out.
Don't plan on spending much time in the Convention center Wednesday, unless you're helping set up. There's not much/anything going on and the AC isn't on it - so it's hot as hell, especially near the windows if it's sunny. If you're waiting to meet people - pick somewhere else trust me on this one I've made that mistake.
Most of downtown is walkable but 1/2 mile to mile walks aren't overly uncommon (each way sometimes multiple times a day)- so a pair of decent shoes helps.
There is cheaper parking available than the hotels - most of it has a 24 hour max (which means moving your car once a day) and is a bit of a walk, I think it's worth it personally though others don't. Personal choice on that one.
Oh and if you're flying in. Don't bother renting a car, you won't use it. There's often ride shares, (maybe even shuttles) or at the very least taxis each way - I think it ends up cheaper than paying for the rental and the parking
Don't count on electronic devices - if you do some of those portable chargers you can charge are a godsend, oh and possibly a multi outlet surge protector. - You likely won't be the only one with at least 1 if not multiple devices to charge in your room.
|
Gonna second what people have said about food. I made the mistake of not bringing my own food for the first Gencon, and I think I only got to eat ~5 times the entire Con. Since then, I've brought a loaf of bread and a jar of peanut butter with me. It's not great, but better than nothing.
Make sure to bring Aspirin and cough drops. Even if you don't get headaches/sore throats, someone at the table does, and they're going to love you.
If you're GMing tier 1-2 (like I have the last two years), you're gonna get some people who don't have their own dice. If you go down to the Chessex booth you can get a pound of dice for, like, thirty bucks; and then you'll have plenty of dice to distribute to your players.
|
|
Definite water as a con must. Also snacks, and some good shoes for standing since you'll be on your feet for a fair amount of time. Working at PaizoCon HQ last year has taught me that if you get bothered by the cold, bring a light jacket for the beginning of the first slot and the end of the second slot as when people leave the room cools down quite a bit. (Seeing one's breath indoors is quite fun.) From my schedule, it looks like I'll be pulling an 18 hour shift on Friday, so it'll be an interesting time working with you.
Halls or Ricola lozenges are also going to be your best friend with the amount of talking that may be happening.
|
|
Definite water as a con must. Also snacks, and some good shoes for standing since you'll be on your feet for a fair amount of time. Working at PaizoCon HQ last year has taught me that if you get bothered by the cold, bring a light jacket for the beginning of the first slot and the end of the second slot as when people leave the room cools down quite a bit. (Seeing one's breath indoors is quite fun.) From my schedule, it looks like I'll be pulling an 18 hour shift on Friday, so it'll be an interesting time working with you.
Halls or Ricola lozenges are also going to be your best friend with the amount of talking that may be happening.
Thanks Michael.
I will make sure to pack the R-C-OLA! But I will have a hoodie. I changed my flight to a Bus. Taking Greyhound in. Unless I can get a ride from California to Gen Con. But I am excited!
No problem! It'll be my first Gen Con, and quite hopefully not the last. The bus ride sounds nice considering how much running about may be involved. If I had more time to take off of work, I'd probably see if a few of the San Diego lodge attendees would have done a car pool to save on overall travel fare. As for the HQ booth, I'll probably be bringing some sort of snacks for all of us there.
|
| 2 people marked this as a favorite. |
Because the HQ staff do not have the time off between slots to leave the room (that is our busiest time) we rotate breaks throughout the day to allow some time to relax, use the restroom, and get food/drink. Don't let the long day intimidate you. We won't let you go hungry :-)
Venture-Lieutenant, Indiana—Indianapolis
|
Because the HQ staff do not have the time off between slots to leave the room (that is our busiest time) we rotate breaks throughout the day to allow some time to relax, use the restroom, and get food/drink. Don't let the long day intimidate you. We won't let you go hungry :-)I was worried, because I get dizzy if I don't eat or drink something other than water every two hours. Sugar based items won't help. Need something with protein. Btw, is there a grocery store near by?
Yes, and though you could walk it, you'd rather not with an armload of groceries. There is a Marsh Supermarket at the corner of Michigan and Senate. It's about 4-5 blocks north of the Westin, and nearly a straight shot up Senate Avenue.
But, if you aren't buying a lot, or have a car, getting there is no problem (and there is limited free parking in the garage attached to Marsh - the store is on the ground floor of a condo building.)
EDIT:
Here is the info for the grocery store, so you can find directions if you need, etc. It also has a pharmacy, and there are also a couple of CVS drugstores downtown within walking distance.
Marsh
227 W. Michigan St.
Indianapolis IN, 46204
317-262-5215
6am - 2am Mon-Fri; 7am - 2am Sat & Sun
Pharmacy
M-F 9-7; S 9-5; Su 11-5
(317) 262-5266
Venture-Captain, Nebraska—Omaha
|
I will make sure to pack the R-C-OLA! But I will have a hoodie. I changed my flight to a Bus. Taking Greyhound in. Unless I can get a ride from California to Gen Con. But I am excited!
Wow a bus trip from California is going to be a long ride. Lots of time to catch up on reading!
|
|
Yes, and though you could walk it, you'd rather not with an armload of groceries. There is a Marsh Supermarket at the corner of Michigan and Senate. It's about 4-5 blocks north of the Westin, and nearly a straight shot up Senate Avenue.
But, if you aren't buying a lot, or have a car, getting there is no problem (and there is limited free parking in the garage attached to Marsh - the store is on the ground floor of a condo building.)
EDIT:
Here is the info for the grocery store, so you can find directions if you need, etc. It also has a pharmacy, and there are also a couple of CVS drugstores downtown within walking distance.
Marsh
227 W. Michigan St.
Indianapolis IN, 46204
317-262-5215
6am - 2am Mon-Fri; 7am - 2am Sat & SunPharmacy
M-F 9-7; S 9-5; Su 11-5
(317) 262-5266
Wow.
I've been going to GenCon in Indy for... thirteen years now and didn't know about that being that close. Maybe need to work that into my job duties and 'gopher' some stuff from up there. :P
|
Venture-Lieutenant, Indiana—Indianapolis
|
As the Indy VC, and one who is downtown 5 days a week, if there's info you need, let me know and I'll try to get it for you.
Places to eat (like a nice meatball restaurant, or a place that makes pan fried chicken, served with waffles, or another that sells Scotch eggs, or a place that makes your ice cream to order - they flash freeze it with liquid nitrogen when you order it?) Let me know. Grocery stores, drug stores, other stuff?
Let me know.
|
Venture-Captain, Nebraska—Omaha
|
As the Indy VC, and one who is downtown 5 days a week, if there's info you need, let me know and I'll try to get it for you.
Places to eat (like a nice meatball restaurant, or a place that makes pan fried chicken, served with waffles, or another that sells Scotch eggs, or a place that makes your ice cream to order - they flash freeze it with liquid nitrogen when you order it?) Let me know. Grocery stores, drug stores, other stuff?
Let me know.
Don't suppose you know of any Wednesday night tables that may be firing?
|
|
Don't suppose you know of any Wednesday night tables that may be firing?As the Indy VC, and one who is downtown 5 days a week, if there's info you need, let me know and I'll try to get it for you.
Places to eat (like a nice meatball restaurant, or a place that makes pan fried chicken, served with waffles, or another that sells Scotch eggs, or a place that makes your ice cream to order - they flash freeze it with liquid nitrogen when you order it?) Let me know. Grocery stores, drug stores, other stuff?
Let me know.
Slot 0 Pathfinder is usually at Scotty's Brewhouse, about half mile walk from the convention center. One of these years, I'd actually like to show up to that. Maybe this year.
|
Venture-Lieutenant, Indiana—Indianapolis
|
Don't suppose you know of any Wednesday night tables that may be firing?As the Indy VC, and one who is downtown 5 days a week, if there's info you need, let me know and I'll try to get it for you.
Places to eat (like a nice meatball restaurant, or a place that makes pan fried chicken, served with waffles, or another that sells Scotch eggs, or a place that makes your ice cream to order - they flash freeze it with liquid nitrogen when you order it?) Let me know. Grocery stores, drug stores, other stuff?
Let me know.
We are working on our annual Pre-Gen Con PFS at Scotty's. Last year, we had to be done by 5 p.m. Until we know otherwise, I am going to operate on that same assumption for this year. Beyond that, people sort of self-organize their own games for Wednesday evening.
|
Venture-Captain, Nebraska—Omaha
|
We are working on our annual Pre-Gen Con PFS at Scotty's. Last year, we had to be done by 5 p.m. Until we know otherwise, I am going to operate on that same assumption for this year. Beyond that, people sort of self-organize their own games for Wednesday evening.
I don't expect to be in Indy until about 5:00pm because I am driving from Nebraska. I will keep my eyes open to see what is happening in the evening.
Thanks for the info!
|
Venture-Lieutenant, Indiana—Indianapolis
|
| 2 people marked this as a favorite. |
Because the HQ staff do not have the time off between slots to leave the room (that is our busiest time) we rotate breaks throughout the day to allow some time to relax, use the restroom, and get food/drink. Don't let the long day intimidate you. We won't let you go hungry :-)I was worried, because I get dizzy if I don't eat or drink something other than water every two hours. Sugar based items won't help. Need something with protein. Btw, is there a grocery store near by?
I will make sure that HQ has some protein (animal based) bars and nuts available as well this year. At least two of the anchor volunteers will know where the non-candy stash is.
As a diabetic who is working HQ this year (Tier 1 HQ), I'm glad to hear this.
The convention center food is overpriced, but it beats starving. There is also a little kiosk for drinks and snacks set up right outside the Sagamore, so there's that. One year, some capitalistic genius put a few Monster Energy Drink vending machines right outside the PFS room (before they got the Sagamore) and probably walked away a multi-thousandaire!
My #1 piece of advice? Don't try to fill every slot. Spend a huge chunk of your time just wandering around taking pictures. There are amazing things tucked into every nook and cranny of the ICC AND the adjacent hotels. Many of the interesting things will take generic tickets, so bring a fist full of those and jump into anything that seems interesting.
The dealer hall is.. its own thing. Open from what, 11-6? Spend a few hours in there. Bring a map. Many of the bigger companies will be using that space to demo games, so you can get a ton of quality fun out of just this room, and it's BIG! You can get lost in there and miss over half of what it has to offer.
The costume contest is Saturday afternoon/night, and they do a walk through the ICC before/after. Really awesome stuff to see there too.
Wear comfortable clothing, even more comfortable shoes, and have a snack and water on you at all times and you'll have a blast!
|
|
My #1 piece of advice? Don't try to fill every slot. Spend a huge chunk of your time just wandering around taking pictures. There are amazing things tucked into every nook and cranny of the ICC AND the adjacent hotels. Many of the interesting things will take generic tickets, so bring a fist full of those and jump into anything that seems interesting.
The dealer hall is.. its own thing. Open from what, 11-6? Spend a few hours in there. Bring a map. Many of the bigger companies will be using that space to demo games, so you can get a ton of quality fun out of just this room, and it's BIG! You can get lost in there and miss over half of what it has to offer.
The costume contest is Saturday afternoon/night, and they do a walk through the ICC before/after. Really awesome stuff to see there too.
Wear comfortable clothing, even more comfortable shoes, and have a snack and water on you at all times and you'll have a blast!
Agreed on the 'don't fill every slot every moment' if you've no reason to do so. If you're up for a small break, and monuments are your thing, take a brief stroll to the Circle so you can see the Memorial and get a few pictures of it, it's pretty impressive.
Dealer hall open from 10-6, but they begin spamming the announcement they're closing at 5PM so if you get annoyed with that, be out by that point.
Bring two pairs of shoes if you can. You will want to rotate them and let one pair 'cool down' on opposite days. Your feet will thank you.
What I've done the past few years is NOT for everyone, definitely not for diabetics.
When a particular religious holiday starts I start fasting during the day with my co-worker (who is doing it for religious reasons). About a month before GenCon or so...
It becomes a bit challenging because it is falling earlier in the year, but having the discipline built-in to not eat during the day makes it easier to avoid the temptations of convention center food.
Between the off-set for time zones and start/stop times (even with slots going to 1AM now) it's a lot easier to not overreat when the opportunity arises.
|
| 2 people marked this as a favorite. |
One thing; drinking is HUGE at Gencon -- and I'm sure I'll be contributing my share of the money, however, I do caution to pace yourself -- Doing anything (GMing, HQing etc) at Gencon while still hungover sucks.. I've done it (and like the ones that suggest not GMing ever slot) I don't recommend it lol
|
|
My favorite Indy food truck is The Twisted Sicilian (formerly Little Eataly). Though they're too stingy to pay the parking fee to park on Georgia Street. Last year they were just a block further away on one of the side streets, though. They can't pump out the food as fast as some of the other trucks so them not wanting to pay the fee is more understandable. However, they simply have the best food out of any of the trucks, in my local opinion.
Their penne a la vodka with a side of zucchini fritti is about as good as it gets from a food truck.
|
|
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
Make sure you bring a printed copy of the scenario you are running.
I've been at tables with good GMs just using a tablet.
- Things are missed and it takes longer. Even after I asked, the GM missed the "4-player adjustment".
- Flipping between pages takes longer. Then you have to flip back to where you were. Time wasted while you flip though rules and scenarios is time not spent gaming, eating, and walking the dealer hall.
- Tablets require power. You wont have access to an outlet it in the ballroom. Can you run 3 slots (17 hours) without a recharge?
I'm sure you can bring up exceptions to every one of my points if you want. Just don't plan on using a tablet for everything. Bring a printed copy of the scenario. Use your tablet for looking up rules - they're good for that.
|
Venture-Lieutenant, Indiana—Indianapolis
|
Make sure you bring a printed copy of the scenario you are running.
I've been at tables with good GMs just using a tablet.
- Things are missed and it takes longer. Even after I asked, the GM missed the "4-player adjustment".
- Flipping between pages takes longer. Then you have to flip back to where you were. Time wasted while you flip though rules and scenarios is time not spent gaming, eating, and walking the dealer hall.
- Tablets require power. You wont have access to an outlet it in the ballroom. Can you run 3 slots (17 hours) without a recharge?
I'm sure you can bring up exceptions to every one of my points if you want. Just don't plan on using a tablet for everything. Bring a printed copy of the scenario. Use your tablet for looking up rules - they're good for that.
GMs should run the scenario from the format best suited to their GM style. However, bringing a printed copy is a necessity. There won't be outlets for a GM (or player, for that matter) to charge a tablet/laptop/phone, and even if one is nearby, you won't be able to run power cord from it to your table.
Swiftbrook brings up some legitimate concerns, but many GMs can run from a tablet without a problem. The requirement to bring a printed copy relates specifically to the lack of ability to charge, or to keep charged, a device.
|
|
Make sure you bring a printed copy of the scenario you are running.
I've been at tables with good GMs just using a tablet.
- Things are missed and it takes longer. Even after I asked, the GM missed the "4-player adjustment".
- Flipping between pages takes longer. Then you have to flip back to where you were. Time wasted while you flip though rules and scenarios is time not spent gaming, eating, and walking the dealer hall.
- Tablets require power. You wont have access to an outlet it in the ballroom. Can you run 3 slots (17 hours) without a recharge?
I'm sure you can bring up exceptions to every one of my points if you want. Just don't plan on using a tablet for everything. Bring a printed copy of the scenario. Use your tablet for looking up rules - they're good for that.
GMs should run the scenario from the format best suited to their GM style. However, bringing a printed copy is a necessity. There won't be outlets for a GM (or player, for that matter) to charge a tablet/laptop/phone, and even if one is nearby, you won't be able to run power cord from it to your table.
Swiftbrook brings up some legitimate concerns, but many GMs can run from a tablet without a problem. The requirement to bring a printed copy relates specifically to the lack of ability to charge, or to keep charged, a device.
This is handy advice for players as well ... especially now that the paper copy requirement has been waived I'm sure we're going to be seeing a lot more players with only electronic character sheets -- but w/out that paper copy they could be in trouble.
|
|
| 2 people marked this as a favorite. |
If you are relying on electronic media (tablet, etc) for your characters, I would strongly suggest picking up one or more supplementary USB batteries. I have had really good luck with my Anker batteries, and have one that holds 11000mAh and another that holds 20000mAh. This gives me about three full charges on my iPad, and it has come in handy. I've also been able to help out folks at my table that need a partial charge.
I say multiples, because they sometimes take an inordinate amount of time to recharge. So, keep one charging in the room, and one with you. Also, have some power strips for your hotel room (especially if you are rooming with anyone, and if you are a tier 1-2 GM, you will be) so that you aren't fighting over outlets.
Other than that, I cannot express how important it is to stay hydrated. I usually care 2 nalgene 25oz water bottles, and often try to fill them mid-slot. Also, if you are GMing a lot, remember, that while you may be able to out-talk a room of 180 tables, you shouldn't try to. I blew out my voice last year during the special on Thursday night and spent the rest of the con trying to recover.
What I am going to try this year (and I'd best get started getting it ready), is to have some of the box text, etc., on cards so that I can enlist my players to do some of the reading! You can usually find someone that is willing to help, and while they are reading you could be setting up the next encounter, etc.
I also think I am going to pick up a signature stamp, so that I don't have to sign my name 100+ times during the Con. Surprisingly, that can wear on you as well!
|
|
I also think I am going to pick up a signature stamp, so that I don't have to sign my name 100+ times during the Con. Surprisingly, that can wear on you as well!
I was already planning to pre-fill the chronicle sheets with my initials, event number, signature, etc. That way, I just need to fill in the date and the numbers specific to that table and PC each time (xp, prestige, gold earned, days jobs, etc).
|
|
I was already planning to pre-fill the chronicle sheets with my initials, event number, signature, etc. That way, I just need to fill in the date and the numbers specific to that table and PC each time (xp, prestige, gold earned, days jobs, etc).I also think I am going to pick up a signature stamp, so that I don't have to sign my name 100+ times during the Con. Surprisingly, that can wear on you as well!
Chronicles are actually supplied by the organizers, as well as the sign-in sheets (or at least they have been). You can fill out those parts at the start of the session instead, or bring pre-filled ones if you want.
Another tip: Make handouts of the VC briefing, knowledge checks at the start of the scenario, and any loot found during the adventure (including DCs/effects of wands and scrolls). This saves a lot of time and lets players answer their own questions, like "who are we looking for again?".
Initiative tracking on index cards, so that way players can see it, helps keep combat moving.
If you're running multiple scenarios, I recommend getting easel pads of 1" grid paper or some other form of gaming paper. This allows you to draw out ALL of your maps in advance (and even add color or other detail). This is extra handy for specials, which normally require an ungodly large number of maps.
I also like to get cheap plastic food storage boxes to put minis/pawns in and I put each scenario in a folder. Having everything for one scenario in one place and easy to grab makes the convention much easier. I definitely recommend being fully prepped before you leave for Gen Con - you don't want to worry about making sure your maps are drawn when you really just want to sleep after getting back to the room at 1:30 AM.
|
|
One other quick note that I haven't seen addressed, if you're flying and don't want to spend big $$ on bag fees, only bring the GM gear you need. Pre-plan your minis so you're not bringing a ton for example. Books-on-device are essential to making this work. Also, flip-mats are your friend (especially when, after you printed one out, someone spills Dew on it first slot...).
|
|
One other quick note that I haven't seen addressed, if you're flying and don't want to spend big $$ on bag fees, only bring the GM gear you need. Pre-plan your minis so you're not bringing a ton for example. Books-on-device are essential to making this work. Also, flip-mats are your friend (especially when, after you printed one out, someone spills Dew on it first slot...).
Two notes to help enhance Michael's points:
1. The pogs from the Bestiary boxes tend to be lighter and take up less space than actual minis, so you might want to go for those instead if you have them available. And YES, only pack the ones you need.
2. Ive seen several people plan to just use their Paizo credit in the booth real quick to get the flipmat they need real quick for a slot. Just a general heads up, if this year is like previous years, you will NOT be given line cutting priveleges just because you are a GM and need to get something for your game before the slot starts. And Paizos vendor line tends to be long. So do your best to bring everything you need with you or make arrangements to borrow it from someone else who has it (who you trust not to forget to pack it).
|
|
Definitely agree about not relying on getting into the Paizo booth quickly to go buy stuff - for Thursday or Friday. By Saturday, the vendor area is twice as crowded, as the Indy locals who are off from work on the weekend come by the convention, but the Paizo booth is actually less crowded, so there's not a line to get in any more. Buying stuff will always have a line, but hopefully not more than 10 minutes. But by then, whatever you wanted to buy might no longer be available.
Moral of the story: Don't count on being able to buy stuff at the Paizo booth to use for your PFS sessions.