An Adventurer's Guide to Surviving PAX

This is it, Adventurers: PAX is almost here, and it is time to talk surviving PAX strategies. I know I’m always super excited about going, but when those doors open to all those people, it is important to have a strategy to keep your wits about you.

Similar to how my fellow Enforcers helped put together Prepping for PAX, they once again have been super helpful in putting together this guide, and I would like to thank them all. Now let us get down to business.

Before You Arrive

This will probably only pertain to first-time PAXers, but regardless, know where you are going. Whether you are flying in or driving, preplan your route, especially if you’ll be using the metro system. Every city has its own traffic patterns, and getting lost is never any fun.

Additionally, take a look at what the weather is going to be like. I can only speak to PAX East in Boston, where winter is never over and it can get pretty freezing. So make sure that you have packed the right clothing, and if it is cold, layers are going to be your best friend. The inside of the convention center is going to be very different from outside. FYI: there are coat checks.

Now, if you haven’t already done so, I would recommend reading the prepping article and making sure that you are prepared. Pack what you need and leave what you don't. I guarantee that you are going to want to have extra space in your travel bag to bring back a few cool things. Remember, the goal is to be smart with your money, so don’t buy things you don’t really need, and don’t spend money on shipping when it could be avoided.

Keeping Updated with PAX Events

Whether you love it or hate it, Twitter is a must over the PAX weekend. There are three Twitter accounts that are a must to follow:

• @official_pax: For all things PAX related.
• @pax_lines: Lines are a big deal at PAX. Knowing when they are capped or if there is a change will save you a lot of trouble.
• @paxparties: This Twitter account is not affiliated with PAX, but if you're looking for the after-action, you’ll find it there.

The Event

The day has come, you’re up super early and raring to go. Double-check that you have everything for the day, check the weather, because it’s probably freezing but maybe not, and head out the door.

Now brace yourself, since the first thing you are going to be greeted with is a huge line. Don’t worry; once it starts to move, it goes pretty quickly. Next, you’ll need to make a choice… Do you head for the Exhibit Hall line or the PAX Merch line?

This is where your pre-planning all comes into play. If you really want something from Merch, go there first. That line will not die down, and stuff does sell out. Otherwise, head to the Exhibit Hall and wait until it is time to go.

Now, remember, the point of PAX is to have fun! Try new things, meet awesome people, and take in the experience. If you budgeted beforehand, money should not be a worry, and free swag is not worth your time, but more on that later.

Enforcers

If I do say so myself, these human beings are half the reason PAX is what it is. They choose to take time out of their lives to spend long hours running around like crazy people, all to make sure that your experience is the best it can be. And we love every moment of it.

Side Questing as an Enforcer is a wonderful thing, but we can cover that another time. For now, just know that they are there to make sure that the show goes as well as it can. If you need help or have a question, please don’t be afraid to ask an Enforcer in one of the official PAX ENFORCER shirts.

PAX shirt colors (as of 2019)

• East is Red
• West is Blue
• South is Orange
• Aus is Gold
• Unplugged is Purple

Surviving PAX

Ok Adventurers, now you’re in the thick of it all. The Exhibit Hall is a fun-filled madhouse of thousands of people. There will be so much to see and do, with so little time, but remember you prepared for this. Keep a clear head and maximize your fun, and if you need a moment, PAX has you covered.

The Take This AFK Room

No matter if you are an introvert or extrovert, we all need to take a break every once in a while. Take This has their AFK Room at PAX that offers a relaxing, quiet space for anyone that needs it. At PAX East 2019, the AFK Room was on the 2nd level next to the Dragonfly Theatre, in the north-east part of the building.

However, if a quick chill or even a nap is more your style, then keep an eye out for the beanbags.

Food and WATER!

Look, I know, we’ve covered this… But honestly, I’m leading the horse to water and making it drink. You need to keep hydrated with water and well fed with REAL food. This cannot be stressed enough. As we have previously discussed, plan on going outside of the convention center for some real food. There are several places within walking distance. Plus, the walk and fresh air will be a great opportunity to refocus and recharge.

As for hydration, take a water bottle, and keep at it. Spending the day in the convention center with all that walking will make you feel hungover if you don’t keep hydrated, and soda does not count.

Be Respectful

This should go without saying, but be respectful. PAX is a wonderful place that lets everyone fly their own freak flag. From intense cosplay to kilts to all-gender bathrooms, you are likely to see things you have not seen before. And that is okay. Just be respectful and enjoy the opportunity to experience new things.

For instance, if you happen to see a cosplayer as your all-time favorite character, I’m sure they would love the opportunity to take pictures with you. Just ask first and be aware of what you touch. Personally, I would feel awful if I damaged the art of someone who had spent hours putting it together.

There may also be people who use pronouns you are not expecting or are unsure of. You can politely ask what a person’s pronouns are, and I am sure they will be happy to tell you. If you happen to use the wrong pronoun and someone corrects you, don’t get defensive or embarrassed. You learned something new, and this individual was brave enough to speak their truth to you. That’s all wonderful news! So don’t let it slow you down.

Be Yourself

Adventurers, I’ll say it again: “Let your freak flag fly, and be yourself.” Unless you are disrespectful and just plain mean, then see yourself out. The wonderful thing about PAX is that nerds can be nerds with nerds. No matter your passion, you’ll be able to find someone else there to share it with.

I say spend less time trying to get all the free swag you can and spend more time meeting other people. PAX is your opportunity to meet the developers, artists, writers, and more, of all the things we love. The free swag will probably be put online for sale shortly after PAX, if you really need it, but the truth is you probably don’t.

Summing it All Up

In summary, PAX is a lot. I’m not going to kid you there, but at the same time, it is a wonderful experience and something worth your time and money, so long as you use them both wisely. I have summarized the survival guide points below for quick reference, as well as adding a bonus one.

Surviving PAX in Summary

• Enforcers are your friends
  • If you have a question or need help, ask an Enforcer. They are easy to spot in their colored shirts.
  • They may even give you a hug if you ask nicely :)
• Download the PAX App and use the map and event planner
  • Get to an event early; rooms fill up quickly
• #EvenExtrovertsNeedToRecharge
  • Pace yourself, and rest when you need it
  • Use the AFK Room
  • Naps are good and beanbags are great for that
• Stay hydrated with water #HailHydrate
  • Soda does not count!
• Eat real food
  • Real snacks are great; fast food is not.
  • Take the time to get at least one real meal a day that includes vegetables and a protein
• Be respectful
  • Everyone is different, and PAX is a place to Fly Your Freak Flag
• Bonus tip: Far bathrooms are better bathrooms

Going to PAX is not an inexpensive trip to begin with, so rather than spending more money, spend your time meeting new people, learning more about the things you love, and even exploring the unknown. That is how to truly survive PAX!

This is a common theme among others as well, so go out there and have yourself some fun.

Here is my PAX East 2019 look back. What has your PAX experience been like? Do you have any regrets, or do you relish every moment you have spent there? Is there anything I’ve left out?