I've been listening to the Know Direction podcast lately and they mentioned something about it being a really good idea to show up a day early and that there's a lot of unofficial con stuff the day before. Does anyone know anything about this? Is it worth it? Should I be planning on being there Thursday though Monday? Does anything even happen on Monday or do people just go home? This will be my first convention ever so I really have no idea what to expect =x
Thanks!
Always arrive a day before (to recover after traveling) and leave they day after a convention (to recover from the convention). The day before has traditionally been for an unofficial Meet and Greet, which gives you the opportunity to, well, meet folks you'll be seeing at the convention that you may only know from the boards. Leaving the day after will give you a chance to have more social time and off-schedule gaming, rather than immediately heading off to travel back home.
We always come for the day before, especially with the now-normal proximity to the 4th. We don't want to drive up in any holiday traffic. That gives us the full day before the event for some gaming, preparation, relaxation. Leaving on Sunday after gaming all day is a drag and there's always a game to get into Sunday night, so a Monday departure is a good thing.
All of this is, of course, predicated on being able to splurge for a couple more nights at the hotel. :)
M
I can happily tell you that the Con rates are covering the day before and the day after the Con, at least...
I would also suggest a day after the con after your flight home (if you can) to recuperate and be sure you haven't caught any Con Crud and fully rest before heading back to work/school/whathaveyou. Sleep is often something missed when you have a full schedule and are having fun at the con :)
|
Thursday's Meet & Eat is a must-go, especially if it's gonna be at Big Kyle's (or another home) like 2013. The restaurant setups of yore were okay, but it's hard to actually meet folks spread all over a crowded restaurant. A big backyard with tables and tents goes much smoother. Lot of the Paizo folks also go, and it's in some ways the best time to catch 'em, since they're not on the clock or running to another game or event. They take time in the schedule to hang out in the general areas, though, so you can typically find several staffers at the registration area, the restaurant, the lobby, or (for a rare few) the smoking area near the entrance. So if you miss someone at the Meet & Eat, you'll still be able to catch 'em during the Con.
Every year since the first I've bailed out on Sunday and recovered Monday at home, but I'm weird. Also, it used to seem like Sunday was just dead, with everyone just worn out from travel and gaming. But apparently Sundays have gotten more lively. So you might want to stick around for Sunday.
No matter what, don't go overboard on your schedule. If you load with events and games too early, you WILL get burnout. Leave some time to chat with folks, drop in on the open seminars, and maybe get a pickup game or two. And lunch, obviously. Don't forget lunch.
|
|
I *THINK* it's at Big Kyle's again. There's talk of more fireworks, which feels Big Kyle-ish. Don't miss it, especially if you're from a country that doesn't light stuff on fire as a celebration regularly. The Canadians and the Australians were blown away in particular.
Me, I missed most of it because loud bangs ruin my already crappy hearing, and because there was this not-empty wine bottle that needed finishing...
I fly in Tuesday, so I can see everyone as they arrive, leisurely shop for weekend provisions, and be well-rested for the Con. Then fly out Monday. 4th of July nicely makes that only 3 days off work (if flying out Tues evening).
I hope we do a meet and eat this year. I was a fool to miss last year's gathering.As was I. By Cayden's Codpiece I shall not make that mistake again.
The Goblin ice sculpture was particularly amazing...
Not something to miss!