This year's PAX was my first convention evar and I wanted to share a few of the tips and insights I had while on and around the show floor.

"Oregon Roll" by RPG Ike (just kidding)

General Tips

Wear Comfortable Shoes - You will be standing in line, probably for hours, if you want to experience the most popular games and panels. Seattle is also a great city to wander around in, with Pike Place Market, the Showbox, and many cool shops within walking distance of the Seattle Convention Centre. It behooves you to sport good footwear.

Bring a Light Coat - PAX (East or West) is on the coast, and it can get chilly and windy while you're out and about. Have a light coat (or anything that warms you) within easy reach or at least at your home base (see below).

Pack Lightly, Wear Cargo Pants - It sucks to be carrying anything bulky when you're packed into a lineup. I had my DS, a camera, my lanyard around my neck, and a bottle of juice. I refilled my juice throughout the day so I wouldn't need to spend convention money on drinks.

Have a Central Home Base Close to the Con - I learned this one the hard way. Get a hotel as close to the event as possible so you can walk to and from without much hassle. This will save you money, time, and grief, and will let you enjoy some pleasures a bit more easily if you aren't worried about your parked rental car or your hotel room across the city.

Get Your Own Room - Sharing with buddies is fun and a bit cheaper than going it alone, but when you're away from home for days at a time you NEED a place to escape to, and dealing with the schedules, habits, and snoring of others can really put the edge on a trip that's supposed to be smooth. If you can afford it, get your own space, even if it means a downgrade in the room quality (after all, you just need a place to relax and sleep in, right?)

Stock Your Room Fridge - Locate a grocery store early in your trip and fill your fridge with fresh fruits and vegetables. Naturally you'll want to indulge in fine local cuisine as often as possible, but you'll be oh-so-happy when you wake up the morning after a night of excess and your breakfast is delicious, healthy, and within easy reach. This will save money, too.

For Tabletop RPers

Bring Dice - You won't need all six lbs. of dice, but be sure to bring a full set so you don't have to rely on the table dice or the generosity of others. This will speed up play and avoid ruffling the feathers of those worried about theft.

Bring Paper and a Writing Implement (+3) - You'll want these to keep track of your HP, powers/spells usage, and other character-related stuff. Better than begging.

Bring a Great Attitude - It's never a tall order to sit with a group of like minds and kick some monster ass unless you're sharing the table with griefers or whiners. Be warm and friendly, and don't blame the game or the system when things go poorly. Be willing to ask for advice—chances are good others at the table (like the GM) have played before, and we all love to jabber about tactics, don't we?

Mirror D4

Think About Your Actions Before Your Turn, Then Do Them - Spend your time, and the time of your fellow adventurers, wisely. If you're unsure how you should act, ask for advice quietly and away from the action. Or, have conviction in your actions and boldly step forward to play them out (the reactions of your party will tell you how wise you're being), but be ready to face the gory consequences. Laugh it off when that happens—you'll probably get another chance later on.

Roll Your Action and Damage Dice Simultaneously - Maybe I'm just a curmudgeon, but it-make-a-me-SO-mad when I watch someone state their action, pick up their die, roll it, look at the number, look at their sheet, state their bonus, look back at the die, do the math, reach for the other die, pick up the wrong one- yeeargh! I don't expect anyone to be great at math or to understand the rules for a given game, but you can cut the time it takes for your turn by rolling both dice and soliciting help from your neighbors. Be sure to listen for those clues you can move on, too, like "you missed" or "hit."

That's It

I'm sure this is nothing mind-boggling if you're a seasoned con-goer, but I trust these tips will be a useful reminder at the very least.

Did you go to PAX? Got any really good or bad convention experiences you want to share? We'd love to hear them, so leave a comment (and thanks in advance).