PAX Australia 2015: Tips And Tricks

Well, it looks like we are heading to Melbourne to attend PAX Australia again — making this our third PAX Australia. With the ticket sales for PAX Australia 2015 now live we thought we would provide some handy hints for those of you planning to attend. Regardless of which convention or year you are attending, these tips will be helpful anywhere.

Deodorant

If you are regularly compelled to have a test whiff and are convinced you smell great, odds are you do not. No offense, we just do not want to sniff your scent. Why risk being THAT person everyone walks past then immediately checks their shoe thinking "did I tread in something?" Give yourself a couple of safety sprays. Hell, have another spray just for luck.

Remember that Body Spray is exactly that. What? Yep, spelling is not the only difference between Deodorant and Body Spray.

Toothbrush and Toothpaste

As a combo, they give +10 to Hygiene but by themselves +100 to "what is that stench?"

We should not need to tell anyone about general hygiene, but walking the floor it seems that — sadly — many have yet to be told.

Hand Sanitiser or Antibacterial Wipes

Self-preservation is fundamental to your PAX survival. Evey time you touch anything, wear anything, or shake hands, wipe yourself down. You need to help stop the spread of the sickness; conventions are a cesspool of activity.

Want to avoid shaking hands? Try a fist bump.

Pills Here!

Conventions attract sickness, but also provide lots of food and drink. Had a big night out? Tried something that did not agree with you? Why ruin a perfectly good PAX Australia by feeling meh?

Just in case there is some confusion we mean off the shelf medication. Drugs are bad M'kay?

Toilet Seat Covers

You may be the cleanest person you know, but remember you do not know what the preceding person who parked on that seat is like or what they consumed the previous night.

Paranoid? Maybe. Self-preservation is essential for your PAX survival.

Clothing

Pack accordingly then throw in an additional clean pair of everything. Remember the convention runs for three days. While the Internet is amazing do not believe the hype, you cannot wear things inside out and backward.

Sorry for shattering that dream, it is just not true.

Music for the quiet times

If you are traveling alone staring out of the window gets old quick. Heading down as part of a group? Music helps when someone unleashes a snore when sleeping that can bring the Hotel down.

Oh god, that noise.

Smart Phone and Charger

Essential for keeping up to date with us and the Internet, and it gives you something to do in the queue for a panel. Always handy to have when on the go and a must if you plan on collecting PAX XP.

Laptop or Tablet

You need something for that downtime back at the Hotel. Catch up on all the days events you may have missed, or share your images and comments with us — or the world — via Facebook, Google+, or Twitter.

Wallet, Money, and ID

A wallet is handy for your cards and money for the drinks and food. Looking at buying some games or merchandise? On the floor, most vendors will have a minimum EFT spend with some not even accepting a card.

You will also need your ID to show your age as some booths are age restricted. You will get a wristband if 18+, so you will not need to flash your ID all the time.

PAX Badge

Keep it on you at all times, it is your pass to awesomeness. If you were not able to buy a badge never fear, you can follow Insert Coin 1P for all the PAX Australia you can handle.

Camera

For recording the tomfoolery of the day's events or creating new memories. Relive the action time and time again.

USB Backup Battery Charger

Power is an in demand commodity, never be left wanting, Need to take that once in a lifetime picture or video? Maybe you need to post a quick selfie? Too bad, your phone is dead.

Haters will hate while you are still kicking on and everyone else powers down or looks for that non-existent power socket.

Twitter Account

You need something to communicate with other unknown attendees. PAX Australia also uses it for queue announcements and other information throughout the show.

Make sure you setup your account and follow us. Add Insert Coin 1P, Daniel, Denny and Troy now.

Snacks

You will need a quick energy boost between meals. Much walking, talking, standing and sitting gets done.

Choose wisely but keep it light. Salt dehydrates but is needed to avoid cramps. Greasy is bad if you plan on touching things. Spicy is good for keeping you mentally awake. A hamburger or two is not a snack.

Water Bottle

Hydration is important and ties in with all of the above. Trust us, you do some walking over the course of the weekend. Drinks are for sale at the convention, but constantly buying drinks at the show will deplete your funds for other activities or merchandise.

Red Bull is everywhere and is a drink but is the enemy of hydration.

The Bag

So how do I take all this stuff with me? A bag. It must be small enough not to be a hindrance, but also big enough to carry everything you need — and may acquire — on a daily basis.

You

Last but not least, your best behavior. Why ruin it for everyone else? You are not the only person there, think of  everyone else.

Remember: Don't be a dick.

So there you have it. If this list only gives you one tip, then it has done its job. We will see you at PAX Australia 2015.