PAX West 2019 dates, panels, badge pickup & security updates
Published , by Kevin Tucker
PAX West 2019 is right around the corner, and we've got all the must-know information regarding the schedule of events, dates and times, and the ever-crucial security updates that keep attendees safe and sound.
PAX West 2019 dates and times
The PAX West 2019 fun begins this Friday, August 30, and will run all the way through Monday, September 2. Show hours start at 10 a.m. Pacific time and typically run through to about 11 p.m. or 12 midnight every day of the convention with the exception of Monday, when the showroom floor will close at 6:30 p.m. following the conclusion of the Omegathon Final Round.
PAX West 2019 badges, badge pickup, registration, and prices
Even though there are still a few days before PAX West 2019 kicks off, most options for badges and registration have already sold out. Four-day passes and single-day passes for Friday, Saturday, and Sunday have all been claimed, though there are still openings for Monday as of the time of writing.
Interested potential attendees can currently grab a one-day pass for Monday for just $60, and there are a few optional add-ons: a PAX West 2019 zipper bag for $15, an office set for $55, and a special scarf for $25. Once secured, badges can be picked up at the registration center on Level 2 of the Sheraton.
More information about badges and registration, including the latest updates on pricing and availability, can be found over on the official PAX West website.
PAX West 2019 notable panels and events
Hey, this is PAX we're talking about here — of course there's going to be a lot of fun stuff to see or do. While players or attendees should absolutely look at the PAX West 2019 schedule featured on the PAX website, we can at least highlight a few of the convention's most interesting panels.
Friday, August 30
PAX West 2019 Storytime with Gary Whitta - 10:30 through 11:30 a.m. at the Main Theatre
Penny Arcade Q&A - 11:30 through 12:30 p.m. at the Main Theatre
Gearbox Main Theater Show - 1:30 through 2:30 p.m. at the Main Theatre
Acquisitions Incorporated LIVE! - 7:30 through 10:30 p.m. at the Main Theatre
Saturday, August 31
GamesIndustry.biz Presents: PS4 vs Project Scarlett vs Google Stadia - The Next Platform War - 10:30 through 11:30 a.m. at the Sphinx Theatre
From Bastion to Hades: 10 Years of Supergiant Games - 12 noon through 1 p.m. at the Raven Theatre
Game Preservation - Making Classic Titles Accessible - 3 through 4 p.m. at the Sandworm Theatre
An Evening with Scott Kurtz - 7 through 8 p.m. at the Hydra Theatre
Saturday Night Concerts - MC Frontalot and Supergiant in Concert - 8:30 through 11:30 p.m. at the Main Theatre
Sunday, September 1
Penny Arcade Make-A-Strip - 12 noon through 1:30 p.m. at the Main Theatre
Monsters of Indie Superstar Dev Panel - 1:30 through 2:30 p.m. at the Sandworm Theatre
Creating Final Fantasy 14: Shadowbringers - Narrative and Visual Insights - 2:30 through 4 p.m. at the Main Theatre
Sunday Night Concerts - Mega Ran & K-Murdock and Knight of the Round - 8:30 through 11:30 p.m. at the Main Theatre
Monday, September 2
Ocarina of Time: A 20th Anniversary Retrospective - 12:30 through 1:30 p.m. at the Sasquatch Theatre
Retronauts: Super Metroid vs. Symphony of the Night - 3 through 4 p.m. at the Raven Theatre
Omegathon Final Round: [REDACTED] - 5:30 through 6:30 p.m. at the Main Theatre
PAX West 2019 security updates and etiquette guidelines
With a convention as big as PAX West, it's good to know that event coordinators are taking security seriously. As such, the Six Rules of PAX are still in play. The full scoop can be found over at the PAX West website, but here's a summary of each of the six rules:
Drugs are bad. Don't bring them, don't sell them, don't buy them, don't use them. If you show up at the event under the influence of drugs and make an ass out of yourself, you'll be shown the curb, no exceptions.
Don't steal. This should really go without saying. If it's not yours, don't take it. You'll be kicked out and will very likely face charges.
Don't punch or kick people. The old adage goes, don't do to others the things you wouldn't have them do to you. Even if you would like for someone to randomly assault you in public for whatever reason, stop to consider for a moment that not everyone wants to be physically abused. It's bad manners, and not only will you be kicked out of the convention, you'll be banned for life, and will likely be prosecuted to the full extent of the law.
No cheating. It's not fair to those who abide by the rules and earn their accolades the proper way. If you've been taking shortcuts in the past, now is the time to start playing by the rules.
Don't harass anyone. This isn't saying be nice to everyone, but that's not exactly a bad policy. Instead, this means don't be a jerk. Don't stalk people, don't argue needlessly, don't call names, and don't discriminate against anyone for any reason. If you do, your badge will be revoked and you'll be banned for life.
Don't mess with things that aren't yours. PAX is a massive machine, and all the pieces are set in their proper places. If you mess with someone or something in a way that disrupts the show, you can expect to have your badge revoked.
There are a few other measures worth considering. First, PAX West sees loads of attendees from across the globe, and as the Penny Arcade webcomic above exemplifies, many of them aren't exactly as hygienic as you might hope. The best way to stay healthy is to look out for yourself, wash your hands, and avoid touching random objects — see rule number six. As an added bonus, the Iron Guard position will display your dedication and aptitude to all Enforcers in the area without putting you at risk of catching a disease from the 1950s.
The PAX organizers have also outlined a few other security updates concerning what may have once been considered standard procedures or acceptable items. Here's the long and short of it:
No booth babes. They were questionable at best, and now they're no longer allowed.
Cosplays aren't classified as booth babes per se, but there are some rules that will define what is or isn't an acceptable cosplay. More information can be found at the PAX West website.
Strollers, stilts, R/C vehicles, and wheeled transport are not allowed in the expo hall. This includes but is not limited to rollerskates, rollerblades, skateboards, hoverboards, and non-mobility scooters.
Stopping in expo hall aisles to take cosplay photos is prohibited.
Functional weapons are strictly prohibited. This includes but is not limited to:
Live firearms, air guns, or airsoft guns
Replica firearms made of metal, solid resin, plastic, or rubber
Any operating form of Nerf or similar child-safe weaponry
Nerf weapons are allowed, but only if Enforcers deem them to be sufficiently safe. If you're bringing a Nerf weapon as part of a cosplay, be prepared to explain the steps you've taken to make the weapon inoperable.
Any bow-type weapon with a taut string, or any prop arrow without a soft, nonmetal blunted tip
Metal swords or knives, even if wrapped with tape or foam
Under no circumstances are weapons to be wielded, swung, or otherwise brandished in the form of an attack. See rule number three.
All prop weaponry must be "peace bonded," where a PAX Enforcer will attach a zip tie to the item to mark it as having passed a safety inspection.
Everyone must wear their badge at all times. No exceptions.
As long as attendees can stick by the rules and guidelines of the show, PAX West 2019 should be fun for the whole family. To stay up-to-date on the latest convention coverage, including new trailers, interviews, game reveals and more, be sure to stop by Shacknews' PAX West 2019 home page.