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Hi everyone! Later today, I'll be realizing one of my dreams by flying to Anaheim and heading to the registration desk at the convention center. The thing is, I've never been to one of these and I figure that some of you have some experience with this massive nerdfest and would have some advice to offer me. What are the things that I ABSOLUTELY CANNOT MISS? What are some things that I can totally skip and not lose out on the Blizzcon experience?
Keep in mind that I will be working/casting for much of the event, so I unfortunately have very limited time to play with the stuff that's meant for everyone to enjoy. If you're curious, I'll be working at the Creative booth near the World of WarCraft tournament area, casting DongRaeGu vs. convention goers on stream. =D Come say hi and try to get some sweet SoundBlaster stuff while you're there. I like having company, haha.
For those who've been in the past, how accessible are the SC2 pros during the weekend? I reallyreallyreallyreally want to get autographs from Nestea and MVP, obviously. I don't even know what other questions to ask. I've been to every MLG, NASL, IPL, and a couple other events in North America but I have a feeling this weekend is going to dwarf them all. x.x
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I haven't been at Blizzcon, but i'd suggest to just check and do everything you like. Players you like, Panels you are interested (if you have time), tournaments obviously and of course Slasher shaving his head on Lo3.
So yeah, i can't give you that much of a help but have fun man. I'm jealous. 
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You absolutely cannot miss your airplane flight.
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On October 21 2011 01:43 AjAyIGN wrote:
You absolutely cannot miss your airplane flight.
Follow this guy's advice. Also, just check everything out and then spend more time on what you liked the most.
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Zurich15358 Posts
On October 21 2011 01:43 AjAyIGN wrote:
You absolutely cannot miss your airplane flight.
Hahaha good job.
There isn't really any must go things around Blizzcon. Well at least now that Ultimate Barcraft is canceled :-( During the day you will be at the convention and at night just hop the hotel lobbies next to Blizzcon to meet people.
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Fire & Ice is a cool restaurant. Might want to check that out. There's a Mortons down the main road past the Hilton, on the left. That was pretty expensive so we went to the next restaurant behind it, that was pretty good. Though, everything in the area is expensive, no matter what you do.
There's usually a crazy bunch of parties at the Hilton on the last night which everyone tends to rave about. I forget which floor it was, but we went last time and it wasn't all that great. Good opportunities to meet with the Blizzard folks in the Hilton that night, though. Pretty sure everyone (the players and Blizzard people alike) stay at the Hilton so that's really your best shot.
Bring water.
Pick up your badge from the convention center the day before.
Once the main doors open, everyone rampages through the front looby until you get to ANOTHER set of doors (6-8 pairs of doors). You stand there like a herd of sheep until they finally let you in. If you want to be one of the first people at something, don't be afraid to do a run/jog through the front doors and bust your way through the second set. Nobody else will. Get there at like 5-6am if you want to be one of the first to do something.
If you rush for the main stage for the presentation DO NOT pick the seats right beside the main stage. Last year they removed those seats after the initial speech with Morhaime and Metzen in order to expand the size of the stage for the rest of the presentations. Take seats a few rows back and laugh at the people that get kicked out (which was us last year )
Buy anything you really want from the gift-shop on the first morning. Stuff sells out retarded-fast.
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GRAND OLD AMERICA16375 Posts
I dont know if this is possible for you, but wear a shirt that says "Blizz, why no LAN?" and go to the MP panel for SC2. Then get the chance to ask a question and tell the Panel to read your shirt.
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You are living the dream Joshy ): I'm so jealous!
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The first thing you'll probably notice is how huge the Blizzcon event is compared to MLG Anaheim. MLG Anaheim only used the middle hall at the convention center - Blizzcon uses all three. Triple the size means you'll probably do more walking, but it's not anything unmanageable. And if you're too lazy to walk alot, Blizzard sets up monitors on nearly every support pillar so you can just find a monitor showing something that you're interested in and watch from there.
As far as pro accessibility - this was pretty much non-existent even when I knew some of the players competing at the event. The competitor computers are tucked way into the corner of the hall where the game is being played. It's basically where the Halo / Black Ops viewing areas were at MLG Anaheim except half the size and cordoned off.
There are so many more activities at Blizzcon compared to any other LAN, so just walk around and check them out. The bean bag game is pretty fun and you can win pretty sweet prizes just by sitting down and playing the Blizzard games. A few years ago, right before the place was shutting down on Sunday, I snagged like a dozen huge posters of the Lich King just for playing some WoW with friends. Those things were selling for like $25 at the store, so it was a pretty sweet deal. I also really enjoyed the artist panels even though I'm not really an art guy.
Aside from the event itself, feel free to drop me a PM if you want some recommendations for local food. Have fun!
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Canada1637 Posts
What are the things that I ABSOLUTELY CANNOT MISS?
I believe there is usually some sort of Costume and Dance Party.
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I had plenty of time to do everything I wanted to last year. I watched the SC2 tournament about 75% of my time there. Played Diablo 3 like 3 times, played SC2 Dota, played in the SC2 KotH, and I even played some Cataclysm even though the only thing they had available was the goblin/worgen starting zones which didn't even interest me. I even visited the store 2 times.
Case in point, you'll plenty of time to do everything you want to. 2 days is a lot of time and there is a lot to take in.
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On October 21 2011 03:56 amazingxkcd wrote:
I dont know if this is possible for you, but wear a shirt that says "Blizz, why no LAN?" and go to the MP panel for SC2. Then get the chance to ask a question and tell the Panel to read your shirt.
They'll tell you to read it out loud, because they can't see shit up there, FYI.
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EPT
