Packing/Arriving for Expo

Linc

Bring To Expo

• 25 ft Ethernet cable
• 1 power strip
• Headset
• Gaming laptop or PC w/ mouse and keyboard
• Updated Steam client

Bring If Sleeping At ICHQ

• Pillow / air mattress / sleeping bags
• Toiletries
• Patience for shower access

What Not To Bring

• Multi-monitor setups
• Speakers
• Liquor or flasks

Setting Up

• Do NOT setup your LAN gear until directed to do so. Store it in foyer or attic if you're early.
• Do NOT leave any luggage on the main levels. Take it to the attic.
• After setting up your LAN gear, immediately login to Steam using offline mode to confirm it's available.

Notes:

Do not assume we have spares of any peripherals or cables.

We have many spare blankets, sheets, and pillows (and a few sleeping bags) but please bring your own if possible.

PirateNinja

My input: Bring a laptop. The whole everyone brings a gigantic desktop and 24" monitor thing sucks power, slows setup time, looks messy, creates a ton of heat, and kills baby bunnies.

Tushon

Screw you! I'm going nude this year!

Bandrik

+1 for laptops. You don't need your dual-GPU 1000W doombringers to have fun with a bunch of chumps who are already sweaty enough.

primesuspect

Many people don't have gaming-capable laptops.

Linc

Moving to main event category since a bunch of people who are coming haven't registered yet but need to know.

AlexDeGruven

primesuspect said:

Many people don't have gaming-capable laptops.

This. My laptop barely plays Minecraft, let alone TF2.

pigflipper

I will be traveling light so if somebody who is driving could loan me a cable and powerstrip that would be awesome.

MomOfRose

As a newbie, I'd like to ask a likely dumb question: why no liquor? No mixed drinks allowed (Sprite & Pomegranate liquor, rum & coke, etc.)?

Jokke

MomOfRose said:

As a newbie, I'd like to ask a likely dumb question: why no liquor? No mixed drinks allowed (Sprite & Pomegranate liquor, rum & coke, etc.)?

There are enough events for drinking as it is. This one should be enjoyable for everyone. Plus, it tends to get awfully messy.

MomOfRose

There are enough events for drinking as it is. This one should be enjoyable for everyone. Plus, it tends to get awfully messy.

Just clarifying: beer and wine are ok, but not liquor? Or no alcohol at all?

Linc

MomOfRose said:

As a newbie, I'd like to ask a likely dumb question: why no liquor?

Sure. It's a compromise. We've run it both ways (with and without liquor). Everyone responsible for the event agreed it was far better without.

When you have 60+ people (some meeting for the first time or only time in a year) in close quarters for 4+ full days of coordinated events, liquor is the fast track to drunken messes and underage drinking. It's already a very high-stress event for Brian and I. Removing liquor noticeably reduces the drama and drunkenness we have to deal with without ending social drinking entirely.

Linc

MomOfRose said:

Just clarifying: beer and wine are ok, but not liquor? Or no alcohol at all?

Yes, beer and wine are OK. They are more likely to be consumed in moderation, have lower ABV, are far more difficult for minors to conceal, and we can all see how much you're drinking. If someone is getting tipsy, I can't tell if their rum and coke is 1:10 or 1:1.

I also think sharing beers from around the country is an important piece of community experience during Expo.

primesuspect

It's simple: I love you all, but liquor ALWAYS leads to drama.

Expo: drama-free event.

Ilriyas

I am really sorry for my behaviour last year.

MomOfRose

primesuspect said:

Expo: drama-free event.

Well, I'm out then. I didn't even have alcohol last time I was at ICHQ.

primesuspect

There are never any single individuals who can be pointed at as "causing drama due to liquor". It's always a group effort.

Thrax

true story.

Winfrey

Except for me, I'm 100% drama, man. So much drama. Like 2 pounds of drama.

primesuspect

Caveat: except for @Ghoosdum. That guy's name is synonymous with "massive vomiting" now.

Thrax

oh my god. So much puke. So many hours that could have been puke.

Sonorous

The only way I have seen any sort of party work well where liquor is involved is with a bartender. Like an actual one. Not your bro-dude-friend from down the block. But who wants to tend bar at a party?

cola

Also to bring:

Bananna Hammocks

Dickclowns

GG Allin

Soviet-Scottish Alter-Egos

Garg

primesuspect said:

There are never any single individuals who can be pointed at as "causing drama due to liquor". It's always a group effort.

We make such a good team, though.

kimono54

Lincoln or Brian- if someone were bringing beer from their home city, how much should they bring?

Thrax

As much as they want.

kimono54

I meant how much would be enough for everyone who wants to try it? Or, how much do people usually bring?

MAGIC

kimono54 said:

I meant how much would be enough for everyone who wants to try it? Or, how much do people usually bring?

As much as you bring will be drank.

Linc

People bring MUCH beer from their home towns. It's A Thing.

sharkydart

The products from my home are typically >= 80 proof.

Linc

SHARKYDART FROM THE SIDE HATCH