Disappearing zipper (Pre PAX '24)

Before PAX even started, I already had a big problem. I discovered that the zipper on my suitcase disappeared, it wasn’t a main one, but it was the zipper that holds the expansion part together. Without it being zipped up means a flimsy suitcase, which could mean that the breaks or the games inside could get damaged. Being in a panic, I was frustrated and annoyed that I didn’t discover it sooner. Discovering this Monday night because I decided that it was a good idea to pack a little earlier meant that I had the time to think of a solution. I ended up doing some online shopping on eBay and Amazon to see if there was any type of zipper repair kit. Turns out, I was not the first person to misplace their zipper. So, I order the zipper at about midnight that night.

I received the zipper repair kit on Wednesday. Lucky. Thankfully my order was next day delivery, I did pay for it. Anyway, I ordered the kit that had a few different sizes. I decided to use the smallest one, but I couldn’t get it on properly. So, I changed to the larger sized zipper. Nope, after installing the larger zipper successfully I tried to zip the suitcase, the larger one did not zip. After a bit of back and forth. It took me more than an hour to figure out how to install the new zipper. Crisis averted.

Repaired zipper.

I had booked my flights to for mid-morning so that I could avoid the morning traffic. On the morning of PAX, there was heavy rain in Brisbane that morning. Turns out, there was a lot of traffic on the road so I couldn’t avoid the heavy traffic. By the time I got to the airport it was cutting it close in terms of timing. I had trouble finding a carpark spot. I circled the multi-level several times until I finally found one. Just as I parked, I received a text message that my flight had been delayed. It certainly came at the right moment and put me at ease, I no longer had to be in a frantic rush.

Checking in presented some trouble of its own. As you probably already know, I’ve got an entire suitcase filled with Dirty Laundry. Because I had a heavy suitcase, the checking in machine printed me a heavy luggage tag. As I was in the middle of applying the heavy luggage tag, the entire luggage acceptance system froze and shutdown. I waited for the reboot, but my machine wouldn’t restart properly. I had to wait for one of the staff to come over and help me override my machine and manually clear the backlog. I had to reweigh my luggage, get a new heavy luggage tag and reapply it. The ordeal took about 20 minutes which normally would’ve only taken a couple of minutes. Turns out my flight was delayed as a blessing.

Eventually I got onto the plane and flew down to Melbourne. I caught a taxi to my hotel. I don’t recommend in hindsight; it was more expensive than an Uber. I should mention here Ando was flying over separately later that night. After I settled in my hotel, I made my way over to the MCEC to pick up our exhibitor passes. For the past 2 years we’ve been to PAX we landed quite late, so we didn’t have time to visit the venue until the Friday morning. This year I managed to go earlier but not by much because of the delay, not like our first year where our flight got cancelled.

I headed into the venue with my high-vis and was surprised to see so many people hanging around outside the exhibition halls. As I made my way past security, I was astonished to find the exhibition halls a complete mess! Boxes, pallets, plastic wraps, bags, suitcases, cardboard cut outs, paint, banners, chairs and all sorts of displays were anywhere and everywhere. Normally we entered during the morning of, so a lot of the mess was cleaned up so it’s not what I’m used to seeing. As I made my way down to the indie showcase area, I bumped into some old exhibitor friends. It was great to see them again, most of whom we met at previous PAXs. This year, the organisers of PAX AUS decide to put the indie tabletop showcase together with the video games. I’ll save my thoughts for the next blog.

I soon finished off the hellos and went to find some dinner. I was craving Korean chicken and beer. After munching down on some tucker, I made my way over to Fed Square for ‘Big Games Night Out’. There were a few cosplayers cat walking their outfits in the main foyer, a few games were being exhibited, like the Untitled Goose Game, and speedrun competitions. It was a great to see the government support for local game developers, I wish there was more of that in Brisbane.

Samsam Chicken - honey soy and peanut fried chicken with a Korean beer

Fed Square - ACMI