Panels and Parties

So I have been looking into the different reviews about panels and parties at DC. Some of the panels themselves sound really interesting with panels what would be a good time to prepare for one?

In the case of the different parties how do you get into one? I have seen a few websites about different tracks? Do I follow the websites and see what is going to happen or is it a secret need to know the right person to get into them?

Most of the parties at DC are not really a big secret, dude.  That's the good thing.  If they are part of the track than it will be on the program, so look on your pocket program or on the DC app in the schedule section.  Far as open room parties...those are exactly that.  They are usually always open door for everyone to come in and out all night, and you'll find that most parties spill out into the hallways and even the streets all night long, so it isn't that hard to track them.  You'll ALWAYS know em when you see em'.  Just pick a floor, follow the voices and the loud music, and there you have it. 

Far as the panels, they have everything laid out in detail well in advance.  If you keep up with their track pages on Twitter/Facebook and with their websites, you'll know when they have their tentative schedules and their final schedules; then you can start marking your schedule on the app.  Either get the DragonCon app on your phone or go to the DC website to download the pocket program early so you can start planning the panels you want to attend days before you get there.  This way you can know where you want to go for that panel and when.  A little extra planning always helps. 

So I have been looking into the different reviews about panels and parties at DC. Some of the panels themselves sound really interesting with panels what would be a good time to prepare for one?

When you say 'prepare' I'm making the assumption that you mean how early should I get to the panel.  If that's not the case just let us know.

If it's a panel where a celebrity or celebrities are doing a Q&A then it depends on how popular you think that panel will be.  The official Dragon Con rule is that you can't line up more than 60 minutes in advance of a panel.  In my experience they don't always hold to that.  Sometimes yes, sometimes no.  Keep in mind that most celeb panels are held in very large rooms (1,000-2,500 seats) that have multiple large video screens so even if you're not in the first 20 rows you still can see and hear everything that goes on.

If you're attending a fan panel where it's just us muggles talking then you can likely get there a few minutes ahead of the panel and still get a good seat.  Sometimes certain topics or fan panels will draw a big crowd so as with all things Dragon Con you need to stay flexible. 


Take care,

Kevin

The panels I never miss are The Robot Wars, Hacking 201, and XDR. Just keep your schedule open with other choices would be my advice. All the panels I listed were things I found when I couldn't get into something else now they are some of my favorite things about the con. You will have an awesome time.

Parties seem to be one of four types to me:

(1) Formal DragonCon Parties. 
 - No booze (but you can drink at hotel bars)
 - Dancing
 - Cosplay
 - Space to breath
 - Big Room
 - Free with DC Membership/ badge

(2) Formally sponsored parties. 
 - Typically cover (Expect like $20 or so)
 - Not in formally DragonCon Space (in parking deck for example)
 - More crowded. 
 - Booze, sometimes free

(3) Private Room Parties
 - What most people are talking about
 - Tend to get crowded
 - Free or small cover (really should have a cover)
 - Hotel Staff cracks down on room parties
 - Look for invites, often given out on Thursday night meet n greets

(4) Private Room Parties trying to be a Formally Sponsored party without a formal sponsor.
 - Kinda explains itself.