PAXU 2024 Debrief

I’m back from Pax Unplugged, a convention dedicated to tabletop games, role-playing, and all things analog gaming, hosted in Philadelphia. This was my first time attending Pax Unplugged and my first time exploring the city, which made it all the more exciting. The weekend was full of adventure. Every moment was an opportunity to grow, connect, and create. On this trip, I was traveling solo and deeply enjoyed the perks. I love working within my schedule, capturing the content I need, seeking new sights, and enjoying all sorts of yummy food along the way. Though I did miss my pup! Casey was very sweet sending me pics from home to keep my heart happy! My schedule was jam-packed with demos, interviews, and my very own workshop. I also spent time exploring Philadelphia’s rich history and soaking in the connections that come from sharing space with so many incredible people. All of it was made even better by the support of dear friends, who offered me a place to stay and moments of joy that I’ll cherish.

What I loved most about the event was how community-centered and welcoming it felt. 

On Friday, I hosted my “Getting Into Character” workshop, sharing my favorite LARP improv techniques to help participants connect with their character’s persona and build meaningful connections with other players. I was nervous leading up to it, but the audience was so engaged and supportive that my nerves melted away. Seeing a room full of people holding space for one another and sharing laughter reminded me of why I love these communities so deeply. Early on, I got to demo "Game Over," a Jubensha game. Jubensha is like a boxed version of a live-action role-playing game (LARP) that’s perfect for parties. I played with other creators, which made the experience relaxed and fun as we bonded over our shared passion for storytelling and games.

After the demo, I spent much of the day in the media room, editing and refining my speech for my workshop. Once my assets were complete, I hurried down to the stage! I arrived, set up my laptop, and soon the room was full. During the practical portion of the workshop, we explored LARP improv techniques to help participants connect with their characters and forge meaningful in-game relationships. To me, it seemed everyone was laughing, asking thoughtful questions, and offering advice to one another throughout the panel. Seeing the room come together as a supportive and collaborative space was so fulfilling. I ended Friday with a gleeful dinner at Chili’s, accompanied by some of our spacecraft crewties. It was a perfect end to a big day. The rest of my time at PAXU, I kept the momentum going with more interviews and even snuck in a Magic: The Gathering demo (black/green for me!).

The weekend was a perfect blend of work, play, and personal growth, and I left feeling incredibly grateful for the connections I made and the experiences I had. On my day off, I visited Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, and the Museum of the American Revolution. This gave me the visual space to reflect on history and connect with my ancestors. Standing in these historic places reminded me of how gaming, much like the gatherings in those halls, is about creating spaces where rules, fairness, and collaboration thrive. It was deeply moving and gave me a refreshed perspective about what is going on in our world.

What I liked most about the event: The theme of mental health popped up in so many conversations, both in panels and in casual chats, and it was heartwarming to see how much thought is being put into creating games that foster empathy and understanding. Throughout the convention, I felt profoundly moved by the kindness and empathy people brought to the space. Whether it was during my panel, interviews with game developers, or casual conversations in hallways, everyone seemed genuinely invested in celebrating each other’s passions. As someone who lives with CPTSD, stepping outside my introverted comfort zone can often feel overwhelming, but Pax Unplugged made it easy. I felt safe, supported, and inspired. Shout out to Geek Therapeutics for your work with the community.

What I would do differently: There is one thing I would have done differently. All lessons of prep and planning aside, this one thing will ring in me for the rest of my time here on Earth: No hater or self-proclaimed nemesis will ever keep me from enjoying the life I've built for myself.

What I am looking forward to next: Finishing up my PAXU video and submitting content proposals to Gen Con.

In conclusion, community-built conventions like Pax Unplugged remind me of the magic that happens when people come together with kindness, empathy, and a shared love for creativity. Safe spaces allow us to show up as our full, authentic selves, whether we’re gaming, sharing stories, or simply connecting with others. They are the foundation of supportive communities, the wellspring of collaboration and innovation. Fostering safe spaces has always been a core value of mine, and Pax Unplugged reminded me just how vital they are. By holding space for each other’s humanity, we become active allies and create environments where everyone can thrive.

Thank you all for being part of this journey and for supporting my creative endeavors. Your encouragement makes it all possible. Here’s to more meaningful connections and incredible adventures in the year ahead!

For more on my PAX Unplugged adventure and to hear exclusive interviews with game developers, check out my Patreon.