RetroWorld Expo 2016 is only 6 weeks away!  We thought now would be a good time to write up a little Strategy Guide to help you get the most out of your RWX Experience.



When to Arrive
Most people want to get the most they possibly can out of the show, but this doesn't necessarily mean that you should arrive the minute the show starts.  I like to suggest the following arrival strategies:

Collectors who want to browse the show floor for rare items before they are gobbled up by other collectors should show up before 10:00AM

Casual attendees who just want to browse the floor, hang out in the arcade, play in some tournaments and take in a few panel discussions can show up anytime after 10AM

Attendees that want to stay late and check out the karaoke afterparty without being dead on their feet should show up after lunchtime on Saturday



If you are a retro game collector and want to be able to shop the vendor floor before all of the rare stuff is gobbled up, by all means, arrive early.  Just remember that the show is 11 hours long on Saturday and that is a long time to hang out anywhere.  If you want to be at the show all day, we recommend that you create a rough schedule for yourself or your group.  Be flexible when you need to be, but try to stick to it the best you can.  If you want to avoid the opening rush and have more energy at the end of the day for the auction and after party, you may consider arriving at the expo after lunchtime.

We will be posting the complete event schedule on RetroWorldExpo.com very soon.  Make sure you check it out to ensure that you don't miss anything that you want to see or do.

What to Wear
Wear comfortable shoes and schedule time to rest and eat throughout the day.  We can't stress this enough.  You are going to be on your feet for a long time, so comfy shoes will make a world of difference.  It's also important to take breaks.  Sit down as often as you can!  There are plenty of places to sit down at this years show.  There are couches in the arcade, there are chairs in the console freeplay and tournament areas, there are chairs in the Panel room (where the auction will take place on Saturday evening), there are chairs in the tabletop freeplay area, weather permitting there is outdoor seating, and this year we have added a handheld gaming lounge behind the tabletop freeplay area.  Taking a few hours to sit down and learn a tabletop game is a fantastic way to give your weary feet a break.


What to Eat
Based on feedback we received from last year's show we have worked with the venue to reduce the prices of water and beer.  Water bottles will be available for $3 and beer will start at $7.  You are free to bring your own water, but you can't bring your own beer   We are also adding a BBQ Station and a Beer Shack to make food and drink more accessible.  There will be a Cash Bar in the Arcade/Concert area.  If you don't want to use your spending money on convention center food, we suggest either packing your own food or scheduling some time to leave the expo for a meal at a local restaurant.  Remember that you are able to freely leave and return to the Expo and there are plenty of restaurants within driving distance of the Oakdale.  This is another great way to give your feet a break in the middle of the day so that you have the energy to stay late.  You don't want to miss the afterparty.

What to Do
There are a ton of things to do at the show.  We want to make sure that everyone who attends is aware of all the special events at the show, so we will be handing out a printed program at the door with a map and a schedule of events.  This schedule will be available on www.retroworldexpo.com before the show so that attendees can create their plan of attack.

We encourage you to try new things because you may find something that you didn't know you were into.  Participate in a tournament, sit down and learn a tabletop game, attend a panel, or bring your 3DS or Vita and hang with other gamers in the lounge.  Take your time, you have all day.  Do as much as you can, but don't wear yourself out. 


Speaking of Tournaments, All of the Saturday Tournaments are free to join. The only tournament that has an additional cost to enter is the Super Smash Bros Wii U Tournament on Sunday which costs $10 per person to enter.  The entry fee for the Smash Tournament goes directly into the prize pool.

The Collectors Auction
This was a fan favorite last year.  The Collectors Auction is open to all attendees and free to register as a bidder.  Last year's items included a Sharp NES TV, Flintstones Surprise at Dino Peak, a Boxed Complete ROB, and dozens of  other uncommon and rare items.  The auction starts at 7:00PM and we expect it to be standing room only, so if you want to check it out and/or bid on some items, make sure you register and show up early.  The Karaoke After Party starts right after the auction.


The Arcade Karaoke After Party
The Arcade will be open all day for all of your stand up gaming needs (including pinball this year), but at 8PM, the lights will be turned down low and we will add karaoke into the mix.  Admission to the After Party is included with all Saturday and Weekend badges  There will be a cash bar and food concessions available until the after party shuts down at 11PM.


Hopefully we have given you some good tips on how to get the most out of RWX 2016.  If I missed anything, please comment below or send an email to questions@retroworldexpo.com.

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