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Wk8 EOC Events of the Industry

1. Pax

The PAX convention is a great place for someone either looking to get involved into the gaming industry, is already involved in the gaming industry or even for someone who simply loves to game to go out check out and have some fun.  Many different companies go to this convention so it would be a great way to go out and network, meet people and introduce yourself and make yourself known.  You can make friends that maybe did a job with a company briefly but still have connections, or even get to know someone already involved and set yourself up in a positive light in front of them.  Its a laid back situation where people network, play games and even hold conferences about what is going on in the gaming community.

2. GameStop Expo

This convention is one I just recently heard about, it is based around the company GameStop, which if you don’t know is a retail company who sells video games, consoles and accessories.  With this convention not only will you be meeting people involved in many different companies, but also those involved in the selling of video games themselves.  It would be a fun event to hang around network, socialize and even play some video games with other enthusiasts.

3. E3

The E3 expo is a little more selective with those who may or may not attend.  This expo is not really for just anyone to show up, in fact if you do not have some sort of affiliation with the industry or a company in the video game industry, more than likely you will not be able to attend.  This particular convention is meant for those either already in the industry to sit around talk with their competitors, see what new things are being brought into the industry and to socialize with those looking to get into the industry that may only be students at the time.

4. LVL UP Expo

LVL UP Expo is a much smaller venue than the rest.  It is on a more local scaling when it comes to the other conventions listed.  However it is still a good way to gain connections, they have their own guests who are into the business, usually in all different fields of entertainment.  You can meet other gamers, you can meet artists and even some people who may have worked in a company before, such as voice actors or well known cosplayers.  

5. GDC

GDC is a large convention mostly geared around those in the industry.  The prices are decent to try to get in and the venue has many different events within the convention.  There are many different conferences about what is going on in the industry, how some companies achieved the goals to their games, and even tutorial conferences to help you better the skills you may already have, or teach you skills you were not aware you could learn.  Great way to network with those who are already in the industry and great way to learn how to get into and ahead in said industry.