What to Do at SOE's Fan Faire

by: Tony "RadarX" Jones

Fan Faire is fast approaching and we'll all be enjoying that most glorious of places, Las Vegas. It is a world renowned center of entertainment and unlike many cities you can always find something do no matter the time. So what should you do while at the 2007 SOE Fan Faire? What should you bring? We've heavily researched the event area and talked to a number of frequent visitors in order to provide you everything you need to know.

What to Pack

If you've never been to Vegas it's important to understand the environment you'll be in. While there are climate controlled casinos every 5 feet, remember the city is in the desert. The monthly average temperature for August is 104 degrees, and don't let anyone try and pass off that "dry heat" line either, that is just hot. This means summer clothes, or "new clothes" if you are from Canada.

Sunscreen will also be critical if you plan to walk the Strip during the day or head to the pool. The Burn Index in Las Vegas tends to be towards the top end almost every day, so those of you who melt going to get the mail should take precautions. While we're on the topic of walking the Strip, bring very comfortable shoes. There is a lot to see and it's economical to use good old Fred and Barney to get there. I've heard it compared to theme park walking which will make some peoples legs ache just thinking about it.

Cameras, video cameras, and anything else you want to capture memories with. There will be a lot happening at the events which you probably won't want to forget, although this can work the opposite way if you happen to drink a little. Expect everything to go on the internet immediately and hold no grudges.

The Facility

The events will take place at the Rio All Suite Hotel, a 2,563 suite 51 story building, packed into a section of the Strip containing the most luxiorious hotels in the city. Within mere blocks of the Bellagio, Mirage, Ceasers Palace, and the Venetian it's hard to imagine a nicer location.

There are seven places to eat inside the hotel itself, not to mention a lounge on the roof. The ladies (or some men I suppose) might enjoy a day at the spa they have there. Manicures, massage, mud, cucumber slices, and whatever else they slap on you are available for a nominal fee.

There is a "beach pool" outside which will allow those who like to lounge a nice spot to tan, and swimmers an opportunity to cool down. This is happens to be located right next to their fitness center which is fully equipped if you need to burn off a buffet.

SOE Events

This is obviously what you are here for and SOE has packed Fan Faire with plenty of events to keep everyone busy.

Panel Sessions - Every game will have sessions covering various aspects of gameplay and allow you to ask these elusive developers exactly how they work on the game. It's also an opportunity to make suggestions for improvements.

Tournaments - Every SOE MMO you can think of will be represented and there will be competitions. Last year for EverQuest 2, groups raced to complete an instance of Nest of the Great Egg in Kingdom of Sky. SOE doesn't usually skimp on prizes either so if you are good enough, think about entering. If not, find someone you know playing and cheer for them.

Pool Party - That pretty much says it all. We'll be by a pool, very likely served alcohol, and probably a live band. What else could you need with a good group of friends?

Grand Banquet/Costume Contest - This is pretty much the end of Fan Faire on Saturday night, and will come before you know it. The meal at last years was an absolute feast and there were numerous contest to see who could be the best pirate or would actually accept a Casters Realm t shirt. The costume contest is a spectacle to behold as players from all over dress up like characters or creatures from the games.

Well you have some time to kill. Let's say you don't want to watch the Vanguard tournament, so what do you do? You certainly do NOT want to go to that shady DefCon hacking convention or ask RadarX if he'd like to go too. What? They have great parties.

Entertainment

Now for people like Coyote or myself this is finding ways amuse yourself like sticking a card with a "?" on it to confuse people or throwing a friend at someone you really didn't want to talk to. For normal people, this is Vegas and the sky is the limit.

Currently Penn and Teller and headlining at the Rio and tickets range from $75-$85. It would be difficult not to be entertained by these two. Want to be a little more active? Lucky Strike is an indoor bowling alley/restaurant/bar. With 10 lanes to bowl on, this could prove just who isn't the coolest out of your group.

Perhaps you are looking for something a little different and have a little cash to spend. Jerry Seinfeld will be performing that Friday and Saturday at Caesar's Palace and Jay Leno at the Mirage. You can't say there is nothing to see, that's for sure.

Food

It would be easy to discuss restaurants for pages because Vegas has more than most cities. Every imaginable food you can think of can be found within blocks of the Rio. I asked around for recommendations to a few people who had been to Vegas and this is what they recommended:

Hamada of Japan at the Rio - Self explanatory. Japanese food, sushi, etc...

Top of the World Stratosphere - This one is obviously more for the atmosphere than the food. I guess eating on top of a building is quite an experience.

Quark's Bar and Restaraunt - Yes every Star Trek fan drools at the name. It's actually a very entertaining and tasty place to eat. Just keep in mind you aren't REALLY in Quarks bar ok?

It wouldn't be right if there weren't buffets, so I got a few suggestions on those to:

Carnival World Buffet - Located right inside the Rio, this is perfect.

Bellagio Buffet - Located just a few blocks over inside the Bellagio. This is an upscale style buffet serving things you'd normally not eat like fava beans, rabbit, etc...

The Hilton Buffet - This is the largest buffet in the entire world. If you can't find something you'll eat here, you are a zombie and must be eliminated.

Attractions

When I asked a recent traveler to the city what exactly they think there is to see in Vegas, they answered "Everything." Obviously you aren't going to have time for Hoover Damn but some there are a few local things that you might enjoy:

Casinos - Every one of the large casinos has a different theme and is a wonder to behold. Just walking around taking them in will kill more time tha

Stratosphere Rollercoaster - Yes, a ride on top of a building. While this increases thrill ride terror for many, there are a number of adrenaline junkies that would happily place their life in their own hands to get on board.It'll cost you a few dollars, but you won't forget it.

The Eiffel Tower - Located at the Paris Las Vegas hotel nearby, this 50 story replica will provide you with a similar experience to what you'd find in France. Enjoy Paris without the scrutinizing looks and price gouging!

This is far from a comprehensive list of things to do in Vegas, but we hope you found a few ideas of how you'll spend the little SOE Fan Faire downtime you have. Save your money and we'll see you in Las Vegas next month.


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Last Updated: Mar 13, 2016

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