The 8th annual GeekWire Bash is just around the corner, taking place at the CenturyLink Field Event Center in Seattle this Thursday, March 7th. Nearly 2,000 people are expected to attend the geeky festivities, presented by First Tech Federal Credit Union. A few tickets remain, so go here to get yours.
Here’s what you’ll need to know if you are joining us for VR, video games, robotics, and other geeky fun.
Do I need to bring my printed ticket? Nope! If you are registered, you will just need to provide your name or email address at registration.
When and where is the event? 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. Thursday, March 7th at the CenturyLink Field Event Center in Seattle, just south of CenturyLink Field. The main entrance and registration will be at the southwest doors on Occidental Ave S.
When should I arrive? Doors open at 3 p.m. All tournament players need to be checked in by 3:30 p.m. for the tournament start time of 4 p.m., and general attendees can arrive anytime after 3:30 p.m. The GeekWire Robotics Cup will kick off at 5 p.m. Don’t miss the competitive finals of the ping pong, dodgeball and foosball tournaments around 7 p.m.
Where should I park? Various parking lots and street parking surround the CenturyLink Field Event Center. All-day parking is available in the CenturyLink Field Garage for $20. Entrance to the garage is located off South Royal Brougham Way, between Occidental Ave S & 4th Ave S. You can also use the address of 330 South Royal Brougham Way in your GPS, although the physical address is not posted on the venue.
Where do I check in? All attendees will check-in on the west side of the CenturyLink Field Event Center along Occidental Ave S. Make sure to get your badge and drink tickets at the main registration desk. In order to provide a secure event, all patrons will be screened by magnetometers and a search of all bags.
Are tickets to the event still available? A few general admission tickets are available. Grab those here. A limited number of slots are still available in the Intermediate and Expert Foosball tournaments, sign up for some foos here. All other tournament tickets are sold out. We will have plenty of non-tournament activities, from a zipline to sumo to a brand-new arena-style VR experience to a table top gaming area and more. This year we’ve expanded the Bash and our proud to present the first annual GeekWire Robotics Cup and a brand new Junior Geek Zone filled with engaging STEM activities from our partners.
Food and drink? Yes, and yes! Some yummy treats will be served and concessions available by the GeekWire Robotics Cup. Tournament and general admission attendees receive two drink tickets each. Stay hydrated while you play at the Qualtrics water stations and, for the adults, cocktails inspired by the featured spirit — Tito’s Vodka.
What if I’m a GeekWire Member? Thanks for your support! All GeekWire Startup, Gold, Super and Galactic members are automatically signed up for this event. Look for the express line at registration to pick up your badge, receive an extra drink ticket and be automatically entered in our Member Giveaway. More info on becoming a GeekWire Member here.
What to wear? Casual clothing is best, and headbands are optional!
Will there be a bag and coat check? Yes, and yes. Feel free to bring a change of clothes if you are a sweaty ping pong player, or a laptop bag if you are coming straight from work.
Hashtag: #gwbash
ACTIVITIES
Tournaments: For attendees who pre-registered for the official ping pong, foosball, dodgeball or Catan tournaments, please go here for more details about each tournament. Thanks to Avalara, the ping pong tournament sponsor; T-Mobile, the dodgeball tournament sponsor and Alaska Airlines for providing the ping pong tournament prizes.
Sumo Wrestling: Challenge your boss, office mate or rival to a friendly pushing match on the NTT Communications sumo mat, complete with giant sumo suits.
Zipline Rides: Acrophobes need not apply! The popular cross-venue zipline returns for a thrilling ride across the GeekWire Bash.
GeekWire Robotics Cup: Watch more than 200 kids in 4th to 8th grades compete with their autonomous robots in the first annual GeekWire Robotics Cup! Hosted by FIRST Washington, the competition theme for 2019 is “Into Orbit” in honor of the 50th Anniversary of the lunar landing.
Open Play Ping Pong Area: Stop by the open play area to get your fix and make new friends around the ping pong table. Open to everyone, and all skill levels.
VRcade PowerPlay: A next-generation virtual reality experience that’s part dodgeball, part capture the flag and set in a Tron-like fantasy world. Thanks to a partnership with VRStudios and Virtual Sports, GeekWire Bash attendees — with backpacks and Vive headsets strapped on — will get one of the first chances to jump into this immersive 30-foot-by-30-foot virtual arena. Read more about our demo last week.
Junior Geek Zone + Camp STEM: Are you ready to be a real parental hero? We’ve got some great activities lined up in the brand new Junior Geek Zone like mini rocket building and a portable planetarium. Our Camp STEM partners include: Play-Well TEKnologies, DigiPen-Project Fun, Mighty Coders, Code.org, Pacific Science Center, Museum of Flight, AIE and Computing For All. Come learn, explore and enjoy!
Make a Big Impact: It’s time to get engaged! And have some fun along the way. Meet and mingle with our awesome Impact Partners, non-profit organizations that are making the Seattle area a much better place while enjoying some super-sized versions of classic games like Jenga, Connect 4, Chess and more. Our 2019 Impact Partners include Ada Developers Academy; BEST; Latino Community Fund; TechBridge Girls; United Way of King County; USO Northwest; WSOS; and YearUp.
KEXP DJ Morgan: Longtime GeekWire favorite, DJ Morgan of KEXP, will keep the party rockin’ throughout the evening from her perch at the First Tech Federal Credit Union DJ booth. Don’t hesitate to sing, dance along and wave “hello!”
Photo Booth: Stop by the Qumulo photo booth for a serious or silly shot!
Video Game Truck and GAEMS: We’re rolling in the video game truck with some of the hottest titles of today. Plus, GAEMS will be on site with portable units featuring family-friendly games.
The Tabletop Gaming Zone with Meeples Games: Board game geeks unite! Learn to play Magic the Gathering, discover a new tabletop game or test a game still in development. Thanks to our partners at Meeples Games and Playtest Northwest.
The circle bar from Sirqul: Don’t hesitate to say “hello!” and connect at the Sirqul bar. Gather round to have a beverage, mix and mingle with old and new friends or talk up your team in the tournaments.
More questions? Email us at events@geekwire.com. See you Thursday afternoon!
Please see our terms of use and code of conduct for GeekWire events. GeekWire Bash branding designed by Chris Lewman.
