Showdog's GDC 2011 party guide
Hello there, Showdog here, a new addition to the PocketGamer.biz crew, but a (very) old hand on the conference scene, and someone who keenly understands that the most important part of any event is likely to take place after hours.
Don't get me wrong: this old dog's not one to play down those painstakingly organised meetings with the VP of Strategic BD, nor the often informative and inspiring conference sessions themselves.
Ultimately, though, it's that chance encounter with a slightly sozzled publisher/VC/Ukrainian model that's gonna be your most memorable event of the week, whether or not it leads to a big deal, big bucks, or just some big trouble when you get home.
With that in mind, I've assembled a quick guide to the week's top mobile games-related events, where you can talk the talk, walk the walk, and drink the free drink - provided you get in, of course.
N.B. Just so we're clear, Showdog accepts no liability for any booze-fuelled illness, deal-breaking drunken behaviour, or friction/long-term damage caused to relationships with wives/girlfriends/significant others. What's more, most of the parties below are strictly invite-only so if you don't think you'll get in, don't turn up!
Monday (28th February)
What?: Smartphone Summit Mixer (sponsored by Havok)
When?: 5:30-7:30 pm
Where?: Moscone Center North Hall Lower Lobby
How?: It's open to all smartphone summit attendees, so just turn up.
Any more details?: http://gdconf.com/events/partiesnetworking.html#havok
What?: Glu Happy Hour Drinks
When?: 5:00-8:00 pm
Where?: B-Bar, 720 Howard (above Moscone North in Yerba Buena gardens)
How?: Register at event brite
Any more details?: See event brite above
What?: Pocket Gamer Party & 2011 PG Awards
When?: 7:00-10:00pm.
Where?: Roe, near the Moscone.
How?: Strict invite only - it's oversubscribed, but contact PG Events if you think you should be on the guestlist.
Any more details?: It'll be ace, natch.
Tuesday (1st March)
What?: Smartphone Summit Mixer (sponsored by Havok) When?: 5:30-7:30 pm
Where?: Moscone Center North Hall Lower Lobby.
How?: It's open to all smartphone summit attendees, so just turn up.
Any more details?: http://gdconf.com/events/partiesnetworking.html#havok
What?: PopCap's first GDC Party
When?: 5:30 onwards
Where?: 111 Minna Street
How?: Invite only - probably quite difficult to blag unless you're a friend of the 'cap or dressed as plant/zombie.
Any more details?: Should be fun, and apparently you get a customised T-shirt too!
What?: Imagination Technologies' PowerVR party
When?: 6:00 onwards
Where?: Jillians
How?: Invite only but fair chance of blaggage.
Any more details?: None
What?: Appular/Playhaven
When?: 6:00 till 9:00
Where?: Strait's restuarant, 5th Floor Westfield
How?: Invite only but fair chance of blaggage.
Any more details?: Non
What?: Qualcomm Adreno
When?: 6:00-10:00 pm
Where?: Ruby, 420 Mason St
How?: Invite only and probably a tough blag
Any more details?: Cocktails plus 3D graphics = insane hangover.
What?: Open Feint OFX free party
When?: 9:00 till 1:00 am
Where?: 111 Minna Street
How?: Invite only but worth a blag
Any more details?: Following on from PopCap's do, so ideal for those who don't wanna move and if its like last years it'll be a large one!What?: Zynga
When?: 6:00 till late
Where?: Manor West, 750 Harrison
How?: Invite only and I sense having played Farmville won't be enough to get you in!
Any more details?: Should be 'social' (see what I did there?)
What?: inmobiWhen?: 6:00-10:00 pm
Where?: Roe
How?: Invite only but should be blaggable, especially with so many parties on that night
Any more details?: Lots of people trying to sell you advertising in one place - what could be funner than that!
Wednesday (2nd March)What?: GDC Happy hour
When?: 5:00 till 6:00
Where?: Expo floor
How?: Be there
Any more details?: See here
What?: Touch Arcade drinks
When?: 6:30 till closing
Where?: Bin55 bar, Marriott
How?: Not sure, if you're in the biz and turn up I think you'll be fine.
Any more details?: Bracelet required for free drinks.
What?: Tribal City's trolley
When?: 6:30 till late
Where?: Everywhere - Trolley bus around San Francisco
How?: Really not sure, probably some sort of ticket - important not to confuse with regular trolley car
Any more details?: What's the penalty for being drunk in charge of a tram?
What?: Playphone Social
When?: 10pm till late
Where?: Vessels, 85 Campton Place
How?: Invite only - could be a tough blag
Any more details?: TBC
Know of any more parties on the mobile circuit or want to share some after hours gossip? Drop Showdog a mail, he'll be scratching around all week.