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Gaming is an entertainment juggernaut; there is no way around that fact. The virtual medium is one of the leading pass times in the world, and with it comes multi-billion dollar ventures that include merchandising, films, and even food in some cases. But how to fans of their favorite games get to express their appreciation aside from just playing the games? Well, they attend one of many expos held in convention centers throughout the country. There are no less than 20 or so conventions throughout the year, and, we'll go over some of the premiere events in gaming. Game Developers Conference (GDC) GDC is more for behind the scenes workers and production than it is for fans, but that does not make it any less a celebration. Imagine the technical section of the Academy Awards for movies, but stretched over the course of a weekend. It may not sound like a good time to the average person, but thousands of people attend GDC each year in San Francisco to get a glimpse of what will possibly be the building blocks for the next great gaming experience. Penny Arcade Expo (PAX Prime) Taking place in Seattle, WA, PAX Prime as it has come to be called, is housed in the largest convention center in the state, Washington State Convention and Trade Center. This is due to the once small event growing from 6,500 to well over 65,000 per day during it's weekend long event. Showcasing everything from video games to comics and tabletop games; if you have a nerd itch, PAX Prime will scratch it. PAX East The reason PAX Prime has gotten its identifier; the event was so large it spawned another on the east coast. PAX East started in 2010, taking place in Boston, MA. The first year it was held in the Hynes Convention Center, with over 65,000 people attending per day. The event was moved to the new Boston Convention and Exhibition Center the following year and has been attended by more than 70,000 each day. Just like Prime, it is home to many different facets of gaming culture, but the convention also offers off-site events for people to attend within the city. This is a huge boost to local businesses in the area. Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3) Probably the most well known convention of sorts, E3 is an industry only event. Those wanting to attend have to apply and be allowed onto the show floor. That doesn't mean that the event doesn't have huge attendance numbers. With over 48,000 journalists and personalities converging on the Los Angeles Convention Center each year, it has earned its place nearly at the top of all things nerd culture. Comic-Con What started out in 1970 as a simple gathering of comic book enthusiasts has grown into the biggest convention in pop culture. The flagship event, San Diego Comic-Con has an annual attendance of over 110,000 per year at the San Diego Convention Center, and that number is growing. Since comic book movies have become the largest grossing films in the industry, setting the tone and template for the rest of the entertainment world, Comic-Con is regularly at the dead center of it all. Well, there they are. These are just a few of the biggest and best conventions in all the land. Proof positive that nothing packs a convention center like video game culture. Need to get your nerd fix? Read more about conventions at Birmingham convention center and check out http://www.cahabagrand.com
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