rAge Expo 2022 is back IRL – Here’s your survival guide

It’s that time of the year again, folks. We’re finally back to a real-life event and the organisers promised “an expo to remember”.

So what are you waiting for?

rAge 2022

It’s going to be out of this world – we can tell just by looking at the exhibitors’ line-up – but you’ll need to have your ducks in a row.

There will be a ton of giveaways and fun stuff to do, gaming things to gadgets to explore, but you’ll end up dehydrated and with blisters on your feet if you go in blindly.

But first…

The basics

This year’s rAge is taking place between 9 and 11 December at the Gallagher Convention Centre in Midrand.

It starts at 10am and ends at 6pm on Friday. Gates open again at 9am and close at 6pm on Saturday, and between 9am and 6pm on Sunday.

What to expect at rAge 2022

From testing the latest gadgets and developments to hunting down unique experiences and getting acquainted with new hardware – it’s all happening this weekend.

“From comic books to cosplay, from international esports events to friends battling together in the LAN, rAge has a little something for everyone,” the organisers say.

Those of us who had been attending rAge for the better part of (or more than) a decade will know how cramped the Dome could get.

It’s all about to change this year.

New venue, who dis?

The Gallagher Convention Centre will take the expo to the next level, but you will still need to take a few precautions if you want to survive the day.

If you’re going on Friday, don’t fret too much; you’ll likely get the chance to explore the venue at your own pace (and have some personal space, too).

But trust me when I say it’s going to get wild on Saturday and Sunday. That brings me to my first and most important bit of advice.

Wear comfy shoes

Trust me on this, I’ve been attending rAge religiously since 2010.

If there’s one thing as certain as death and taxes, it’s that you will be doing a lot of walking – wear comfortable shoes

Pro-tip: Look at the floor plan and schedule before you wade in – this will make it easier to navigate your way around the centre.

The buddy system works for a reason

We mentioned that it will be crowded, right? So there will be queues, especially at the food stalls.

And do you know what happens when a bunch of gamers gather under one roof? You’ll get elbowed out of the way once we’re in a hurry or on the hunt.

This is where your BFF comes in. At the bare minimum, you’d want to go in teams of two, but the more the merrier.

This way, your line in the queue will be secured if you need to head out to the loo real quick. (which, also, won’t be quick. You have been warned).

Don’t forget to eat

I’ve always experienced one of two scenarios, never anything in between:

• You either get so overwhelmed and forget to eat, or
• You take one look at the queues and just go, “not today, Satan”

To prevent a fainting spell, make sure you eat something before you leave home. You’re going to need the energy.

That said, the food stalls at rAge have always been decent (even if the queues are a nightmare).

Most places accept credit cards but carrying cash around won’t hurt either.

Hydrate!

I personally haven’t had the best experience refilling a reusable water bottle at these events so get a few of those tiny water bottles just in case.

Best believe my stash will include an energy drink too…

Don’t buy too many bottles, though; you don’t want to weigh yourself down either.

This brings us to the next point.

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A bag to carry your loot

You’ll need something lightweight for your essentials – a cellphone, power bank (trust me on this), a water bottle or two, keys, etc.

If you plan on buying plenty of rAge loot, take a foldable bag with you; you might need it later on.

I find a backpack to be too heavy; the perfect rAge bag in my humble opinion is your noble, underappreciated drawstring bag.

It’s easy to carry around and a good quality drawstring is just Lydia in Skyrim – it can hold a surprisingly large load.

Unlike Lydia, though, the draw-string bag won’t sigh and bemoan how she’s sworn to carry your burdens.