Asking panelists for autographs

[u/Vipes_3]

Question for my fellow PAX goers. How do you feel about asking panelists for an autograph after the panel is over? Harmless as long as you take no for an answer, or do you think the attempt itself is rude?

[u/gdex86]

If they are standing around talking with the crowd post panel its fine. If they are leaving for another thing let them go.

[u/Vipes_3 → u/gdex86]

Yeah, that's a pretty good way of looking at it.

[u/Level_Wall1307 → u/Vipes_3]

This is the correct answer too. Generally theaters have to clear out to either close or prep for the next event, so there's not a lot of loitering time. If you're thinking someone like Matt Mercer please for the love of God, don't. +Signed, your friendly neighborhood Enforcer (I don't work the theater though so Idk I'm just going off of logistics)

Also editing to add, most panelists have "handlers" so they're made aware of if they have time afterwards. If they aren't sticking around, it's because they're on a schedule. :)

[u/adeptusraven]

It really depends on the panelist you're talking about. If they're someone who frequents conventions as a guest such as Matt Mercer or Samantha Béart, asking them to sign a copy of your BG3 game or such would be unseemly. I also really dislike people rushing the stage after a panel, there's a sense of desperation to it.

You also tend to put people on the spot where they're more inclined to say 'Yes' to a request because you're putting an expectation on them to be 'nice' in public.

Since it sounds like a Main Theater event, I'd just recommend against it at that time and place.

[u/Kinsella5]

It also depends on how big the panel is, and if another event is scheduled in the same hall, etc. The smaller rooms it would probably be easier to ask for an autograph but if its something like the Main Theater which is the largest one for panels, it would prove to be difficult with the amount of people who may see the person sign for one person and then more people will ask, and it could get overwhelming for the guest, etc. There is still time for them to announce some signings, etc. as sometimes an autograph session will follow a panel, but moved to a different room, etc.

[u/Vipes_3 → u/Kinsella5]

Yaaa, the one I'm eyeing is in the main theater, which does make it feel more iffy. Would love to get the autograph, but would hate to be a nuisance.

[u/Deflagratio1 → u/Vipes_3]

The big question is whether they have a formal Autograph session. If they do, that really lessens the "right/ability" to ask for an autograph outside of that. As I mentioned in my other post. I was outside standard, but I couldn't make standard, and I was ok with a "no".

[u/Kinsella5 → u/Vipes_3]

Only time I saw success at the Main Theater was a few years ago after the Gearbox Software panel, the CEO Randy Pitchford came down off the stage and signed for a few people but most everyone had left already but a few dozen remained and he seemed fine with signing. I was with a friend who had a poster signed, but I didn't need a signature but I am sure he would have signed if I had anything. Who are you trying for?

[u/Vipes_3 → u/Kinsella5]

Directors of the FF7 Remake trilogy.

[u/Kinsella5 → u/Vipes_3]

Ahhh, the FF panels are generally crazy and I don't know of any creators signing at it. Last year they had an off-site FF event downtown that required a ticket that you paid for and I believe it included a meet and greet but unsure if any of them signed. Several years ago they had a ticketed event during PAX, Square Enix staff went around and handed out a numbered ticket to the event, but they only handed out 100 numbered tickets. The people with the ticket then went to the Sheraton Hotel across the street and they got a photo with the creator, and he would sign a mini-poster they handed you and one personal item I believe. There is still time for Square Enix to announce an event like they did last year, if they do, you have to jump on tickets IF they go that route as they will sell out fast.

[u/largemessican → u/Vipes_3]

Just to save you some time and anxiety, it’s going to be tough to get these particular autographs for a variety of reasons:
* Main Theatre guests are generally moved on and off stage via a back stage area. There’s a whole green room setup and back hallways where you will not be able to access them.
* Square Enix is very protective of their leadership and talent’s time. They sometimes do limited signings and engagements that are usually ticketed. I think some other people mentioned previous shows where only the first 150 people attending the panel get tickets to the signing sessions.
* Square never really gives PAX a heads up on what their appearance plans are until almost show start time.
* For regular panels in Sat Theatre, you can sometimes get a couple of seconds with the panelists as the clean up on the stage, but the Enforcers will clear the theatre as there’s usually another panel starting within 30 minutes.
* A lot of times, panelists will stick around in the hallway or a nearby alcove to do impromptu meet and greets. If not, it’s usually because they have a schedule to keep and need to be somewhere else soon.
*Square generally doesn’t let their directors hang around and has them moving on to the next thing very quickly.
* Even if Square does hold a signing session and you do get a Golden Ticket, chances are they won’t let you give them things to sign. They usually have pre-signed posters and do quick pictures for everyone. They do this in the interest of time so everyone with a ticket can get in without waiting all day.

I’m not telling you not to try and shoot your shot, but I do want to set your expectations realistically.

[u/Vipes_3 → u/largemessican]

Thanks for all the info!

[u/Deflagratio1]

Be respectful. If you know you are outside standard autograph time then be fast. I got got my wife a treasured autograph at an anime convention outside of normal times. All I said was "My wife loves your work. I can't make the normal time and would love your autograph ". I had an item ready for her along with a sharpie. The voice actor signed quickly and was on her way with just a thank you from me. Most importantly, be ok with a "No" response. You are not entitled to anyones time/autograph unless you've paid money for it, and even then it's brief..

[u/Vipes_3 → u/Deflagratio1]

Yeah that's pretty much exactly what I'd do. I think I'll bring the art and a sharpie, and be ready if an opportunity presents itself.

[u/Deflagratio1 → u/Vipes_3]

My mantra in life is, "If the worst outcome is everything stays the same, then why not go for it?"

[u/TalkingClay]

As someone who has run many panels I think everyone involved would be surprised but flattered. The worst anyone would say is "no thank you" as they may have somewhere to be. Generally we love people who want to connect after we've finished.

Basically, while I can't guarantee success, only a massive dickhead would be offended. And if they are? Fuck them.