The hope in 2021 grows. In a completely surprising and unexpected move, ReedPop has officially announced the dates for PAX East, PAX West, and PAX Unplugged. Next year, with the exception of PAX South, PAX East, PAX West, and PAX Unplugged will be happening next June, September, and December respectively. In the face of a pandemic that is still raging out of control, ReedPop is listening to science and banking on the COVID-19 vaccine to bring conventions back.
The news comes from a press release from Stride PR, detailing the news in the press release. ReedPop is confident in scientific feedback regarding COVID-19 and the release of a vaccine. Based upon the timelines and what is being heard by health officials, the conventions are being planned in accordance with when conditions will be safe. In an exciting shift, PAX East will be taking place from June 3rd to June 6th, 2021 at the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center. PAX West returns to Seattle’s Washington State Convention Center from September 3rd to September 6th, 2021 for the Labor Day Weekend Holiday. Finally PAX Unplugged returns to the Philadelphia Convention Center from December 10th to 12th, 2021.
With the COVID-19 Pandemic raging across the county, safety is of the utmost concern, especially for large gatherings. Recent data shows that the COVID-19 vaccine, likely from Pfizer, will roll out sometime in either April or June to the general public. With that knowledge, ReedPop PAX organizers are exercising cautious optimism.
“While we look forward to hosting shows in 2021, we are first and foremost members of the local communities in Boston, Philadelphia, and Seattle, where we call home,” said Kyle Marsden-Kish, PAX Event Director. “We care deeply for the health and safety of our amazing attendees and industry partners who have brought PAX to life for 17 years. We are cautiously optimistic about improvements in the global COVID-19 situation next year, but we are carefully monitoring the situation to make sure PAX only proceeds if deemed safe to do so.”
Naturally, due to the pandemic, PAX South is out of the question. However, there is some hope for the other conventions. There will be criticism against ReedPop for pressing forward on events, given a public health crisis, and giving false hope. However, the organizers remain steadfast with observing the virus and the likelihood of when it’ll be safe to have large gatherings. Though these announcements are exciting, it’s best to take everything with a degree of caution. There is a lot that can go wrong between now and June 2021. Dispersing the vaccine is a logistical nightmare, and the tsunami of misinformation at the hands of radical political entities continues to sow doubt in vaccines and increase science denial.
Additionally, planning, admittance, and organizing the event itself is another massive obstacle to plan for, which can change depending on the status of the pandemic. However, if the vaccine is properly dispersed, it is very possible for PAX East to occur in June. If PAX East does not happen, PAX West and PAX Unplugged have higher chances of being successful, given the data as of this posting. There is no telling what will happen until the time comes, but it is good to feel excited again for something positive.
PAX East, PAX West, and PAX Unplugged are planned for 2021, with exhibitor lists and badge sales to come at a later date.
