How long does it take for the GABF admission line to be admitted? If the session starts at 5:30PM, is everybody admitted by 6PM? I'm contemplating arriving late this year instead of waiting in line.
Last year it was a bit different because there was the "VIP" line indoors with early access and the normal line outside. The different times and staggering actually helped the overall flow. Even the giant line outside was more or less gone in 20-25 minutes. Two years ago it was a mess. From what I saw of it, the difference in showing up 15 minutes early and showing up 20 minutes late ended up being minimal. All that said, I almost never make it to the end of the show. The last few years I've been gone by 9'ish. It's honestly somewhat hard to drink sample after sample for 4 hours sans any natural pacing. Showing up late isn't a bad plan. Personally, I'd either show up really early or late.
I was in the "VIP line" last year. I'm super bummed that they are not offering that option again this year. I wonder why the change? It seemed like a great benefit for AHA members. My hope is that I arrive 30 mins late and walk right in. No waiting in line and you still get 4 hours of drinking. Obviously, this plan becomes less attractive if the line takes an hour to be admitted.
You either need to arrive at least 30 minutes early if you want to get in within the first 15 minutes. Otherwise show up 30 minutes late and stroll in. I do have to get the crew props, they get a lot of people in very quickly and efficiently. Pro tip: If you do show up less than 30 minutes early start walking the left side of the convention center instead of the right (start of the line going back) as more than likely you will reach it quicker going around the left. Last year we essentially walked around the entire convention center to get to the back of the line.
Last year I got there at 5pm and was still indoors drinking 10min. after doors opened. It's amazing how fast the line goes.
Depends on the definition of "near front of the line." Definitely NLT 4PM. I'd recommend around 3PM. Or buy a Farm to Table ticket and you'll be in the convention hall by 5:15PM. They won't pour you anything until 5:30PM though.
Yeah, I saw that. Still don't understand the logic behind the change though. I bought a FTT ticket last year and was disappointed in that whole experience....maybe they're trying to make that option more attractive?
It gives another exclusive to the higher ticket price that they can point to to make it sound more attractive. I am bummed they axed it as I was able to use it the past two years, but I'm guessing because only the first 2,000 tickets sold for each non-member session are given VIP entrance and the mass majority of tickets are sold pre-sale to members within 10 minutes of each other it was more hassle than benefit. Probably have more members complaining about how they didn't get it than the ones excited about getting it. This way everyone is on the same page.
