By Danielle Kutchel
Cardinia’s first board game and hobby expo is coming to Pakenham.
PakEX will be held on Saturday 14 March at the Outlook Community Centre and is free for the whole family to enjoy.
Traders will sell game-related goods and smaller gaming expos will be held throughout the day, showcasing everything from single dice games to role-playing games like Dungeons and Dragons.
There will be 20 tables displaying different games being played with visitors able to form groups to drop in and learn new games before moving on, or stay and play a longer form of the game.
Cosplay enthusiasts are encouraged to don their best costume with judges on hand and prizes to be won.
Game developers will also be in attendance, showing off their Kickstarter projects, and a live stream will bring parts of the event to viewers around the world.
Pakenham retailer Gas Games is a premier partner, along with Pathfinder Law in Warragul.
Gas Games manager Peter Thomson, who is also on the organising committee of PakEX, said organisers wanted “to spread the word about board gaming’s advantages” through the event.
“It’s great for social connections and the mind, and for education and family connection as well,” he said.
“If families are struggling for connection, a board game can bring them together.
“There is a huge advantage to sitting at the table and having a vehicle to play a character – you can learn new interpersonal skills that you may not give yourself the opportunity to learn in the real world.”
The decision to make PakEX free to attend was a conscious one, based on that belief that board games bring families together.
Mr Thomson invited families from around the area to come and check out PakEX.
“Come along and have some fun. It’s about less screens and more connection, and we really believe in that,” he said.
Find out more about PakEX at www.pakex.com.au
