Elizabeth Hargrave Announced as Keynote Speaker for PAX Unplugged 2024

A person with short curly hair, wearing a black shirt and a necklace, stands outdoors in front of green foliage, smiling slightly, reminiscent of Elizabeth Hargrave's relaxed demeanor at PAX Unplugged 2024.

PAX Unplugged 2024 is set to welcome Elizabeth Hargrave as its keynote speaker, ReedPop and Penny Arcade announced today. The event will run from December 6-8 at the Pennsylvania Convention Center, with Hargrave opening the popular tabletop gaming convention.

Elizabeth Hargrave has gained recognition in the gaming industry for her debut, Wingspan, an award-winning board game that has been featured in The New York Times and Slate. Initially a health policy analyst, Hargrave entered the gaming scene with a fresh perspective, creating games that combine appealing artwork with unique subjects aimed at reaching a broader audience.

Her portfolio has expanded to include titles like The Fox Experiment, a 2023 game about fox domestication, and Undergrove, a 2024 release centered around fungi farming. These games continue to reflect Hargrave’s interest in nature and wildlife, reinforcing her status in the tabletop community.

Stonemaier Games, the publisher of Wingspan, will also be present at the convention. The company has a significant presence in the industry with a range of popular games such as Stamp Swamp, Apiary, and Red Rising.

Jerry Holkins, co-founder of PAX and Penny Arcade, commented on the announcement, stating, “Having Elizabeth Hargrave share her talent and her process with PAX Unplugged has been a fantasy of ours for years, I can hardly believe it’s happening.”

As the event approaches, more details will be released regarding exhibitors, panels, community meetups, and tournaments. Media and content creators can register for the event now. Attendees have the option to purchase three-day badges for $91 or single-day badges for $43, with a special rate for Sunday Kids Day badges at $14 for children aged 7-12.