Any tips for a PubCon newbie?

first timer conference goer and first time pubcon

[Rodney]

Since this (PubCon Las Vegas) will be my first conference of any type and first pubcon, I figured I'd see if I could get any tips or guidance from those who've been there and done that.

I tried to do a search for pubcon tips, and was surprised there wasn't a post like this already (that I was able to find). So here are my questions:

(1) Care to share a couple of tips on getting the most out of PubCon?

(2) For the conference part, if I'm interested in 2 session topics that run at the same time, is my only option cloning myself, or am I misunderstanding how they work.

(3) Lastly, what does the registration fee cover exactly (getting in the event. lunch? drinks at pubcon? free namebadge? :)

Maybe the answers to this could be added to a FAQ page at pubcon.com?

[shri]

>> is internet access available at the conference?

The conference center has some paid WiFi facilities available (T-mobile?) if I remember correctly.

According to Marriot.Com the hotel has wired access in public areas and guest rooms.

I'd say budget for $10ish a day for internet access.

[SFReader]

Bumping for an answer to #3

[jatar_k]

answering #3

if you take a look at the session grid [pubcon.com], that is your best guide.

There is a continental breakfast (light) both mornings, and the lunch both days is covered (as I seem to remember).

obviously you have access to the exhibition and all the sessions. We give you a namebadge and a bag of swag.

The evening events are organised differently and they are usually different as sponsors like to do different things with their bashes.

It isn't an inclusive list and things will change and get added right up to the time of the event so there may very well be more than that but it's pretty darn good as it is.

that help clarify some?

[jatar_k]

since I just came back from London I will add my 2 cents CAD

funny, tedster's post above was done after he left me in the lobby to go check on things here. :)

someone mentioned that it was hard to go talk to people because they all knew each other so well. This caused great laughter as the truth is very few know each other at all, at least face to face. It was a lot easier for them to jump on in once they knew that.

Talk to everyone. Mods, Admins, reps, other members, everyone is happy to talk shop with anyone else.

[mona]

It's funny how the night before the conference officially starts, the bartenders are cocky about their ability to handle the workload. They have no clue that the perfect storm of drinking is about to hit.

Hehe, that is so true, martinibuster. And how about the convience store next to the hotel in Orlando? We almost cleaned 'em out of beer in 24 hours. The woman working there said she had never seen anything like it.

[caveman]

Equating dentists to webmasters ... now, that's funny. ;-)

No offense to any dentist/webmasters out there.

[Rodney]

if you take a look at the session grid, that is your best guide.

There is a continental breakfast (light) both mornings, and the lunch both days is covered (as I seem to remember).

obviously you have access to the exhibition and all the sessions. We give you a namebadge and a bag of swag.

The evening events are organised differently and they are usually different as sponsors like to do different things with their bashes.

It isn't an inclusive list and things will change and get added right up to the time of the event so there may very well be more than that but it's pretty darn good as it is.

that help clarify some?

Yes, thanks tedster/jatar_k, that does help clarify things a bit.

I see Pubcon is on the session grid. Does that mean it's an open source bar, or is it bring your own wallet? :)