Tips for First-Time TechEd Attendees

I've been to a decent number of TechEds since my first one in 1997.  This is probably my sixth visit.  TechEd has certainly grown and changed in that time, so I'd like to offer some advice to people attending for the first time (especially if you've never been to a large tech conference.)

1. If you're really looking forward to a speaker or topic, chances are that lots of others will be, too.  If the session is in something that sounds like “Room x” (vs. “Hall x” or “Auditorium x”), you should do your best to get there at least 15 minutes before it starts, or you'll find yourself standing in the back (if they let you) or hovering in the hallway, hoping someone will walk out so the door monitor will let you in.
2. When you go to Hall B for a meal, do EXACTLY as commanded by the shepherding food people.  You'll recognize them as the hundreds of people excitedly gesturing and telling you to go “this way, please.”  If you stray from the herd, you will be given a nasty electric shock.  Do not stray.
   
3. If you have a laptop, bring your own bag and use it instead of the one you'll get at the conference.  If you do use the provided bag, at least bring something you can attach to it (a “Windows ME is for ME!” button, a framed picture of Jeff Richter, etc.) to make it distinguishable from the 10,000 other identical black “TechEd 2005“ bags that will be there.
4. Microsoft is very good about putting drinks out.  Do your body a favor and go nuts with the water.  Grab a bottle to drink and a bottle to shove in your bag.  Heck, grab a few to bring back to your hotel room.
5. Microsoft is also VERY good about putting snacks out.  In the past two years, however, they really have gotten better about putting snacks that don't require a defibrillator.  Fruit, baked chips, etc.  There are even tables with sugar-free food.  Be strong.  Resist the siren's song of the Mountain of Pastries and Frozen Goodies.  Well, okay, maybe just one Dove bar... oh, and what's this, Krispy Kreme?...
6. Bring business cards.  Even if you never actually talk to anyone, they can be fun to fling around the session halls during long talks.
7. A grand tradition of TechEd is trying to fit a mountain of plastic gadgets and t-shirts into your bags the night before checkout.  Some swag is Great and Good, but most of it will go completely unused once you get it home.  TechEd goes by much too quickly to waste time obtaining such trinkets, so choose carefully! 
8. The weather will be warm, so wearing shorts will be de rigueur.  A friendly tip - wearing knee-high black socks with shorts is generally something best reserved for trips to Bermuda.  However, if you elect this style of dress, you will find plenty of company.
9. While the weather will be warm, inside the convention center is normally super air-conditioned and can be pretty frigid.  If you chill easily, bring a sweatshirt or light jacket.
10. If you're interested in something at the Microsoft Store and don't mind taking a chance, you can wait until the store's last day (Thursday or Friday) and hope it is still in stock after they've marked down the prices.
11. Finally, don't forget to bring your conference badge for the attendee party on Thursday.  I've seen people turned away, having to return to their hotels to get badges and losing valuable “partay” time.

I'm very much looking forward to next week!  I hope to meet you there!

-Chris