It was in doubt, but we'll be there again this year. It'll only be our third trip.
I would say two things:
First, don't be shy about talking to people, especially the speakers and organizers. With rare exception, they are very approachable and friendly. Even the very successful "big names", folks like David Hoadley, Tim Marshall, Tim Samaras, Roger Hill, Dr. Greg Forbes, ect. are very open and genuine. They are just real people who share a passion with you. I've had WELL-established and successful chasers even ask my point of view about an event. Did I feel qualified to give my take to a chaser of that stature? Of course not, but he was genuinely interested. I thought that was very cool.
Second, don't allow yourself to feel overwhelmed by some of the talks that may seem over your head, covering an area you feel you are a novice in, or covering an area you just aren't that interested in. There is much to learn and usually more than one can take in. Everyone comes into the convention at different academic/experience levels, and everyone finds some parts of the convention more appealing than others. Just take in what you can, leave what you can't or aren't interested in, and enjoy yourself. You can take something interesting or positive away from each session.
More than anything, take the opportunity to network and meet some people of like-passion, some of which you may already know from this forum. And have fun.
Drinks not to drink?????
