First visit to QuakeCon (Day 1) and tips to surviving your first video game convention

Hey, everyone! Sorry I haven't been taking time to post.  Between my gig at Microsoft and preparing for my first trip to Dallas, it's been quite the rush. Too many things all at once, but I'm finally getting breathing room to post up my experiences here at my first video gaming convention!

Months back, I preregistered on quakecon.org. In retrospect, I wondered if I should just sign up as a general admission attendee. Thank God I did not do such a thing because I would cause myself more pain than it took to figure out what to bring to this event.  At the time, I was learning about something called "BYOC", which is "Bring Your Own Computer."  Exactly as it sounds, attendees can bring their own PCs or laptops to the convention.  For a few extra dollars, you get to pick your own spot.  I'm happy to have picked this option or I would have spent the entire day in line on the first day.  I'll post this video later.  Bottom line here is that if that extra option is available for you, then you take it.  Otherwise, general admission is excruciatingly painful.

Now that I've survived my first day at the convention, I have created tips for getting your full gamecon experience: 1) Go online the day before the convention begins!  This becomes important especially when you're trying to navigate through the mess that is a gamecon.  Gamecons are notorious for overloading attendees with lots of information, lots of giveaways/raffles, and lots of ways to take your money.  Yes, everything there is attractive and tempting to grab, so be very careful.  2) Figure out your objectives and plan for them.  Everyone is different.  Some may just care about the games, others about their future.  Whatever your needs or wants, you're not going to be able to do EVERYTHING, so plan accordingly (or just go at your own peril).  3) Budget accordingly.  Hotel stays at convention locations are convenient, so plan on spending a lot of money or use a credit card to book your room.  The hotel will offer special convention rates so you can just go downstairs to enjoy free internet.  At the end of the convention, you'll be able to go downstairs and pack everything up.  The other thing is that there exists lunch courts, which will charge attendees pretty pennies for nourishment, so buy snacks ahead of time or find cheaper options around the area.  When in doubt, consult your hotel concierge. They're paid not to let you down. Lastly, there's the merchandise.  T-shirts, decorative items, and sometimes, OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) hardware is for sale.  If you can't buy them, see if you can win them.  Booth exhibitors will let you know if such opportunities exist.

Overall, I'm very happy I made the decision to attend QuakeCon for many reasons: It's my first gamecon, I'm a gaming geek at heart, and I have all the time in the world now!  Now I need to start a League of Legends session.  Until then, stay tuned for Day 2!!!