Tips for noobs at E3! Based on a request by a reader.
Don't take noobs in the derogative sense, I'm just talking about people that haven't been to E3 before. The basic questions are always about parking, food, etc... So here goes:
Parking - There wan't any when I went. The first day I drove down to E3 I actually came from Calabasas (hope I spelled that right), which is North of LA near Malibu. I came down early enough to get into the convention center parking. However, I've heard of people still having issues getting nearby parking. Most people probably grab a nearby Hotel and walk I think or use public transportation. So I'd say, get there early and you'll find parking easy.
Food - I've never had any food troubles. Don't bother bringing your own food. Carry around a water bottle or something to drink maybe.
Travel Light - Don't take a bunch of crap to the convention center, and wear a good pair of walking shoes.
Being a Hotel Body - Definitely take some stuff for chilling in the hotel. You get some good ideas from E3 and you'll want to capture those.
If you don't get a nearby Hotel - Go North. Tried going further south for hotels once, and I have to say it wasn't easy. Driving a half hour to an hour isn't that bad if you follow the Parking tip and wake up early heading into the convention center.
Enjoy the Exhbitors - That is where I spend all of my time when I'm not in sessions. Most people don't get session tickets though and only get general admission. You are there for the sessions, but the exhibitor floor is where all the action and swag is happening.
Don't look for me - I won't be going this year. My mooch isn't speaking so I'm not getting his guest speaker passes, doesn't that suck. You'll save a bunch of time not looking for me.
Remember what you are there for - SWAG. Get free stuff. Loads of free shirts and cool little devices at times. Play with everything. It is always possible to find good contacts at a conference like E3, but you'll find yourself walking the floors more often than not. Take advantage of that time and play the game with the exhibitors.
Maximizing your throughput - You get what you pay for at E3. Workshops on day one, if you pay for em, then use em. Sessions the rest of the time, again, you pay for it you use it. Familiarize yourself with locations as quickly as you can so you aren't the guy searching for a room and getting there late. These are basic rules for any conference though. To truly maximize the throughput you have to maximize the amount of time on the exhibition floor getting swag.