1. Show up at the convention center on Sunday early and check in early (don't wait till Monday!) Sunday is quiet time and the best time to check-in. Its also a great chance to look around and get familiar with the lay of the land. I like this time to walk around and meet up with some of the ESRI staffers who will be very busy during the week. It's a great opportunity to talk with them and catch-up!

2. First stop after checking into my hotel is the World Market (7th and J st) for some supplies - don't pay $5 a bottle for hotel water! Hit the market and grab some water, beers, a bottle of wine, and snacks to keep in the hotel room. I typically load up a Starbucks card as well so I have the card ready each morning as I crawl to the Convention Center for a long day!

3. Plan on taking in the plenary session for the entire day on Monday - you won't be disappointed. My favorite things on Monday are listening to Jack and hearing how excited he is about the present and future of ESRI's solutions. John Calkins typically presents a Top 10 list which is always very good. Finally, listening to how kids and K-12 GISuser  are using ESRI solutions is always a big part of the day!

4. The Map Gallery - Monday night is all about mingling and walking around under the upper sails area checking out hundreds of samples from ESRI users around the World. New this year... the Lightning presentation - an idea borrowed from the O'reilly Ignite format, look for 5 minute lightning presentations Monday night between 4-6 near the Map Gallery.

5. Tuesday and Wednesday for me its all about the sessions. My first choice are the "Road ahead" and what's new sessions that are typically put on my the ESRI software developers and product managers - get the skinny direct from Scott Moorehouse, Clint Brown and all the top dogs! Note, on-site at the convention Center on these nights you'll also find special SIG meetups, the Federal Party is always a blast, and Canada Night is a great event and good chance to meet some cool Canadian GISers (like me!)

6. Family night on the exhibition hall floor is Wednesday from 4-6. this is a great chance to show the family what you do and they can get some really cool, geeky shwag! This year I'll have Cole, my 14 year old checking things out with me during this time slot.

7. Stop at the ESRI store on the exhibition hall floor - the store has ALL the ESRI press titles as well as some awesome T-shirts. Every year I bring my daughters home some very cool eco-themed t-shirts and they love them! Don't shop at the airport this year!

8. Dick's on Sunday night. After dinner and before you head back to the hotel for some rest, stop by Dicks' for a night-cap and mingle with other attendees that have just blown into town... this is a must-do for me every year!

9. Hanging around the pool at the Marriott Marina - sure I may not be staying there but that won't stop me from having a dip and dropping a couple of beers poolside as I chat with some friends I've made at the UC over the years. Walking through the lobby or grabbing a coffee of drink in the hotel bar is also a great way to meet up with some fellow conference goers! I'll also be sure to take a Kabuki bicycle cab ride along the waterfront as well!

10. Vendor parties followed up with Pizza by the slice - Tuesday and Wednesday night is all about the vendor parties. Keep your eyes and ears open for invites to special events hosted by ESRI business partners... there's bound to be plenty of them! I typically stay late and finish my night with my daily dose of Pizza by the slice at Gaslamp Pizza (THE BEST!) located on 5th near Island Ave. If your lucky you might also see and hear the ESRI house band members jamming in a bar one night - I know Clint will be out late a couple of nights ;0)

Because 10 just isn't enough so here's #11 - Don't you dare skip the Thursday night party and stay till the end to listen to as much music as you can from the ESRI house band... these guys rock! Jack and crew throw an amazing bash every year on Thursday night (it blown my mind that 10,000 people can get fed and entertained so efficiently).

The party is a must-do and be sure to take the whole family - if you post a note on the bulletin boards (ask for help and location) you can often dig up a wrist band or 2 for family members from attendees that had to leave town early! The fireworks at the end of the night are always spectacular...

Special Mention, other favorites and a few extra tips: