In no particular order here are ten things to watch out for at the User Conference in San Diego.

1. Monday Plenary: This runs from 8:30 until 4:00 (if we don’t over-run!).  Jack will provide his thoughts first and then several of us will present the latest and greatest aspects of our software.  John Calkins is the director again this year – brought back after his stellar performance last year.  Bob Kerrey is doing the keynote.  Make sure you register before 8:00 and enter the Hall early as all the best seats are taken by 8:20.  Work out a plan for lunch and get out and back in time for the afternoon presentations.
2. Monday Map Gallery: This is both a chance to review the unbelievable work of GIS users all around the world and meet those people you only get to see once a year at the ESRI UC.  There are thirteen special (themed displays).  I always like to go back later in the week again when the crowds have disappeared to look at the posters in more detail.
3. Tuesday-Wednesday-Thursday 8:30-9:45 Supersessions:  This is a new idea we are trying this year for the first time.  Scott Morehouse, Clint Brown and I are providing a keynote of topics that we are passionate about. 
4. Tuesday-Wednesday-Thursday-Friday, Technical Workshops:  There are over 200 technical workshops being presented.  For most people this is the reason why they come to the UC.  You get a chance to listen to the product staff explain how it works, and why it works that way.  You get a chance to ask questions.  Many of the sessions are repeated and its usually better to do the really popular sessions on Wednesday or Thursday when they are typically less crowded.
5. Tuesday-Wednesday-Thursday, ESRI Showcase.  This is a good place for a rest!  You can sit and gather you thoughts in a quiet corner, or talk one-on-one with ESRI staff.  You can also arrange meetings at specific times to go over any issues you might have from: ‘I think I have found a bug’ to ‘how does this feature work’ or ‘can I do this is ESRI software’.
6. Tuesday-Wednesday-Thursday, Exhibit Pavilion.  You could spend a whole day in here easily and still never see everything.  It is amazing the things that some of the exhibitors are working on.  It is best to avoid the session breaks when it is very busy.
7. Special Interest and Regional User Meetings.  These are held in the early evening and this is a chance to meet people working in the same area or same geography as you.  The Federal, Petroleum, Electric and Gas, and Water/Wastewater parties will have ESRI bands playing.  Go along if you find a reason why you have an association with one of these groups.
8. Thursday Night.  The Big Party.  Avoid the rush at 5:30 unless you like standing in line.  There is plenty to do and always lots of food. Its Irish Night.  Be sure to stay until the fireworks.  No GridLock on stage this, sorry, we are taking a breather.
9. Wednesday Night.  My band, TrafficJam, will be playing at Dick’s Last Resort.  Its walking distance from the Convention Center on 4th St.  We play 50s, 60s, 70s, and 80s rock.
10. Do Something for Yourself.  Try to find something in the agenda that you have never done before and go and broaden you mind.  You will learn something and might just get a new vocation.

That's David back in 2004 discussing ArcPAD at the UC

For related items see:

• Preparing For the 2006 (26th) International ESRI User Conference
• ESRI User Conference 2004 - Highlights for the 2004 UC from Clint Brown
• ESRI User Conference 2005 - Highlights for the 25th ESRI User Conference from Clint
• GIS Matters - David Maguire's Blog