A couple of tips for those new to attending any convention ever (listed in no specific order and please feel free to add!)

- Register early. Very early. Most conventions reach attendance cap far earlier than anticipated.
- Make hotel reservations at the same time. Often this will fall off your radar as you get busy and you will find yourself registered with no accommodations.
- Scout the area. Know where you are arriving and how you will get from there to the hotel. Also know where nearby convenience stores are for the inevitable forgotten item(s)
- Research weather. Summer in NOLA is very hot and very humid. Pack with appropriate clothing, especially for any outings. In fact, with so many different workshops, panels, events and evening field trips, you may find yourself packing multiple outfits for each day.
- Stay hydrated. Running around any convention, it is easy to forget something like keeping a bottle of water on hand. Especially in the hot weather, you'll find yourself more energetic and healthy if you stay hydrated.
- Pack with enough room to bring home goodies. AAD NOLA will have lots of prizes, swag and giveaways. Make sure you can take 'em home with you. Alternatively, plan to ship stuff home.
- Bring a writing implement and notepad or electronic equivalent. There's lots to do and lots of information in every panel. Also, it's handy to mark events in the schedule to remember what you wanted to attend.
- Bring a camera. Shenanigans occur around every corner and you'll want to save the memories.

Another note: Remember that AAD involves lots of free books. If you're traveling by plane, consider a pre-paid USPS box instead of paying for the (heavy) books to fly with you. The Postal Service is fast, and the books will get to you in about 3-5 business days.

I know Stella has had them available at all the previous AADs.

Stella mentioned the USPS boxes when I had a question about AAD 2011. What a great idea for those of us who are flying there and to New Orleans next year. Stella is so organized and super about answering questions. She deserves the Con Organizer of the Decade Award.

Thanks for the information! 2012 will be my first CON...I'm really looking forward to it!!!

Wow, lots of firsties.

Do any of you have specific questions? This year is going to be larger than the previous AADs, but some of us are serious con veterans.

This is great information! AAD2011 is my first Con so this is good for me to know now. Thanks!

The shipping boxes are really great.

Absolutely if anyone has any questions - feel free to add them here. We can to the FAQ

taxis?

Shipping boxes are a great idea from and too, for those planning costuming for one or both of the balls. If you have a room, you may have something shipped to the hotel ahead of you. Just contact the hotel, and usually they are more than happy to assist you with this.

Also, remember, when traveling to places/events away from the convention hotel, it is always a good idea to a) notify someone at the convention/hotel of where you are planning to go and when you expect to return and b) it is always best to wander with a friend. Getting lost can be much more frightening when you are alone, and so hilarious when you are not.

thank you.

I think an arrival coordination forum would be a fabulous thing once we get closer...

good idea.
maybe a wed evening get together?
nothing formal get gather in a spot

Really like the idea of an arrival coordination forum. I'm not arriving at Philly airport til 8:15 on Wed. but also like the idea of announced spot for getting together that evening.