Attending on Another Even Year: GDC 2010

In several days, I shall be flying down to San Francisco to attend the Game Developers Conference. I'll again be a behind-the-scenes volunteer as I was in 2006 and 2008. This means I'll spend the vast majority of the week working to ensure that the developers who attend GDC have a pleasant conference experience. The conference runs from 9th - 13th March, but I'll be there a bit earlier for Conference Associate training, and leave a bit later so I can attend the debriefing meeting at the end of the conference. If my work schedule permits, I'll also attend any sessions relevant to my professional interests. In short, this means that there are no guarantee that I'll actually be able to attend all those cool sessions I've read about. If I'm lucky I might be working at some of the more interesting ones, but again, there are no guarantees.

If you're going to GDC, I may see you there, though if you want to try and arrange a meet-up ahead of time, please let me know! I'm already committed to social activities on two, possibly three of my evenings thus far, and at least two day time meet-ups. I'm looking forward to meeting friends, old and new.

Comments

[Simon]

Have fun in San Francisco. What is it like to go to one of these conferences? As a volunteer are you able to absorb all of the new and interesting products that will be launched in 2010? Is there a high cost and is just anyone allowed to go? Have a great time and I hope that I’ll be able to see you there.

[Brinstar]

@ Simon: Wow, a lot of questions!

1) It's a really great experience. There's a lot to learn and absorb at the different sessions.

2) It's impossible to see everything, and volunteering mean that I probably won't be able to go to everything I want to, even moreso than the average conference attendee. But the trade-off is the great networking opportunities that volunteering affords you.

3) The Game Developers Conference is geared towards professionals in the videogame industry, so the costs will seem high for an average person. It is not a consumer convention, so in general, non-industry people are not permitted to attend.

4) Well I don't think I know you, but I hope you have a good time, too. If you want to meet up, just email me. :-)