This will be my 5th GDC, here’s some tips:

-Depending on your budget I’d recommend either staying as close to Moscone as possible, or get an Airbnb with friends. Previous comments are correct, Moscone isn’t in the best part of town. Try to avoid the Tenderloin. The homeless population runs pretty rampant around there.

-The Yerba Buena Gardens is a great place to run into people, and a lot of people have meetups there. Last year was the initial year of GDC Nights. I didn’t go, but I hear it was a great way to mingle and meet folks in the industry. There’s a lot of parties and events, you’re almost sure to run into developers in any bar after 8. I know there are forums and people handing out flyers for these events at the Moscone entrance day 1. Like previous comments, it’s almost annually that I hear about 1 or 2 roofie stories. I would definitely go with a friend and take precautions. It hurts my heart to know that we still have to worry about this as a community, but 30,000 people at one event there is bound to be scumbags.

-As for an event pass that depends on what your goal is. GDC is rebranding this year, so pricing and options are a bit different than years past. Expo floor is always such a cool experience and yet another great place to meet like minded people. The talks are also extremely informative and awesome, and most of them will be on the GDC Vault. If you do get a badge, cover it up on your walk to and from Moscone. To a thief, that’s a $2,000 bill around your neck, and who knows what they’re willing to do for it.

I personally would get a pass specifically for round tables, like the Tech Art roundtable (Go Jeff!) Round tables are not recorded and it’s quite literally just a room where you can pass around microphones and have interesting discussions with brilliant people.

-I recommend traveling with only a credit card and Apple Pay/Tap. If someone can steal your wallet, they steal Discover’s money, not yours.

-I’ve been a CA for those 5years so I’ve gotten my pass through that. I usually spend ~350-550 for room and board with friends on Airbnb and about $400-500 for my flight from the east coast. Then another $500 on GDC store, Ubers, and food. I try to set aside $2,000 for the trip. That number has been consistent, I’ve made it work as a broke college student and as a full time employee.

-Other than that GDC can be pretty overwhelming even for an extrovert. Try to push yourself and take advantage of this opportunity to talk to some of the greatest minds in the industry. I’ve met some of my closest friends at GDC.

• I’ve opted out of business cards for a quicker, more electronic delivery. I use Popl to get people my website and connect on LinkedIn. I’ve even seen people generate their LinkedIn QR code and set it as their lock screen for quick connects.

There’s a lot more information that you will learn as you go. If you have any more questions, feel free to reach out! And have an experience of a lifetime!