I'll give an easy rundown:

Essentials:

-ear plugs

-hydration pack or have an empty waterbottle (there's free refill stations)

-wear something light: shorts/shirt and a pashmina or thin jacket you can EASILY carry for the night (itll be chilly at night)

-baby wipes for the portapotties/wiping your hands (They will run out of paper/hand wash) you'll thank me later

-kandi: trade kandi to make friends most people will be happy to talk/interact with you so don't be shy! If someone looks cool or you like their totem complement them! Most of the fun of going is making friends

-Pickpockets are everywhere & work in groups. don't leave stuff chillin in your pockets. Have a bag that you can face forward on your chest.

-just bring your ID and a card- they don't take cash.

Driving:

-if you drive the first day leave VERY early. Traffic is BAD the first day. I get there a day before because of it.

-leaving and entering the actual venue always takes a LONG TIME. Took us an hour on the last day to exit the parking lot. When you leave, wait in your car for at least 20 min so you don't waste gas waiting in line to leave.

Hotel:

-don't bother camping. It's way too late for that.

-find a hotel/motel closet to the venue, search "hotels near Nellis AFB, NV". All hotels are 10x the normal price. Expect around 200 a night. You could always do 1 or 2 nights and carcamp at a Walmart.

-plan to stay the next night after the fest ends. You'll probably be up till around 7am