Help Out UC Newbies and Share Your UC Tips!
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05-05-2017 05:39 PM
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Very long list....
- As a fan of railroads...I'll put this first. Be careful when crossing the tracks. There is a mainline and commuter tracks that must be crossed to get to the Gas Lamp district (ie food). Be careful and do not temp fate. Also, careful when crossing the main road...lots of traffic.
- When getting you name tag on the lanyard, if it hangs too low (i.e. on your stomach), shorten it up by tying a small knot in the back. I typically find the middle and tie off about 2 inches down and adjust as needed.
- In the past, we have been given a UC tote/bookbag. These are great collector items (I use one everyday to/from work), but typically not as easy to lug around as a small lightweight backpack.
- If you miss the plenary, remember you can usually live-stream the action, or watch if after from links on the UC page. During the plenary breaks, there can be long lines at the bathroom. Many use the ones on the second floor. But if you don't mind a walk, head to one away from the plenary hall.
- If you can, stay for the closing session on Friday. Part of it is a panel of Esri staff answering questions and/or responding to trending feedback from the week. Impromptu polls (hands of by clapping) allow for some instant feedback from us, the users.
- When looking at your schedule and trying to select prioritize sessions, look at the Friday am sessions. There are only a few selections, but may be one you can skip earlier in the week. But keep in mind, these sessions can fill up fast and be standing room only so get there early. (assuming you aren't recovering from the Thursday night part).
- If you are still looking for a hotel, and can't qualify/afford the conference rates, there are other hotel not on the conference list. If you get one that is a bit out of walking distance, look for one with easy access to a trolley (the commuter train) station. Another option is arranging for an Uber/Lyft or the bus.
- If you come in on the Trolley, get off at the Gas Lamp station, not the "conference center" station, unless you are going to the Marriott on the north end. The Gas Lamp stop is much closer to registration, the plenary, the showcase/vendor floor, and many of the sessions.
- Although the rooms can be cold for some people (I'm usually ok), when you go outside, it can be very hot and/or humid. Think about layers.
- I think officially the dress is "business casual", but I recommend wearing what akes you feel comfortable. You will see everything from 3-peice suites to shorts and t-shirts. My overall impression over the years is more dress for casual and comfort than 3-peice suits. Theee is a lot happening during the week, and feeling comfortable hopefully takes some of the stress out of it. If you are looking for a job and expect to meet with potential employees, keep that in mind and dress accordingly (but don't be surprised if they are in jeans or shorts).
- The event app has gotten better over the years, but not always easy to use when in a rush. Last year they had several large screen showing current and upcoming sessions. Those can come in handy. Keep in mind that these may not list the "demo theater" offerings.
- The demo theaters offerings are typically very focused and much shorter than a full session. This can be good, but also may interrupt a longer session you want to attend. They can be excellent follow up sessions to a topic of interest, and are more intimate (i.e. maybe 60-100 vs 1000 people). The chairs can fill up fast, and it can be harder to hear these sessions (due to showcase floor noise), so plan accordingly.
- Bling from the booths is nice, but remember you have to carry it with you until you get back to your room. The User Experience area usually has some neat posters....if you think you are going to grab one, think about bringing an empty mailing tube so it doesn't get crunched (and cheaper than buying it from the conf center mailing center. ....but do consider mailing things home if luggage cost is an issue.
- If you start exchanging business cards, write a quick note on the card re: what you talked to the person about. It doesn't take long before the UC brain saturation point hits, and once back in the office it's a blur. This is especially important if you get a lot of cards from esri staff you have discussed specific problems with
- If, like me, you like to have a bottle of water at all times...bring a refillable bottle and use the water dispensers that are in most tech session rooms. If you drink coffee, keep in mind that it sometimes runs out (dev summit was much better on this issue this year), but it you walk with your coffee, one with a non-spillable top is nice. Less chance of making a mess.
- Take enough time on the showcase/vendor hall to ask questions, listen to other discussions about products, and explore something new.
- As others have mentioned, if you want the popular t-shirt from the UC store, shore early in the week as they typically will sell out of some/many items. If you can go during a session instead of a general break (maybe when you have a break between demo theater session) that helps. Hours vary per day. They pretty much close up on Thursday, with only a few selected items (no books) available Friday (usually in the upstairs hall). BTW - they do take credit cards.
- Don't wait until later Thursday to pick up you party wristband unless you want to stand in line. They usually start handing them out on Wednesday, and although not true fashion, it won't cause any .
- The crowd is massive, but very friendly. Meet new people if you can. Talking to others heading in on the trolley is great fun, and you can usually spot those with the name tag around their neck or carrying the UC tote/bag. If like me, you are not real comfortable in huge crowds, just focus on small groups around you. But don't forget to just stand-back and people watch. Take a look at the huge community, and remember, we all do and like GIS!
- Make sure you keep an open mind and have some wiggle room in your schedule. I find that I have different priorities after hearing the plenary.
- Don't be surprised that by Thursday, you can't remember what you learned on Tuesday. Keep track of what you want to follow up on, or what you didn't have time to see, and either buy the Sound of Knowledge recordings, or watch the free ones posted on Esri Videos | E360 Videos: GIS, Events, ArcGIS Products & Industries or the esri youtube channel. It is nearly impossible to absorb all the information you will hear during the week, so take a few notes...take a few snapshots of a display...pick up (and share) business card...whatever will help spark your memory once back in the office. Then follow up as needed.
- Join and be active on the Geonet forums. Want to learn more? Think about attending one of the Geonet specific sessions
If you made it thru that whole list...congrats. I probably could come up with many more suggestions, but that's all for now. Main thing.....have fun and enjoy all things GIS!
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- Get your badge before Monday
- Special interest group meetings during the lunch hour have served boxed lunch in the past
- Pick out several sessions during each time slot and know where they are if you decide one that you're in is not what you expected. Have options.
- Get your Esri Store gifts right away since some items sell out early.
It's a great week and being prepared yet flexible will help you take advantage of all that is offered. 
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AdrianWelsh
Hi Devin,
The Plenary starts at 8:30 and you will always be able to find a seat in there (even if you are a little late). You'll see tons of people standing around by the walls and doors but they don't want seats. You just have to move more towards the stage and squeeze in a little - you'll be ok in that manner.
1. Don't be too afraid about packet pick-up. Esri has done a wonderful job of making this a very fast process. Here is a not-so-good pic I took last year of the packet pick-up area:
They herd you into different corrals based on last name (I think) and it goes really quick. If you are in there by 8:00 you should really be fine (though, the earlier the better).
2. I believe there is a luggage storage area at the convention center somewhere. I'm sure someone can answer that.
3. Not sure on buses.
4. Balboa wrist bands are usually available starting late on Wednesday, but I would suggest getting the wrist band on Thursday since it cannot come off and is not transferable (like seriously, don't fight this, haha). But do it early in the day on Thursday since this line can get a little long.
5. My favorite is the Balboa Park outing.
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