GenCon2005

[d20Dwarf]

I'd suggest that you not overbook yourself. My first year I missed out on some games with EN World people because I had signed up for too many events. Last year I signed up for fewer, but two of them the presenter never showed. This year I'm not going to bother. I'll be able to keep myself busy with pickup games, I'm sure.

Overbooking is definitely a problem, but for brand new attendees I would suggest booking at least one, probably two events per day, but no more. This will give the new attendee some structure, otherwise it's REALLY easy just to stand around mesmerized by the amazing plethora of things to do. Try a variety of things, too, because you never know what you'll like or have fun at. People are at cons to have fun, and very often you'll have an amazing time where you least expect it. Also, don't overbook panels. I personally find con panels completely useless and uninteresting, although I know there are people who absolutely love them. Find out which one you are, but in my opinion your time is almost always better spent playing games and making friends.