Logistical Questions for First-Time ASW Attendees...

[Avalanche]

Had some questions about the logistics from all the grizzled veterans of ASW.

1. Is it worth trying to bump up to a gold pass? Hey, I recently won a silver pass from cashtactics which rocks, but does it rock enough? I've seen various opinions - is it better to just spend my time meeting people? I'm relatively experienced w/ the various facets of Internet Aff marketing but success has been a bit limited since I've been a one-man band & typically don't do that well making solid relationships w/ people via AIM. If the sessions are more intro info, I probably wouldn't upgrade but can't tell from the descriptions.
2. Is it really worth staying at the RIO or somewhere close-by good enough? Saw Cakes' link on his blog. If staying close by, any recommendations?
3. What day are most of you getting there? I could fly some kind of red-eye and get there by noon on Sun. Would save some $ since Saturday rates are much higher but I don't want to be dragging around all day. Or would I not even be able to check in by the time the conference starts? Never been to vegas so wasn't sure if they did check-in/out times like your roadside motels.
4. What day are you leaving? If you jet out on the 13th after the last sessions/networking, what do you do w/ your stuff between checkout time and end of the conference?Pardon if that is a stupid question, but I've always driven to conferences in the past & loaded up my car.
5. Any particular parties you recommend hitting? re: Cakes' warning, even though I'm happily married, I want to be at the parties where the sharpest knives in the box are at, and that probably won't be at the sausage-fests.
6. What is your best thus-yet-unshared tip for a ASW first-timer to get the most out of this conference?

thnx

 

[kyleirwin]

1. No. The sessions are worthless.
2. Yes, it will make your life a lot easier staying at the Rio.
3. I live here.
4. ^^^
5. Whichever party has the most drunk people at it. Happened to be the CX Digital party from what I saw.
6. Don't drink so much that you won't remember what you heard the night before.

 

[coolguy20]

1. No...Silver pass is fine.
2. Generally staying at the conference hotel helps a ton....however in this case there are SO many great deals at other Casinos and its so easy to get around Vegas its sort of a free for all. Although the Taxi Rates can still be a bitch.
3. I'd come in a day early on Saturday, worst case its an extra day in Vegas.
4. 13th, just leave your stuff at your Hotel (baggage claim).
5. Copeac party should be fun.
6. Plan as many meetings as possible ahead and give yourself lots of time in between to bs around.

 

[Sohan]

If you really want a higher pass, I suggest you try and shoot for a press pass if that's possible.

But from what I hear, those events are all useless.