I'm trying to decide how much time I'm going to want in the area outside of the event. Is it worth staying in a hotel on Wednesday night so that we can be there earlier on Thursday to hang out, or should we just drive in on Thursday and then look around on Friday?
I learned from my mistake last year (almost couldn't go for financial reasons) and started saving up a month or two ago. Not gonna have that problem again!
From what others have said, it doesn't seem like you'll have any problems. But if anyone does give you grief, you know we've all got your back, and they'll have to deal with an angry nerd mob.