I asked the other editors if they had any tips to help me get ready for my first experience.

Here's what they told me:

1. Wear comfortable shoes. It starts off feeling fine, but by the last day, your shoes are all that stand between you and pain through all of February.

2. Don't expect to connect wirelessly. Lotusphere usually has email access locations, but the wireless connectivity often sucks. Not thrilled about that.

3. Visit both the exhibits and the sessions. The editors tell me that there's a lot to be learned in the sessions, but there are a lot of interesting innovators (and potential employers) down in the exhibit hall.

4. The Dolphin's breakfast buffet rocks. The Dolphin has an excellent breakfast omelet at their buffet. We're editors. Food is pretty much the most important factor.

5. Parking is a challenge. If you're not staying at the Dolphin or Swan, you'll need to park at Epcot or another designated parking location. We are still -- at this late date -- trying to find out where that is, since the various Lotusphere sites still say "check back".

6. The Lotusphere lunches aren't bad. Back to food, I'm told that the meals provided by Lotusphere aren't half bad. They're worth going to if you're hungry.

7. Bring a swimsuit. If you're coming to Orlando from someplace cold, nothing beats taking a dip at night in one of the many hot tubs and pools at Orlando's hotels. Make sure you avail yourself of this simple pleasure.

8. Bring lots of business cards. Pack three times more than you think you'll need. Schmoozing is good, and you should never run out.

9. The schmoozing is good. David and Denise tell me that the people interaction and friendliness at Lotusphere is beyond compare. The parties, the schmoozing, and the genial atmosphere makes the show.

10. Don't miss the Birds-of-a-Feather. I'm told this is where the real work (and play) of the show gets done and if there's any don't-miss element of Lotusphere, this is it.

So there you go. Ten tips from the veterans, passed from them to me, and then from me to you.

See you there!

Joe is a ZATZ associate editor. Prior to this job, he was customer support manager for the FileFlex database engine.

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