One reason why people get together for conferences such as this is to meet people they would normally not meet in person or that they have only worked with or heard of. The odds of Guido van Rossum (inventor of the nifty programming language Python ) sitting at the University Circle Arabica having a cup with some other tech folks is unlikely.

I haven't really been to such a big technical conference before so, like anyone in a new situation, I did some research. Where better than the OnLAMP site (a site devoted to LAMP technology in its' various incarnations) would I find a guide to conference going and social engagement. Here it is. I have some insight into my last-minute preparation and thought process as a tech professional...and I got some laughs which always counteract nerves.