I survived GDC. Well, I use the term “survived” loosely. I did not get impaled, poisoned, or beheaded. However, I did endure long days, a bomb cyclone, and took home this year’s most popular conference souvenir, Covid.
GDC is one of the biggest game conferences of the year, with some of my favourite people (and studios) in attendance! After its return to physical events last year–pulling in 17,000 eager devs–GDC welcomed over 20,000 industry folks to the Moscone Center.
After the pandemic abruptly canceled EVERYTHING (including our beloved GDC), events, festivals, and conferences have been hard at work figuring out that new normal or trying to get back to any sense of normalcy.
While organizers aren’t the only ones trying to get their groove back, attendees are attempting to re-learn the conference circuit waltz.
With two post-apocalyptic GDCs under my belt (and a couple of other international conferences), I’ve compiled lessons I’ve learned… even if I had to learn them the hard way.
How to Survive GDC and Other Industry Events
Apple AirTags – Knowing That Your Luggage is in Fact Lost
Ah yes, Apple AirTags! They definitely provide peace of mind when traveling. I highly recommend tossing one into your luggage to help track its journey. Hopefully, it doesn’t take a detour. Last year during a trip to Germany for Gamescom, my bags went to Switzerland, enjoyed a leisurely cruise down the Rhine River, and arrived in Cologne the day before I left. All of which I could track from afar with my trusty AirTags! 🤦♀️
Pro Tip: Take a photo of your luggage! As I forgot to snap a pic of my Great Canadian Hockey Bag, I had to show the German officials a video I had previously shot to prove to friends that I could, in fact, FIT INSIDE MY LUGGAGE.
#TrueStory
Noise-Canceling Headphones – Mute the Screaming Baby on the Plane
This one isn’t rocket science. You’re playing passenger roulette. Screaming baby, chatty Cathy, or a group of obnoxiously loud talkers, your personal airspace will be invaded. And to top it all off, it’s an ungodly hour to be up, let alone traveling (gross 4 AM wake-up time).
So, do yourself a favour and grab a pair of noise-cancelling headphones and find a little slice of sanity.
Weather Appropriate Attire – Avoid Blow Drying Your Shoes at the Hotel
Leaving Toronto in March for California, I had higher hopes for the weather, but SF isn’t LA. So even with the fantasy of sunshine, I packed a trusty little umbrella and a pair of mini rubber boots–boy, was I glad I did.
Enter the Mother F**king BOMB CYCLONE! On my second day–the day I had planned to run around doing prep and outdoor meetings–the heavens opened up, the atmospheric pressure dropped 24 millibars in 17 hours and produced the strongest March storm ever recorded in the Bay Area. R.I.P Umbrella.
At least I wasn’t the one late to an event because I had to blow dry my shoes in the hotel room (this time).
Comfy Shoes – Carpet Padding is a Luxury Many Booths Can’t Afford
I’ve made this mistake more than once, but I am far too haggard now to favour fashion over function. Find your ultimate conference shoe; it should feel like you are not just walking on a cloud but having your soles massaged by cherubs. Because when you are on DAY 3, and there is a fire in your lower back that is hotter than Hades, you will do anything, ANYTHING to rid yourself of the pain.
Oh, and you’re going to need more than one pair! Shout out to Ewan Rose, who joined us at the booth and sported these heart-shaped beauties after they had a conference shoe debacle.
PRO TIP: Always travel with a tennis ball which you can use to give yourself a foot massage after a long day on your feet.
Proteins Bars – You Can’t Live on Breathe Mints and Cold Fries
If you suffer from severe hanger, this one is for you! GDC, like many other conferences, you spend your time running from meeting to meeting, manning the booth, and dropping in on a number of parties and events, but with little time to sit down. You will vaguely remember the first coffee in the morning, and then everything else becomes a blur. Did I eat lunch or just throw a bunch of mints in my mouth?
Bring protein bars, shove them everywhere, pockets, bags, and hide a couple in your booth. You will thank me, and the people around you will thank me.
Power Pack – Google Maps Don’t Work When Your Phone is Dead
Your phone will die or get really close to death. This is not the time to skimp on battery power. There are meetings to attend, emails and texts to answer, tweets to post, and restaurants to Google. Unless you plan to be tethered to an outlet for the duration of the conference, you will need to pack an alternative power source.
You’ve got enough stress; don’t add low battery anxiety to the list.
Business Cards – They Are Not Dead Yet!
If I had a dime for every time someone said, “Oh, I wasn’t sure if people were still doing business cards anymore,” I’d be rich.
YES, we are still doing business cards. I use them to plan my follow ups AFTER the conference. If we add each other on LinkedIn on the showroom floor–along with the hordes of other people you’ve met today–you won’t remember me! If you don’t hand me a business card, I end up snapping pictures of people’s badges, which get lost in a sea of puppy photos and gifs in my camera roll.
There are also too many conference apps out there to manage DMs. So please hand me a business card.
Tylenol/Advil – There is Always Someone Who Has a Hangover
It’s a lesson we all must learn—some more than others. You may enjoy a cocktail… heck, have a couple of margaritas (I know, I did), but do not overdo it. Nothing is worse than last night’s indulgences haunting you on the showroom floor the next day. For our friends who have yet to figure this out, carry some Tylenol.
It’s also helpful if you neglect to bring comfortable footwear and your body is screaming in pain.
Vitamin C Tablets – These are Your Power Ups!
This tip is brought to you by Kinemotik Studios, who reminded me to get some vitamin C during the show! While it might not cure the GDC flu (or Covid), they offer a little bump to the system–especially if you’ve only been living off breath mints and coffee!
Before popping a tablet in your mouth, double-check that it’s not meant to be dissolved in water first… or you risk turning yourself into a rabid foaming monster. Again, #TrueStory
A Pair of Gold Pants – Everyone Loves Gooooooold!
While this started as a joke, it’s now become a thing. Before Augmented World Expo last year, I made a comment about wearing something ridiculous so press could easily find me on the floor.
It worked, and I am still getting comments about my metallic trousers. So if you’ve got something that makes you stand out on a tradeshow floor, rock it!
And shout out to the guy dressed as a life-sized pineapple at GDC this year… You’re my hero!
Thanks for stopping by my conference survival guide Ted Talk. Let me know if you have any tips and tricks for making the most out of the conference circuit grind!
Next up XP Summit in Toronto!
Stephanie Greenall 