Its been a while since we posted – the lead up to, and actual participation in the Austin Game Developers Conference was a lot of work, and kept us pretty busy. It was our first show with NetDog, and it went quite well, surpassing our own expectations.
Through-out the week, I did have a few thoughts as a first-time trade show exhibitor, thoughts about actual content to follow later:
1. Trade shows are hard work – days are between 17-20 hours long, spent talking with other industry folks on the trade show floor, in the conference halls, at dinners and parties all night
2. The game industry is a bit more liberal (or more male dominated) than other industries, so parties with burlesque dancers are ok (thanks NCSoft).
3. When exhibiting at a trade show, DO NOT forget the underlay for your booth. Your feet and legs will thank you. (thanks to JH for reminding us of our oversight)
4. Austin kicks ass – great food, a cool scene, and everything within walking distance from the convention center
5. All conversations default to your 30-second elevator pitch after day 2, once everyone has become sleep deprived and can no longer develop clever conversation topics
As many other people have mentioned, evacuees from Hurricane Ike were at the Austin convention center, and many of the conference participants were quasi-evacuees, attending the conference, but nervously anticipating their trip home to find out what condition their home was in (and whether or not they had power). It has been a hard few weeks for folks in Houston, and we wish them the best, and hope for a fast, safe recovery
