Yesterday, I got to participate in the grand spectacle that is the 2012 Consumer Electronics Show here in Las Vegas. Navigating the seemingly never-ending halls full of new tech can be a challenge, if you don’t know what you’re looking for. It can also be a complete nightmare, due to the unmitigated douchery and lack of courtesy that some people are capable of showing during such an event. My two hours on the floor yesterday were some of the most rage-inducing of my life, and I’m a veteran at attending/covering conventions. Thus, it’s time to throw another list out there for those people who just can’t seem to grasp convention etiquette.
1. Do NOT make unexpected stops in the main traffic lanes.
This is probably the number one headache that most people run into when trying to navigate convention floors. We understand that you’re surrounded with new and jaw-dropping technology, but the middle of a traffic lane is NOT the place to stop, stare, then pull out your phone to snap a pic/tweet about it/call your friend and tell them about it. The traffic lanes are there so that people can get from one booth to another without having to weave in and out of people. If you HAVE TO stop, either step into the booth you’re gawking at, or at the very least step off to the side so that people can get by. It’s a simple thing that will keep someone like me from wanting to run you over.
2. Don’t cut in line/aggressively nudge people out of the way. (or, “Don’t be a dick.”)
Nothing (I repeat, NOTHING) is more maddening than waiting in a long line to check something out, only to have someone cut in line at the last second. When there’s no real “set” line, having someone do everything short of elbowing you in the face to get a better position in a crowd is enough to make a person want to go postal. If I only have two hours to dedicate to the show floor and can wait patiently for my turn at something, I’m sure that any of you with an ENTIRE WEEK to get around to all the sights can wait your damn turn. It’s just common courtesy, and we’re all going to see the same thing – you have literally ZERO benefit from getting to see something 5 seconds before someone else, especially if you act like a fucktard about it in the first place.
3. Don’t go without a plan.
This is kind of an advanced tip, but any convention-goer will save him or herself a ton of headaches if he or she just knows what they’re looking for before they go in. CES actually had rows of planning station kiosks for just this purpose. When you’re trying to make your way through the labyrinthine show floors, it just makes sense to know where you’re going and what it is you want to see. Not to say you can’t take a day to just wander the show and look at stuff that falls outside your coverage; just find your focus first, take care of business on the days the convention is busy, then come back on one of the later days (when it’s slower) to do your aimless browsing.
4. Put some thought into your wardrobe.
This is the most objective tip on the list, but I can’t stress it enough. I saw people both UNDER and OVER-dressed yesterday, and it’s just cringe-inducing. If you’re going to something like PAX or Comic-Con where dressing like a fanboy (or even cosplaying) is encouraged, absolutely go all out! However, for the more business-centric conferences like CES and E3, you really need to keep “business casual” in mind. Would it kill you to wear a shirt with a collar? What companies are going to take you seriously if you stroll up to their booth in a video game t-shirt and cargo shorts? (Not many.) Bonus protip: WEAR COMFORTABLE SHOES. I can’t repeat that enough. You’re going to be doing HOURS of walking. Your Chucks likely aren’t going to cut it. (Unless you feel like soaking/elevating your poor feet for hours every night after they close the floor.)
5. Don’t bitch about the prices of on-site food/drinks.
Guess what? Demand is super high. If you know anything about how economics work, you know this is going to drive prices through the roof. If you want cheaper food or drink, they are literally a 5 minute walk away (sometimes less!) from the convention center, in most cases. With on-site food and beverage stands, you are paying for convenience. Unless you went out and unsuccessfully searched for cheaper food outside the venue, don’t bitch about the food prices the second you sit down to eat at one of the internal cafes. You’re essentially paying a “convenience tax” because hey, it’s convenient. Bitching about it just adds an air of unneeded negativity to a day (or days) that are already bound to be at least a little stressful.
Keep these tips in mind, and not only will you have a more enjoyable time taking in the sights and sounds, but you’ll also create a better atmosphere for your fellow convention-goers. Trust me, a little extra effort goes a long way.
