Should I go to GDC this year?

[dbgamer]

Hello Game Career Guide Community!

So, I understand that GDC is very important for an aspiring game developer. You need to make connections meeting people, get inspired, and learn more about the industry as a whole. I was actually able to attend the last three days last year, and had limited success making connections.

This year, they have decided to have it on Monday-Friday. This is problematic for me because:
A. I live in Arkansas.
B. It's not on my spring break.

So, it's a cost issue and a school issue. That limits my options to:
A. Go Thursday & Friday, meet people, attend career pavilion.
B. Go Monday & Tuesday, meet less people, attend tutorials.
C. Not go.

I am someone who could use the information at the tutorials & who needs an internship for the summer.

tl;dr -> If I can only attend 2 days of GDC, what do you guys think the best way to spend that time/money would be?

Thank you very much for any input!

[yaustar]

When do you graduate? Is the tutorial stuff relevant?

[dbgamer]

yaustar:
To answer your first question, I will be graduating in December 2011. I was hoping to make some connections there so I will be set in 2012 when I start looking for a job.

To answer your second question, I have worked quite a bit in DirectX10 and was hoping to go to the DirectX11 tutorial. I also could benefit from the physics tutorial as well.

[dmmik]

If cost is an issue, you can apply for the GDC "Conference Associate" volunteer program. You put in 20 hours of volunteer work and receive a full conference pass.

http://www.gdconf.com/attend/volunteer.html

[tsloper]

Originally Posted by dbgamer

Should I go to GDC this year?

Make a decision grid.
http://www.sloperama.com/advice/m70.htm

[Gshonk]

Yes you should go if you can, and I would suggest the last two days because that is probably going to be more relevant to you.

[dbgamer]

dmmik: I cannot attend the mandatory week, since it will not coincide with my spring break.

Gshonk: I think I will try, if money will allow me. It's just that it's going to cost me a grand for 2 days...

tsloper: Thank you, I will make a grid when I get home.

[yaustar]

I am in the camp of 'Probably not worth it this year'. Some of the GDC presentations are going to be released online at some point and you are not really going to be in contact with anyone until 6 months from now.

[dbgamer]

I did a decision grid and came out against going to GDC this year.

After that decision, I discovered that there is an IGDA meeting in Dallas (8 hour drive) this Friday, so I'm going to go to chapter meetings instead.

Thank you for all of your advice! It really helped!

[Gshonk]

Sounds like a good decision and a good plan!