With Homebrew Con in Portland just around the corner, it’s time to start thinking about conference survival tips. If you’ve never been — and somewhat surprisingly, this will be my own first time attending! — the AHA has helpfully posted a First-Time Attendee Guide that you should read.

General Conference Tips

Will glassware be provided? Yes. A commemorative glass provided for each attendee. Bring your glass with you everywhere you go – plastic cups ruin the flavor of your homebrew, and you never know when Drew Beechum is going to crack a bottle of Brut. And that guy standing next to you you’ve never seen before? Probably an awesome homebrewer with a bottle of tripel in his pocket looking for someone to share it with.

Will I need a car? Not during the conference. The majority of the people attending this conference say it is like a time warp – you go in Wednesday night and don’t come out till Sunday sometime. And besides, there isn’t likely much need for one, as the action is at the conference.

Hold onto your badge. Your conference badge must be worn around your neck at every official conference event. This includes seminars, Homebrew Expo, Social Club and the Award Ceremony. No badge, no entry, no exceptions.

General Drinking Tips

We know you’re an expert, but bear with us. There will be a lot of beer, do not try to drink it all at once. Seriously, pace yourself. During some of the seminars limited samples are offered, but when you add up what is available from mid-morning until late at night, you don’t want to over indulge at the risk of missing some cool events.

Stay hydrated, drink plenty of water. The conference is not a sprint, it’s not a marathon, it’s Iron Brewer.

Consider it essential reading if you’re a first timer (like me), but it’s a good refresher for veterans as well.