n00b

To answer your questions:

1) Most use either self sealing laminate, or laminating machines on their printed badges. It pretty much assures the survivability of your badge, and makes attaching it a lot easier.

2) YES. I can't count the number of times I've had difficulty finding someone. My recommendation is a cell phone. Even if it's a cheap Pay as you go phone. I use Tracfone personally. Just remember that it's a tracking aid, and not a landline... minutes are not easy to come by. For about sixty bucks, plus tax, you would have a phone that could be used for the tracking of your friends with about 100 minutes of airtime. Of course, this is all moot if you already have a cell phone.

3) Yes again. Dealers Room, Artist Alley, Art Show, Panels, pretty much everything can conspire to seperate you from your friends. If you really want to make sure you are not seperated for long, make arrangements to meet outside the rooms when you are done. It may entail a bit of a wait, but other than the phone idea, is the easiest way to keep your wandering group together.

4) Camcorders are perfectly fine. Just remember that everyone may not be willing to appear on film, and ask before filming individuals.

5) The David L. Lawrence Convention center closes at 2 AM. There are several rooms in the Westin itself that are 24/7 rooms, including the Zoo, I believe the Internet room, etc... You do not need a room at the Westin to have access to these rooms, that's what your con membership is for.

Make sure to fill out the Parental Permission Form if you will be under 18 when the con rolls around, and one for your significant other if needed.

Also, check out the enntries Here for more useful information.

If you remember any of your other questions, feel free to ask!

2. Is it usually difficult to find people once you get there, even if you have a meeting-spot? Would it be easier to meet up somewhere nearby rather than at the entrance itself?

Oh yes. We recommend meeting anywhere BUT the main entrance of the Westin, since there will be a steady stream of people coming and going through there.

Someone else suggested getting a cellphone, and that's a good idea.

If you want to be really geeky about it, you could always get a ham radio license and encourage your friends to do the same. I've used ham radios before to locate furries at conventions, and it's always fun.

5. I read up on hours of operation and commuting. So the actual center closes around 2AM and an area around a local hotel is open 24/7. (I think that's what was said, at least.) Then do you have to be guest at the hotel(renting a room) to gain access to the 24/7 place?

Actually, the convention center closes at 2:30 AM. Close enough, though.

The public areas of the con (i.e. the first 3 floors of the Westin) are open 24/7 and you are allowed to be in them as long as you have a conbadge. A room at the Westin is not necessary.