Ohai Mark!

Google I/O is around the corner and if you are a first timer worried about the trip and how to make the most out of it, fret not because I got your back.

This quick read is a collection of some tips, suggestions and hacks to get the most out of your trip.

So without any further ado, let’s get started.

Take your printed Ticket over at Immigration (international travellers)

I know this seems like a no brainer, but be sure to get the hard copy of your I/O ticket at the immigration counter along with the printed copy of the stay reservation.

Often folks at immigration can be a bit harsh and it’s a good idea to have these things with you. Have a buffer of 2–3 days before and after I/O

Often there are a lot of social events and gatherings happening the days proceeding and following Google I/O. (especially the 0 day parties hosted by Intel and Netflix)

These are not to be missed as you can meet and interact with a ton of awesome fellow developers here.

You can find a lot of events listed either on meetup.com or eventbrite.com Carry some warm clothes

If you are coming from a tropical country (India and other South Eastern Asia), you will find SF to be quite chilly (specially during night) so it’s a good idea to carry some warm clothes with you. Get a shared hostel instead of AirBnB

Shared hacker hostels are widespread across the entire bay area and offer a lot more over AirBnb or traditional hotel.

You get to meet like minded enthusiasts and tech geeks with whom you can make some long lasting friendships.

You can find some good ones here. Schedule company visits

A lot of tech Unicorns have their offices in the Bay Area, so this is the time to irritate all your contacts and try to get a visit at these companies.

You will get a good idea of the work culture and meet folks working on awesome technologies. Get your I/O badge early!

I can’t insist on this enough, but ARRIVE EARLY ON BADGE PICKUP because if you’re late, you will have to suffer the long queues and the scorching heat of the sun. Lookout for discount coupons for LYFT and UBER

Generally there are some discount coupons active during Google I/O which could come in handy since the price of rides during peak hours is insane! Register for talks from the app

The slots for talks and codelabs are extremely limited and on FCFS basis, so it’s a good idea to get the app and register for them as soon as the registration opens (generally 1–2 days before I/O). Skip few talks and focus on meeting people

Well, not all of them but consider skipping some talks to meet and talk to other attendees.

You never know whom you may stumble into Jake *wink* Wharton *wink*

The talks will be recorded and published on the youtube channel anyways. :) Lookout for special events and codelabs

Keeping in mind the earlier point, there are, however, some events and Codelabs for which there is hardware provided which you may not be able to do later on.

So be sure to not miss out on them.

P.S. some of these codelabs also give away the hardware upon successfully completing the codelab. Get your apps reviewed at the App Review booth

Need personalised feedback on your app/game from Googlers in terms of UI/UX and performance?

Fret not, Google I/O has dedicated counters for the same, look out for App Review in the schedule. Get a Power Bank

Seriously, get it. Get 2 if you can! Send yourself a postcard

Google has a free physical postcard service that allows you to send as many postcards as you want to your friends and family, that too anywhere in the world!

Be sure to check that out during lunch. Meet folks around Community Lounge

You can find people from various GDGs and Googlers relaxing and filming content to share with folks back in their hometown.

This is a great place to meet and interact with people.

So be sure to hang around here and talk with people and who knows, you might be featured in a video or two ;) Bike around!

Google’s Mountain View campus isn’t too far away from Shoreline Amphitheater, so feel free the critically acclaimed Google Bikes to the campus from the venue and back.

They’re a lot of fun!

Bonus

Well, who doesn’t love some Bonus? Certainly not me!