TechWave offers many enjoyable aspects - from classes to vendor contests to free booze. TechWave can really be a lot of fun. However, as in all things, it's just as well to make some concessions to moderation. When it's clear that you can't get what you want from a vendor or a technician or a teacher, or even from Shamu, then you're in real trouble.

1. Avoid getting drunk. Vendors will ply you with wine and spirits and then take advantage of you. Also remember, no means no. You vendors have to respect us drinking observers. If you're trying to close a deal and customers are saying no, you have a moral obligation to send them on their way. Also, be careful riding the shuttle buses drunk - Mothers Against Drunk Commuters may get sticky. In addition, it's possible you could miss your stop and end up riding around in loops. This isn't how you want to spend your time.

2. Remember that the emotional sale can send you home to the bank examiners and the emptied-out college fund...too many books, too many tools, too many great software packages....

3. In theory, you shouldn't get too sunburned during the days of the conference. If your intention is to spend more time at the beach than at the conference, you need a good strong sunblock or you may have to do some fast talking when you get back home.

4. Make a dry run of where your classes are so you don't wander around aimlessly. Some classes will be in more than one building, so find your way around and help yourself show up on time. If you get the road map down before your first day, you'll know just where to go.

5. Make sure you go to your first class early that first day. Those long-term morning classes have specifically counted numbers, and if you're not there early you may not get a manual or reading materials for the week. Several times I've witnessed those who didn't get there early go without a manual.

6. Take advantage of the fact that you'll have no better opportunity to get the inside scoop from Sybase. Techs, engineers, architects, coders, and writers will all want to show you the latest buzz. And let the techs in the Sybase bullpen area take a look at your latest coding boggle.

7. Ask questions. The teachers are there to do just that - teach. What it comes down to is, you are the target, their whole reason for getting up the morning of the conference. So don't be shy about making your presence known and picking their brains. There are no stupid questions.

8. If you get into a yo-yo contest, a karaoke showdown, or just some good old-fashioned arm wrestling, spend a few minutes and listen carefully to the presentations. You can often turn up a gold mine to help you with your apps. There are some wonderful tools that you've probably had no contact with at all.

9. If you're a PowerBuilder Users Group president, or interested in starting a group, talk to Sybase about it. And don't miss the presidents meeting. It's a good chance to hear what vision Sybase has for their excellent users group program, or to find out what's involved in getting one going.

10. Above all else, remember to accost John Olson and ask him as many questions about the publishing business as possible. And get your free issue of PowerBuilder Developer's Journal.

Have a great time in San Diego. You'll find a number of opportunities for both education and entertainment. You can network with fellow developers, make business contacts, find the tool you need to help your company do its job more efficiently...or just relax for a few days. Whatever it is that you're looking for technically, you'll find, and San Diego is a fine place to relax and enjoy the sun.