So any GenCon advice for a first timer? Any "must see" events?
Two of my favorite events:
Tracy Hickman's Killer Breakfast
It's a comedy show, part gaming, part show. People have a lot of fun with it.
Games on Demand
If you are into indie games at all Games On Demand is very cool. They only accept generic tickets, that means you can't pre-register for it, but it also means it is first come, first serve. I've played and GM'ed previous years and always had a really, really good time.
Hickman's Killer Breakfast. The good news is they run it twice. Technically the Friday version is "last year's" but this isn't episodic stuff, just new flavors of fun, so go to either or both!
Carry a water bottle and refill it at the water stations. They are few, but the water is good.
The food trucks have lines, plan ahead if you are are planning to experience them.
Leave time in your schedule for shopping. We calculated that if you spent 2 minutes at each vendor you'd be there from open to close each day. There are demos in the vendor hall, often of games in Beta.
Visit the DnD area and take a selfie with Lloth. It is the Eiffel Tower of Gencon
If you are around on Monday, hit the zoo. You can go through it in about 4-5 hours at a relaxed pace if you have time. They just built an Orangutan research center I'm jazzed about seeing this year.