I went many years ago and I agree - it is overwhelming but in a really good way. I went by myself but met up with someone and we walked much of it in 5 hours. I liked the company but also didn't mind the remaining hours by myself because I had so many things I wanted to see.
I went as a calligrapher looking for stationery options for wedding goods but also to get ideas and be inspired. And boy, was I. I had so many ideas I spent the entire 5 hour drive home drawing and writing things down in my sketch book. I still have that and to this day refer back to it!
Find a giveaway bag early on and then use that to collect "goodies" from vendors. I tried not to take anything I wasn't really interested in because everything adds up and my bag was loaded by the time I left. Plus I didn't want to take from vendors stash if it wasn't useful for me (or them).
As I said, I walked for over 5 hours straight so go well rested and perhaps do some walking in the weeks before. It was a serious work out! I lost 5 pounds!
Just a little tip... back then there weren't many (hardly any) calligraphers in attendance. I have loose lips anyway and was talking up some ideas I had with a couple vendors. The next year one of the vendors used one of my ideas ... without me! So just be cognizant of the fact it is an industry show and everyone there is in business of some type or another.
Overall - you should have a blast!
