Welcome,  It's sort of like a club meeting with 800 members. First, if you haven't already, reserve a seat at the banquet. If you know where some of your friends are sitting you can try to get one of those tables. If not just pick one and make some new friends. 

Check the website for things going on:

Pick the presentations you want to see .. plan ahead.  I'll be at the TX3X show.

There's a Vendor area where you can view and drool over the latest radios and gizmos. Some give away freebies like hats. This conflicts with the presentations, so pick and choose. 

I don't see it yet, but there is usually a contest dinner Friday organized by WK6I. That's always fun. There are other things as well. The "Top Band" dinner is on the schedule. Might also be an IOTA dinner. Those are all separate things not included in the convention so be prepared to shell out a few more $$.

Fri and Sat have "Attitude Adjustment Hour" but you'll need to buy drink tickets up front or bum one from a friend. It's another good opportunity for social activities.

Sat breakfast is on your own. Sat lunch is a BBQ at the convention included in the convention assuming you paid for food (optional). After the evening banquet (be prepared for very boring awards, raffle, etc.) be sure to drop by the NCCC beer bust. It used to be in someone's private room and spilling into the hallways until the police show up, but in the past few years it's been quasi-sanctioned. Actual location is by word of mouth so ask around. 

The Sat banquet used to be a suit & tie thing. Some still do. You're on your own in that department.

Sun morning is first come first served breakfast in the banquet hall. Pick any seat, any table. Get there early for a good seat, but then be prepared to wait. Another good opportunity to meet new friends. The prize drawings and other stuff can be rather boring, but I'm looking forward to Paul's talk about the VP8 trip. It's all over before noon and everyone heads to their cars for home. 

Aloha,  Alan  AD6E / KH6TU