pouët.net

Any suggestions for what I should be doing/seeing? I'm pretty stoked to go, but I'm not 100% sure what to expect.

Also, what the heck is in saarbrucken? I am totally unfamiliar with that corner of Germany.

expect not to get much sleep. :)

Last year there was a table for people new to the party to hang out together and also a behind the scenes tour. You don't have to hang out at that table if you're new, but most people congregate by their demogroups or sometimes by country (if they aren't correlated), so it's a place to be if you have nowhere else. Alternatively, nobody should turn you down if you find an empty seat and politely ask if you can occupy it. :)

There's a fire ring outside in the yard where the food trucks are at, you'll definitely find someone to talk with there or be able to listen in on some interesting conversation. Just be prepared you might be offered a taste of some kind of interesting booze.

Alternatively, some people bring in their own beer or Club-Mate (you can buy beer, soda, and water at the info desk), and they may take trades for something.

I would definitely stay late at the hall, if you're not sleeping there, at least one night to experience it. There's always after bits on the "second stage" near the info desk. The night shuttle bus runs somewhat late into the night so you can stay a while and yet still bail before it gets too early in the morning.

As to Saarbrucken itself, I myself don't know the extended area super well (what with being a visitor and from the United States myself) but as a repeat visitor who stays at the Hotel Crystal, you can definitely take a walk out of E-Werk past the Rewe, take a right at the garden/outdoor store, and head toward the river. The rail bridge has a pedestrian bridge if you need across the river, otherwise you can head down under the bridge and walk along the river. :)

Make sure not to miss the compos, and check out the schedule so you're in the hall in time to catch the seminars you want. I know I've occasionally missed ones I've wanted to see in the past. They record them, but it's always nicer to be there in person.

Oh, and don't forget to find and say hi to Truck once. He's got a large gray beard and wears a towel around his neck. Hard to miss.

Have fun!

Honestly a reasonable idea might be to hop on IRC and talk a bit to people; that way you can find a few people you can look forward meeting :)

I too would definitely recommend hanging around the bonfire to get to know a few people. A big party like Revision can be quite intimidating, but the bonfire provides a human size cozy area.

In terms of parties, Evoke is a really good one, on a sweet spot between too small and too big, it is affordable, and its party hall is a beautiful piece of building.

Like Starchaser mentioned already, you should definitely take a look at our newcomer mentoring program. There’s tour around the party hall as well as a seminar introducing you to the party and its intranet system. Moreover there will be mentors you can ask questions throughout the party.

Since Revision is rather big, it can get a bit intimidating. But don’t worry, we’re a friendly bunch, you will have no problem to get to know folks. And if you need help, there should be organizers all over the place you can go to (look out for people with turquoise t-shirts or hoodies with revision logo).

Find the Poo-Brain people and they will definitely hook you up with anything you require, be it info, booze, music, brain enhancements, group membership.

I want to repeat, what all the other said here already.

But, I can give you focus on one or two more aspects of a demoscene party. What you really want to enjoy is especially the big-screen, where all the good content will be seen. All this is surrounded by a really, really good music-program. Alone this is something really to enjoy.

Sceners are passionate about what they do, and so are the parties. In the end, we are really nice people.

Expect to be overwhelmed when you enter the hall
Expect to have a great time
Expect to meet loads of new people who are totaly into the same shit as you
Expect to cheer at the big screen
Expect to drink a few
Expect to dance your ass off even if you don't normally dance
Expect to vote!
Expect to feel like crap afterwards and instantly wonder when the next party will be
( and maybe catch a seminar or two )

But yeah if you see the bigass CONSPIRACY banner up front, feel free to ask around for us, we'll be glad to be your first contact point.

Also feel free to stop by the Nectarines, too. We're usually towards the front and on the right as you face the big screen, on the inner aisle side. :) Probably at least one person there available for a chat.

Depending on when you come by I may have some goodies left, if all of my luggage makes it as planned. (This year's general stuff: boxes of two kinds of US candy, and a few engraved bottle openers.)

I think most groups would be quite fine with someone popping by to check them out and get to know people. If you're one of those that likes to arrive early and stands in line before opening on Friday, definitely get to know those around you. I can guarantee nobody in line will be boring.

Ask for a big hug from MIKRON ♥

Expect to feel a big urge to make a prod, i.e. to contribute something.

Expect people to do and say silly things and possibly you doing the same thing in the spur of the moment. Sense of humour may be required. ;)

I seldom see anything besides the party itself in the cities that host them. Might have something to do with the fact that I'm just going to the party, spending time there and leave afterwards. If you have some days prior to the party or afterwards to visit the area that is a whole different story of course.

IRC is the best place to meet people before you visit the party. It could help to see some names fly by so that if you meet someone you might know who they are beforehand. You could also check Slengpung for some pictures. It has a search option as well in case you're wondering who it is you're talking to here or on IRC.

Drawing on my memory of my first time at Revision, some very boring advice:
-Demosceners are extremely friendly
-Check the weather report and get extra blankets onsite if needed (iirc you can do so at the furniture store there in the shopping center or in the megamart where the grocery is, people will take you there with them)
-Go to the store Saturday or you will be sorry, due to Easter it is closed Fri, Sun, and Mon
-You will hang around outside a lot. Plan clothes accordingly
-You will sweat a lot. Also consider this in your clothing choices
-You may booze a lot, be careful not to try and drink as much as the Finns (unless you are a Finn)
-Bringing food or drink from your country to share is a great icebreaker
-What G said about IRC
-Bring earplugs (if sleeping in hall) (they also give them out at front desk)

Looking forward to meeting you!

check out on slengpung how people look. then casually approach them as if you know them for years already, which is probably a better tactic than acting starstruck for both ends of the conversation! :D

this is actually fabulous advice

Also the slengpung advice is good