I’ve been so busy checking out all the panel descriptions that I haven’t really given any thought to which ones I’d actually be attending. So with the main event looming ever closer and the more experienced showgoers beating it into my head that “preparedness is key to survival,” I suppose it’s time to start laying out my day-to-day schedule.

Here’s my lineup for Monday the 13th:

9:30 AM – Can The Games Industry Learn From Web UX , Ballroom C
Since this panel was on my Top 5 For Gamers list, I’ll definitely be in attendance. The panel will discuss how big name game developers can learn from web developers and make their games less of a chore to play. Hey, EA: you don’t have to start every game you make with a thinly-veiled tutorial stage, you know. And you web-based game designers aren’t getting off easy either–how come every single memorable flash game I’ve ever played involves maiming animals (see: Angry Birds, oldschool Yeti Sports Games)? You guys have some explaining to do.

11:00 AM – Why the FCC Can’t Please Anyone – Net Neutrality Blues, Radisson, Town Lake Ballroom
Balance out gaming fun with panel discussion about the state of net neutrality. This is serious business time, so must be sure to put on serious business face.

12:30 PM – SXSW Newcomer / Veteran Meet Up,  Driskill, Victorian Room
Apparently, meeting new people and getting your name out there is a big part of what makes SXSW so great.  Take some time to meet some new people, network a bit, maybe snag a few quick interviews.

1:15 PM – Head to Fogo De Chao for lunch.

1:27 PM – Eat bag of backpack chips and a handful of Skittles once I remember how expensive Fogo De Chao is, try not to cry.

2:00 pm – Keynote: Felicia Day,  Ballroom D (and simulcast)
They don’t call ’em keynote speakers for nothing, so find a seat in the ballroom (or any of the many locations throughout the convention center where it’ll be simulcast) and learn a bit about independent content creation and makin’ it to the bigtime.

3:30 pm – Secrets Revealed: Exploring the Next Generation Gaming Platform, Austin Convention Center Room 12AB
Continue the gaming theme, but with a more casual, social gaming approach. Learn about some of the tech that will be driving the next generation of online social media games. Wonder if this next generation technology will finally enable the use of Gun Sisters as well as Gun Brothers.

5:00 PM – Hacking Space Exploration: Robots, the Universe and Everything,  Hilton Garden Inn
Get out of my comfort zone and go attend something that’s probably way over my head: Ariel Waldman’s solo presentation about independent citizens building robots and sending them to the moon, discovering galaxies, and all kinds of crazy space stuff.

Evening
More networking / mental preparation for Tuesday.