Though I might be more like a Savor guy, that is older and wiser about beer and a need to avoid large rabid crowds, I will be attending my second Great American Beer Fest in Denver a mere two weeks from now. My brother obtained the tickets, and the timing worked out for me. While I attended my first in 2009 with him and cousin Daniel, they both went last year as well. We had some learnings from both.
One learning that I will follow absolutely, including this one, is avoiding the Saturday evening (last) session at all costs. In 2009 we attended the Saturday session (there is one on Saturday afternoon for industry participants, that one I would attend if I could). Our session seemed to bring out all the frat boys who made it a bit crazy. Not the worst part, however, the worst part was that most of the booths were down to the dregs, like a party where it's almost over and the host pulls out the Blatz (no longer Milwaukee's finest!) that has been in the back of the fridge since last Christmas.
Another learning is to make a side trip to Avery, in Boulder, as they pulled out some special brews not to be seen beyond their little brewery pub. And tastings were emphasized, that is small pours for quite little ($2-$3 bucks a pop).
Finally, the session itself is long, 5:30 to 10pm I believe, far too long to be sampling constantly, and this year the organizers have added lots of side sessions (ala Savor) at the pavilions that seem interesting and worthy of attendance. This will be a good break, and allow for better consumption patterns.
All in all, a beer lovers mecca with over 2,200 different beers served, and some swag to boot.
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