7. Get a hotel room as early as you can and as close the convention center as you can

Again, this sounds like common sense but you won't believe what difference a couple of blocks can make. Book your room as early as you can, the rooms fill up FAST! If you don't care about getting the convention discount (in which case I'd call you nuts), you can book it any time you like. Otherwise you need to wait till the convention housing program starts, at which time you should immediately book your room. In the even that you don't get a room quick enough, don't totally panic. If you are a social Otaku (yes they exist) then you can usually find individuals looking for a roomate to share a room and split the cost. I'm personally not that adventerous, but many are. This is also nice if you can't afford your own room for the whole stay.