Download the free NAMM app on your smartphone - they've upgraded it this year and it's pretty intuitive. It will tell you where all your favorite builders are, including interactive maps. It might be a good idea to make a list of all the stuff you want to see so you don't forget. You could even plan out your circuit using the app before you go - the show is HUGE. It has four large exhibition halls on the first floor with one on a lower floor. Then upstairs you have the big kids like Fender, Roland/Boss, Peavey, Gibson, Taylor and others with their own large salons.
The food inside the halls is OK, but not fabulous. The gourmet food trucks are better. Don't miss some of the performance venues - there's a large stage near the food trucks, and another stage in an atrium outside the exhibition halls.
Bring ear plugs. Drink plenty of fluids. You'll be doing a lot of walking, so comfy shoes are a must.
You'll probably run into some well-known bass players if you hang around builders like Fodera, Zon, MTD, F Bass, and Lull and amp builders like Bergantino, Aguilar and others. They're usually cool with getting their picture taken with you. In past years I've met Victor Wooten, Nathan and James East, Lee Sklar, Andrew Gouche, Norm Stockton, Tony Levin, Matthew Garrison, Mike Pope, Ed Friedland, Anthony Jackson, Bootsy Collins (with Buckethead), Jeff Berlin, Stu Hamm and probably some others I can't remember. Oh yeah - Fieldy. Don't be afraid to talk to them.
Also, talk to the builders. They're very friendly and approachable - they love to talk about their instruments. Just try to get them when they're not doing business. Anyway, it will wear you out.
