Reporter's Notebook - The First Morning in WWDCville

by , 5:25 PM EDT, June 10th, 2008

It all started with a flawless, painless United Airlines flight on a B757 from Denver to San Francisco. It was a beautiful, sunny, blue sky day in Denver on Sunday with temps in the 60s (F). I got to the Denver airport early, but didn't need to to. It took all of five minutes to get through the almost non-existent security line.

The TSA security people were relaxed and friendly. Sure, I had to have all my liquids in a small plastic bag, put my shoes and MacBook Pro in a tray for scanning, but the atmosphere was so relaxed that it only took a minute to collect all my things and be on m way.

Sometimes I think the sole purpose of the national news networks is to raise your blood pressure.

When I landed, the weather was equally beautiful, and the cab ride to downtown was fast and easy. I also parted with $42 including a tip. The first thing I did was to go register at Moscone West and get my badge. The lines weren't long, and there was plenty of time to go back to the hotel, unpack, and get ready for dinner at one of my favorite restaurants in San Francisco, Scalas.

Attendee Registration, Sunday about 6:30 PM

Monday Morning

I had originally planned to get in line at 7 AM for a 10 AM keynote. At registration, the Apple staff members suggested that 6 AM might be a much better idea. They were right. I ended up in the main hall, Presidio, at 75% of the way from the front. If I had gotten into line at 7 AM, chances are good that I would have ended up in overflow seating.

The handling of the crowd was very good this year. About 7 AM, a first large group was moved inside to the dining hall and well briefed: restrooms were pointed out, and we were told everyone at this point in the line or farther forward would be guaranteed admittance to the main hall. We were also told that we'd be there for about an hour, then be moved to the second floor where there would be drinks and snacks for breakfast.

All in all, I thought the handling of 5,200 WWDC attendees in line for the keynote this year was well managed, and I had no complaints. Except, of course, setting my iPhone alarm for 5 AM. Ycch.