I am posting this from the convention center auditorium, where a large crew has assembled to fine-tune tomorrow's keynote session. One big change this year, the keynote is not the first session of the day, it's been pushed back to 10:30 (I suspect that the allure of nearby Bourbon Street had something to do with that decision).
 Registration is busy, lots of folks are already attending pre-conference sessions, the welcome reception is about to start, and the buzz can already be felt.
 This is going to be an intense (and tiring) 3 days!