Plan on spending your entire weekend in one big building with tons of crazy pin people.
Last year the Bfst started at 7. We had our bfst then we were able to check out the pins they were putting out on the racks. Lots of stuff from DL, and new rack pins. And bags, t-shirts, mugs, etc... They made money on us.
We purchased the pins and items we were given a "chance to purchase" by being at the Bfst, then around 9 am they let the rest of the gang in. From that point on it was non stop trading, checking out the pins that are to be released, visiting with friends we knew and those we had only talked to on line, and more trading.
Jeff and Lauree had lots of little surprised in store for those who took their chances and wandered out into the 100 degree heat. We had mini meets all over the parks. Make sure you go to his topic titled Around the world in 80 pins and register for all the fun. They had a huge meet last year at the Swan. It is another not to miss event.
And don't forget the map. It was hot, but the CM's were great and seemed really interested in the pins we had on our lanyards. And the pin that was the completer for the August event is one of the prettiest pins they have made in a long time.
You turn in your RSP during the morning, and then at about 2 you wait in line to get the form that says what you are eligible to pruchase.
Then walk over to the other line and wait again. When it is your turn to purchase the pins make sure you check each one out, some were broken or scratched. This year they were much better with the RSP pins and had them pre-packaged so you just went in the line and paid.
Can't wait to meet you and trade some pins. Peggie