Well, after my second trip to the exhausting, but always super cool CES, I've learned even more survival lessons the hard way.  After making several mistakes the first time around (such as wearing dress shoes) I thought, arrogantly and inaccurately, that I had it made this year.  

Following the advice of CES veterans Jeremy Toeman and Dave Zatz, I packed comfortable clothes, hand lotion, chap stick, and even bought new (nice and squishy name brand cross trainer) shoes.  However, even that wasn't enough to ensure an entirely comfortable trip.  Here are some other tips I'd like to offer that might help you survive the CES jungle.

1.  Comfortable shoes might not be enough.

Even though I purchased soft, comfortable cross trainers for the trip, I still ended up with painful callouses/blisters by the end of the journey, making even slow walking painful.  I think the metaphor I used was "it was like sticking a drywall scraper in the back of my heels with every step."  So yeah, it sucked.  The worst part is that due to frequent workouts, my muscles didn't hurt at all, yet near the end I had to wobble like a hobbit.  In other words, even if you have comfortable well-fitting shoes, consider getting some gel insoles or heel supports.

2.  Take vitamins.

To assist in preventing the often-experienced post-conference plague, healthy doses of vitamins (aside from being good for you anyway) can help.  I recommend a good multi, B complex, E, and C.

3.  Eat healthy, non-greasy foods.

There's lots of reasons for this - personal comfort (read into that as you will,) energy levels, and getting the vitamins/nutrients you need to keep going on minimal sleep and maximum effort.

4.  BYOB - Bring your own beverages.

Jeremy recommends in his post to always stay hydrated, an excellent recommendation.  Not to undercut the businesses selling liquid refreshment, but next year, I think I'll pack several bottles of water and Gatorade.  Remember, you are in the middle of the desert - good luck finding a drinking fountain ANYWHERE.  Plus, unless you're at the Denny's on the strip close to Harrah's (which sells water for $.99) you'll pay like $3.50 for a bottle... robbery!

5.  Scope out free sources of caffeine.

Lots of companies this year were offering free coffee, including HTC, which had *the best* booth ever, which excellent tasting espresso and coffee, freshly made by a legion of baristas.  We visited every single morning after getting off the monorail.  Doing this will keep you energized for free, without wasting precious time standing in the outrageous lines at the food purveyors at the show.  Plus, you won't pay $3-6 for a single caffeinated beverage. 

6.  Get a mobile charging device.

If you're an iPhone or other smartphone junkie, trust me, you'll run out of juice.  Especially if you're taking photos, tweeting, checking email, making posts, etc.  There's lots of solutions for this, like the brand new Sparq by Zagg.

7.  Enter contests.

I agree with Jeremy that swag should generally be avoided, as it's often quite wasteful... seriously, you don't need another can koozie, do you?  However, lots of booths run drawings or contests to win free gear.  Why not take a second to win something new and cool?

8.  Bring gum or mints.

Self explanatory.  Seriously, do everyone a favor and do this.  Especially if you're a coffee junkie like me.  Next to my wallet, watch, iPhone, keys, and glasses - I *always* carry gum or mints.  This is even more important if you're pitching companies or manning a booth.

That's all I can think of for now.  There are innumerable ways to make your trip to CES easier and more comfortable - please post if you have any comments on mine or have any to add! 

Thanks to Dave Zatz and Jeremy Toeman for the great tips and inspiration for this post.