I know, I know. DrupalCon San Francisco 2010 is still over two months away, but I'm already starting to lose sleep from excitement. Most of the toys I got for Christmas are broken, all my New Years resolutions have fallen by the way side, and really, DrupalCon is all I have left. For those of you who have never attended a DrupalCon, this list will disperse the fog of confusion clouding your decision whether or not to attend. If you've been before, already purchased your ticket, and have your bags packed, then add to my list in a comment below. Because, just like my tooth brush last year in DC, I'm sure I forgot something. Without further ado, here are the seven best things about DrupalCon:

1. Something for Everyone

Oh so cliche, but oh so true. Whether you're a newb who hasn't even installed Drupal yet, or a seasoned vet who wears DrupalCon badges like mink pelts around your waist, there are sessions to be had, information to learn, and knowledge to share. Even us marketing and sales types get immense benefit out of the week's activities (and I'm not just talking about the pub crawls). The general flow and wealth of knowledge is utterly amazing. If you're a friend, spouse, child etc. of a Drupal person, then no worries, there's a group for that too (Check the DrupalCon forums and the Drupalgangers Group for more info).

2. Community

Why does knowledge flow like milk and honey at DrupalCon? Because the community is awesome. Ask any question about why Drupal rocks and one answer sums it up: Community. If I talk anymore about it, I might tarnish it's reputation so I'll leave it at this: Community is one of the best things at DrupalCon.

3.Diversity

There's a buzzword. Webster's defines it as the inclusion of diverse people (as people of different races or cultures) in a group or organization. They've got it almost right. Add different skill sets, backgrounds, perspectives, goals, cool t-shirts and you're almost there. Take the expanded definition, add a sprinkle of "how can i benefit everyone I come in contact with", and a dash of "I want to learn through your experiences" and you've got Drupal diversity just about right.

4. T-Shirts

Anything 'techy' and t-shirts are practically synonymous. My personal favorites are the Volacci Drupal 6 Cheat Shirt (for obvious reasons), and the Acquia "free as in beer, free as in speech" design.

5. After-Parties

Who new this group of open source fanatics knew how to have fun?! Although, after talking code all day, who wouldn't want to cut loose and throw a few cold ones back? Look for the Volacci party in San Francisco. I hear it's gonna be epic!

6. IRL

(That's "In Real Life" in case you didn't know) Although IRC is the day-to-day playground for many, it's really not enough. DrupalCon is the yearly Mecca for most of us, and there's something special about seeing the Drupal community live and in action that just doesn't come through on the album.

7. Exotic Locations

This ain't your grandma's house, son! Boston, DC, Paris, San Francisco, Cabo, Austin. (Ok, so I made up the last two) Who doesn't enjoy a little travel to some of the best cities in the world? It definitely makes it easier to bring the Mrs. along, and who wants to go to Vegas every year?

Those are the seven things we like best about DrupalCon, but what are yours? If you're going to San Fran for DrupalCon 2010, make sure to look us up. We'll be announcing details of the Volacci party and other cool stuff as the details are finalized, so check back soon!

-@joshdward