[john f]

Last year was my first GABF.

For this year as a member I have the option to go on the members only day.

What's the difference in sessions? Do you strongly recommend one over the other?

With only experience in the general admission day I have no idea what if any differences there are. Secondly if the members only day is preferred how fast does it normally sell out? We have a party of 4 and with only 2 tickets per member is it a crazy fast sell out like a concert like sold out in an hour with ticketmaster freezing and hanging up where getting 4 tickets could be a problem or does it sell out in a couple days?

If there isn't anything to gain on members only day can we buy general admission tickets during the pre sale? Might be the easiest option to just grab 4 tickets to gen admission but not if there is something cooler at members only session.

What are your thoughts on ticket selection? 

[dbeechum]

My preferences for GABF will always be: Saturday Afternoon (aka Member's Session) and Thursday Evening.

[punatic]

Members Only is the awards ceremony.  Definitely the best session, IMHO.

[nimbleprop]

Like many, I've been locked out of the Saturday members only session.  In light of this, which is a better bet; Friday night or Saturday night?

[bmacpiper]

@john f--the Saturday members only session is better in many ways.
--fewer drunk college students with no appreciation of craft beer
--lots of beer savvy people who like to talk beer
--more brewery reps to discuss beers with
--a tasting glass made of glass
--awards ceremony
--better giveaways
--more fun crowd with better costumes
--it seems like there are more big shots too--we have run into everyone from Jim Koch to Charlie P. to Michael Jackson over the years. Haven't had many experiences like that at the general sessions, though a few.

Unfortunately, sold out for this year.

bmc

[nimbleprop]

So.... if I can't go Saturday afternoon then should I go Friday night or Saturday night?

[punatic]

So.... if I can't go Saturday afternoon then should I go Friday night or Saturday night?

Take off from work on Friday and go to the Thursday night session.  Lots of beer, fewer people, and no crowds around the winners' booths. (winners have not been awarded yet).

[udubdawg]

So.... if I can't go Saturday afternoon then should I go Friday night or Saturday night?

Take off from work on Friday and go to the Thursday night session.  Lots of beer, fewer people, and no crowds around the winners' booths. (winners have not been awarded yet).

+1
I still always get members-only so I can run around Saturday afternoon to taste the winners before they run out but generally Thursday is my favorite session at this point.