Following the ESA’s decision to revamp E3 (which will probably result in some uncertainty about the new format), I think it is safe to assume that GDC will be the main developer networking/business event of ‘07. Where previously there were two main events at which to meet publishers, this year only one will be meaningful and this will put pressure on developers to ensure they plan properly in order to meet with all the companies they wish to. At every trade show I attend I like to play spot the Muppet. That’s the person who spent money on a flight, hotel and show pass… but didn’t book meetings with the publishers. You will see them hovering around the reception desk at the publishers booth/suite/meeting room while the receptionist consults various schedules, before apologising because everyone is fully booked. They then dejectedly hand over a business card, brochure or demo CD (which will doubtless get lost before it ever reaches the hands of its intended recipient) before wandering off to try again at the next stand.
There are more developers than there are meeting slots at GDC so book early to avoid disappointment.
