After carefully assessing the 1,600 or so exhibitors, 200-plus seminars, scores of special events, and factoring in the unpredictable, I plan to be overwhelmed and exhausted. Comfortable shoes are recommended, but with 42 acres of exhibits, I think track shoes will work best.

Colin Powell is the Opening Ceremony keynote speaker, and I expect the General to provide some valuable insight for my rapid assault on the vast spaces of the Orange County Convention Center. My daily blogs on HGTVPro.com will, I hope, convey the true sense of attending this massive show.

I’ll cover the floor exhibits, ask penetrating questions of marketers, and report on seminars about construction codes and customer service. And if necessary, I’ll even evaluate Friday’s lunch in the pressroom courtesy of Marvin—assuming that I can eat it on the run.