Please don't go to GDC. They charge a lot of money when the main benefit is socializing outside the conference and add to that the danger of traveling to the U.S and GDC must end. I have a lot of problems with GDC and how they con attendees and speakers with "it's good for your career" bullshit. I haven't gone in years and won't in the future.
@grumpygamer Counterpoint: the lawn outside GDC is a great place to catch up with other Bay Area locals who you could hypothetically meet up with any day of the year, but don't.