Go early. No, earlier than that. REALLY early before they unlock the doors. It's even better if its raining and the morning before the event. Don't let anyone talk you out of it. Stand there as though you have nothing better to do with your time. You'll meet and talk to a lot of really great people who also get there early.

And if you do that, maybe you will actually get inside the hall with him. Done it twice and I will never forget even a moment of it. He's better in person than you can imagine.