For the first time in years I am not very excited about GDC.  I am more eager to attend CTIA and E3 this year.  I think that one’s career status can indicate their trade show interest. 

Fanboys = E3.
Developers = GDC.
Publishers = E3, again. 
Suits = CTIA. 

Back in the day when I was a cub producer, I was most excited about E3.  I watched the web casts, followed Bing’s E3 report, and bought all the game mags covering it.  A few years later, as I became responsible for game development, I drifted toward GDC, and its scrappy independent vibe.  But now that I am a publisher, it is all about E3 again.  But this time it is not for the whizbang of the show floor, but for the dealmakers and partners who will be there.  CTIA is for the Suits.  If CTIA ever becomes my favorite show, please choke me with my tie.