There's a
Unofficial Guide to BotCon thread over in Transformers General Discussion. I've never been to one myself, would like to, so I can't answer any questions about locations. I can however answer the ones about toys:
Each year, there's a BotCon boxset which has 5 toys, an Attendee-Only figure which you can only pick up in person (you
have to be there, hence Attendee-only), and 2 to 3 Souvenir Sets. Usually, one is a Troop Builder, think the 2005 Virulent Clones, 2009 Sweeps or 2010 Sharkticons.
The Boxset has to be paid in advance, but it's included in the total package when preregistering (Walk-ins get nothing). You simply pick it up, along with the Attendee-Only figure (which is free). Save money for the Souvenir Sets, as they're sold separately at the booths and can go
fast.
The Dealer Rooms are the heart of any convention, so you can find Transformers of all ages, even G1. Some guests, including members of this board, have little gettogethers in their hotel rooms for selling and trades as well. Be sure to make arrangements!
The display cases show the toys currently in stores, as well as upcoming lines. Most will be old news by then though, Toy Fair 2011 is coming up, and DotM toys with it. Still, given the chance, give them a lookieloo and see what you think. Mind you they're finished product. If you're lucky, maybe the G1 Unicron prototype will show up again this year.
O, a final warning for you: in the past the waiting lines have been known to be
disastrously long. Can't speak from personal experience, but I've seen Black Friday lines, and trust me, they come pretty close.
The resident Rewind... well, half of one

- Jelze Bunnycat =:3
Looking for:
- TR Furos (Hardhead's head) and Crashbash (lost him

)
- PotP Punch head
- TR Galvatron right arm (the gun one)
- CW Brake-Neck/UW Wildrider, CW Offroad
- TR Twinferno & Grotusque
- Greenlight, Lancer and PotP Elita-1
- Legacy Core Slug, Sludge & Snarl