Google I/O registration opens at 4PM Pacific today — here’s everything you need to know

In case you haven’t already circled your calendar three times over, here’s a reminder: Google I/O registration begins today. It starts at 4PM Pacific, to be exact, so you have a bit of time to get your ducks in a row. Here’s everything you’ll need to know before the floodgates open:

• It’s not a rat race. Registration is open for four days, after which Google will randomly select attendees until they run out of tickets. Register, cross your fingers and wish for luck, because that’s the only thing you can do for a chance at a spot.
• Tickets will be $900 for general admittance, but students get in for a mere $300.
• You will need to sign in and register using your Google+ account, so be sure to make one if you haven’t already (and make sure your profile information is accurate).
• Also be sure to get your Google Wallet account hooked up with accurate payment information, because that’s what you’ll be using to pay for your ticket if you’re lucky enough to be chosen. Google will be doing a pre-authorization now to confirm your account, but won’t be charging you the full cost of the ticket until after the registration window closes (and only if you are eventually selected to attend).
• Your ticket can’t be transferred to anyone else once you get it, so don’t use extra accounts with fake names, and don’t expect a buddy to be able to get you a ticket if you’re unlucky.
• Tickets can be refunded in full until June 1st.
• Don’t forget your photo ID at the venue — you’ll need it for your event badge.

And that’s that. These rules are in place to make sure everyone gets a fair shot to go, and to make sure people are only signing up if they are prepared to actually go. If you have the money, the time, and the will then you’ll want to be sure to check the I/O site starting at 4PM Pacific. Registration goes on until this Friday, April 18th, so you’ll have a few days to decide if you can make the trip or not.

[via Google]