I wasn't able to get Google I/O tickets this year (Google Wallet...) but I've decided to take a trip down to the Bay area (from Canada) and check out the tech scene anyway, probably in mid-May. I'm graduating in a year, so I'd really like to get first-hand look at some of the startups in the area.

Does anyone have advice on how best to do this? I don't know if this is a common or strange request.

Thanks!