Hey Eric! First thing is to remain CALM! From my experience at a recent convention, most people will be willing to let you take pics of them... and will expect it (knowing its a holiday kind of event). From what I hear, the Phili area is going to be MOBBED with all the LIVE 8 stuff goin on this Holiday Weekend! You may end up capturing some pretty famous people invite to this shindig! I would definitely practice with your camera and builtin flash before hand, since you stated you haven't really used it that much! (GET TO KNOW IT WELL!) Sounds like you will be taking photos at night, so you'll need it most of the time! One thing to check that white balance setting if the ship has a variety of lighting (and using flash) can sometime screw with the sensor! ALSO...make sure you have plenty of BATTERIES!!! Using the flash will eat up battery life faster (MORE THAN NORMAL). Oh and bring extra memory cards too! Another suggestion would be to use AE mode or AUTO...messin around with manual settings may NOT be the best way to go in this instance! Better to get the shots that not...Y'now what I mean! Finally go to the ship beforehand and get to know the surrounding and area you'll be workin in! Find good vantage points that will work in your favor! Good LUCK! Joe