GDC is one of the few events where indie developers, students, big time publishing houses, developers, and tool makers can all co-mingle, congeal, communicate, socialize and not worry too much about being hassled with idol worshipping fans and fawning sycophantic press. Even the parties are tamer.  Where else can Tim Schafer bullshit in a lobby of thousands the day after being the center of attention at an awards show and not be mobbed? Don't say E3 or i'll punch you in your mouth.  

 I just feel like GDC makes everyone equal in a lot of ways  and  I enjoy  its flavor to any other show on the planet.