The way it worked last year is i got to site as early as I could, so I could personally greet those that I haven't actually met before. Its always a bit weird doing these things when you know members on here so well, but haven't actually met them in real life, and not everyone is comfortable in these situations, so hopefully you will be greeted by me and I will ask roughly what you want with regards to pitching, show you the area to go and let you get set up in your own time.
Going on last years weekend, people tend to gravitate towards certain groups to chat, then most just came together in the evening for drinks etc. I will hopefully get to chat to everyone and most I've already met before, so those that are new to these things will quickly realise its a relaxed affair and all are made to feel welcome and as involved as they wish.
As for the Thursday, I have two jobs on that day, the last one being in Grimsby, so i will come straight from that job to make sure everything is going OK, but I will have a plan drawn up for the early arrivals, just so they have a rough idea of what's going on.