Hanging out in the lobby, prior to the convention is not an option.
I spent nearly 30 minutes on the phone with my rep from the Sheraton today.
They will have security to ensure no one is in the lobby the convention portion of the hotel from 9pm to 9am.
However, you are now freely permitted to line up WHENEVER YOU WISH outside of the Convention doors - to the right of them, where the sign directs you. Regular rules for obtaining a wristband still apply.
It took some convincing, so please respect the hotel and it's staff. You are only permitted to wait OUTSIDE the hotel.
Should it be raining, I have also arranged for you to all wait inside - ONCE I arrive. We'll have a section secured for you all inside the convention halls. But, we will deal with that should it happen.
Happy now guys? You can now sleep outside instead of that hotel room you paid for. ;-)
ALSO - Anyone that booked AFTER the cut-off date, your parking should be covered as I cleared that today as well. Just mention it at the front desk, they will be notified to waive the parking fee from your bill Friday night.