When I went to convention in Ohio I left at 10:30 pm (Pacific) the night before. Landed in NC around 5:30 am (Atlantic). Then caught a 9 am flight (tiny, tiny plane), only about an hour flight, to Cincinatti airport, which is in KY. I want to say it was something like a 40 minute drive to the hotel. Then the full day of activities. Sleeping on the plane is the only solution. Plus it's best to keep in mind while HQ would love for all of us to travel in full pin attire looking extra polished, they really just don't want you to look like a scrub when you arrive.
eta: I just realized it's only a 2hr drive to Indian Wells. I could at least drive up for the day if anyone wants to have a GC-SK meet up.