Venice carnival: tips appreciated

In around 10 days' time I'm flying out to Venice for the annual Carnival. I'm taking my Oly E-M5, 12-35 and 35-100 Lumixes, 12 and 60mm Zuikos and half a dozen memory cards. I'd appreciate advice and inspiration from those who've photographed the event before. For instance, where should I be and when to capture people in the best masks and costumes? How co-operative are the participants toward photographers? Are there any tips I should follow to get shots that are something other than the touristy norm? For instance I like the idea of shots at dusk or panning at a slow shutter speed to get a sense of movement, but if anyone has other ideas to inspire me, I'd appreciate them :-).