Okay, let's get do a big post here, then I've gotta go work on other things.
First, editors don't generally want manuscripts at cons. They just don't want to lug them around. In addition, it looks unprofessional to be handing out manuscripts willy-nilly.
Now, I WOULD bring that one copy of Peks. The rule is 'If an editor says it's okay, then it is.' They all SAY they don't want anything, and that's true. However, if you happen to be the one who talked to them for a couple of hours and seemed very professional, then gave them a couple of chapters to read on the ride home, you could very well skip the entire slush pile.
However, don't push too hard on the giving away a physical copy there. What you want to do is get an editor to say 'yes, I'll look at your book,' then send it too them as soon as you get home. It looks more professional, and makes the editor less uncomfortable.
You want to network. Best way to do this, I found? Go ask editors "What advice do you have for a guy who is trying to break into the market?"
Second best questions to ask: "What are you working on right now? Hum, interesting. How did that get sold? Have you bought anything from a new author recently? Really? How did they manage to sell their book?"
You're going to have to get your temerity up and just go walk up to editors (locate them by finding what panels they're going to be on) and ask if you can have a few minutes of their time. If they can't meet you then, ask if you can arrange a meeting a little later. Yes, you'll be annoying them--however, they're not there for the panels and such. They're there to do business, and they will talk to you.
As for Anne Sowards being behind on her slush pile...well, so's everybody else. The trick is to either jump ahead of the 8 month waiting line, or to just stick through it and hope she likes your work. Remember, Moshe took a year and a half to get back to me.
(By the way--to get past that slush pile, the easiest thing to do is get an agent.)