I belong to a guild (20 or less members) & love it - so much so that since I relocated a year ago, I travel a hour to get there (how crazy is that!) We always have a group quilt in some stage of construction, do a challenge every year, have mini lessons at meetings, quilt for charities, share projects & tips, bounce ideas off one another ....
The guild where I now live is quite large from what I hear so I never went - small groups fit me well. Cost is minimal - 15/yr. & we get State Newletter, VIP discount from JoAnn's, materials for group projects and friendship. One of our members is a longarm quilter & she gives us 10% discount.