My biggest advice to you if you want to take a class is....SIGN UP AS SOON AS YOU CAN!! All the classes fill up quickly!
I was there for the entire show last year. Went to the preview also. Needed all that time so we could look around and take everything in. We did the vendors first, then on to the quilts. The vendors, since there are a TON, along with demonstrations took pretty much the entire time. We saved one day for the quilts, which gave us plenty of time for that. Many of the quilts, you couldn't take pictures of, so that made it go quicker. Couldn't stand and gander for a long time at one to get "the best" picture.
Take cash, along with credit card. There were a couple booths that only took cash, which was odd, but that's ok.
They do have a package check for $1. And, each time you go back to it, it'll cost you $1. I think that's pretty reasonable.
The bags sold out by the end of Saturday, if I'm not mistaken. So, if you are wanting a Houston bag, I suggest that you get it right away.
Look thru the list of vendors for ones that you REALLY want to see. Map out a plan. That way, you aren't crisscrossing all over the place. The convention center is huge and like MTS said...you will be exhausted by the end of the day.
One place if you want to check out is a nice wine shop/restaurant. It's called Corksoakers. It's at the back of the Convention Center, about a 5 min walk. She has wonderful wines and you can also get food there. Nice place to sit and relax and chat with friends, old and new. I'll be honest...we were there EVERY night! She had buy one/get one free coupons and they also have a free shuttle that will take you back to your hotel. If the shuttle is done for the night, they will call you a cab. Cab will cost no more than a few dollars depending on where your hotel is.