You asked about experiences at other shows, and I did recently attend the Mid-Atlantic show in Virginia, and it was very crowded. It seemed that there were more attendees than in 2008. Lots of great vendors, and many workshops to attend (most were full). And lunch, well, the food is not great, but still a long line. I've only been to two large shows - this one and the one in Pennsylvania, and both have always had great turnouts. I'm not sure what gives in NJ (I lived there most of my life and didn't find that the quilting community was very large - maybe that's the problem). Try the September show in PA- I don't think you'll be disappointed.