I'm an untrained eye when it comes to quilting since I just started and I hope my first one will turn out better or I might just send it there, too. :P
As for shows, like any other art and craft, one has to do research to be sure they are submitting their piece(s) to a credible gallery. However, one cannot shoot for the star right off and lesser gallery or high risk galleries are sometimes a place to start perhaps even including a worst quilt contest. :)