Paducah is THE show. That is where the National Quilt Museum is located. The show has prize $$ - Best of Show is $20,000. It is sponsored by AQS American Quilters' Society. Because of the $$, you will see quilts from all over the world entered. If you went to this as your 1st ever show, you would be overwhelmed. Personally, I would find a local guild show. I get more motivated by the quilts I see there. The national shows are more elaborate quilts, lots of bling, heavy quilting. I don't come home from those saying 'I want to mak that quilt.'
http://aqsshows.com/AQSPaducah/