Houston expenses would depend on if you want to take classes. Check the website, read the class booklet, and decide what you want to do. There are a huge number of vendors, a beautiful quilt show and many, many things to do and see. I've been there 3 times in the last 6 years and will probably go again. You can take classes from teachers who are internationally known, rub shoulders with quilt winners and just have a wonderful time. Never been to Paducah but am thinking of going next year. I know it will be a totally different experience as the number of classes offered is considerably fewer, things are more spread out - Houston Quilt Show is all contained in the convention center. I don't think you would regret it - especially since you have a year to decide what experiences you want to have and save for them