Oh, go if it is at all possible! I traveled from MA, spent money for a fancy hotel room, etc. so yeah for me it was pricey. Take time seeing all the quilts, it is really too much to take in all at once. It was amazing to see so many quilts, of every type imaginable.
I was there for a week, took GREAT classes and the vendors are wonderful. I did not buy much, (flying limits that!) but just to see all the new stuff and try out machines, etc, is awesome. And Houston itself is a really nice city, it was my first time in TX and I really enjoyed it. My niece lives there and was able to show me around, which was great.
I plan to go again in 2 or 3 years, I learned so much and had such a great time. You can spend as much or as little as you want. The classes were no more expensive than those at my LQS, with nationally known teachers. I would bring lunch, the food offerings were very limited IMHO, and not for those who are at all concerned with healthy eating!