I've been to Road to Calif, Pacific Int'l Q Festival, and the show in Long Beach. All of these are held in large convention centers, hold classes for a full week. I'd recommend taking at least 1 class, but not to the point of loading up your schedule. It can easily be sensory overload, so give yourself plenty of processing time. One advantage to the big shows is comparison shopping. Say you're in the market for a light weight sewing machine to easily take to classes. All the brands will be there. You can comparison shop, make a decision, then go home and buy from your local vendor who will provide training and service support. Make a list of your shopping goals.
The classes are a great way to get a taste of a new technique and fabulous instructors. I've taken classes from instructors to decide who I'd spend 5 days with at Empty Spools or hire for local guild workshops. Since you have a friend there, maybe she can help with supplies, or choose a class that has a supply list package for a fee.
Another advantage is finding fabric that isn't carried in LQS. I'm an art quilter, so I hunt for hand dyes, ethnic fabrics and art fabrics, not mass produced.
Paying is interesting. The vendors are from all across the nation. If using a credit card, the charges appear to be from all over the nation on the same day. Due to credit fraud, my CC company, stopped allowing my card to be used. Back at home, my DH got the call and let me know. It was very embarrassing to retrace my steps and cover those purchases with cash. Anyone out there have a solution for this one?
Most of the quilts are eye candy to be enjoyed and not copied. It's almost intimadating how amazing they are. I've been honored to just get my quilt accepted.
These big shows introduce you to what's happening outside your back yard. Your imagination will go into overdrive. Take a camera.