There's a Mid-Atlantic Quilt show held every year in Hampton Va. Don't know how it compares to other shows. It has about 150 quilts and as many vendors. It cost under $20 to get in and each class between $35-75 plus materials. It's a 3 day event. I go 1 or 2 days. How much you want to spend depends on you. I budget what I won't go over.
I love the show. If you have the chance, go to a show just stick within a budget that you can live with.