Houston has sampler type classes where you get to see a whole room full of instructors and ideas for several hours. These are great if you can't get what you want. They are usually at the end of the week as well. You spend as much time as you want with each person and see not only new ideas but ways to use your old ones. I wouldn't give up going to a big quilt show just because I can't get in the classes. There are so many other worthwhile things.