Since you seem to be swamped at work, your quilting should be something that you enjoy 150% or you won't have fun doing it and you NEED to have fun. So spend a little extra time on the Internet and find something that speaks to you. I know you want to do something that might WOW everyone at the show but I think you can WOW them and have fun at the same time.
Personally, if I had the skills to do anytihng, I would go for modern and bright but that's what I like. I also like to see a nice combination of things.