I live near Houston and will stay with DD to attend every day of the show. If you get to attend Preview night it is fun to see the quilts that won the large $5000, $7500 and even $10,000 cash prizes. That evening seems to be the best time to see the creators with their quilts. I always enjoy listening to them answer questions and talk about their work. I asked one winner with a fabulous quilt if she expected to win and she said she entered it the year before and it had not even been juried into the show.
I have spent days at the show alone and enjoy those days too. You can look and shop without being rushed or delayed by a friend's preferences. Anything can happen anywhere but I do not worry about using my credit cards. I have done it for many years without any problem. I do often get a call from my credit card company because of the different charges from so many different places. When I warned them this year to expect the charges they assured me that I can call and have the hold released if it were to happen.
There is usually a ' Meet the Teachers" area somewhere in the back of the exhibit side of the show. They have a schedule you can pick up. Different teachers give thirty minute talks about their techniques or special products. It is a good chance to sit down, is free, and is informative.
Houston's Quilt Festival is a marvelous experience and I look forward to it from one year to the next.