This i a really interesting thread and the responses are most interesting. I am like many of you and like to go to these events by myself so I can really soak in things that really impress me. I have been known to go on two days-one with friends because I enjoy my quilting friends and the interaction with them as we go as a group through the halls. Then, I go by myself on a second day and "do it my way". I usually don't tell that I have gone a second time. I love the inspiration of the work of others but I also feel quite encouraged about my own skill level. I know that there are many other quilters whose skill level far exceed mine but I see lots of quilts there that are similar to my skill level and I am encouraged. I love quilt blogs and videos to help me. I am always up for new things. I am not very ofter overtaken by desire for quilt tools that do one thing. I am one who loves these shows.