There is a local show here that charges a minimal admission to the shop floor (yes, you have to pay to shop!). That isn't too dreadful, but they have lots of classes and trunk shows too. Those are $50 or so, but that wouldn't be that bad for a national quilter. Then I noticed the fine print: there is an additional $30 charge before you can sign up for any of the classes! Now my $50 class just went to $80! I didn't sign up ;-) I guess if you were going for all 3 days and making a real trip of it (it is held in a resort area), the cost would be more easily amoritized, but I just want one class. Sigh.
Pam