I almost always buy a package of the Clover .4mm thick blue and yellow glass head pins, just to keep a spare package on hand, because they can't be had locally, and they are the most awesome pins. Then I usually end up giving them to a fellow quilter, so need to buy them again at the next big show. I'll also buy specialty rulers and threads which also can't be had locally. I usually don't buy books because they're at full price at shows, and I can get them cheaper elsewhere. As hard as it is to do, hit the vendors before looking at the quilts. The quilts will still be there later, but the vendors may sell out of something you need.