Not sure where you are in No. CA but the Pacific International Quilt Festival is in October.
https://www.quiltfest.com/activities.asp?id=7
Have not been there, but assume it is like Road to CA in SoCal. Classes, exhibits, vendors, etc. You can see all the new ideas, fads, etc. In the meantime, visit quilt shows, local quilt stores, look at books, magazines, pinterest. It will start the juices flowing, and by the time PIQF comes around, you will be ready to jump into a class or two, buy a kit or some kind of project there.
Forgot to add that there is a show that is once or twice a year:
http://quiltcraftsew.com/
There should be a show near you. A lot of the show is devoted to quilters.