I go to Paducah every year and have been to Houston twice. If I was overseas and had to choose, I would probably choose Houston. The show is in one building (convention center downtown), more hotels, and easy air access. The trade show is the week before and the public show follows. The show is huge and there are so many vendors my head spun.
Paducah is wonderful but for a new person, it is kind of spread out and it helps to be on a bus trip or have someone along who has done it before. Hotels are at a premium!!! ( I share with someone who has a confirmed reservation) and the free bus system is not as comprehensive as in previous years. It can be very crowded at the beginning of the show but on Saturday there is more opportunity to stand and study the quilts. But it is great to shop at Hancocks of Paducah and it is on most of the free shuttle routes. They know how to staff a sale and the store is full.