I can understand your apprehension.
I have quilted for a VERY long time, but never had the nerve to enter one in a show. Then Janet-Lee (MQX) had posted that they needed some more pantograph entries. So I nervously submitted my pics... and was accepted!!
I didn't win anything, but just getting accepted into a big show like that was thrilling!! And I got some very helpful feedback from the judges.
I'm hoping to enter two next spring... if I get them finished in time!
Once you get past that first entry... it gets easier.
Oh, and since I didn't attend the show in person, I didn't have to listen to "ugly comments".
If you do attend the show, I suggest that you NOT hang around your quilt... unless you enjoy listening to comments ranging from "oh wow!!" to "ewwww!!"