Oh Barb, that sounds like a wonderfully fun trip! I'm not sure if I am more envious of the pleasures of the Quilt Shows, or the companionship you had. My mom passed many years ago. She was not a crafty person, would have loved to share quilting with her.
A local Guild (other than mine) had a Show last weekend. I brought along my son's mother-in-law. It was her first show, and she was so impressed and really enjoyed it. She sews, and does lots of crafty things, but asked me to teach her how to quilt. Whoo hoo - love it!
AQS had a show in Syracuse, NY that I went to a few years ago. Just amazing. I still have my special pin, too! And an AQS bag. They were selling Quilting books for $5 - I bought so many that I could hardly carry them out!
I wish they would have remained, or will return to Syracuse. I heard that the turn out was not as expected.