Before the Denver Conference I felt much the same way, and in fact about a year ago had a bit of a negative post on the meeting in Scotland, that I did not go to.  

But I did go to the Denver meeting (which cost a bit more than just the entry fee since I live somewhere else).  There was much more to learn than I had thought (some of which then appeared here) and there were people to meet and debate, which changed some of my thinking.  I expect that this will be very much the same, and the papers themselves will be only a part of the value of the meeting.

There are times I go to meetings and sit through very few papers, but I still get a lot from them - in this case I think both will be of value, though we will see.


Thanks - that helps quite a bit, and I might just go ahead and attend.

For me, the only real cost is the entry fee and subway fare.  I live in the area, so no air or hotel would be involved.