I very much enjoy the fact that Vegas and FL are spaced out by half a year with Phx thrown in to the mix.

It's definitely the time in between shows that makes the shows themselves most valuable for me. Meeting people at these shows and then continuing correspondence with them from then on and until the next one, getting a chance to meet face to face with clients and contacts I talk to on the phone, via email and IM and on the boards and catch up, assigning faces to names. It's all great.

Not to mention the fact that they're just flat out fun. I love going to these shows. As far behind as it gets me with work as stuff piles up on my desk for days while I'm out of town, it's a great relief to go to these. A change of pace and venue. New names and faces. The prospect of new contracts, new clients and new opportunities. It helps break up the year with things worth looking forward to.