I work for the Guild, so if you suspect I might be prejudiced that's fine. Aside from seeing some of the most amazing instrument work there is, you'll likely see luthiers working at a lesser degree of perfection who are just as proud of their work as the top shelf guys (and girls). This confused me during my first couple of conventions. During this "golden age" the bar has been set very high and climbs higher each year. The "lesser talents" may be just as skilled as the others but have decided for their own reasons not to compete in the chase. This was pretty mind-opening for me. After decades of working in the high end field I had already decided that musical equipment just isn't worth big money or great effort. If I won the lottery I wouldn't buy collectable instruments or high-end one-offs. I just wouldn't. Sorry.
The pressure to do immaculate repair work finally made me quit that field, too. Instruments are just artifacts that travel the same time line as humans, and if they suffer and finally die like humans its fine with me. Also, I am solitary, untalkative, and like to read in my room after the convention day ceases.
HOWEVER, if you are gregarious, talkative, enjoy some night life with kindred souls, and have a wide interest in lutherie in general, you may find that the convention is a life changing experience. You will likely return home with renewed enthusiasm, a brain full of new ideas, and the confidence that you can accomplish whatever it is you wish to do in the field of making stringed instruments. Its that powerful. But you'll have to hang out awhile to pick up all that. Just gazing the tables and leaving won't work. At least, I don't think so.
