Glenda, I have been to two NALTEA conferences.  First in Clearwater, the second in San Diego.  Both times I left the conference looking forward to the next conference - and seeing many great people once again.

Each conference has offered its own distinct value.  From educational, to business ideas shared, to an entertainment-educational hybrid.  At each, there have been software vendors to demonstrate their products.  I believe ther will be at least one at this year's conference in New Orleans - DSS Software. 

Networking with people with the same goals as yourself, I think, has as much value as any other part of the program.  This year's agenda leaves plenty of time for round table discussions.  Why not initiate the topic that interests you most and see where it leads?  Everyone there will be there because they are serious about their industry.  They will be looking to share ideas with you and hear your ideas in return. 

I intend to go to NALTEA conferences every year that I can.  And another thing.  If you join NALTEA at the conference (and you will not be under any pressure to do so, although several so each year) you will have an opportunity to elect three new board members this year.  Get the organization moving in the direction that you want it to, if it is not already.  One of the board seats up for reelection this year is mine, by the way.  This is a great opportunity to show up and let your will be known!

P.S.  I debated using the exclamation point at the end of the last paragraph.  I am usually not that exciting of a writer.  Hope you liked it.