The economy of conventions

Con season is in full swing but with the economy still struggling and so many people trying to make ends meet authors and readers have to pick and choose which events they want to spend their hard earned money on.
There are a ton of events that take place each year throughout the US and abroad and narrowing them down to a list of three or four must attend cons is a hard and sometimes impossible task. I try to vary my schedule though several cons hold my attention year after year. With my day job being dissolved in less than a month I am really having to be inventive with my con spending. Trying to get the most bang out of my buck without going overboard.
I'm doing all i can to save on promo materials, travel expenses, lodging, ticket costs, etc... and looking for venues where making a bit of cash is a possibility. I can't afford to go to an event and dig myself into a giant hole of debt so that cuts several of the possibilities off my list.
The really big ticket costs of cons that seem to be more about the party then any educational or promotional value have been scratched off my list. I can party closer to home for a fourth of what those trips would cost me, maybe less.
I'm looking for opportunities that focus on what I write, and what i like to read and offer me a chance to improve and make connections. So far two events fit that profile and are on my must attend list.
GCLS and the first annual EAA convention.

For those of you that enjoy reading quality lesbian stories or writing them and aren't familiar with GCLS... First i have to wonder why NOT??? GCLS (Golden Crown Literary Society) is the group to be a part of if you have any type of interest or association with lesbian literature. They hold a convention once a year with some of the top names in les lit in attendance, plus they are classes, readings, fun get togethers, an author auction I've heard rumors about, LOL and the events culminates with the Goldie Awards. If money holds out I'll definitely be there in Orlando in June for this one. I went last year and I stayed high on the estrogen for months afterwards.
for more info and to purchase your tickets visit:
http://goldencrown.org/annual-conference/

The second event on my must do list is the first annual EAA conference in LAs Vegas this coming September. I'm actually on the advisory committee for this one. Kathleen Bradean just recently took over the reigns of the EAA (Erotic Author's Association) and she has some amazing stuff planned for the first con. For more details, dates and to get your tickets before they are gone check out the Sex in Sin City con info at:
http://eroticauthorsassociation.com/EAA/conference/registration/

http://eroticauthorsassociation.com/EAA/conference/about-the-conference/

I'm also looking at a few local events that i do every year that don't break the bank since they are close by. Here's my question for everyone. What cons have you attended so far this year or plan to attend? Any specific authors/genres you want to meet or see represented?
Beth
www.bethwylde.com