Sean AND Brett......
It's great that you're both going to be there. I just printed my form, etc this week. And, I got a roommie!
Kenny is absolutely correct.
Just think: EVERY year, we travel to a different part of the country. We see wonderful sights, are welcomed into so many member's homes, see their personal collections, etc.
For instance, since I joined The VCCC in 2008, we've been to the "Home of Hoover Appliances", N. canton, Ohio. We've been to Kirby, Filter Queen, etc.. Yes, even "I" set foot in those places. We've been to Chicago twice, Autstin, Texas, Portland, Minneapolis, St. Louis.... had a great time at The Fox Theatre. Last year was fantastic, too. We visited BMX Gary's place as well as countless vacuum shops. WE even were wonderfully welcomed at Stark's museum a few years back, as well as Jon Dufore's home, Jeff Parker's place, Phillip's and Shaylee's, Robert Seger's Barb's and Scott's , Dave Olsen's, Kenny's, etc. W even met the great Ruth Hollander. We were at Houston's and his partners home. People were laughing, eating, enjoying the
pool, etc. Because of the number of attendees, there's no possible way to not host these events at a hotel. Cleaning contests, raffles, games, dinners, etc. THAT's why there is a fee involved. It's proven time and time again to be worth every cent.
Even in spite of adverse comments, (some of us have even been referred to as "queens", isn't THAT ridiculous?.. we persevere, actually thrive.
Look up old posts about The VCCC's conventions. You'll relive past good times as well as become enlightened by what we do, who we are, etc.