Tom,

I agree it was worth coming down. I'll probably be there next year too. I think the guerilla showcases are diluting themselves and don't have much effect. I've been part of FARM (folk alliance region midwest) for awhile and we have not allowed guerilla showcases. We don't have an exhibit hall and we try to have an air of cooperation. The midwest has different needs than either coast for finding gigs. My singing partner, Margaret Nelson, and I were showcase artists back when the conference was in Calgary and the whole vibe was different then. There was more networking and jamming after the formal showcase sets ended. This year, there was more activity in the exhibit hall, which I thought was good. As stated before, you have to take these conferences as they are.