Be prepared for a sensory overload and keep your expectations low.   The International conference draws a huge crowd and everyone is spread out between hotels.   Never attend a conference with the intention of getting bookings - if you do, that is gravy. It is a networking event and you will hear and share a lot of information that can be important to the direction you are taking your music and career.

The Folk Alliance appears to have a focus on singer-songwriters, and my feeling is that is because singer-songwriters are much better organized and see a greater need for working as an industry. There is a lot of moaning that traditional music gets the short end, but there have been few attempts to create any grassroots efforts by traditionalists to promote themselves.   I understand that there will be an event at this years FA that is being put together by Andy Cohen that looks very promising.

Everyone should realize that the Folk Alliance is meant to be an organization of members. Do not expect the Folk Alliance to do things for you - what you get out of it will be what you put into it. Like any organization, the Folk Alliance has internal issues - but I feel they work out most of them - only if the membership participates.

I find that the Folk Alliance is a wonderful organization if you have the right frame of mind.   I'm sure others will post notes about their issues - and many are legitimate.   At the end of the day, this is an "industry" conference and it is of great value to many people. As a radio host and a presenter I find the experience of great value - just for the couple of gems I get an opportunity to discover.