I used to work for a large chain music store. When I first started with them, we had a large multi -booth setup at TBA, that we kept through TODA and TCDA. At that time the three conventions were back-to-back days, so we were there exhibiting for 10 days or so. The expense of multiple sales people in hotels and expense accounts had to be huge. The conventions combined somewhere around 2015, which made things easier for exhibitors, but even still everything has dwindled. Attendance is down across the board and the exhibit hall is a ghost town. My former employer has a couple of spaces with a skeleton crew of sales staff.

For me personally, I can't justify the expense of two conventions during the year. The registration cost is minimal compared to the travel, hotels, meals, and my district pays nothing. If I'm picking one it's the big one at the time of year when I really need a break to recharge. Next week I'll be clinging to the last of my summer break as I finalize plans for summer band that starts the week after.