So, who's going to Gearfest in Fort Wayne next month?  I realize its a minor event relative to some in the industry, but Craig is going to be there along with a bunch of manufacturers and other presenters.
 
I am looking forward to it.

I live an hour and a half away in South Bend, but I have yet to go to a Gearfest. Pathetic, right?

I am in Lafayette, In.  A little over 2 hours away for me. This will be my 4th Gearfest.  It's a good time.

I stumbled on this event a few years ago.  I was driving down to Bloomington and decided to stop in, not knowing this was going on.  Couldn't stay long, but the couple hours I spent perusing the booths was cool.

This sounds like a drugs festival! ;)

We will be there and have some fun things planned.

dwardzala
I realize its a minor event relative to some in the industry

It's actually not so minor any more. I think they had something like 6,000 people last year...at the rate GearFest has been growing, it will start hitting Summer NAMM numbers in less than a decade.
 
Sweetwater puts a huge emphasis on educational seminars and workshops, so for those who haven't been, it's about a lot more than just the specials on gear and such. It's also a great place to make connections and meet people. I always look forward to going.

I really, really want to go both Friday and Saturday this year and listen to both of Craig's talks but unfortunately, I don't think I am going at all this year. I went the previous two years. It is a lot of fun and definitely worth while. I met Michael Couch from Cakewalk last year. The year before I got to listen to Craig talk about DAW tips and tricks. I stood in line to meet him but it didn't work out :-(
 
If you are on the fence about going, just go. I think you will enjoy it.
 
 
 
 

What is the benefit/do you recommend "registering"?

The two times I went, I registered. You get in the door quicker. :-)
 
I am not sure what the other benefits are.
 
If I was going again, I would register.