Knitter gatherings

I'm so annoyed I didn't get to go to the MSW festival since it looked like so much fun. But it is over two hours away so at least I have an excuse. I've decided though that I'm definately going to Stitches East, down in A.C. So, who's with me? I've never been to one of the knitting gatherings, what's Stitches like? I can't wait. Maybe I can learn to spin before then so I can have an excuse to buy roving. hmmmm