Good post, Ease.
I went to the meeting last year and was glad I did. I got to meet several of the key players and stockholders, shake their hand, look them in the eye, and hear what they had to say. It is helpful. There is information to be gleaned from the meeting and also informally before and after the meeting if you search it out. I recommend attending for those who can swing it.
Virt, hope you can make it and post a summary this year. Hope things went well for you today.
Best