I always enjoy the conventions and always attend if it is within a reasonable driving distance. The convention in Colorido was to far for me to drive but my uncle lives about 30 miles from it and when I told him about it he said he would stop by.
He called me the day he went and said that he saw more fords than you would have found on a dealers lot back in the 50's and almost all the cars where in showroom condition. He is in his 70's and was totaly blown away not only by the cars but by the owners who answered questions and where so friendly he felt like he was back in the 50's again.
The CVA is not only about the cars (and what powers them) It's about the friendships. I have to admit I usuly skip the meetings and stay out with the cars so I cannot say who pays for what and I realy do not care.
My first parts purchase was from someone I met at the CVA convention in NJ (1995). I needed some rear wheel wells and he said he had them and gave me his phone # to call him the following week. When I called him we agreed on a price and he said he would send them out in the morning. I reminded him I had not sent him the money yet and he said that ok, if you like them send me a check, if not just send them back. I told him I was from NY and no one does businnes that way here, His reply was "I get beat some but I like to help people fix up their cars"
Send them back!! When they arrived they where better than the rest of my car, wish I had the car they came out of. Everyone I have ever met will bend over backwards to help a fellow car nut.
PS: My car is and will always be a Y Block but I always look at the non Y cars also as you can always find something they have done that you may be able to use later. Not that the Y guys are not creative but I can learn from anyone.