Is FABAIC worth it?

The only track that seems useful to me and my business is "Art of Face Painting from A to Z" and I'm sure I could pick up some pointers but I've been at this for quite while. Considering I'm reasonable driving distance, I'm lucky enough not to need a hotel. Is it really worth $370 and losing a weekend of work?

Was for me!! But then I have been hennaing for well past a decade and am still an new painter....so perhaps I would get more out of it than you would. BUT they had great biz tips, fantastic paint deals and you can examine the merchandies right there. The jams are worth it for just checking out everyones stuff and asking direct questions. I guess it's a risk, but I learned alot....and met alot of really supportive community peeps.

I felt last year was totally worth it- BUT now that they make you stick to one track and so on, I am not sure I will be attending.

I understand why they thought one track was a good idea, but I don't like it. This will be the first year I am attending FABAIC, but not my first conference.

I don't like the idea of being trapped with one or two teachers for all the days of the conference. Plus, instructors often teach the same things over and over, so if I've had an instructor at one conference or pre-class, I don't want to repeat what I've already seen, just to get to a newer topic on day three.

Day one and two of some tracks look boring but awesome on day 3. Day 3 of some tracks look boring. I'd love to be able to pick and choose. That said, they can't please everyone, so there must have been some kind of push for instruction shaped this way....right?

I'm still such a FP noob that I'm up for anything so I'll see how it all shakes out in the end. Aside from teaching, I have a WHOLE lotta learning I'm looking forward to, and if I'm not fond of the classes, I found one of the best resources was actually the jam sessions and I'm thinking that there HAS to be mini jams going all day for those who opt out of a class here and there!

I'm very good at just going where I am told and doing what I'm supposed to so I'll be honest, I really don't 'get' the track thing yet...haven't really looked into it enough.

I think the tracks make sense to really help you progress past that initial point. I didn't really like how beginner some of the tracks were so I chose the advanced body painting (not really me but I will be challenged). You only have the tracks in the morning and then other classes of your choosing in the afternoon. I was a little disappointed at the price of the pre-classes, especially after trying to afford this in general. I have decided to compete as much as possible and just paint my tail off. It is my first year so I am really excited. I think it will be worth it at any level, I can always see improvement after working and training of any kind to help push you past your current level.

Yes.
That's all I need to say. I'm in love with FABAIC.

Personally I went last year for a day, I was only 2 1/2 hours from Orlando, and it was worth it. But this year its further and the track idea just isnt for me. Last year I took a few fp classes and a few henna and wish I could do a little of everything but I didn't have the time. But kind of forcing you into paying for a "class" isn't the most enjoyable way to spend 370.00 dollars. Ultimately if Im paying upwards of 400.00 I would prefer to pick what I want and do what I want while I'm attending.

Okay apparently I am wrong and I hate admitting it this video explains alot.

https://youtu.be/IhDrnc4s_Io

UPDATE!

FABAIC is offering the tracks OR other hands-on classes!!!!
The schedule is up!

http://www.fabaic.com/newsite/schedule.php?utm_source=Copy+of+FABAIC+2012_New+Schedule+%26amp%3B+Illusion+pink+%21&utm_campaign=fabaic&utm_medium=email

Now that sounds like the best of both worlds. So wish I could afford this and make it work now! But, I just can't do the $600 in hotel costs. At least I could bring the dogs since it says it is a pet friendly hotel, which would be interesting as they have never "hotelled" before... but I am sure that would add to the cost as well.

They are also now offering free lunch! Anyone else want to share a hotel room?

Maybe we should do some sort of hotel share list or something? You know, those who needs roomies..........

You could always join me at Mooseburger Camp this summer!! Marcela teaches there!! Of course, you have to perform in the show at the end of the week

There's always La Fete, as well as a number of other conventions. I mentioned La Fete because it isn't usually talked about.

Fabaic, to me, seems so big I can't imagine being able to have one on one connection with instruction. I would be afraid of getting lost in the crowd. But again, that's just me.