Who has been to a Writer's Conference?

If you have been, was it truly useful and worth the hundreds of dollars?
Seems I couldn't find any near my home at a a convenient time.
I keep reading that one should go to these things and mingle.
This is a rather difficult thing for me to plan with my job.

However, now that I have four published books and several more in several states of progress. I think it is time to seriously look into getting an agent.

Soooo, I checked out Shaw Guides and have discovered that there is a convenient conference coming up in October: http://writing.shawguides.com/JackLondon

There will be agent appointments, the workshops look interesting, and the focus includes romance and fantasy

Foster City CA is in the Bay Area and I have a brother who lives nearby. It's just over "the hill" from Reno (where I live). Nice little weekend trip.

I am seriously thinking of going this time.

ANYONE??? Suggestions and tips on how to get the most out of this investment, please!!!!