What I love about Convention is that it gives you a chance to meet those "Big Squirrels" and other VST members...and find out that they are "regular" people.
I remember Marie LH when I was an undergrad although she was "just a name" then.
It's reassuring to know that when someone has a position for several years, there is always someone to step up and do a terrific job. Although I don't think that anyone can replace DeeDee as Ritual!! One cool Squirrel!! (ETA: I finally read my Committee reports, lol. Nancy Knickerbocker is replacing DeeDee as Ritual Chairman. She's cool too!!))
I'm excited to know that I can walk up to any Big Squirrel/VST member to discuss a problem that I am having and they are quick to offer advice and/or direct me in the right direction.
I'll try not to bug them.
ETA 2: IHQ could possibly have left over Convention favors for sale. If they did like they did last time, they sent flyers to the Chapters. I can't remember if they posted on the IHQ website. The tiny red flip flop was very cute!! Burr Patt was sellling a silver one but I don't know the price.