I have attended the 1996 Devcon in Phoenix and found it to be very informative. The price tag is a little high, the accomodations are first class, but you're paying for them. I went to the Southern California Conference last year and enjoyed it immensely. Excellent speakers, great accomodations, far less people. Many of the sessions at the regular Devcon were standing room only. At So. Cal they limit registration to 400. Sessions were great and not over crowded. Looking forward to running into you there.