The Siggraph convention is going to be here in my town this year and I am thinking of attending but am unsure if I wanna fork out $65 just to attend. Anyone ever been to one, and if so is it worth it for the avid but amateur aficionado?

Well, living in Sweden creates some problems, but to have the opportunity to meet some of my Renderosity friends, would be worth a lot more than $65. Lucky bastard... ;)

Yup, worth it. $65 isn't anything to sneeze at, but I would do it if it was in my area.

I haven't been there, but from what I've heard it's worth it's money. Siggraph Convention gives you the oppertunity to have a look at the newest techniques in the bussiness and besides the (as I've been told) huge exhibition there's always a lot more to see. Siggraph is mainly focused at 3D art and animation, but they do have all kinds of things about the whole graphics medium (Sorry for my bad english). And as 3DWorld Magazine says: Siggraph gives you a chance to network like hell. If I where in your shoes I wouldn't have to think about it longer than 1 second, I'd go to the siggraph convention. I don't know if it's oritated at the whole graphics community (including amateurs) or he pro's though.

Siggraph is the largest event in terms of computer graphics in the world (or one of the most important!). So in case I were you I'd definitely go! Have been following SIGGRAPH from India for the past 10 years! You are definitely lucky!

You all talked me into it, not that I needed much convincing. Already have those days off from the job and now just need to pre-register. Looking forward to it already...