OK, one question: why WFC? As you probably know: It's a pro-conference, (with a relatively high proportion of writers, editors, agents, as opposed to a fan-con -worldcon where there may be as many writers, but they're more dilute :-)) although less so than it used to be. It's quite good (but the competition is stiff) for making useful contacts in the writing world. It does require schmooze-ablity... Which I have in the average thimble-full. Kiddies thimble. It varies on organising committee, but I found it impossible to get onto a panel or get a reading - with 7 books out and 200K sales. (No, I don't love doing this, but it is part of the job)There were many, many less known authors up on panels. It's simply a question of knowing people or being enormously famous. Therefore: Point 2 - make sure you know a few other people who are going before you go. It helps a great deal to make it a better experience, no matter why you go. I'm not sure if I will be able to go - the expense of moving continents :-( is hectic.(I have to eat vast quanties of food for the energy to push that hard)