I have to say that i was shocked and dismayed at the cost of attending the vista conference.

With  camping fees it's going to run around $600!     With no discounts for putting up with the rather cloying summer-camp atmosphere of the last Vista  conf.( pardon).

Octoberfest with more pleasant camping and much better food is  usually around $150.

The CBA Vista conf especially is supposed to be all about introducing and encouraging beginning smiths into the art. How could a young, beginning smith possibly afford to attend?