My home club (CCA) hosted in last year, so there was more work than fun.
This year's was amazing and the CCAS did a great job! I don't know how many attended but there were over 400 bidder cards for the Sunday auction.
You don't hear much during the convention because everyone attending is just so busy. There is stuff going on - WORLD class speakers, kids decoratring contest, silent and live auctions, field trips, free food and beer (and live music!) in the hospitality suite - from literally sunrise until 3, 4, 5 AM (if you want).
Disappointed in the fish available? Did you check out the "for sale" board of people selling from their rooms? The ACA website for pre-sale stuff? Go on the trip to Rusty Wessel's place (where he auctioned off fish that are offspring of fish that he collected)...Inquire whether anyone was bringing fish that you were interest in? All of the fish in the (dozen-ish) display tanks were sold to the highest bidder.... A buddy of mine bought bunches of uber-rare Madagascar fish for under $100. You can lead a horse to water...
Matt