Always wanted to go to a convention but never did. Maybe I can convince my husband next year, but he's afraid of flying. I am too, but only because the airlines are so horrible now.
There's Mechacon, though it looks to have moved to New Orleans this year. I swear there might be one more Louisiana con, but I can't think of it, I hear Mechacon is really good, and they've gotten some good guests in the past few years. I might try to organize a trip next year. http://www.mechacon.com/
Theres always the Dallas and Houston cons too, but that's quite a roadtrip XD
A swap meet at a con would be a BLAST, I bet you could get some awesome stuff. They don't have them here though >_> This must be suggested.. They do have fabric swaps but meh =/ Those aren't really that great.