I have attended the last two Academy's and they were great. It takes an effort to attend a show far away. Over 850 mi one way for me. But I have also found that it is very worthwhile to make any of the one day minis that happen around the country. I have been to them in several states and they are all fun and a good learning experience. If you want to learn all it takes is an effort on your part to get to any of the meets that happen around the country. I know there are usually one and two day events all over the country, from Wash state to Fla, to Illinois, Indiana, Tennessee, South Carolina, Colorado, etc. I would go to any of them. It takes time and money and effort, but if you want to learn you have to do it.