I have gone to Dayton a few times, always with someone, and I would never
even consider going by myself. There is just so much to see and do that it
is overwhelming. Just getting through the outside area where all of the used
gear is can be quite an adventure all by itself. It is imperative, in my
opinion, to go with an old time, sighted ham who has considerable knowledge
of all of the various manufacturers and equipment so he/she can tell you
what is there, and if needed, describe it to you. I love my wife and love
going places and doing things with her, but she has no knowledge or interest
in ham radio and ham gear. Therefore, going to a hamfest with her is total
frustration, as it would be with anyone who has no knowledge of ham gear.
That scenario goes something like this:

Walk, walk, walk, and finally you say: "So, Joe, what are you seeing?" 
Joe says: "I just see a bunch of stuff, but I don't have any idea what it
is. It mostly looks like just a bunch of junk to me."  
You ask: "do you see any brand names or model numbers on anything?"
Joe replies: "well, let me take a look at this thing and see if I can see
anything on it... Hmm, I don't even know how to pronounce whatever this is."
You say: "Can you spell it?"
Joe says: "Damn, I can't hardly read it without my glasses. Hold on and I'll
put my glasses on and see if that makes any difference. OK, let's see... Y E
A S U; does that mean anything to you?"

And so it goes with someone who knows nothing about anything, but is just
trying their best to be a good friend and helpful. We've all been there,
done that, right? Well, you don't want to deal with that kind of frustration
at Dayton! <Smile> Go with an old ham who knows his stuff!!

Ron, K8HSY