You answered your own question here. New experience, relatively close to home. I definitely understand the family thing, but I plan on attending one of these relatively soon. Unfortunately, a trip across the country won’t be happening for me this year.
I wish I could fit it in, but , alas, no NHC for me this year…Amanda’s Beet Berliner (2014) is now a distant memory, but I hope to make it next year. And with Woj from UKG going, I know it will be fun for all who attend - he may wear his kilt (or vice versa).