i have been to quite a few shows over the last couple years, they are great.
like the others have said you can get great deals on the animals with no shipping fees.
but please make sure you talk to the dealer, ask lots of questions about the animal and watch out for the "cold snake" trick.

maybe try and go to a few of them with the idea that you arent going to bring anything home just want to go to check out whats there and get to know the dealers a bit, get their cards (if offered) check them out on the BOI.

i know i made my mistakes when i first started going to the shows being new to reptiles and all but have learned alot too along the way.

LOL, i know it would be a very hard thing to do to just go and not come home with anything but if your will is stronger then mine (and i'm sure most on here) it can be done