John,
I personally can't answer your question since this is the first NGConvention I will have attended.
The reason why I volunteered my services is that I am unable to attend any of the work sessions this year and the convention is virtually in my backyard. I also remember at the annual meeting in '97 & '98 the appeal being made for volunteers to help the Friends at the convention those years.
As for answers to your questions, there are people that post here and on the Goat that have attended previous conventions and are planning to attend this year that should be able to give insight.
Thanks, MAS