Not Just a Modeler's Convention

John,
The Narrow Gauge Convention is held in the Rocky Mountain Narrow gauge country on alternating years. In the off year, it moves around from place to place and is in St. Louis this year. I think next year is in Salt Lake City.
About half of the clinics are purely for modelers, but the other half usually cover the history of a particular railroad or industry. This often involves mining or lumbering. Many of the clinic presentors have been nationally known authors such as Mal Ferrel. I note that our own "El Coke" is giving a clinic this year on The Future of Railway Preservation.
In addition, there are lots of dealers selling stuff, ranging from modeling supplies to fine art. John Coker and Jan Rons have had prints and original water colors for sale at previous conventions. Also, lots of books for sale. I found a copy of Josie Moore Crum's "Rio Grande Southern Story" at the Durango Convention.
If you can't go this year, consider next year and enjoy.