John:
The Narrow Gauge Convention is a great event, yes, many models and modelers, but don't be put off by that, modelers have often proven themselves to be among the very best and determined researchers and enthusiasts on the planet.
As a rule, the attendees of the Narrow Gauge Convention are OK to take home for dinner, and don't usually have worms or fleas or even buttons that say "I like trains" on them. It's a serious group, and well heeled. Junk mail is too low brow for this convention.
This year's convention is special because it is the 20th anniversary, and it is eagerly hosted by groups all over the country. As it happens, the very first one was in St. Louis.
I am not a convention goer as a rule, but I do catch this one whenever I can, and anyone on this page or the Goat should, too.
Mike