John,
There are several ways to look at this. It really depends upon what is most important to you about a convention. You obviously think attending them is important, so I'll look at this from the viewpoint of how much better would this con be for you than attending, say, World Fantasy this same year.
Criteria: Cost, Paneling, Access to Agents and Editors.
Cost.
This will probably be one of the cheaper big conventions to attend, though not by a huge amount. Being able to drive instead of fly will probably save a couple hundred bucks. However, going this late and buying a ticket at the door will cost you a pretty penny--and Worldcon is already more expensive than World Fantasy. Still, if you decide to stay in the rooms with other people, this could get relatively cheap for a big con experience. As much as a couple hundred dollars cheaper.
Paneling.
This will have more diverse paneling than World Fantasy. However, I don't know that the quality will be better. There will definitely be more options, and simply MORE going on. If you want to have fun, Worldcon will be far more fun. If you want to learn about writing, I'd say that they're both probably going to be equal. WFC may be slightly better.
Access to Agents and Editors
I would normally say WFC would be better than this one. However, if you go with me, then your chances go up a bit, since I can introduce you to people. The trick is, I go to a lot of cons--at least one a year. So, if you waited to go to one with me another time, you could reasonably assume you'd get the same access.
So, what is the conclusion? Well, that this would be a good con to attend. Not terrible to miss, but not at all a bad investment. It's cheap (for a con) should have good paneling, and should have good access. However, all around, I'd give this one an eight on a one to ten. WFC is consistently a six or a seven, however. If you're looking to shop something, this Worldcon will be an excellent opportunity--but not one that won't come again. (Though you'll probably have to wait a while.) If you're looking for fun, it's likely to be one of the best in a while, but fun probably isn't worth the inconvenience.
I'd be happy to call if you still want to chat about it.