I went last year, and though I thoroughly enjoyed it, I need to make it very
clear that it's different than most other industry trade shows. It's definitely aimed more toward the aspiring high school student rather than the up-and-coming pro, and most of the topics covered are of the most use to a designer rather than a technician. For example, there were sessions given about types of instruments and where you might choose to use various types, how to choose color, and how to choose angle, but there were also slightly more in-depth topics about LEDs and their use in the
theatre, moving lights, wireless
DMX systems, and various types of consoles. It's also important to note that many of these sessions were
led by representatives from a specific company, and while they did a great job at describing the technology without talking exclusively about their product, they definitely stuck to the points that would make their product look best.
On the other
hand, while the sessions weren't great, the free time on the floor and the addresses from industry professionals were fantastic. Ken Billington's
keynote address was really fantastic, and because of the relatively smaller number of attendees, I was able to spend a good amount of time talking to him one-on-one. Along the same lines, I really enjoyed being able to spend a lot of time with the company reps talking about not only their products, but about their companies' plans for things like
RDM and such. And, perhaps most importantly for me, I was able to meet the Intern Coordinator for
PRG in person and talk to him face-to-face, which likely played a
role in me getting hired by them for last summer.
So I think my recommendation would be this: if you happen to be in the area with nothing to do (as I was) and don't mind spending the $50 for the day, then absolutely stop by, especially if you don't often get a chance to make it out to the "real" conferences. You'll meet some great company reps, designers, and technicians from the New York area, and you'll get a ton of
swag. However, if you'd need to take the day off of work to attend, I'm not sure I would do it.
If you (or anyone else) wants to know anything more specific, feel free to reply here or shoot me a PM.
I will be about 20 blocks south in midtown running some shows, though. Being jealous. 
