Choosing a Genealogy Event

I am considering attending a genealogy institute or conference this year. I'm trying to line them up side by side so that I can make comparisons. The big factors for me are cost and location. Ironically, the programs closest to me are more expensive than the ones farthest away. I'll also have to take into consideration my family's schedule. But this is a good start. Registration has started or is starting soon for some of these programs so I'm hoping I can make a decision by the end of the weekend.

Here are the programs I am considering:

Boston University Summer Intensive Program - Advanced Forensic Genealogy
Boston University Summer Intensive Program - Writing Narrative Family Histories and Other Genealogical Works
National Institute of Genealogical Research (DC)
GRIPitt (Pittsburgh)
NGS Conference

Here is my comparison chart:

Event	Dates	Location	Drive Distance	Cost	Hotel / Dorm	Reg start
BU - Forensics	7/30-8/3	Boston	1 hour	$795 *	~$360/wk	now
BU-Writing	8/6-10	Boston	1 hour	$795 *	~$360/wk	now
NIGR	7/16-20	DC	8 hours	$350/$400	N/A	Feb.
GRIPitt	7/22-27	Pittsburgh	10 hours	$380/$400	$245/$280 wk	2/7/2012
NGS	5/9-12	Cincinnati	14 hours	$$175	$60/$110 night	now

* discount available for APG members
N/A - I have someone I can stay with

The program I choose will depend very little on course content unfortunately and very much on my family schedule.

Let me know if you have any thoughts, tips or advice on how to make my selection!