maybe you could become your area's CSR...Convention Service Rep.
I usually don't attend the paid events. I pay the registration fee because I can afford it.
No one is turned away from any of the workshops or speakers at any convention I have ever been to.
I go for the workshops and speakers. I like to join others I've met for dinner outside the hotel. If I stay at the hotel over night I take my own food for most of the meals I will need.
There is talk of eliminating some of the paid events such as the banquet in our region.
Peace,
Missy