Pat Cadigan, Kim Stanley Robinson, Richard Morgan, Peter F Hamilton
I'd be in heaven! So why is it so bloody expensive!
To a certain extent I think you have answered your own question.
If you're looking for a cheaper convention try the TUC annual congress but you do get what you pay for.
here's last year's rates
September 4, 2004 Rates
New Attending $180
New Supporting $35
Conversion from Supporting
to Attending $145
Child's (included up to 4 hours of childcare on a space available basis) $90
Rates from August 1, 2004 through September 3, 2004
New Attending $200
New Supporting $35
Conversion from Supporting
to Attending $165
Child's (included up to 6 hours of childcare on a space available basis) $100
Rates from October 1, 2003 through August 1, 2004
New Attending 180
New Supporting $35
Conversion from Supporting
to Attending $145
Child's (included up to 8 hours of childcare on a space available basis) $105