Professional Conferences such as these are routinely held at venue's such as the Grove Park, Pinehurst Resort, etc. here in NC. Rates are negotiated by the conference sponsors at a much more affordable rate, sometimes cheaper than the average HI Express. These places have the meeting rooms needed to support a large event and the location is very appealing to conference attendees. You have to remember, if you are educated...typically your profession requires you to have some sort of continuing education credits per year. And you people don't think a Convention Center at the beach wouldn't attract the same?