OK, I'll takea shot at these

1 - How's the banquet? Worth going to?

I've been up in the air on this one. I had a great experience last year. I had a good table (even with Spragg and Shaffer), enjoyed the speaker, got a nice meal. The prior year I did not go, which gave me more time to sit at the poker tables at Mirage.

2 - Can I buy chips outright from vendors?

Shouldn't be a problem - in fact I think its encouraged. The Vendors seem to like cash, and we know that cash can be exchanged for valuable prizes...

3 - What if I don't have a lot of traders to bring?

Then this just makes your flights easier. Some people bring 20 volumes of traders - especially those that drive. I bring 2.

4 - Does anyone get dressed up for any of these events, or is it all casual?

Its Vegas - you have to wear shoes - which is ALWAYS a good idea at the Riviera, but other than that, pretty much everything goes.

5 - Is there going to be a shuttle from the Riv to the Palms (for the poker/BJ tourneys)?

There have been in the past (but that's no guarantee), but there are also plenty of people who drive between the hotels and its usually pretty easy to bum a ride...