I've taken the liberty of rearranging your suggestions into what I consider a more appropriate order.

1. Join the CC & GTCC

An excellent suggestion for anyone involved in chipping. I'm sure the benifits far outweigh the cost.

2. Save up money for the convention
3. Go to the annual CC & GTCC convention

As apealing and exciting as this sounds, I think it might be a little bit of a financial stretch for me, and probably for many other low-end chippers.

I am not whining, or looking for pity. I have no envy, and bear no animosity toward those who are fortunate enough to enjoy this event.

But the fact remains it is simply beyond the financial capabilities of a lot of low-end chippers, and therefore your remainging suggestions are rendered moot.

4. Buy chips from the dealers on the exibit floor at the convention
5. Trade, trade, TRADE at the trade sessions at the convention

If your suggestions are sincear (which I kind of doubt), then you obviously do not understand the concept of 'low-end. :-)