The first comic convention I went to solo changed how I read everything

Back in March I drove down to Phoenix Fan Fusion by myself because none of my friends wanted to drop $50 on a ticket. I figured I'd just walk the floor, grab some back issues, and leave after a couple hours. Instead I ended up staying all day and actually talking to artists and writers at their tables. One indie guy whose book I'd never heard of spent 15 minutes explaining his process. I bought his first issue for $5 and it's now my favorite thing I own. The lesson I took away is that the panels and big names are cool, but the small press tables are where the real stuff happens. Has anyone else switched up how they do conventions after going alone? I'm thinking about doing another one solo next month but want to hear if it's a fluke or if that's just how it is.