Warning: Disgruntled writer rambling
One of the problems that you run into when you go to a convention with writers is inevitably, you run into conflict over how "the craft" is run. Some believe that if you don't have a book on the shelf of a Borders or Barnes & Noble then you aren't a real writer. I've also know a fellow where he's written three science fiction books and since you haven't, clearly you should nod your head and listen to him speak. Don't ask questions cause he's got all the answers.

It happens in all fields, really. My sister encounters it at her shooting matches when she's constantly being lectured too on proper ways to care and clean a firearm when she's won several matches on her own, and my ex used to tell me how frustrating it is when he presents his research and because he doesn't have his doctorate yet he gets brushed aside.

I do think the conferences and conventions are helpful because of the people you meet and the small things you pick up that can help you later on.