This is a question only you can answer. In recent years the Virginia symposium was mostly hands-on classes. This year it is mostly demos.
1. did not see where you live in your profile but unless it is in the ocean, one or more other regionals Will be closer to you: Florida, 2 in Georgia, Tennessee, mid Atlantic in PA, Chicago. Also the AAW in KC may be closer.
2.viginia has a terrific line up of Demonstrators. If you are really interested in the work of one or more that could be a decision point. Bosch and Clewes will be in KC
3. All the regionals have terrific lineups of demonstrators. Each demonstrator does different things. If your interest is hollow forms, pens, ore boxes one of regionals may have more demos for you. Some offer hands-on classes