Randy,
You will see great turners at the Carolina club. They all do things differently. What they have in common is that their methods are safe, productive, and reproducible.
I would encourage you to consider taking a week long class at Arrowmont or John C Campbell or someone's studio.
two huge advantages of a class are that you leave with a solid set of skills and you get to use tools and lathes in the class so you know what to shop for.
Once you have a bit of experience I would recommend you consider the Tennessee Symposium.
http://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/event?oeidk=a07e9pqh98r4199cd48&llr=lgmecmkab
The trade show could be worth a visit now....
To get much out the symposium you need a context gained through experience or the demonstrations will bewilder you more than help.
Like most symposiums the Tennessee folks have a lineup that is suitable for beginners to advanced intermediate.
Todd Hoyer is a great example his demos on wood characteristics and vessel orientation are great for all levels. His demo on turning crotches is a high skill level demo that requires advanced tool control that maybe 20% of AAW members possess.
Get a class and practice, practice, practice then consider the AAW symposium in Pittsburgh this June and definitely the AAW symposium in Atlanta in 2016.
Have fun be safe
Al