Canoecopia is a soup-to nuts event on all aspects of paddling at all skill levels with all manner of craft in all locations. Held in Madison at the Alliant Energy Center, it offers three days of presentations along with a hall full of gear and boats to peruse. This year's presentations look terrific--everything from what you'd expect--staying upright in your kayak and efficient paddling--to broader skills like identifying algae, keeping a bug-free campsite, paddling in Greece and Norway, and ancient finds of Lake Superior. Money well spent, and a great way to kick off the paddling season.
https://www.rutabaga.com/canoecopia/page.asp?pgid=1001&r=1