I have attended a few of the RIA conventions.
Compared to Connections there are less vendors, as Richard says mostly the restoration related companies more than carpet cleaning. There are also a lot less attendees. But those who are present tend to be the big players in restoration.
The educational offerings are not infomercials. There is real meat to the topics. Some of the topics may not be of interest to the O/O as they discuss a lot of management issues. If the topics interest you or if you want to share a drink and learn from the established players, it is worth attending.
I think the cost for the convention is more than Connections was.