Like I say, never been. But I want to do it this year! And I'd like to at least chat with a few female lees and lers before going so I'm not going in knowing NO ONE. Don't get me wrong, no expectations, just to be able to chat with people once I'm there!
This is coming from someone whose been to a lot of BDSM/kink/fetish events both big(1,000+) and small(10-20) and it's my personal opinion that what you get from an event all depends how much you're willing to give plus how you behave. Everyone is a newbie at some point and not everyone comes with a partner or knows anyone, but ends up having an awesome time. NEST is one of the more smaller events and when you're there you feel like you're at family gathering. The opening song of the show Cheers also comes to mind. One of the best recommendations I can give is be yourself and do as many of the fun activities and games as possible. They are a great way to get yourself known and have some tickle fun. If you're feeling brave they also have a slave auction where you can sign up as lee or ler and specify the gender you want to play with. I hope you consider attending because I feel the this is a great first time event.