@hatter_pan I think it was a good idea for you to go. I know the general rule is not to pay to shop, but as a new shopper it seemed like it was a good investment. Didn't they drop the price to $30? I think it was just to cover the cost of lunch, snack, and drinks. I didn't get the impression that they were offering a "master class" for mystery shoppers with platinum certification. I am not sure they could make a case for signing up for the VIP pass.
@hatter_pan I am curious, did they give you first crack at any shops before releasing them to the general pool of shoppers as a bonus for attending?
I appreciate that a couple of people that attended have posted a little about their experience. It seems that when a thread was started on this topic last year, no one went, and one person that had planned on attending had a last minute family emergency so they could not go.
If I lived in a city where they were going to have it, I might consider going especially if it fit in my schedule. It seems that you have the opportunity to ask questions and get answers.