I feel very sorry for myself that I don't get to meet you in person this year. But, building a business like this is so hard, and I fully understand all your reasons.

(but, you can totally deduct the entire dinner and all it's travelling and costuming costs from your taxes. That's the beauty of being a small little business like that! Every penny you put in to getting to and dressing for the dinner, you'll get back next year. Just something to think about!)