This was also my first visit to Kulmbach, and needless to say, it really is an overwhelming show! If I had one criticism of the show itself, is that it is just too darn easy to spend money! Row upon row, table upon table of great and even better figures to choose from, added to the mix a scattering of book and rounds sellers, and really, there aren't enough hours in the day to take it all in.
I would strongly recommend that anyone who has never been to this fantastic show, to make the attempt to go, you will most certainly not be disappointed. For Americans like myself, the long air flight from the US West Coast (10+ hours LAX to TXL) as well as the Euro v. Dollar exchange rate can be a bit of a hurdle, but there are still plenty of deals to be had galore.
Kulmbach itself is a charming, beautiful little town, so bring the family, let the wife wander the town, while you max out the credit cards at the borse!
I'm already planning on attending again in 2 years time, it's a very habit forming show.