I've been to ARVO once and thought it was an incredible experience. If you truly enjoy vision research, it is like being a kid in a candy store. The opportunity to discuss your work face-to-face and casually with leading experts in your specific area is really cool. Its also a good place to make contacts with folks outside of your geographic area or internationally if that interests you. If however you are really not that into research and are going just to "get your face out there", it will probably be a pretty low-yield experience. Of course, if you are going all expenses paid, you may as well go regardless. It is a nice area with good food, warm beaches, etc...