Hello James & Welcome to SS collecting.

The convention hosts trading in separate rooms, though "Most of it" is Chip related, and on the convention floor "Strikers are a minority" and they are there to sell their excess. I recommend that you do attend the show and "Do" attempt to trade with members having strikes for sale, they sometimes will.
Some will outright tell you no!!! others will ask what ya have in mind...or ask what you got? don't be bashful--- work the room it's a learning experience..
Remember that they pay rent for the table and need to recoup this. I would ask for a trade when I spotted something that I needed realizing that my trade $ value with them is calculated in a way as such to give the dealer more than they were giving up in value for such trades-- this builds trust and allows them to benefit by transacting a trade.
An example would be the rate of exchange
(1 for 1 strike = even)
(1 for your 2) = a whole xtra strike for dealer
(2 for your 3) = your 1/2 strike loss ea. against the 2 you gained.
(3 for your 4) = your 1/3 strike loss ea. against the 3 you gained.
It also depends on the Melt value, Book values, Rarity values, stay patient and deals can be made...
Also shop around, & spend your monies where you feel is the best for you & remember someone else fed money into the machines or found rarer stuff that you'll never be able to do.. it's all there.
The Strikers tournament at 4Queens and their trade sessions would have more strikes.
I'm not able to attend this show this time.
but have many times before & made great trades..

Gabe Dobos
On the Detroit River