Although I really like the Orleans, a 'strip' property does make much more sense than the off-strip location for the reasons you mentioned.....more walk-in traffic, larger room, etc. I happen to know personally a few members who just finally returned for the convention this year BECAUSE it was on the strip!
Many people DO NOT like to rent a car (a must if you wish to visit strip properties at YOUR pace) and even though the Orleans has the shuttle, people would rather walk and see the sights.

I'm planning to attend regardless where it's held as I've been to them all. Since I also use the convention time as "vacation", I stay at the newer properties. All the years at the Aladdin, I never stayed there....ditto for the Trop this year. The reasons are obvious for both. I did stay at the Orleans when the convention was there and liked the idea of not dragging traders from my hotel to the host hotel. Since I always rent a car, the off-strip location would not be an issue for me.

If I were to have a dealer table, I'd vote for the Orleans since I'd much prefer to stay at the Orleans over the Trop if those were my only two choices.
If it were July again at the Trop and the early June dates at the Orleans it would again be a 'no-brainer' and my choice would be the Orleans......oh how I miss those April dates at the Aladdin..........

To sum it up, you have a tough choice<g>!!! Both facilites have their advantages and dis-advantages and since time of year is not an issue, I guess whatever you decide is best for the club's interest (and the members too!) is fine with me. See you next year WHEREVER we end up!!

Steve