"One of the big things the club has to do is remember the convention is for the members, not the dealers. A member should be able to come to the convention and not "buy" a single chip and there should be plenty of chipping seminars, etc. to fill their time."

If it weren't for the dealers purchasing table space at the annual convention, there would be NO convention held for the "members". If there were only members who would not "buy" a single chip, how many tables do you think would be sold for the following year's convention?

May I be so bold as to remind the poster that dealers must be club members as well, and as such they must be allowed to make a profit ... otherwise they won't return? Where would the "club members" convene for thier "plenty of chipping seminars, etc," if that scenario were allowed to happen?