The Disneyana Convention had been held the week after Labor Day. It is a huge gathering of 'Disney' lovers. There is limited edition merchandise for sale. In addition, there were seminars presented. The seminars dealt with all things Disney, and not just collectibles. At the last convention, one of the seminars was a Mouseketeer reunion. At previous conventions, seminars had folks involved with the development of Animal Kingdom giving presentations, etc. At the large 'Speakers of the Mouse', they usually have some type of special guest....among previous guests Roy Disney, Diane Disney Miller. During the convention, there is usually a welcome reception the first night, a theme park party (after park closing), and a final night banquet with Broadway style show.
The convention only fee this past year was around $900/pp. In addition to the free seminars, there are usually additional 'pay classes' offered by Disney University. These are wonderful! They usually take you behind the scenes in various Disney locales. At the recent convention in CA, they had a tour of the Disney Studios in Burbank, and also a backstage
Disneyland Tour.
You did not have to be a member of any collector society...anyone willing to pay the money could go.
That being said...next year the format is changing. It will be at WDW, but will be held Aug 22-24. This past year, it was Sep 4-8. The 8th was public day, and anyone not attending the convention could purchase tickets and be able to purchase the merchandise left. Next year's event is being called 'Official Disneyana Mystery'. The price will be $586 for event only. If you have an AP, $60 may be deducted from the price. No additional info as to the format changes is available yet.