The list is massive, and I have a tendency to ramble, so I'll just keep it to the basics.
-Had my own room, instead of mooching off someone else.
-Joined in on a lot more things instead of standing to the side, watching.
-Was very careful with purchases, only getting a couple things from the artists gallery/pavilion/area.
-Danced without reservation or self-doubt for the first time.
and the most important one for me:
-Did not feel alone in a crowd, as in previous years.