I am so disappointed that I couldn't make it!
A little bit like Basssman said, originally it was way out of my price range. So I organised stuff on this weekend. Then the price dropped. I could have gotten out of my obligations with some difficulty, but I let it go.
Hearing now that the books weren't there and the dinner was cancelled, I am glad that I didn't change my plans. Tho, if I had heard before this morning that there was the possibility to attend free of charge today, I might have made it for a few hours.
I will be at the next one tho!