Just curious, what exactly takes place at the convention and luncheon?
I mostly attend the RCNA convention and the CPMS luncheon (when it is in my neck of the woods - GTA in this year's case) to support the community of volunteers who do a wonderful job in keeping the Canadian numismatic interest alive. I am sure everyone has their own way of doing it.
It is also a time to meet and chat with people in person. I find that at the RCNA Convention you are able to meet people in person whose names you see in all kinds of media particularly from across Canada. Also since it is spread across a few days it gives a better opportunity to talk with people unlike some of the coin shows.
I have attended one CPMS luncheon a few years ago when the convention was in Mississauga. There was an interesting talk, some reasonable food which at $35 per person made it even more reasonable. I also met a couple of young guys who were into radars and solids and was able to first hand talk to them about their motivation.
Everything else is a bonus. The official program can be found here:
https://www.rcna.ca/2018/program.php