My only thought is that they're in a situation now where it's all or nothing. If the Chinese deal doesn't come together, they're in big trouble, and having a booth at PDAC is not going to save them.

If the Chinese deal DOES come together, and hopefully it does, then they're probably going to be in such a good position that self-promotion at PDAC will be unnecessary for the moment.

My feeling is that the timing of the visit just conflicts with PDAC, and they're considering the Chinese to be more important.

I'm grasping at straws. I guess it's also important to remember that their office basically went into shut-down mode in the late fall, to conserve cash. With practically nobody on staff right now, they may be stretched too thin and had to sacrifice the convention.