What to look for in a workshop?

I'm thinking about attending a workshop/tour or two this year, and I'm essentially looking on advice on what to look for. Aside from things such as liking the leader's artistic style, my interest in the location, finding a leader with intimate knowledge of the area, and proper permits and insurance -- what else?

The bottom line is that I want to find a workshop where I'll come back with great images and also get feedback that will help my artistic progression more just spending my time on a photo trip by myself. What would you look for?

Also, for those of you that do comment I would appreciate it if you would mention if you've been a workshop participant in the past or if you are speaking as a leader/instructor?

Thanks a lot for any help!

Fighting a current trend in workshops, the first thing I'd ask for is a copy of their liability insurance policy covering the events. Heck, why not get a copy of their park permits if they're to be shot in parks.

No reflection on anyone, but there are sure a bunch of "underground" workshops being run without these little niceties, competing with the folks who go the extra mile and expense. The response to your requests may tell you a whole lot about the rest of their operation.

I'm with Hank. I was leading a workshop in California last week and within the first few hours I was stopped by a ranger looking for permits and insurance. Just think, if I didn't have that information, everyone would have had to disband after a long day of travel! A person within the National Park Service in Alaska said they were going to be clamping down on un-permitted operators, I wouldn't be surprised if we hear some horror stories this summer of photo tours being shut down.

I could add more to the topic, but Guy Tal covered it well here: http://guytal.com/wordpress/?p=363

Yeah Hank, I've read the recent threads started by Marc and Darwin on this lately. I think finding someone insured and permitted correctly is a given. That eliminates the fly-by-night operations, but I don't think that necessarily means that I'll get as much out of it as I'm hoping for

I think it's important to really decide what your priories are. Do you want to come home with great images (ie. a tour to some beautiful places)? Or do you want to learn how to make good images (ie. a workshop in a lesser known place with lots of hands on instruction)? Different workshop leaders out there have different priorities, so make sure to find one that matches yours. While they can coexist, they don't always. Also consider the leader/student ratio.

Over the years consistently the best we've attended have been offered through Santa Fe Workshops. It's a first class operation from end to end with topnotch instructors. Not cheap, but their course descriptions and instructor bios help you be very specific in which you choose, or choose not to attend. Look their site over, and it will give you a good view of what kinds of things to expect from other workshop sponsors.

I think that Guy Tal had an interesting take in this blog posting.

Thanks for the comments. Guy's post is very helpful also.