I've been to the Big Smoke in Vegas twice. I've gone with a group of 10-12 including my dad. We make a weekend of it, couple dinners, lots of cigar smoking. I agree with the other guys, the cigars aren't worth the price. The event is fun though, like Bruce mentioned to get to meet and talk to many of the blenders and brand owners and I think that's cool.
You also get food and drink at the Big Smoke, I wouldn't say that changes the "value" much but it's something.
The last couple years for the Big Smoke they have offered VIP tickets which means early entry by an hour I think. The first time I went this was not offered and it took the entire time for me to collect my cigars from each booth. With the VIP the crowd is split in about 2 so it's much easier to get around and visit each booth because the crowd is split up. Even though everyone is still in the same "room" it felt a lot less crowded. I did not get VIP. Half our group did though so they were able to save a table.
The key is to have plan. You get tickets to exchange for the cigars. What we do is have specific guys collect for everyone for certain booths that we all don't want to visit, like Rocky Patel. We send one guy to get everyone's cigar.
I haven't gone the last couple years but my group goes every year and I think I'll go again next year. But I go for the experience and hanging out with the group that I know who are from all over the country.