Yeah, it's definitely something that takes more time and effort than other conventions.
Most of the English studios I see in the indie (where I'd guess you guys would be?) Have some support from a publisher or have a translator hanging around. Though I definitely do see some who rock up with just a translated game and some Japanese instructions and wing it. *I'm american myself, so it's never a problem for me.
Talking directly to the devs in the indie booth area is always my highlight whenever I go.
And yeah, making it a vacation opportunity is definitely the way to go.