School Networking Expedition

Hey everyone, I am new here to WSO. I have been reading a lot of material on here the last few weeks. I have some questions regarding networking and some expeditions my school is planning. I am at a definite non-target in Idaho. My economics department is going to San Francisco for two days in July to network with people in the industry. They already have setup to meet with most of the BB in the area, and we are encouraged to setup our own info meetings with anyone we would like to. My economics department is planning on doing another expedition to New York next Fall semester and trying to get a trip to London approved in Fall as well. This is mainly an Investment Banking trip, there is some students going for other areas, but the bulk of us are trying to make IB contacts. Right now costs are expected to be around $450-$500 for San Francisco and about the same for New York. The school is heavily subsidizing the trips, that’s why they are fairly inexpensive. Even though the cost is not that high, for a student on a limited budget with a family it is still costly. My question is, if I want to end up in New York, is it worth it for me to put out the expense to go to San Francisco, and hold out for New York and possibly London? Or would it be best to find the way to come up with the money and do all three if possible? Should I just put effort towards an email and phone call blitz and get setup for New York? Thanks in advance for any advice or comments.