Since the conference isn't trying to pull in big bucks (its a break even - 501.C non profit even), attendee costs for 2017 are $425 (food included - and they don't skimp on food). Even if you're going to add on the hotel the conference is located in, its only $175. Toss in a plane ticket and it is probably still less expensive than the national ones for the "get in the door" ticket.
There are lots of regional or local conferences that are not absurd in pricing.
For another example of an upcoming local one: https://stirtrek.com which is a one day $99 one. Its draw is likewise local.
Yea, NoFluff is $1000 to walk in the door for two days. I'm very glad that there are others that are closer in line with not needing to drain the training budget to go to.