I called a friend to ask if he was going and he said yes! I didn't know where the interest in wanting to visit the event came from.

I would feel the same way too knowing a friend will be attending as well. Like a confidence/interest boost.

Hey bro, I can say it's getting better from here on,you've got some connections with guys who will be walking the same path with you. I can't wait to see, hear and read about your progress in the next 5 months.