I can't help you about the Elkhart show in particular, but you should attend as many shows as you can. The idea is to sit inside them and imagine yourself living in it. Where will everyone sleep and is the bed a good size? Do you have elbow room in the shower and leg room in the toilet area? Where will you put all the "stuff" such as canned goods, tools, clothing, linens, toys and even stuff for your four-legged kids. Imagine where you'll put wet clothes if it rains and how comfortable you'll be if the weather keeps you inside for a couple of days (it happens!).
Also visit factories if you can - and there are many in the Elkhart area - to see how well their products are built. When we moved up from gas to diesel we visited just about all the major diesel motorhome factories and it was very enlightening. But it also helped later because we had a better understanding of what was underneath the floor and behind the cabinets and how everything was put together.
Finally, leave your checkbook at home when you go to these shows. New RVers in particular get enthralled with all the glitz and fun stuff and tend to want to take home the object of their affection. It's a good idea to wait a while. Make lists of what you like and dislike about what you see and eventually you'll work your lists down to what's right for you and your family. Just like they say "location, location, location" in real estate, we say "floor plan, floor plan, floor plan" when we talk about RVs. It has to be livable and suit your needs or you won't like it. Most of all, have fun during the process!
ArdraF