Hi, Graphic Design manager here. I went to Adobe MAX two years ago and have also taken multiple Adobe courses over the last 4 years so I can shed some light on what I think are the strengths of both for skill sets.

Adobe MAX was incredible in multiple ways but I'd say the primary purpose to me was networking. You're under the same roof as I want to say 7,000 creative people (if I remember correctly, that's how many went two years ago in LA). You hear motivational speeches from movie directors or hear the newest upcoming technology "Sneaks" from Nick Offerman. It's high energy and lots to do.

If you are specifically looking for skill advancement at Adobe MAX, there are opportunities through workshops (8 hours pre-conference optys) and then the courses throughout the week (about 2 hours each). I took a calligraphy workshop and also illustrator Advanced and a photoshop course. These relatively quick courses focused more on special-case scenarios, and we're definitely not comprehensive. I learned some cool tricks and techniques, but I didn't walk into those classes needing to have those questions answered to help me in my current work.

What I ended up doing to improve my skills exponentially was taking independent Adobe training courses through Sterling Ledet (I'm not sure what the equiv might be where you're located). These were intensive two-day courses which covered the basics and then advanced into harder, really practical skills. They were much more cost effective than MAX as well.

There is definitely value in attending MAX but I would recommend it more for networking and adding onto base training. Good luck in your professional development and if you do go, you'll have a blast!