How important is an informal meet and greet?

[Lisianthus]

Today I received an email inviting me to a meet and greet with faculty and grad students for a university to which I applied for a PhD. This would be good news, except that the event is in 4 days and across the country. While I could conceivably borrow the funds for a last minute plane ticket from friends or relatives, it would put me in a financial bind that I would rather avoid. That said, the POI at this university is my ideal match (the university itself is just okay, but I want to work with this person).

This particular university admits a decently sized cohort, but only funds a very few applicants. If I am not funded, I am not in a position to accept.

Since the event is a two hour informal meet and greet, is it potentially not worth the money to attend it? Or is it likely that my attendance could make a big difference?

Any advice would be appreciated, as I'm having trouble deciding.

 

[TakeruK]

If they are not paying for you to attend this, I would not think it's worth attending.