Yes, it is worth it because you can potentially meet a LOT of interesting people. I say 'interesting' because I prefer meeting people who are fired up and ready to take on the world as opposed to those who made it.

Scheduling meetings with big names is mainly a credibility thing. You either have the right connections to get an introduction or an 'unicorn'.

P.S. Remember that this is still just a 'conference' in the purest form. Getting 'accepted' is not a big deal. You can stand outside the building, hangout in the bars/meetup groups around the venue and watch a few podcasts/youtubes for the same effect. What you make of it, is up to you.