New technician needs advice on equipment to buy

Just passed my technician tests, and I need advice on equipment options for someone on a low budget.

BACKGROUND
My interests focus on general phone conversations with people nearby and DXing. I live in a house in a small town located in central Illinois, and several repeaters are nearby. I don't have a strong interest on the data side, right now. And I'm still working on my morse code.

A hamfest will be approaching in mid-September I can go to. What can I look for? Thanks, John.