IMAC vs MACNA

[JeffDubya]

So... I am saving up a little bit of cash and my frequent flyer miles, and I want to know WHICH conference I should consider attending.

WHERE the event is being held really doesn't interest me much... I don't really like Pittsburgh or Chicago. Plus, I am there for one thing and one thing only... learning about marine aquariums. Specifically, propagtion.

How much the event COSTS also is not much of an issue. They are both expensive, and close in my book. If I can afford one, I can afford either. Likewise, if I cannot afford one, I cannot afford either. (And considering my current circumstances, that may be a possibility)

Looks like a lot of the same people are presenting.

So... which one... ???

[Seahorsedreams]

Most of my crowd goes to IMAC. The other site I hang out at has representatives attend both but it always seems like IMAC gets the better reviews.

[JeffDubya]

So... what specifically makes IMAC better???

[Seahorsedreams]

Ummmmm.... I don't know. The pirate part seahorse.org pulls off?... it's legendary! There just always seem to be more excitement and a better turnout for IMAC. But maybe others can answer with specifics.

[JeffDubya]

pirate? wha? :whut:

[Seahorsedreams]

Oops... pirate partY

[Rob]

lol.. well i am booked for MACNA and SWU this year.. :)
thats abotu all i can say as i have never attended either

[Sloppygolf]

Last year, and it was very good. All the newest vendors stuff, great speakers, more than you have time for, if you want to learn, you can do it there. I would go back, maybe again this year.
:up:

[Steven Pro]

I have attended and enjoyed both. MACNA is always slightly larger than IMAC, but both are good shows. I am on the planning committee for MACNA this year, so I am kind of partial to that show, but if you have any particular questions, feel free to ask.

[JustDavidP]

I've only been to one.. MACNA..and I was a little busy (It was in Boston and though I was not on the committee per se, I was, in fact, busy).

I've never experienced anything like it and I am always at trade shows/large association meetings. I couldn't even put into words how great it was to get access to top of the line information, technology, and people.

I can also add, that if Pro is working on the MACNA planning committee this year, he and his peers know what needs to be done and you couldn't go wrong with attending.

Finally, I'd like to add, I too am not a HUGE fan of Chi-town (having been victimized there in the past) BUT, Philly is a great city; rich with history, culture(s), etc. If you've never been.. you HAVE to see the city. Like the commercials say "There's lots...lots of culture here" :)

Dave

[Steven Pro]

Thank you for the kind words David. Unfortunately, MACNA will be in Pittsburgh this year, not Philadelphia. ;) But, there is still lots of great things to do here.

Andy Warhol Museum - http://www.warhol.org/ (http://www.warhol.org/)

Carnegie Science Center - http://www.carnegiesciencecenter.org/ (http://www.carnegiesciencecenter.org/)

Carnegie Museum of Art - http://www.cmoa.org/ (http://www.cmoa.org/)

Carnegie Museum of Natural History - http://www.carnegiemuseums.org/cmnh/ (http://www.carnegiemuseums.org/cmnh/)

Center for Creative Play - http://www.cfcp.org/ (http://www.cfcp.org/)

Children's Museum - http://www.pittsburghkids.org/ (http://www.pittsburghkids.org/)

Fort Pitt Museum - www.fortpittmuseum.com (http://www.fortpittmuseum.com/)

Gateway Clipper Fleet - http://www.gatewayclipper.com/ (http://www.gatewayclipper.com/)

Just Ducky Tours - http://www.justduckytours.com/ (http://www.justduckytours.com/)

Kennywood Amusement Park - http://www.kennywood.com/ (http://www.kennywood.com/)

National Aviary - http://www.aviary.org/ (http://www.aviary.org/)

Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium - http://www.zoo.pgh.pa.us/ (http://www.zoo.pgh.pa.us/)

Phipps Conservatory - http://www.phipps.conservatory.org/ (http://www.phipps.conservatory.org/)

[CarmieJo]

After 20 years in NC I remain a Cleveland fan but Pittsburgh also has some sports teams. :)

[kj_yoda]

Camie Jo, YOu can travel just a few hours south for SaltwaterU this year! It should be fun!

[washingtond]

I have been to the last two MACNA's and planning on attending again this year.

[Steven Pro]

Be sure to purchase your tickets to MACNA 19 before the end of the month to beat the price increase.
MACNA XIX- Welcome to Web Site of Marine Aquarium Conference of North America 2007 (http://www.macnapittsburgh.com/registration/registration.htm)