MACNA XXI Report

[Amphibious]

thats like the worlds oldest picture, where you pull that from ampage...the archive?

Someone e-mailed me a bunch of old pics. This is one of them.

AWWWW that looks like us!!

I will take you up on sharing your pop...

I am sure I will not be good - I will most likely be on my own while visiting FL and will most likely have to find somewhere to boot scoot the nights away!!

I thought it was appropriate to you and me. There is activity each night so may not get any boot scootin done. Of course you are a night owl, so hard to say.

I live in Gainesville (north central Fl) and I'm about three hours from there, I will be there next Sept. for sure. Where do they normally stage this show (location) and is it the same place every year? Are the prices decent or is it mostly for people that like to browse?

Jerry, MACNA is sponsored by a different reef club each year so the venue is different every year. Last year (2009) was in Atlantic City, NJ. This year (2010) Orlando. Next year (2011) will be announced at Orlando. Playing the price game is interesting. Corals are generally priced at retail. So if you see one that you simply have to have buy it the first day. They will hold them till you leave. Or, you can delay your purchase until the last day when they go on the chopping block. BUT, someone else may buy your coral while you wait and gamble it will be there at the end. Lots of free stuff (not corals) and an awesome raffle.

As time goes on the price of the event goes up. A full registration right now is $126.74 which includes tax. It goes up after Dec 31, 2009 two days from now. This is a full conference ticket. There are other offers.

Click the MACNA banner in my sig area to go there and check it out.

I’ve been to six of them and there is definitely a difference in each one. Last years was a bit of a let down. Orlando is going to be awesome, probably the best yet due to the leaders in ORCA. These people are very professional in organizing. There will be over 100 vendor booths and many surprises that I don’t even know about. The surprises are being held tightly secret.

OK, I'm paid up! I can't wait to see everyone!

I’ve been waiting on this sign up. Awesome Carmie!

Dick

[CarmieJo]

We need to plan a TR meet up!

[rayme07]

We need to plan a TR meet up!

Sounds good I am getting a job next month and am making it a personal goal to be there and I never let a goal down. Carmie I love your new siggy.

[CarmieJo]

Sounds good I am getting a job next month and am making it a personal goal to be there and I never let a goal down. Carmie I love your new siggy.

I am really looking forward to seeing you there!

[Amphibious]

Me to. Did you get a room, Carmie?

[saltaddict]

What is happening on Sept. 2nd at MACNA? Dick's banner says Sept. 2nd-5th but when you register it shows the 3rd-5th.

[Amphibious]

The 2nd is set up day for vendors. The show starts the 3rd. My habit is to get there on set up day to get a sneak peek and to help out where needed. Sometimes security will not let you into the vendor area with out a vendor pass. Then you have to get sneaky. Also, getting there a day early gives me a full nights sleep before the big opening day. Registration is sometimes open the day before and you can avoid the opening day throng of people. Just my weirdo way.

For those flying any distance and arriving on the 3rd, get an early flight so you get into Orlando in time to spend some time walking around the vendor area. There will also be a welcoming reception that evening around 6pm. Free kiblets and such. Good time to meet new people and renew old friendships. Saturday night is the banquet. Be sure and include that. Usually good food and a major speaker/show.

ORCA will be sure to surprise us with things they are not revealing.

Dick

[sunny d polyp]

My wife and I will only be in Orlando for one day, what day would be best and which ticket would be the most advantageous for us?

[V]

Sometimes security will not let you into the vendor area with out a vendor pass. Then you have to get sneaky.

Dick

[saltaddict]

I plan on arriving on the 2nd - not sure I will be sneaking into anything but maybe laying on the beach getting fried.

I registered for the full venue but frankly the banquet would only be appealing for socializing since I can't partake in their food.

[Amphibious]

Beach is about an hour away but the pool is just outside. Let me know your flight’s arrival time. The hotel has a free shuttle I’m sure BUT, if we can pick you up, how cool would that be? We’ll see.

Dick

[CarmieJo]

Yes, I am staying at the Marriott. I am not sure if I will fly, take the train or drive.

[rayme07]

I am really looking forward to seeing you there!

Me to.

I am looking forward to meeting you two too and everyone else here on TR. I am saving up and trying to get as much money as I can. I too plan on arriving a day early too so I can relax and look around.

[V]

mate, just seeing your face would priceless, someone, make sure you get those unsuspecting snaps ok.

It would be like a kid, thats a kid, in a candy store

[rayme07]

It would be like a kid, thats a kid, in a candy store

I know I am going to go nuts. LOL

[saltaddict]

I will certainly let you know what time I am arriving Dick. If I know me though I will most likely rent a car as I feel totally weird being somewhere without a car and besides - how the heck would I go boot scoot-in??? LOL

[Amphibious]

Well That’s probably a better plan. I like having a car when I fly into a strange city. It’s all about freedom.

[saltaddict]

Thank you for the offer my friend.
I feel like a fish out of water without a car - I also have family in Clearwater I may have to jump down to see on evening.

[rroselavy]

I know I am going to go nuts. LOL

Rayme- MACNA sounds like fun, and you will no doubt have several friends going there - but do not forget that Southern California has a few events now that are only a few hours drive for you. There is the MAX show in the spring, IMAC West in the summer, and Reef-a-Palooza in the fall. None of these shows are the size of Macna, but you get three shows a year!

Reef-a-Palooza is more hobbiest driven, so frag trading and coral sales are emphasized. IMAC West just had its first year and is still "ramping up".

[rayme07]

Rayme- MACNA sounds like fun, and you will no doubt have several friends going there - but do not forget that Southern California has a few events now that are only a few hours drive for you. There is the MAX show in the spring, IMAC West in the summer, and Reef-a-Palooza in the fall. None of these shows are the size of Macna, but you get three shows a year!

Reef-a-Palooza is more hobbiest driven, so frag trading and coral sales are emphasized. IMAC West just had its first year and is still "ramping up".

Thanks RR, I have heard of all those meets and frag swaps and am hoping to at least go to MAX this year because I have heard so much about that and Reef-a-Palooza and I was planning on saving for those too. I hope to soon get my drivers license so I can drive to those. I have also heard of a whole bunch of frags swaps in the bay area too with NVR so there is a lot of saving to do. But for this hobbie its worth it. Thanks RR

[washingtond]

My wife Tippie and I will be there along with several other folks from the Dallas area. We are going early to get in some golf at the Marriott Resort.

[CarmieJo]

David, that is great! I'm looking forward to meeting you and Tippie.

[V]

Tippie - Isn't that an native indian house?

welcome to the boards bud. , i look forward to not seeing you at macna, why, cause they wont let me on the plane cause im ozzie. wow, one nation spoils it for the rest...shessh...lol