It's Reef Season! Following up the standard summer slump the reef hobby gets a jolt with the annual MACNA event. This is always a great way to kick off another reef season. We've stressed numerous times the need for hobbyists to attend events, frag swaps, symposiums, conferences, and the like. It's amazing how many people get into this hobby but never fully immerse themselves in the best part.... making friends. In fact most people who remain in the hobby for more than a couple years do so because of the great friendships they have made. We'd like you to become one of those people by joining us at all the upcoming reefer parties.
In case Marc's efforts to convince you to attend conferences hasn't been enough, here is my attempt by highlighting three of the best shows around... all taking place in the next 6 weeks.
Reefapalooza!
October 23 & 24th: The original palooza is back! If you are in the Southern Cal area, and let's face it millions of you are, then you don't want to miss this show. Along with the spring time Marine Aquarium Expo the Reefapalooza show is a great way for all So Cal reefers (and many others) to biannually connect. This is a huge show with over 1,000 attendees and some serious floor space. Give yourself some time, bring a water bottle, and walk the floor. Details on speakers and programs are still to come but rest assured there will be plenty of frags for the Californication prevelant at the show. If you get something truly rare be sure to show it off to us.
Reef Addicts will of course be at the show with our booth and recording setup. However, what we're really looking for is a great group of fun hobbyists to enjoy the weekend with us. http://www.reefapalooza.org/
Midwest Frag Fest
October 31 & 31: Your Halloween weekend just got better. A very innovative conference type set up with a heavy emphasis on local hobbyist fraggers. A great place to see dozens of people selling frags on a local swap type setting, but combined with large scale vendors and as always the guest speakers (Jake Adams, Mark Eisenhandler, Scott Fellman, Bob Fenner, Marc Levenson, Matt Pedersen, Randy Reed, Tal Sweet). Notice the bevy of aquaculture/breeding talent- exciting for some of us to say the least.
Also, something to notice is the family-friendly-kid-happy system in place. Our buddy Jake made a post on Reef Builders not to long ago about the need for kids at reef events and this show certainly has that in mind. This is very kid-friendly and I recommend all midwest hobbyists to make it a family weekend trip. There is lots to do for little ones. I mean a waterpark inside the hotel???? And you thought you had trouble with high humidity in your house. Naturally Reef Addicts will be there to cover the show, come visit us in our booth. http://www.fragfestproductions.com/
Mountain West Reef Fest
November 5 & 6: Arguably the most fun and entertaining show out there. A 4:20 Reefer's High? Face Painting for the kids? Hot Tub parties? Vendors flock to this show and with good reason. A heavy emphasis on education and presentations geared towards the advanced hobbyists. Way too many experts/speakers/guests to list here so you'll have to visit the site to see them all (and be sure to read the crazy bios: http://www.mountainwestreeffest.com/index.php?q=node/2). This is a show for the hard core advanced reefers who want to learn from the experts... while chatting over a plate of nachos and drinks. It certainly feels more like a vacation than a trade show with the high level hospitality. As though planned by Timberlake himself this show certainly brings the sexy back into the hobby.
Reef Addicts will of course be there to share the best of times with the few of you who can't find a way to be there. Otherwise join us on the couch, on top of the mountain, or in the hot tub. http://www.mountainwestreeffest.com/
See below for many more photos of Southern Cal's club, the Midwest Frag Fest, and the Mountain West Reef Fest
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