New Stuff On IMAC Site

[degall 55]

Hi;
Have you signed up for IMAC yet? The registration fee for the International Marine Aquarium Conference went to $150 at the end of December, but as a special for members of Reefs.org the $125 rate will be continued for a limited time. And that’s for the complete package, including all speaker presentations, the Trade Show, the “Meet-the-Speakers” Reception, the Banquet and the Big Raffle. You can’t get this rate through the website. You have to email Dennis Gallagher at [email protected] for details and you must give him your Reefs.org log in name. It can appear on your nametag if you like.

So far the speakers lined up include Martin Moe, Julian Sprung, Henry C. Schultz, Eric Borneman, Dr, Ron Shimek (who will be giving 2 different presentations), Dr. Frank Marini, Anthony Calfo, Dr. Tom Sandercock, Rocky Herman, Stephen Pro, Michael Janes, Jay Hemdal, Barry Neigut, Marc Lamont, Sandy Shoup and Bob Fenner with more to come. Many of their bios and abstracts are already up on the website so check out http://www.theimac.org . And there will be fragging demos by Eric and Anthony. The frags will be given away. There will also be almost continuous fragging demos at the FragExchange booth with the frags again being given away free, although donations will be accepted.

And we have added large segments of Dr. Ron Shimek’s and Jeff Mitchell’s 2004 presentations, which you can download and view whenever you want. Other videos coming soon.

If you went to IMAC in 2003 or 2004 you remember what a blast it was. IMAC is put on by the same people every year so you know you can expect another great show. It will be on June 24, 25 and 26th, in Chicago, again at the Crowne Plaza O’Hare, where they again got a room rate of just $93/nite, and a free shuttle to/from the airport.

If you have an aquarium-related business you should act quickly to reserve a booth. Booth Rates went up February 1 but if you email IMAC (check the website for the address) and mention this post, you can still get the lower rate through March. This last year they sold out all the booths early and they will probably do that again. If you cannot attend, you might want to look into taking out an ad in the IMAC Program Book so that your company will at least have a presence at this important event.

So hurry over to http://www.theimac.org and sign up. And don’t forget to stop by the Reefs.org booth and say hello.

Cheers,
Dennis 8O

 

[nanoreefer88]

this may seem like a dumb question but is imac for anyone

 

[degall 55]

It's not a dumb question nanoreefer and yes IMAC is for everyone. Sure a couple of the presentations may be a little technical unless you are an advanced hobbyist, but there will be many that will have "gems" of useful information for just about anyone. And they're generally the kind of info you can't find in books or on the boards.

Probably the biggest advantage of IMAC is the ability to "schmooze" with the speakers and other aquarists between presentations and in the evenings to get those questions answered that have been bothering you and maybe you were to embarassed to ask here.

Another big advantage is to check out the big trade show and see all the goodies and actually handle them and ask the manufacturers questions about them. These are the things that you might not see in your LFS and have to order on line and its good to see them first.

I don't know of anyone who went to an IMAC and was sorry they went. I hope to see you there.

Dennis

 

[ostrow]

Dennis:

The website is looking pretty good!

I'm still a bit fuzzy on the frag situation. Will there be space for a true "frag swap" or just the fragging demos? If hobbyists bring frags to trade/sell, will there be a room or space for this activity?

I know last year several people did bring things but it was a bit scattered, and then on the last day some occupied space in the exhibit room. Just wondering.

Thanks!
Joel

 

[degall 55]

Joel, that depends on the response we get from hobbyists. I think if hobbyists bring frags to the fragging demos by Eric and Anthony, after those are over there could be a formal swap.

Do you have frags to trade?

Cheers,
Dennis
:welcome:

 

[ostrow]

I would plan to if I knew there would be a space, to be honest. Meaning, I'd frag away...

 

[degall 55]

OK Joel. we'll put you down for some frags. Do you know what you'll have?

Dennis

 

[ostrow]

Monti digis of various colors (pink, red, blue-tipped and purple-tipped)
Probably an "antifreeze green" monti
Anthelia
Green Star Polyps
Mushrooms of various colors in packs of 5

Those I can pretty much guarantee

 

[degall 55]

That's great Joel. We'll see what else we can come up with.

Dennis

 

[Fastmarc]

I'm really interested in attending this. Seems like you could learn quite a lot.
I have always had a dream of opening up my own LFS someday and doing it right, from a reefers perspective. Will I be able to find info or get tips on how to do this at IMAC?

 

[degall 55]

Sure enough Fastmarc. Many of the presentations relate to keeping fish and corals in home aquaria which also apply to keeping them in a LFS. But many dealers also attend IMAC and you will have a chance to talk with them informally and pick up pointers.

There are also usually some representatives from AMDA there who also make good contacts. And you can collect cards from many manufacturers and distributors who you will want to contact later about carrying their products.

Of course it is also important to mix with other hobbyists to learn just what they are interested in and what they will buy.

And, IMAC is a lot of fum.

Cheers,

Dennis

 

[Fastmarc]

Cool, thanks.