Macna 2012

So, Im seriously considering heading to DFW for macna. I know it would be a cool, fun time. But, im thinking about going not just for the hobby side, but for my business as well. It is quite the trek from NorCal and Im wondering from those that have been...is it worth it?? Im hoping that making my way down to texas would help to boost my knowledge, experience, and connections in the aquatics world. Also, think that it would be nice to be able to put a face behind the accounts and mine as well. any input is appreciated.

 

what type of business do you do.

Is it worth going from a hobby side.........IMO yes! I am sad we cant go this year. It is a great time, lots of corals, speakers, contacts etc. As far as would it help your business.....would depend on what you do. I think it would be very helpful for LFS owners (couple in our area are going) as you get a heads up on the new stuff that are going to be released soon

 

It's super awesome when you have a table. As a hobbyist... it's still awesome!

 

thanks for the input. I have a small maintenance business, but am expanding to a retail storefront as i type. so, i guess from the LFS perspective is where im coming from. Im thinking it is worth it to see the new releases, meet suppliers, make a few connections, and have fun.
Schakmel: You still have that ticket available?

 

If you are from NorCal be sure to check out Reef-A-Palooza in Costa Mesa.
I like MACNA and last year's was the best I have been too, but I like RAP better. My 2 cents.
matt

 

definitely gonna hit RAP, its on my list. just seems macna is more "official". maybe like RAP is the party and Macna is the conference. is this crazy thinking?? never been to either, just my .02

 

no, sorry have already sold it.

 

Hi guys, we are glad to see so much interest this year from the West coast, we hope to see you all out there! I just wanted to chime in on the show a bit, it is truly a unique event which is useful to hobbyist and business' of all experiences and obsession! There is a huge social aspect to the show which many people use to make connections, build their contact list, and in general just get more background on how all aspects of the hobby works. We have a local Coral Farm and he has gone to every MACNA since he has opened and that is how he has made most of his business connections.

As for RAP, we actually attended the show this year and it was great! It is a lot different show, but was incredibly well done and fun. To me, RAP is more of a large, local frag swap, run in, run out sort of place. They have some speakers, but they just have so many incredible coral shops around that it dominates, naturally. There was a ton of people, but over the two days we were there we rarely saw the same people twice. At MACNA, people come to stay for the whole 3 days as its never in the same city year to year and it is about the experience to socialize with all of the other attendees. Now, there are normally not as many attendees, but you really get more time to meet and socialize with people, speakers, companies even. I loved both, and will be back at RAP next year I am sure, but I do not plan to miss a MACNA as long as I am in the hobby.

See you all there Thanks!