I'll be there again; third year in a row now. And I'm sure I'll be in ***** (
) for next years! (Sorry, I can't and won't reveal such details) *tip*: buy tickets for next year's MACNA while you're attending this years - you get them at about half price and you can always sell them later if you cannot make it.
I also know of three other local reefers going off the top of my head, who have not yet posted on this thread.
What day is best to fly in and out for the event
If you want the full experience, you really need to be there from the show floor opening Friday morning up and through the Sunday evening raffle.
I've never been to a large reef trade show before. Beside planning on spending a lot of money, is there any other suggestions to get the most out of such a big event? How do you get your livestock back? Does each vendor ship them for you (thus paying multiple shipping charges), can you bring them on the plane? Is there a special place to check them in under the plane that is temp controlled?
Speakers. Review the list/schedule ahead of time and mark down the presentations you wish to attend. Watch the clock and don't miss those. If you have an all access pass, DO NOT skip the Saturday night banquet. The key-note speaker is always worth hearing.
Almost all vendors will hold purchased livestock until Sunday. Keep your receipts and go around Sunday about noon to collect your prior purchases. You can bring corals on a plane, and there's various ways to do this. There's plus/minus to each. More in a second.
Not going to MACNA, but I can confirm that you can bring livestock on the plane. Carry it on and do not check it in. Let TSA know that you have live fish/coral and do not let the airline know what you have. All the liquid rules are exempt from live fish.
Disagree; there's more variability this way IMO/IME. Personally, I take a 1G rubbermaid water jug, and all my purchases go in that. Then said water jug goes into a checked bag. Don't even bother to mention the corals to the airline. TSA does not have anything against this, but certain airline personal don't always know the rules and may take exception.
Mark did a decent right up on this a few years back:
http://melevsreef.com/node/1740
The show floor will be filled with livestock vendors that have amazing specimens. And, manufacturers/dealers will be showcasing their newest and best hardware. But, the most interesting aspect, is the insight to the nuances of reef keeping, by the presenters.
Absolutely agree, on all aspects. Additionally, many manufactures will have freebees/grab bags when the show floor opens Friday. I always end up with a week's worth of T-shirts.
Sunday afternoon will be the time to splurge on what is left, as most vendors want to take home as little as possible. However, most of the cherry stuff will have been sold already.
This too.
It's a blast every year, and I can't wait again!
Don't expect to sleep much - if the show floor isn't open it's a non-stop party in the hotel, all over the hotel. A 4 hour night is a good night; don't sleep in and miss speakers! You'll have the chance to sit and chat with just about anyone noteworthy you desire, if you can find them.
