Hi Folks.
I'd just like to take this opportunity to thank not only the organisers for laying on such a superb event, but also all of you who attended.
For me, it was a great honour to be invited across the pond and be given the chance to present, Hopefully for those of you who came to the banquet, it was an enjoyable experience, and I hope that in some small way I helped those of you who I spoke to over the course of the weekend.
As a frequent participant in many trade shows within the motorcycle industry (my normal day job) and other reef keeping events throughout the Uk I feel it should always be remembered that the ultimate success of any show rests on people getting up out of the comfy chair and attending. The more people go, the bigger the success and feel of the show in future years, and the more bang you get for your bucks.
IMAC has huge potential. but it takes hobbyist attending to make it a success. Without you guys, we are basically talking to empty seats. (easyer, but no where near as much fun)
Whilst that may not bother a small minority, it should be remembered that speakers always try to put something worthwhile and often new or cutting edge into their presentations...often taking a different tact, or clarifying verbally what can all to often get misinterpreted in print and passed on repeatedly via other channels. What we commonly aim to do during presentations, is set the record strait as it were, clear up confusions, or break down barriers that limit progression with new and exiting ideas, or more in depth information that has been gained from further research or experience. Christine Williams Presentation was a great example of just how important even a basic level of understanding is with regards to certain aspects of our hobby, be that a novice or experienced keeper.
imo, shows shouldn't be just about 1 or other aspect...they should be for everybody at every level and cover as much ground as possible be that frags, full blown stock, talks, literature, equipment sales, hard parts, additives etc etc...the list goes on and shouldn't be exclusive.
With regards to the speakers, I think IMAC covered this admirably.
Kind regards and thanks again to all. It realy was a pleasure to be included, and visit the USA for the first time...(even if i was staying on a ship that was based only 7 miles away from where i type this post...talk about irony)
Simon Garratt o.c.r.d