Is Macna worth it?

[guitar8222]

I just realized that macna is coming up soon so I should probably get tickets.

I am newish to the hobby and I was wondering what they are like and if it is worth staying there overnight for the three days? Do the vendors usually have a lot of rare corals there or do they just bring the usual stuff? Is there a best day to go if I just go for one day?

What is everyone else's opinion on macna? Are a lot of people going? I figured I would post a poll so I can see what most people are doing to help me make up my mind. Thanks.

 

[sikpupy]

When, where? MACNA's site says sept 5-7 2008!?

Where am I????

 

[sikpupy]

Oh, that was "XX" site. They have a "XXi" site too ..... :rolleye1:

 

[guitar8222]

http://www.macnaxxi.com/

The new site has the i at the end. I got confused by that as well. It is Sept 25-27 in Atlantic city.

 

[sikpupy]

Cant wait for the "XXX" site! :lol:

 

[guitar8222]

lol...

 

[guitar8222]

I guess it is a toss up. There doesn't seem to be many responses. I was hoping someone would chime in and let me know what to expect. Are the people voting not to go is it a distance choice or is it not worth it?

 

[danferd2002]

IMO it is well worth it, if you only went for the deals on livestock and equipment. Not to mention the speakers and workshops, raffles, and free stuff. Plus your in SJ already.

 

[jcgso]

I would say it's well woth it. My wife and I went to Atlanta last year and had a great time. Of course having the Georgia Aquarium there made it a big plus. We did not go to the banquet or cocktail reception, but will this year.
I learned a lot, got many good freebies, won a couple of raffles and talked to lots of great people from RC.
This year, I will get there the first day. Last year we arrived on Saturday and many of the corals I liked were sold. So, I would highly recommend it. Also, last year I could not get in to see any of the speakers I wanted to. This year, I will make sure I see several.

 

[romanr]

I went last year in Atlanta. Had a great time. I've attended a few local reef conferences before but Macna makes them all look small. If you can afford it then go and have fun. Bring lots of money because you will want to spend it on the exhibits floor!

 

[GreshamH]

Well worth it. I'm going, and have gone to the last 10

FWIW since MACNA is put on by a different club every year, they put up their own website. If your ever confused as to which one to visit, check out MASNA's website first since MACNA is MASNA's baby.

 

[Phyl]

MACNA XXI should be a great time for all this year.

Unlike last year there will be no limited access speakers. The entertainment on Friday night is going to be local Jersey band The Nerds and John Chatterton who discovered a German U-Boat of the coast of NJ is going to be the speaker. He's also the star of many episodes of Deep Sea Detectives.

There will be 3 days of speakers, vendors and meet-n-greet with all the folks you chat on-line with. The after-hours parties are not to be rivaled with people from all over the world gathering and enjoying each other's company. It is an experience like none other!

The speaker schedule is

And the exhibitors can be found HERE

Not too often you'll find more speakers, vendors and reefers all in one spot!

For the spouses there is the entire shopping district between the convention center and the casinos, Jersey beaches in September, high end shopping on Caesar's Pier, and the list goes on and on!

If you live in Jersey and DON'T go... shame on you!

 

[Uncle Luke]

How do the out of towners take their frags back home? Are they restricted on airlines?

 

[~reefchik~]

I only went once, to the one in Louisville, but yes, it was really worth it. It's hog heaven for a SW tank hobbyist, IMO. I recall the most amazing all-clownfish and live rock display someone had there. The image of that tank sticks with me to this day.

The good deals on livestock and equipment were everywhere. And this was back in the day when local stuff was really hard to find in my area.

 

[cloak]

I'd love to go at least once myself. Just to get a bearing.

 

[billsreef]

It's a great time if you can go. Unfortunately for me it is also the same weekend as my 20th wedding anniversary. My wife will get a bit upset if I go to a "fish" conference that weekend

 

[JohnS_323]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15343298#post15343298 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by billsreef
It's a great time if you can go. Unfortunately for me it is also the same weekend as my 20th wedding anniversary. My wife will get a bit upset if I go to a "fish" conference that weekend

Bring her along! You can sell it by telling her that you're taking her to Atlantic City, she can shop all day long and then you can take her to the evening events. Might cost you a bit of cash on the shopping spree... but it would be SO worth it.