Macna 2011

[Floyd R Turbo]

1) Carry on the plane
2) Bucket in the car
3) Find someone to ship them for you
4) Set up tank in Des Moines, commute to take care of corals

#4 is reserved for the hard-core reefers.

 

[TRUKINGNY]

1) Carry on the plane
2) Bucket in the car
3) Find someone to ship them for you
4) Set up tank in Des Moines, commute to take care of corals

#4 is reserved for the hard-core reefers.

damn that sux. so if i buy corals the first day how will i get them to last till monday when i get on the plane? never did this before so i kinda new at it

 

[Floyd R Turbo]

I guess it would be better for someone who has gone to MACNA and bought corals to answer this...

 

[patmack]

Could you take corals with water on a plane? Im sure you would have to check the bag right?

 

[xroads]

damn that sux. so if i buy corals the first day how will i get them to last till monday when i get on the plane? never did this before so i kinda new at it

Last year in Orlando almost all vendors would let you pay for corals & give you a receipt. They held them until Sunday when I was ready to leave.

I put mine in a thermose, wrapped them in my sweatshirts & packed them in my luggage.

They are all in my tank & still doing great.

 

[Floyd R Turbo]

I would imagine that putting them in an unpressurized cargo hold could cause problems?

I can also imagine what TSA thinks they see when a thermos full of corals goes through an x-ray machine. I can't believe that made it through!!

 

[flyingace2005]

A couple misconceptions...

The cargo hold is pressurized and has the same air as the cabin so it is also temperature contolled. If it weren't, all the ladies that bring hairspray in their bags would have quite the mess in their bags.

The TSA is not as concerned with live animals. You can carry fish on airplanes with you since all the TSA needs to see is that the animal is alive. I have also been allowed to carry coral on the plane with me as well.

Joe

 

[lordofthereef]

I talked to Anthony Calfo a couple local frag fests ago and he said as long as there were live animals in the water that you plan to carry on you *SHOULD* be fine. For most people who know little about the creatures we keep, a fish is obviouse when it is living. Corals, not so much. Calfo has flown a few times with corals as his carry on, but I personally would at least speak with the airlines about this and be ready to make proper arrangements.

 

[tangafish]

when I went to macna last they held them for you until the last day. One of the vendors actually shipped it to my home since I bought quite a bit. A day or two after I got home I had more goodies to look forward too.

 

[goby1kenobi]

I'm considering going, but I'm unable to find any info about the reception and banquet other than the costs. Is that info still tbd?

 

[nemokeeper]

can't wait

 

[JMan192]

I Wish I could afford the travel expenses and purchases at the show, no reason to go if I can't buy anything. Hmmmm hitch hike and tent it LOL.

 

[lordofthereef]

Just giving this thread a friendly bump!

 

[carnut]

is the campus tour included in the ticket price? How long is it? tansportation fee? Any info appreciated!

 

[jbrunken]

The central campus tour is included with the price of your ticket and transportation will be provided. I'm not sure how long the tours will take, but they will be offered several time during the day on Saturday the 10th.

Hope that helps.

FYI, the price of a full access pass goes up to the full $150 on the 31st of July. If you know you're going to go, save your self some cash and get your tickets soon.

 

[carnut]

does the show charge for parking?

 

[jbrunken]

The event center charges $7 for parking. I believe that parking in Des Moines is free on Saturdays, but I'm not sure if that affects the event center or not.

Note that parking is free if you Stay at the Quality Inn which is directly across the street from the event center.

Here's a link to the Des Moines Skywalk/Parking map:

http://www.seedesmoines.com/uploads/pdf/downtown_skywalksparking.pdf

 

[Hesham]

Will MACNA 2011 have any special MASNA member privileges in addition to early access to the trade floor on the first day?

Last year's MACNA had front row seating for MASNA members. That was a nice plus and a good encouragement to join MASNA.

Also, appreciate if you can list any special offers (as well as fun places) MACNA attendees will have access while in Des Moines. I saw the earlier mention of free access to the zoo (I assume it is the Blank Park Zoo).

Looking forward to this event. We have been to the last 6 MACNAs and this will be our first one in the Midwest. We always have a lot of fun, learn and discover more about our hobby, make new friends, and explore different parts of the US. We will also spend time in Chicago and Omaha on this trip.

 

[jbrunken]

I believe that MASNA members will get all of the same perks they had last year including front row seating and early admission, but I need to double check this.

And yes, Blank Park Zoo is offering free admission to MACNA attendees. Central Campus in Des Moines is offering free tours of their marine biology department on Saturday the 10th and MACNA will be providing free shuttle service to that as well.

If you're going to be in Omaha, I would recommend that you check out the Zoo there as well. I've heard great things about it!

 

[carnut]

how often is the shuttle running from the marriot to the convention center. Any vegetarian meals at the show?