***THE 2015 MOUNTAIN WEST REEF FEST is SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 26th***

[carlso63]

***THE 2015 MOUNTAIN WEST REEF FEST is SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 26th***

- 4 Special Guest Speakers!
- 14 Coral Vendors with 1000s of Corals For Sale!
- Sponsor & Vendor Booths from some of the Biggest Names in the Hobby!...
- A HUGE Raffle with HUNDREDS OF PRIZES!
- An Aquascaping Contest that YOU can Enter & Win!
- Great Fun for the Entire Family!

General Admission tickets are just $15!

VIP Packages
(Includes a Pre-Show Dinner Banquet Friday night, AND a Catered Lunch Saturday, AND Early Admission to the Coral Vendor Room, and 10 FREE Raffle tickets) ONLY $25!!!

To pre-order your tickets, or for hotel accommodations info, advance Raffle ticket sales, Conference Schedule and Floor Plan... Please visit the 2015 MWRF website:

www.mountainwestreeffest.com

-Sponsored by the Wasatch Marine Aquarium Society (WMAS)-

Celebrating 20 Years as Utah's Saltwater Hobby Place!

 

[carlso63]

2015 Comic Con SPECIAL OFFER!!!

2015 Comic Con SPECIAL OFFER!!!

*** NEW - 2015 COMIC CON SPECIAL!!!***

Since the 2015 Mountain West Reef Fest and the 2015 Salt Lake City Comic Con are both on the same weekend... and both in downtown SLC...


We @ the MWRF want you to bring a little of that "Comic Con" magic to us -

So, come to the MWRF w/ your 2015 SLC Comic Con Ticket Stub and / or in "Cosplay"...

& GET YOUR MWRF GENERAL ADMISSION TICKETS FOR HALF OFF!!!

(Reg $15 - Just $7.50!!!)

- Do the Comic Con!

- Do the 'Fest!

- Do it ALL September 25th & 26th!!!

Comic Con AND the Reef Fest... What could be better???

 

[carlso63]

"Secrets of a World - Class Reef System" Added!

"Secrets of a World - Class Reef System" Added!

The Mountain West Reef Fest is pleased to announce we have added a 5th Presentation to our jam-packed Sept. 26th Conference:

"Secrets of a World - Class Reef System: Q & A Session with 2015 Marine Aquarium Hobbyist of the Year Award Winner Bradley J Syphus"

Come join us for an intimate look at one of the country's premiere home reef aquariums; and learn the insider secrets from the 2015 Marine Aquarium Hobbyist of the Year!

Brad will share his techniques to putting together an outstanding reef display; how to care for some of the most difficult and rare fishes in the hobby; and his 'rise from the ashes' of a catastrophic tank crash 2 years ago to become recognized as the NUMBER 0NE REEF HOBBYIST IN NORTH AMERICA!

You can't miss this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to learn at the feet of a true Reef Master!

***The 2015 Mountain West Reef Fest is Saturday, Sept. 26th from 9AM - 5 PM***

Pre-Show banquet is Friday, Sept 25th - 7PM

HILTON DOUBLETREE HOTEL SALT LAKE CITY
110 WEST 600 SOUTH SLC, UTAH

 

[carlso63]

Mountain West Reef Fest ***VIP MENU ANNOUNCED!!!***

Mountain West Reef Fest ***VIP MENU ANNOUNCED!!!***

Friday VIP Pre- Show Mixer Appetizer Buffet:
---------------------------------------

- Roasted Red Pepper Hummus with Pita Chips

- Crisp Potato Skins Stuffed with Bacon, Cheddar & Green Onions

- Mini Chimichangas

- Buffalo Wings with Bleu Cheese Dressing

- Pork Filled Pot Stickers

- Crispy Vegetable Spring Rolls w/ Ginger Soy Dipping Sauce

- Meatballs: Swedish, Barbeque & Teriyaki

- BBQ Baby Back Ribs

- Crab Stuffed Mushrooms Topped w/ Hollandaise Sauce

- Fresh Fruit Platter Featuring Fresh Sliced Fruits of the Season

- Fresh Vegetable Crudites

- Fresh Broccoli and Cauliflower Florets; Carrot, Celery and Zucchini Sticks

- Sliced Cucumber and Cherry Tomatoes Served w/ Ranch Dressing

- International & Domestic Cheese Display;
Cheeses From Around the World Served w/
Assorted Crackers & Lavosh Cracker Bread

- Creme Brulee

- Asst. Mini Brownies

____________________________________________


Saturday VIP Luncheon:
---------------------

- Slow Roasted Pork Loin w/ Spiced Apples

- Baked Yukon Gold Potatoes, Sour Cream & Chives

- Buttered Green Beans

- Tossed Green Salad

- Fresh Baked Rolls

- Choice of Dessert

- Choice of Beverage
_____________________________________________


REMEMBER, Your VIP Ticket entitles you to BOTH the Friday Pre - Show Mixer Appetizer Buffet AND the Saturday Luncheon AND Early VIP Admittance to the MWRF Coral Room and Exhibition Floor AND 10 Free Raffle Tickets... ALL for just $30!!!

***THIS IS THE BEST FREAKIN' DEAL IN THE HOBBY!!!***

Do NOT pass this up - or you ABSOLUTELY WILL REGRET IT!!!

 

[carlso63]

Reefscaping Contest @ Mountain West Reef Fest!!!

Reefscaping Contest @ Mountain West Reef Fest!!!

Do you have a Saltwater or Reef tank?

Do you HATE your rockwork design?


Want to see some super-premium design plans, and learn Aquascaping techniques from the PROS???

Then you need ***REEFSCAPING TO THE TENTH POWER!***

Come see some of the Country's finest Aquarium Aquascaping designers compete in the
MWRF 10 - TANK REEFSCAPING CHALLENGE!

And YOUR VOTE will determine the Top 3 designers who will FACE OFF in the Regional Finals!

The MWRF 10 - TANK CHALLENGE is being sponsored by CaribSea Aquatics, the World Leader in Marine Substrates and Manufactured Reef Rock!

All this takes place at the 2015 Mountain West Reef Fest - and admittance to the 10 - TANK CHALLENGE is INCLUDED with your MWRF General Admission or VIP Package Ticket!

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***The 2015 Mountain West Reef Fest is Saturday, Sept. 26th from 9AM - 5 PM***

Pre-Show banquet is Friday, Sept 25th - 7PM

HILTON DOUBLETREE HOTEL SALT LAKE CITY
110 WEST 600 SOUTH SLC, UTAH

 

[carlso63]

MWRF RAFFLE PREVIEW - Just 8 Days Left until Reef Fest Day!!!

MWRF RAFFLE PREVIEW - Just 8 Days Left until Reef Fest Day!!!

These are just a few of the literally HUNDREDS OF PRIZES up for grabs at the 2015 Mountain West Reef Fest!

We will have the BIGGEST and BEST Raffle in the Hobby...

Our Raffle is BIGGER THAN MACNA's - and includes tanks, pumps, heaters, skimmers, lighting, RODI units, UV units, controllers, filters, media, foods, chemicals, water purifiers, and gift certificates for fish, corals, dry goods and MORE!!!

Raffle Tickets will be just $1 each - and they are ONLY available at the 2015 MWRF!!!

This years GRAND PRIZE will be a 75 gallon Reef Ready Tank / Stand / Canopy custom - built just for the MWRF by our friends at Driftwood Aquarium Furniture -

THE Premiere Aquarium Furniture manufacturer in the U.S.A.!!!

Someone will take this reef tank home...

Why can't it be YOU???!!!

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***The 2015 Mountain West Reef Fest is Saturday, Sept. 26th from 9AM - 5 PM***

Pre-Show banquet is Friday, Sept 25th - 7PM

HILTON DOUBLETREE HOTEL SALT LAKE CITY
110 WEST 600 SOUTH SLC, UTAH

 

[carlso63]

More Raffle Items!!!

More Raffle Items!!!

Heres more stuff:

 

[carlso63]

MY BAD

The Grand Prize System is actually 120 GALLONS - not 75!

 

[carlso63]

MWRF Guest Speaker Profile: APEX Master Programmer Terence Fugazzi

MWRF Guest Speaker Profile: APEX Master Programmer Terence Fugazzi

Terence Fugazzi is our fourth Guest Speaker at the 2015 Mountain West Reef Fest.
Here is a little more about Terence:

"I currently reside in Gilroy, California, where I work for Neptune Systems. I have been a saltwater hobbyist for just about 6 years now, but I am a technology geek at heart.

I have always gravitated toward the technology side of reefkeeping with my involvement in aquarium controllers and automation. I am extremely passionate about the hobby and even more passionate about helping others enjoy it and, most importantly, to stick with it.

I speak internationally on the topic of marine aquarium automation and have recently spoken at MACNA, Reef-a-Palooza, and MAX, as well as venues in Europe and Asia. I am also a technology patent holder and have a background in computer technology that spans over 20 years. I have BS in Computer Science from California State University Northridge."

Terence is the driving force behind the APEX controller series. He is responsible for overseeing the programming of the new and existing modules, and is instrumental in the development of new APEX technologies like the DOS and WAV modules. If there ever was someone who can make your APEX system perform at it's absolute best - this is the guy!

We here at the Mountain West Reef Fest are very pleased to be able to bring Terence back to Utah, to talk to us about the APEX and other exciting Neptune products. We know you will all enjoy hearing about the latest developments in this state-of-the-art reefkeeping technology!

-----------------------------------------

***The 2015 Mountain West Reef Fest is Saturday, Sept. 26th from 9AM - 5 PM***

Pre-Show banquet is Friday, Sept 25th - 7PM

HILTON DOUBLETREE HOTEL SALT LAKE CITY
110 WEST 600 SOUTH SLC, UTAH

To pre-order your tickets, or for hotel accommodations info, Conference Schedule and Floor Plan... Please visit the 2015 MWRF website:

www.mountainwestreeffest.com

- Sponsored by the Wasatch Marine Aquarium Society (WMAS)-

Celebrating 20 Years as Utah's Saltwater Hobby Place!

 

[carlso63]

MWRF Guest Speaker Profile: Paleobiologist Prof. Forest J. Gahn

MWRF Guest Speaker Profile: Paleobiologist Prof. Forest J. Gahn

Forest Gahn is our third Guest Speaker at the 2015 Mountain West Reef Fest.
Here is a little more about Forest:

"I was born and raised in Iowa. Yes, Iowa. And despite common misconceptions, Iowa is a really cool place with awesome geology. I grew up along the Mississippi River, the banks of which are loaded with exceptional rock exposures. Burlington, the place where I was born and raised, is not only proximal to the Mississippian type section; it's loaded with fossil crinoids. In fact, Burlington is often referred to as the Crinoid Capital of the World. Who needs mountains for inspiration when you have crinoids? Crinoids are older than mountains, they have greater diversity, and they crawl, eat, evolve, reproduce, and swim without brains. That's impressive. Besides, you can't throw a mountain in your pack and take it home.

Generally, my research draws upon fossil echinoderms, especially crinoids, as a medium for testing hypotheses of evolution and ecology. I dedicate much time to fieldwork. In particular, I make every effort to bolster my research with field data, paying careful attention to the sequence stratigraphic and environmental framework of fossil occurrences.

My research is centered in three areas. First are the evolutionary and ecological consequences of parasitism and predation on crinoids. Specifically, I study the interaction between crinoids and infesting snails called platyceratids. The second area of research involves early crinoid (and other echinoderm) morphological diversification and phylogeny. Lastly, I have a deeply-rooted interest in echinoid evolution and ecology. Broadly, I am working on several hypotheses related to the evolutionary ecology of Paleozoic echinoderms."


Forest Gahn is a Professor of paleobiology at BYU - Idaho. He is a noted authority on echinoderms both within the Marine & Reef keeping hobby, and as a forensic researcher. He has authored articles for publications as diverse as Tropical Fish Hobbyist and National Geographic. Forest is also a veteran speaker of several past Wasatch Marine Aquarium Society meetings.

The Mountain West Reef Fest is excited to be able to bring Forest back to the Salt Lake City area.
We hope you will find his presentation of "Echinoderms: From Nature to the Home Aquarium" both informative and entertaining!

-----------------------------------------

***The 2015 Mountain West Reef Fest is Saturday, Sept. 26th from 9AM - 5 PM***

Pre-Show banquet is Friday, Sept 25th - 7PM

HILTON DOUBLETREE HOTEL SALT LAKE CITY
110 WEST 600 SOUTH SLC, UTAH

To pre-order your tickets, or for hotel accommodations info, Conference Schedule and Floor Plan... Please visit the 2015 MWRF website:

www.mountainwestreeffest.com

- Sponsored by the Wasatch Marine Aquarium Society (WMAS)-

Celebrating 20 Years as Utah's Saltwater Hobby Place!

 

[carlso63]

MWRF Guest Speaker Profile: MASNA 2013 Aquarist Of The Year Todd Gardner

MWRF Guest Speaker Profile: MASNA 2013 Aquarist Of The Year Todd Gardner

Todd Gardner is the second Guest Speaker at the 2015 Mountain West Reef Fest.
Here is a little more about Todd:

Todd Gardner is a professor of marine biology at Suffolk County Community College in Riverhead, NY. His life and his career have both been shaped by his passion for marine life and he has written numerous scientific and popular articles about his research and experiences collecting, keeping, and culturing marine organisms. Todd has written blogs and articles for Reef Addicts, Reef Builders, Reef Central, as well as MASNA and the Long Island Reef Association (LIRA).

Todd's professional background includes work on a National Geographic documentary, commercial aquaculture at C-quest Hatchery in Puerto Rico, and an 11-year term at the Long Island Aquarium where he spent much of his time developing techniques for rearing marine fish larvae. To date he has raised more than 50 species, including such rarities as the Candy basslet (Liopropoma spp.).

In 2013 Todd received the prestigious Aquarist of the Year Award from the Marine Aquarium Society of North America (MASNA).
Currently, Todd is involved with breeding and raising marine species for Reef Gen. In his spare time, Todd dives, photographs marine life, runs marathons, and he plays in a blues band.

The Mountain West Reef Fest is proud to present MASNA 2013 Aquarist Of The Year Todd Gardner!

His MWRF Presentation is titled "Drifters: a guide to collecting tropical marine fishes in a temperate climate"

------------------------------------------

***The 2015 Mountain West Reef Fest is Saturday, Sept. 26th from 9AM - 5 PM***

Pre-Show banquet is Friday, Sept 25th - 7PM

HILTON DOUBLETREE HOTEL SALT LAKE CITY
110 WEST 600 SOUTH SLC, UTAH

To pre-order your tickets, or for hotel accommodations info, Conference Schedule and Floor Plan... Please visit the 2015 MWRF website:

www.mountainwestreeffest.com

- Sponsored by the Wasatch Marine Aquarium Society (WMAS)-

Celebrating 20 Years as Utah's Saltwater Hobby Place!

 

[carlso63]

MWRF Guest Speaker Profile: Scott Fellman of Unique Corals

MWRF Guest Speaker Profile: Scott Fellman of Unique Corals

Scott Fellman is the first Guest Speaker at the 2015 Mountain West Reef Fest.
Here is a little more about Scott:

"Hi, my name is Scott Fellman - and I'm the consummate 'reef geek'! I bleed saltwater!

Much of my life centers on tweaking my protein skimmer, scraping algae, cleaning up spills, or figuring out how to unglue my fingers. I've been keeping marine aquariums since I was 12 years old, and during that time, I have maintained all sorts of aquariums, fish bowls, plastic boxes, and just about anything that can hold water. My passions are aquascaping and marine biotope aquariums. I love this hobby and the people in it!

I've mentored fellow hobbyists since 2002 on Bob Fenner's WetWebMedia.com site, and I was Co-Editor of WWM's Conscientious Aquarist online magazine for a couple of years. I was past president of my local club, the Marine Aquarium Society of Los Angeles County. I've written a number of articles for Freshwater and Marine Aquarium Magazine, Ultramarine UK, Marine Fish and Reef USA Annual, "C" Journal, and other online venues, such as Reef Builders, where I write a weekly blog on a variety of reef-related topics.

In addition to my writing, I have racked up the frequent-flyer miles, travelling all over the U.S. speaking at clubs about all sorts of reef-related stuff. I just presented at MACNA 2015 in Washington, DC - as well as IMAC West in Long Beach, and Reef-a-Palooza in SoCal. I'm really trying to complete a book on marine biotope aquaria and aquascaping before this century is over, and I'm sure my aquarium is due for a water change at some point!

When I'm not trying to replicate the ocean in my aquarium, I'm usually surfing in it at my local beach, dining at new restaurants (another great love), watching ice hockey, or SCUBA diving. I reside in the Los Angeles area. I'm honored to be presenting here in Salt Lake City! Should be a great weekend!"


Scott is also co-owner of Unique Corals; an online coral retailer specializing in responsible, sustainable collection practices - with an emphasis on maricultured livestock.
Unique Corals has a proud history of offering some of the most unusual, sought-after corals in the aquarium hobby. They specialize in studying, acquiring, propagating and growing out corals of distinction from a variety of sources. It all starts with quality colonies, obtained from the best sources on the planet - as responsibly as possible.

http://www.uniquecorals.com

Scott Fellman is an accomplished reefer of 30 + years, and an avid writer and blogger on all matters of responsible reef keeping. Scott has spoken at some of the largest reef keeper events in the United States including MACNA (multiple times). He has written for magazines, personal blogs and has been a great influence on the hobby. We at the Mountain West Reef Fest are honored to be able to bring Scott to Salt Lake City. We hope you will enjoy his presentation!

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***The 2015 Mountain West Reef Fest is Saturday, Sept. 26th from 9AM - 5 PM***

Pre-Show banquet is Friday, Sept 25th - 7PM

HILTON DOUBLETREE HOTEL SALT LAKE CITY
110 WEST 600 SOUTH SLC, UTAH

To pre-order your tickets, or for hotel accommodations info, Conference Schedule and Floor Plan... Please visit the 2015 MWRF website:

www.mountainwestreeffest.com

- Sponsored by the Wasatch Marine Aquarium Society (WMAS)-

Celebrating 20 Years as Utah's Saltwater Hobby Place!

 

[carlso63]

pecial ProAquatix Designer Clownfish FREE DRAWING for MWRF VIP TICKET holders ONLY!!!

pecial ProAquatix Designer Clownfish FREE DRAWING for MWRF VIP TICKET holders ONLY!!!

If ALL the great benefits to purchasing the VIP Ticket Package for the 2015 Mountain West reef fest haven't convinced you yet...

Here is one more - JUST ADDED!!!

There will be a FREE drawing for a pair of 'Designer' tank - bred Clownfish at the MWRF Friday Pre - Show Mixer!

This drawing will ONLY be open for the VIP Ticket Holders in attendance!

100% FREE - each VIP Ticket gets you 1 entry into the drawing. Winner to be drawn right there at the Mixer!!!

These Clownfish will have a MINIMUM Retail Value of $75! And they could be YOURS - FREE!!!

If you have already purchased your VIP Tickets - you are IN!

If not? WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR???

VIP Tickets are ALMOST SOLD OUT!

------------------------------------

So why would you want to spend $30 on a VIP Ticket Package for the Mountain West Reef Fest?

Well, here is all you get for your $30:

- Admittance to the Pre - Show Mixer Party Friday night, Sept. 25th - complete with an Appetizer Buffet!

- Early Admission to the MWRF Coral Vendor Room and Exhibit Hall... snag the choicest corals 30 minutes before the General Admission crowd piles in!

- A full hot catered Luncheon served Saturday during the show! No need to leave and try to scrounge up fast food elsewhere!

- 10 FREE Raffle tickets!

- And now a chance at winning 2 FREE DESIGNER CLOWNFISH From Our Friends at PROAQUATIX!!!

And here is what is on the Menu for VIPs:

Friday VIP Pre- Show Mixer Appetizer Buffet:
---------------------------------------

- Roasted Red Pepper Hummus with Pita Chips

- Crisp Potato Skins Stuffed with Bacon, Cheddar & Green Onions

- Mini Chimichangas

Buffalo Wings with Bleu Cheese Dressing

- Pork Filled Pot Stickers

- Crispy Vegetable Spring Rolls w/ Ginger Soy Dipping Sauce

- Meatballs: Swedish, Barbeque & Teriyaki

- BBQ Baby Back Ribs

- Crab Stuffed Mushrooms Topped w/ Hollandaise Sauce

- Fresh Fruit Platter Featuring Fresh Sliced Fruits of the Season

- Fresh Vegetable Crudites

- Fresh Broccoli and Cauliflower Florets; Carrot, Celery and Zucchini Sticks

- Sliced Cucumber and Cherry Tomatoes Served w/ Ranch Dressing

- International & Domestic Cheese Display;
Cheeses From Around the World Served w/
Assorted Crackers & Lavosh Cracker Bread

- Creme Brulee

- Asst. Mini Brownies

____________________________________________


Saturday VIP Luncheon:
---------------------

- Slow Roasted Pork Loin w/ Spiced Apples

- Baked Yukon Gold Potatoes, Sour Cream & Chives

- Buttered Green Beans

- Tossed Green Salad

- Fresh Baked Rolls

- Choice of Dessert

- Choice of Beverage
_____________________________________________


REMEMBER, Your VIP Ticket entitles you to BOTH the Friday Pre - Show Mixer Appetizer Buffet AND the Saturday Luncheon PLUS Early VIP Admittance to the MWRF Coral Room and Exhibition Floor PLUS 10 Free Raffle Tickets... ALL for just $30!!!

***THIS IS THE BEST FREAKIN' DEAL IN THE HOBBY!!!***

Do NOT pass this up - you ABSOLUTELY WILL REGRET IT!!!

--------------------------------------------

***The 2015 Mountain West Reef Fest is Saturday, Sept. 26th from 9AM - 5 PM***

Pre-Show banquet is Friday, Sept 25th - 7PM

HILTON DOUBLETREE HOTEL SALT LAKE CITY
110 WEST 600 SOUTH SLC, UTAH

To order your VIP tickets, or for hotel accommodations info, advance ticket sales, Conference Schedule and Floor Plan... Please visit the 2015 MWRF website:

www.mountainwestreeffest.com

-Sponsored by the Wasatch Marine Aquarium Society (WMAS)-

Celebrating 20 Years as Utah's Saltwater Hobby Place!

 

[carlso63]

FREE VALIDATED HOTEL PARKING @ the MWRF!!!

FREE VALIDATED HOTEL PARKING @ the MWRF!!!

Normally, the Downtown Hilton Doubletree charges $9 per day for hotel parking.

HOWEVER, the Mountain West Reef Fest has secured FREE VALIDATED PARKING FOR ALL ATTENDEES!!!

So, relax... WE GOT YOUR BACK!

Now, come on down... park for FREE... and enjoy the 'Fest!!!

------------------------------------

***The 2015 Mountain West Reef Fest is Saturday, Sept. 26th from 9AM - 5 PM***

Pre-Show banquet is Friday, Sept 25th - 7PM

HILTON DOUBLETREE HOTEL SALT LAKE CITY
110 WEST 600 SOUTH SLC, UTAH

To order your VIP tickets, or for hotel accommodations info, advance ticket sales, Conference Schedule and Floor Plan... Please visit the 2015 MWRF website:

www.mountainwestreeffest.com

-Sponsored by the Wasatch Marine Aquarium Society (WMAS)-

Celebrating 20 Years as Utah's Saltwater Hobby Place!