How did everyone make out at RAP?

[rtparty]

I was providing a simple example, not the end all be all. I’ll give you another example. I was a gymnast for 18 years, and you could argue men’s gymnastics is a smaller industry than reefing. Yet, high bar grips have maybe gone up from $54 to a whopping $58 in the last decade. Every college athlete, including myself, only used a specific grip made by one German company because they made the best and there really aren’t any good alternatives. Reichelsport could’ve said “sorry fellas, we gonna charge $75+ now because uhhhhh tariffs and inflation” but they don’t.

I bet gymnastics is multitudes larger than reefing. I mean it is an olympic event that billions know of.

Very few people are becoming millionaires or creating generational wealth in this hobby. I have run a lot of numbers and actually think reefing is as cheap as it has ever been if you want it to be

 

[rtparty]

Sounds like an opportunity for someone else to step into this vendor and trade show Market??

Many have tried and failed. It is super expensive to do. Greg (and others) does a wonderful job with RAP IMO

 

[Nasty_Goblin]

Not where I am in Northern virginia. Buying locally I always seem to get bigger pieces for much better prices than anything online. Seems like online you pay $60 or more for a single zoa polyp. I've made purchases locally with guys selling the same zoa, but have five polyps for $25, and it's the exact same! I always buy local as much as possible

I'm referring to storefronts. Not hobbyist to hobbyist sales/trades.

I appreciate the vendors and I have no interest in "outing" anyone who owns a store in my area. My first coral was a lemon-lime mushroom that cost me $35 in-store. I just purchased some forest fires that are bouncing for half that from another hobbyist.

I found RAP prices to be between the two before negotiating.

 

[gregrock68]

Sounds like an opportunity for someone else to step into this vendor and trade show Market??

Many have tried and failed. It is super expensive to do. Greg (and others) does a wonderful job with RAP IMO

No doubt they do a wonderful job. All the way around it's super professional and having Nationwide vendors on site with some exceptional products makes for an incredible experience. I've been to the one in Orlando and was super impressed, and I plan on going to more in the future. Unfortunately the costs for these big venues drive up the prices, but conversely you need a place that big so you can fit everyone in with all of their equipment and animals. Definitely not knocking them, but being an entrepreneur and a business owner myself there are always opportunities for someone who wants to take the risk

 

[ChrisfromBrick]

I just wait for some of the great people here that offer high end pieces/equipment at well below "online prices" or market prices, however that is determined. It just takes a lot of patience to find a deal.

 

[Freenow54]

Considering I usually can't take corals home with me due to the drive, and I usually just do the raffle for dry goods, all I can say is it was good for my wallet this weekend, haha.

I was not aware of the event. Would like to know how to do this. I would have come regardless of the fact I live in Canada.

 

[rtparty]

I was not aware of the event. Would like to know how to do this. I would have come regardless of the fact I live in Canada.

There are multiple RAP shows each year. The next one is August 30-31 in Anaheim, California

 

[Nasty_Goblin]

I was not aware of the event. Would like to know how to do this. I would have come regardless of the fact I live in Canada.

There are multiple RAP shows each year. The next one is August 30-31 in Anaheim, California

Is there a best of the best? Curious if the Orlando show is larger than the rest.

 

[rtparty]

Is there a best of the best? Curious if the Orlando show is larger than the rest.

Orlando is what I’ve been told is THE one to go to if you can only pick one

 

[Freenow54]

There are multiple RAP shows each year. The next one is August 30-31 in Anaheim, California

is there somewhere you can subscribe for notifications? Also anything in Canada? Although would rather have a mini vacation regardless of present politics

 

[Freenow54]

Orlando is what I’ve been told is THE one to go to if you can only pick one

What does RAP Stand for i totally hate these acronym's

 

[rtparty]

What does RAP Stand for i totally hate these acronym's

Reef-A-Palooza

They have a website that has all the details for each show. Not sure if 2026 is up yet

 

[ChrisfromBrick]

What does RAP Stand for i totally hate these acronym's

go to the one in anaheim. California is so cool

 

[genie]

First timer at RAP. it was pretty fun. got some beginner corals and a biscuit. i dont really know what prices were at the last one but i can say the prices at this expo were better than the prices ive seen online. that being said, some vendors were a total rip off and even someone new to reefing like me could see that. it was an definitely an eye opener and im thinking of going to NJ frag fest

 

[KrisReef]

What does RAP Stand for i totally hate these acronym's

https://reefapaloozashow.com/

 

[fish_collector]

I'm gonna have to pass on any future RAP shows. They're overcrowded, grossly overpriced and $30 to park my car for 2 hours sent me over the top last year.

 

[Jungle Blue]

I was kinda shocked someone was selling macros for $60 a frag baggie.
Looks like Caulerpas were sold too at the price...
Settled on a "deal" for another macro for $30 knowing I can get cheaper elsewhere but wanted to support.
Can get a bunch off ebay for like $20 less.

Did snag 2 nems though :)

 

[Gumbies R Us]

Orlando is what I’ve been told is THE one to go to if you can only pick one

Of the three shows I did this year
Texas RAP had a lot of people go to it. I think this is due to the fact they changed it to spring break weekend which caused more people to go to it.
Orlando? I always tell people, if you want to experience the biggest reefing show? This is the one to go to. Orlando is always a blast. Large crowds and a whole lot of booths to look through. This is a fun show to go to.
New York? Also, had a lot of people there. Felt busier than last year, if you ask me, which is a good thing for all the vendors involved.

 

[Gumbies R Us]

is there somewhere you can subscribe for notifications? Also anything in Canada? Although would rather have a mini vacation regardless of present politics

We usually try to promote RAP as much as possible leading up to the show. I would go on their website and set a reminder for when the next show is. Usually the dates are

The middle of March for Texas (date was changed from last year)
End of April (around easter) for Orlando
End of June for New York
California is either end of August or middle of September

 

[richserpe]

Lots of the usual suspects, i.e. zoas, scolys, acans, acros etc. Scored one unique piece I had never seen before: West Australia Wilsoni really stunning. He had another one about the size of a saucer which is what mine will aspire to be. Too big for my wallet though. This is the one I scored from TRSC Aquatics for $199: