MACNA First Timer Here, What Can I Expect?

nautical_nathaniel · Aug 18, 2017

Hey everyone, I am excited to say that I will be attending MACNA next weekend! I'm super pumped about going, but I wanted to hear from everyone else about what I can expect. For instance, I've heard folks say that you can get a year's supply of fish food or coral glue in samples alone whereas others have told me that you have to be persistent to get any freebies/takehomes.

What is your opinion on this? Any tips or tricks for getting the most out of the conference?

Also, how are the coral sales? How do prices compare at MACNA versus online or in-store if a coral seller has a brick and mortar location? I'm hoping to get something super neat to bring back home for my tank, sort of as a living souvenir!

DaveMorris · Aug 18, 2017

Don't be afraid to ask for samples. Some people give them away and others are a little more selective. Same goes with T-shirts. As far as corals and prices go, I think they are pretty comparable to online prices but you can really see for yourself what they look like. You can also meet the guys that you are dealing with and place a face with the name and company. That is always nice. The networking aspect of it is worth the trip alone.

120reefkeeper · Aug 18, 2017

The guest speakers are stupendous! Make sure to go to a couple of those

BigJohnny · Aug 18, 2017

Prepare to be in heaven. I went in DC and it was absolutely spectacular. Incredible how many booths there are. No joke, i got lost lol. Bring a cooler for frags (great deals, especially on the last day) and try to see the speakers. The show tanks are awesome too, and make sure to enter all the raffles! Enjoy!

nautical_nathaniel · Aug 22, 2017

DaveMorris said:
Don't be afraid to ask for samples. Some people give them away and others are a little more selective. Same goes with T-shirts. As far as corals and prices go, I think they are pretty comparable to online prices but you can really see for yourself what they look like. You can also meet the guys that you are dealing with and place a face with the name and company. That is always nice. The networking aspect of it is worth the trip alone.

120reefkeeper said:
The guest speakers are stupendous! Make sure to go to a couple of those

BigJohnny said:
Prepare to be in heaven. I went in DC and it was absolutely spectacular. Incredible how many booths there are. No joke, i got lost lol. Bring a cooler for frags (great deals, especially on the last day) and try to see the speakers. The show tanks are awesome too, and make sure to enter all the raffles! Enjoy!

Thank you all for your input!