Mountain West Reef Fest Coming to Salt Lake City - Saturday, Nov 2nd, 9AM - 5 PM!!!

[BobC63]

The Intermountain West's Largest Marine and Reef Conference is BACK!

Coming to Salt Lake City on November 2nd!

The Mountain West Reef Fest will feature 2 very special guest speakers -

World - renowned author Scott Michael

Liveaquaria.com Director Kevin Kohen

PLUS - a HUGE Vendor Room with exhibits from many of the Hobby's top equipment manufacturers AND over a dozen Coral and Livestock dealers from all over the Western United States!

PLUS - A professional Aquarium Photography seminar courtesy of Mike Savage Photography; A DIY Reef Tank Food Workshop hosted by Chef Bacot Dinchak; and a HUGE Raffle with dozens of great prizes!

The best part... General Admission tickets start at just $15!!!

The MWRF will be held at the spacious Red Lion Hotel in downtown Salt Lake City:

Red Lion Hotel Salt Lake Downtown

161 West 600 South, Salt Lake City, UT 84101

Tel: 801-521-7373 | Fax: 801-524-0354


For more information, including hotel discounts, MWRF tickets sales, meal packages and more -

Please visit the MWRF website: http://www.mountainwestreeffest.com

 

[BobC63]

MWRF Guest Speaker Line Up Announced!
MWRF 2013, Salt Lake City is proud to feature 3 AWESOME Guest Speakers - and their presentations are FREE with your MWRF ticket purchase!

- Scott Michael -
Scott W. Michael is an internationally-recognized writer, underwater photographer, and marine biology researcher specializing in reef fishes, and was the Banquet Speaker at our 2007 and 2008 Coral Conference and Frag Swap. He is a regular contributor to Aquarium Fish Magazine, Freshwater and Marine Aquarium Magazine, Sea Scope, and is the author of Reef Fishes, Vol 1 - 5, A Pocket Expert Guide to Marine Fishes, 101 Best Saltwater Fishes: How to Choose and Keep Hardy, Brilliant, Fascinating Species That Will Thrive in Your Home Aquarium, Reef Sharks & Rays of the World, and Aquarium Sharks & Rays. Having studied marine biology at the University of Nebraska, Scott has served as a scientific consultant for National Geographic Explorer, the Discovery Channel, and French educational television

- Kevin Kohen -
Kevin Kohen is the Managing Director of Dr. Fosters & Smiths LiveAquaria.com and Divers Den. Kevin directed the construction of the DF&S Coral & Marine Life Facility in 2005. In 2007, he added the Divers Den quarantine system for rare and unusual fish, corals and inverts from around the world. Kevin has successfully spawned several pairs of the rare McCollochs Clownfish at the Live Aquaria facility - just the second person in the entire world ever to successfully breed these fish!

- Adam Blundell -
Adam Blundell M.S. works in Marine Ecology, and in Pathology for the University of Utah. He is also Director of The Aquatic & Terrestrial Research Team, a group which utilizes research projects to bring together hobbyists and scientists. His vision is to see this type of collaboration lead to further advancements in aquarium husbandry. While not in the lab he is the former president of one of the Nation's largest hobbyist clubs, the Wasatch Marine Aquarium Society. Adam has published articles in Tropical Fish Hobbyist, Freshwater & Marine Aquariums, Reefkeeping.com among many others.

Don't forget - the MOUNTAIN WEST REEF FEST is Saturday, November 2nd from 9AM -5PM at the Red Lion Hotel in downtown Salt Lake City!
For more information please visit
www.mountainwestreeffest.com

 

[robbrouse]

This will be awesome hope I can make it.

 

[Brad Syphus]

I will be there.

 

[BobC63]

What Fish & Coral Vendors are going to be there? Are they all just the same local stores that I can shop at every day?

You can't shop all these guys every day - not unless you have your own private jet!
That's because MWRF 2013 will feature a dozen livestock dealers from all over the Western US!

Here is a little bit about each of the CONFIRMED Coral & Fish Vendors who will be at the show -

The Coral Shop is located in Aurora, Colorado and features some of the finest Acans, Chalices, Favias, Fungias and Euphyllias in the entire country - along with many other LPS corals. When you shop at The Coral Shop booth at the MWRF, we can guarantee one thing - you will leave HAPPY!

Your Reef Supply is located in Roseville, California (just east of Sacramento) and they will be bringing a wide variety of awesome Tyree SPS corals, as well as beautiful Maxima and Squamosa Clams, Montiporas, Milleporas, Brains and Zoas. Come make something from Your Reef a part of YOUR reef!

Aquatic Dreams is located in Clearfield, Utah and they are northern Utah's high end fish & coral specialist! Famous for their outrageous $25 coral frag tank, and their love of rare and hard to find fish, Ryan and the crew at AD will be bringing in some sweet surprises just for the show!

Mind Blowing Corals is located in Broomfield, Colorado and they feature a whole host of exotic corals; things like the "Pink Barbie Millie", "Electric Tips Montipora", the "Pink & Yellow Hippo Favia", and much more. Be sure and check out their booth for more 'mind -blowing' stuff!

Gonzo Corals is back for MWRF 2013 by popular demand! One of the busiest booths in 2011, Gonzo Corals is located in Denver, Colorado and always brings a truckload of awesome stuff! Their specialties include some crazy LPS corals and palythoas, and the amazing 'sunburst' anemone... once you go "Gonzo" you will be back for more, more, more!

The Aquarium is located in Sandy, Utah and has a well-deserved reputation as one of the nicest stores in the Intermountain West! Owner Brad Daniels and his staff will be at the show with a terrific booth display featuring a plethora of coral frags and colonies of all sizes and price ranges. Maybe they will even bring some of those awesome giant clams that wowed them at the last MWRF!

Reef Kingdom, located in Ogden, Utah is a 'fan favorite' at the MWRF with their impressive selection of reasonably priced corals and frags. They will hit the show with their impressive selection of acans, chalice frags, zoas, palys, favias, and blastos - all beautifully colored and attractively priced!

Reef Koi Corals comes to us from Denver, Colorado and is another MWRF veteran. Reef Koi is famous for their unbelievable Wellsos, Trachys, Fungias, and Favias - but they carry an impressive variety of high end SPS as well. Look for their booth filled with some truly crazy corals; but you better get there early because their one-of-a-kind corals always go quick!

2 words: Jared. Butler. Do we really need to say anything else?
Rocky Mountain Frags is located in Holladay, Utah and Jared's corals are the stuff of legend. While the rest of the country has to come to him, you can come meet the legend himself in your own backyard, here at the Mountain West Reef Fest - and maybe you can take home something AMAZING!

Welcome to Zoa Heaven! Zoanthids.com is located in Orem, Utah and is THE place for all the hottest zoas, palys, mushrooms, goniopora, alveopora... and MORE! Come check out their giant frag tank display, filled with some of the unique soft coral beauties only found at zoanthids.com!

At the MWRF, you get to shop top - quality fish and corals from dealers flying in from California to Colorado... and everywhere in between!
And no 'overnight shipping' fees, no internet payment issues, you get to actually SEE what you are buying in person, talk to the owners, bring home your new livestock IMMEDIATELY instead of waiting a couple of days for delivery; no acclimation issues or too hot days or too cold days, or packages left out on your front porch, etc. And no burning a tankful of gas driving up and down the valley trying to hit all your favorite local guys - because everything's in one place, where you can relax, shop, and compare - all on your terms!

 

[BobC63]

So - you've got some great Guest Speakers and cool Fish, Coral & Livestock Vendors coming... what else is there to do at the MWRF?


I'm glad you asked... how about the hourly Seminars & Workshops?


Reef Aquarium Photography Seminar - Mike Savage Photography

If you've been around this hobby for any length of time at all, you know the name Mike Savage. Mike has been the 'go to' guy for the finest in Aquarium Photography in the Intermountain West for years. The Mountain West Reef Fest is pleased to be able to present a very special and intimate learning experience, as Mike will share his vast knowledge of Marine Photography with our Reef Fest audience. This will be a 'hands on' Seminar, so bring your cameras and your questions - as Mike will be available to give individual advice and tips immediately following the Seminar - learn from The Master himself!

Feed Your Reef Workshop - 'Iron Chef' Bacot Dinchak

Fresh off her inspired battle in the 'Iron Chef' forum, professional Chef (SCI trained) Bacot Dinchak has put together a Workshop especially for the Mountain West Reef Fest. Aside from being an accomplished Chef, Bacot is also an accomplished Reefkeeper, and a lover of all things aquatic in nature. Her "Feed Your Reef" Workshop will let you see how it is possible to create nutritious - and economical - marine fish & coral foods that your entire Reef will go nuts for!


'The Last Laugh' with Mark Peterson

OK, I'll be honest here... we really don't know what Mark has planned for us at the Reef Fest. He is keeping it all to himself; "a great surprise" he says (don't worry, we'll have a taser handy, just in case)... but if you are familiar with the West Coast Reefkeeping scene, then you kind of expect that from Mark. Owner of Marksreef.com and original Founding Member of the Wasatch Marine Aquarium Society, Mark Peterson is sure to delight with his combination of DIY savvy, natural and economical reefkeeping methods, and that famous wit and wisdom. So come join Mark for a great Workshop experience - and maybe YOU will have 'the last laugh"!

 

[BobC63]

You mentioned Equipment Vendors, Food and the Hotel. What can you tell me about those?

VENDORS
The 2013 MWRF will be hosting a wide variety of Saltwater, Marine & Reef Aquarium Supply Vendors - with booths featuring the latest innovations in lighting, foods and nutrition, water quality supplements and testing, tank design, acrylic manufacturing, and MORE!
Here is a preview of some of the Vendor Exhibits that you will be seeing at the 2013 MWRF:

FOOD

As to food, we have a GREAT deal to offer this year:

For 2013, we have been able to offer Hotel meals available for purchase at the show for the unbelievably low price of just $5 per person !!!
And we are not talking about bologna sandwiches here... we are talking about the Red Lion catered buffet lunch for just $5!!!
At past MWRFs, this same deal was a $10 per person option - and you HAD to buy it in advance. But we were able to bring you a better deal for 2013!
I mean, $5 per person is less than it would cost you to leave the show and walk down to McDonalds!!!
Now, there is a limited supply, so be sure to ask at the check-in counter... Don't wait too long - or you could miss out!

HOTEL
All MWRF attendees qualify for a special Event discount rate, courtesy of our friends at the Red Lion.

Did you know that Mountain West Reef Fest has secured an awesome nightly rate at the Red Lion? Are you coming in from out of state? Are you an hours drive away, maybe more? Don't get up early and drive in, stay at the Red Lion and relax... You can even have a Reef-Vacation. You will be sure to be first in line when the venue opens. Plus, the promise of a romantic night out can be a great 'bargaining chip' in convincing your spouse or significant other to attend the MWRF!
Use code MOUN1102 for $89 a night rate. If you already booked without the code you are in luck, you can call the Red Lion and they will update your reservation.
Simply go to saltlakedowntown.redlion.com/ and enter the Special MWRF Rate Code and you will get the discount!

 

[BobC63]

*NEWSFLASH*NEWSFLASH*NEWSFLASH*NEWSFLASH*

New Fish / Coral / Invert Vendor Added

ReefOn! has been added CONFIRMED for the MWRF!ReefOn is located in Midvale, Utah and features a huge selection of fine coral frags as well as a tremendous variety if coral reef fish and inverts.
Come on down and see Jerry and the staff and check out the AWESOME fish & corals they will be bringing to the MWRF!!!

 

[BobC63]

*NEWSFLASH*NEWSFLASH*NEWSFLASH*NEWSFLASH*


:welcome:New Sponsors Added! :welcome:

 

[BobC63]

*NEWSFLASH*NEWSFLASH*NEWSFLASH*NEWSFLASH*

New Workshop Announced!

A Reef Oasis to present Workshop "Ins & Outs Of Successful Clownfish Breeding"

Utah County's newest LFS, A Reef Oasis will make their MWRF debut with an informative workshop
detailing how to run a successful Clownfish breeding operation. Join owner Shaun Sabey as he spells out the good (and the bad)
when it comes to raising your own family of 'Nemos' (or whichever Clownfish variety strikes your fancy).

- Exclusively at the 2013 Mountain West Reef Fest! -

 

[BobC63]

*NEWSFLASH*NEWSFLASH*NEWSFLASH*NEWSFLASH*

NEW Coral & Livestock Vendor Added!

MWRF Welcomes Reefer's Cove to Salt Lake City!

Reefer's Cove is located in beautiful Orange County, California and is known for their extensive collection of rare and colorful corals.
Featuring exotic LPS and SPS pieces from the likes of Steve Tyree, Cornbred, and Jason Fox Corals, Reefer's Cove is sure to have something to both tempt you and amaze you!
Be sure to stop by their MWRF booth and take home a piece of paradise at the Reef Fest! I know I WILL!!!

 

[BobC63]

Look at all the NEW STUFF that has been added - and there's STILL MORE COMING!!!


(And we haven't even begun to talk about the HUGE RAFFLE yet!!!!)

 

[BobC63]

*NEWSFLASH*NEWSFLASH*NEWSFLASH*NEWSFLASH*

:dance: 10 Gal "Dreamscape" Aquascaping Contest Returns for 2013! :dance:

Who Remembers THIS???

Well, it's BACK - by Popular Demand!

This year we're at it again! We'll still have everything necessary to help you put together a rockin' nano reefscape. Once again, the "canvas" will be a 10 gallon aquarium. And we want 6 of them in the contest! We've already got several people ready to 'scape - but to reach our goal of 6 tanks we need a few more.

That's Where YOU Come In!


Here's how it works:
Using the materials provided (or bring some from home) create a traditional, whimsical, fantastical, minimalistal, (whatever) aquascape perfect for the 10 gallon tank. The only real rule is that you must use a 10 gallon tank - other than that its a no-holds-barred, free-for-all. Heck, you could even do all the aquascaping work at home (think gorilla glue) and just show up and exchange your finished tank for the empty one!

Here's what you get for participating:
First - the pleasure of showcasing your talents at the Reef Fest. Second - the possibility of being crowned the best 'scaper in Utah. Third - the entire contents of your tank are yours to keep (including the tank)
Fourth - a heartfelt "thanks" for participating in this MWRF event.
(And, yeah - there will be prizes for the winners. :celeb3

Judges will be the attendees! That's right, your fellow reefers are going to judge and let you know who THEY think has the best aquascape!

So - are you in? Drop us a PM, give us a call, or simply post here and let us know if we can count on you!

 

[BobC63]

*NEWSFLASH*NEWSFLASH*NEWSFLASH*NEWSFLASH*
Kids "Reef Design" Coloring Contest Announced!!!
If you have been considering bringing the kids to the MWRF (after all, kids get in FREE!) but you are wondering "What are they gonna do at the Reef Fest?"...
We have the answer!

There will be a FREE "Kids Reef Design" Coloring Contest at the Mountain West Reef Fest!
- We will supply ALL the materials!

- We will oversee the Contest!
- We will award a PRIZE to EVERY Child who enters the Contest!

- We will award GRAND PRIZES to all the winners!
- All YOU have to do is bring the kids!!!

Another AWESOME FREE Family Activity from your friends @ the 2013 MWRF!

 

[BobC63]

Reef Fest Schedule and Floor Map released!

One change to the map - the Raffle has been moved to the Speaker Room because it is too MEGA HUGE to fit on the Vendor Hall floor!

 

[BobC63]

*NEWSFLASH*NEWSFLASH*NEWSFLASH*NEWSFLASH*

FREE Paid Member T - Shirt Contest @ the Reef Fest!

Attention all WMAS Club Members -
Wear your special red WMAS Club T-Shirt to the Mountain West Reef Fest and you can enter a 100% FREE Contest for a $25 Gift Card to the LFS of your choice!
Just stop by the WMAS Club booth at the Reef Fest and we'll enter you in the contest. No purchase necessary!
And if you are one of the BIG GUYS who is waiting on a plus-sized shirt... Great News!
Big Guy (XL - 3XL) Shirts are IN!
We will have them at the Club booth. Stop by and pick yours up, and enter the contest while you are there!
SPECIAL BONUS: All you Big Guys will receive 5 FREE RAFFLE TICKETS as our way of saying "Thank You" for your patience!
So stop by the WMAS Club booth for your FREE T-Shirt and chance at a FREE Gift Card!
See you there!

 

[robbrouse]

Going to be a killer show...