Macna XIV - Best Ever?

[jamesw]

Hi guys,

I just returned from MACNA and I have got to say - for me it was the best ever (and I've been to 4 of them).

For the first time ever, reefs.org had an educational table where we could show the website and Advanced Aquarist's Online Magazine. We set up a computer running our sites, a binder of all of our magazine issues, and handouts with "hot links" and other educational material.

Our table was one of THE hot places to be during the breaks! Here is a photo that Nico snapped off of our display:

From left to right is Dr. Craig Bingman, Randy Donowitz, myself, Julian Sprung, and one of the speakers, Dr. Benayahu, who flew in from Israel to give a talk.

We'll be posting some more pictures soon for eveyone to see - but for those that attended MACNA, what did you think?

Cheers
James Wiseman

PS, Harbor's display this year was AWESOME - I couldn't leave without buying SEVEN clams!!!

 

[Technobuyer]

Hi guys,

I just returned from MACNA and I have got to say - for me it was the best ever (and I've been to 4 of them).

James,

Thanks for the kind words. It was really nice getting to meet you in person. I had such a wonderful time, even this morning I can't stop smiling about it. Thanks for your bannerspace and support in our efforts this year. It was undoubtedly a key element in the success of MACNA XIV.

Thanks again,

Duane

 

[jamesw]

Thanks to you guys at DFWMAS are definitely in order. It was nice to meet all of you in person too. Also, make sure to thank Dennis for taking me, Julian, and Terry to the airport in his "big red Texas limousine."



I'll post more pictures as soon as I get a chance, I promise!!

Cheers
James Wiseman

 

[Jeff Southernwood]

James is right. The show was great and it was nice to be able to meet all the writers of the magazine.

 

[reefland]

Will MACNA be selling video tapes of the events this year? They come in handy for the average folk who can't afford the airfair & hotel to attend MACNA each year.

And if in the future they can make use of some webcasting technology to listen in on the speakers and submit questions. (some reasonable fee) I'm sure streaming video wouldn't be worth it. But listening to the audio would be worth it. A potential source of funds.

 

[Technobuyer]

Rich,

Originally taping the conference wasn't in the budget. But as it appeared that things were gonna work out for us financially, we added a camera man back into the budget. We did this rather late in the game, so we didn't really have to time to address what we'd do with the video, we just wanted to make sure we had it. In the coming weeks, we'll be discussing it and exploring our options. Tentatively we are looking at doing DVD only, based on the cost comparison of doing VHS. But it's really up in the air. I think we'll be doing something though, I'd really like to see the conference myself. I only caught about 40 minutes worth.

As far as what things MACNA might do in the future, I'm really not the one to discuss that. LMAS is hosting MACNA next year, and I'm sure would love to hear any ideas.

 

[Anonymous]

Have to say I had a great time meeting everyone! And, will absolutely agree that DFWMAS did a great job putting this together, I think everyone had a blast!

-Perry

 

[Steve Tyree]

As a speaker, I have to state that this was an extremely enjoyable conference. The hospitality from the Hotel Staff and the Dallas Fort Worth Marine Aquarium Club was outstanding. Networking with hobbyist, fellow industry people and academic people was very enjoyable. I would also like to thank all of you who bought drinks for the speakers during the evenings gatherings. And I would also like to remind the Moe's again and to inform Julian Sprung that it was those drinks that caused me to miss their early morning presentations !

I sincerely hope that this club can host another conference in the future !

 

[jamesw]

Here's a picture of Steve and Martin Moe. Of course, Steve is sucking down a latte California style...

Cheers
James Wiseman

 

[dizzy]

Another MACNA=Another Great Time. Kudos to Brad Ward and the rest of the DFWMAS crew. The speakers were great and the atmosphere was laid-back. The news that MACNA is going to be held next year in Louisville was also great. Long live the MACNA.

 

[JeremyR]

I had a great time even tho I missed all the talks.. was great meeting alot of people I've known over the years on the net! The buzz was that this macna was going to be lame or not even happen... it was great! Hats off to dfwmas for putting on a great show.

 

[K77]

As a speaker, I have to state that this was an extremely enjoyable conference. The hospitality from the Hotel Staff and the Dallas Fort Worth Marine Aquarium Club was outstanding. Networking

Great presentation, btw, Steve. I really enjoyed it. I am very interested to see how your two new tanks do over time.

Congrats.

 

[Technobuyer]

As a speaker, I have to state that this was an extremely enjoyable conference. The hospitality from the Hotel Staff and the Dallas Fort Worth Marine Aquarium Club was outstanding...

Thanks so much Steve! It was a real pleasure getting to meet you and Andrianne(sic) at the airport! I apologize for not being able to take ya'll back personally, but I had some last minute issues pop up. Thanks again for supporting us in our efforts this year. Your presentation and approachability during the conference was sincerely appreciated. Look forward to meeting up with you again some time!

Duane

 

[Steve Tyree]

Duane,

Although I would have enjoyed riding back to the airport with you, I managed to ride along with Mr. and Mrs. Moe.

BTW - I heard that downtown Fort Worth has a very interesting city walk type of area. Full of nightlife, discos and clubs with very friendly people. Perhaps if you hold a conference in the future you might try to schedule a late evening event in that area.

 

[Alf3482]

All I can say is WOW!! The Speakers and vendor's did a Great job and Thanks For supporting us. We could have not pulled this off with out them or the hobbiest that attended. I would also Like to Thank Duane, Brad, and all of the commitee staff they did one heck of a Job. Also special thanks to all the wonderful volunteers that help make this the best MACNA ever!!
It was also great to Have James wiseman, to represent this great board at the confrence.

I also have to put a plug in for Harbor aquatic's i would have to say they had the best display of all vendor's and got the most of My wallet! Long live MACNA!!