The Everything you need to know about the swap thread--prattreef version.

[prattreef]

Hello fellow reefers. As the host of the Manhattan Reefs Spring 2010 Frag swap, now in its 5^th year at Pratt Institute, I thought I’d compile a bunch of relevant swap info into one post. Many of you have attended this event before and already know the ropes, but there is a pretty large number of new members and first time attendees, so here ya have it, “the everything you need about the swap in one place” thread—Prattreef version<o></o>
When and Where<o></o>
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The event begins at 10:00 AM on Sunday 4/18 and ends at 6:00 PM. <o></o>
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The location is the Pratt Institute Student Union<o></o>
200 Willoughby Avenue<o></o>
Brooklyn, NY 11205<o></o>
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Directions:
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http://www.pratt.edu/about_pratt/visiting_pratt/maps_and_directions/directions/<o></o>
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Campus Map:<o></o>
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http://www.pratt.edu/about_pratt/visiting_pratt/maps_and_directions/campus_map/<o></o>
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You will be allowed to park for free on campus. Security guards will direct you to the appropriate lots. If you look at the map above, parking will be in the designated areas behind the buildings marked #3 and #28 on the map. The event is located in building # 28 which is a few steps from the main guard booth where you entered campus. Street parking is also generally available. <o></o>
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What you need to bring:<o></o>
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Nothing really is required. When you enter the venue, there will be a check-in table with a list with your screen name on it. You will be given a sticker to wear so others can identify you. If you plan on buying frags it is a good idea to bring a cooler bag with you. Heat packs will be sold near the registration table if you feel the weather warrants them. Many vendors will also hold purchased items for you until you are ready to leave. <o></o>
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Most vendors will accept credit cards or cash and there is an ATM machine conveniently (or devilishly depending on your point of view) located a few steps from the venue. <o></o>
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If you are bringing frags to donate to the event please bring them to the MR frag table at the front of the room. We will then decide how best to dispense with your generosity. It is very helpful if you clearly label the bag or container with your name and what the item is. Thanks in advance for all your contributions. <o></o>
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Now what do I do?<o></o>
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Well, that is really up to you. There will be roughly 15 vendors spread out throughout the room and I suggest you take a walk through and see what is happening throughout the venue. <o></o>
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There will be announcements made throughout the day alerting you to soon to be commencing activities, such as frag demos and tank tours etc. The event is about a lot more than buying and selling things, so I strongly encourage you to take advantage of the learning opportunities we provide for you. Chief among these are…..<o></o>
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Our Outstanding Speakers:<o></o>
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This year we are presenting two outstanding speakers—Sanjay Joshi and Simon Garratt and we hope you take advantage of this wonderful opportunity to learn from two of the brightest minds in the hobby. More info can be found in the link below.

http://www.manhattanreefs.com/forum...-speakers-swap-oh-yeah-weve-got-speakers.html<o></o>
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The auction/raffle / selling bins<o></o>
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One of the core features of a Manhattan Reefs Frag swap are the livestock auction and dry goods ( and some livestock) Raffle. At the front of the room just past the entrance you will see tables set up displaying the amazing items that we will be raffling off. Raffle tickets can be purchased at the table. There are some amazing deals to be had. <o></o>
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Next to the raffle table you will find the MR frag tank and tiered price selling bins. Here you will ind a wide range of corals that have been donated to MR by vendors, members and other supporters. The frag tank will contain the nicer items and they will be grouped and labeled to identify if they are items to be auctioned, raffled or sold outright. We have some really hot stuff this time around so be sure to check it out. <o></o>
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Next to the frag tank, you see a series of plastic bins that have lots of bags or containers floating in them. These are our bargain bins and contsain corals that members have donated to us for re-sale or to be given away. The bins have different prices, but if it isn’t obvious please ask. The bins are an excellent way for newer hobbyists to try out a few different kind of animals affordably. There are also lots of diamonds in the rough strewn about, so please do take the time check them out.<o></o>
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http://www.manhattanreefs.com/forum...cial-raffle-thread-spring-2010-frag-swap.html<o></o>
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http://www.manhattanreefs.com/forum...-spring-2010-member-frag-donation-thread.html<o></o>
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Finally, a word about the swap “vibe” . Much of this need not be said and all of our past events have gone smoothly and without incident, but there are many new members and first time attendees, and as your host at my place of employment it is my butt on the line more than anyone else, so please indulge me for a few seconds. <o></o>
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College is in session, and there are classes and other events going on during our event. It is actually a minor miracle that they continue to allow us to hold the swaps here. So please treat the Pratt security and staff and students you might encounter with the respect they deserve. If someone asks you to do or not do something, please just cooperate and don’t argue. It only takes a few pigheaded unnecessary arguments to ruin the day and future events for everybody. <o></o>
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Pratt is a dry campus, so no drugs or alcohol are allowed period.<o></o>
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So everybody just check your egos at the door and enjoy all that these events have to offer. I look forward to chatting with some of you throughout the day. <o></o>
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It is going to be awesome!!!<o></o>
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Best,<o></o>
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Randy ( Prattreef)<o></o>
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[KuyaMark]

Thank you Randy for hosting this wonderful event, I know we will all have a great and wonderful time. Thank you once again and I'll see you at the swap!

 

[KathyC]

We'd also like to mention the following:

It is expected to be cloudy with possible showers, temp about 56 degrees. Dress comfortably, layers are best as it sometimes gets warm in the swap area.

If you are bring a cooler along with you - please put your name on it. Many of you have similar coolers

While we are doing the Auction - we do ask that folks quiet down (we also ask the vendors to shut down for a little while at this time) so that bids can be heard :shhh:

During the Raffle...well, you all do tend to listen very well during the Raffle as the prize lists speaks for itself. The winning numberswill be shown on a screen so you can see if you are a lucky winner.
Please DO take a look at the Raffles Rules if you haven't already! k:

Garbage...there will be trash cans around the room - please DO use them.
We do have to leave that room clean! :approve:

Lastly - lunch...we do ask that you are courteous to the others who would also like to eat by not taking huge portions. If you have a gigantic appetite - there is a cafeteria at the rear of the room where you can purchase additional food & drinks :eat:

Looking forward to seeing you all on Sunday!!!!!!!!!!!!!

:grouphug:

 

[Chraddam]

BUMP for a very important thread...

 

[MisterTickle]

Oh god, "Hello I am MisterTickle" - LoL.

Can you come at anytime or do you have to be there when it opens?

 

[prattreef]

any time.

 

[Slamajamajama]

*sigh* "What to expect" .....at ten an amazing display of fragging skills! (lol)

 

[KathyC]

"What to expect" .....at ten an amazing display of fragging skills! (lol)

...and at 3:00 too!
Did I tell ya we are only giving you a butter knife and a rusty pair of pliers to do the fragging this time around?


http://www.manhattanreefs.com/forum/spring-frag-swap-2010/76085-frag-swap-schedule-events.html

 

[Slamajamajama]

...and at 3:00 too!
Did I tell ya we are only giving you a butter knife and a rusty pair of pliers to do the fragging this time around?


http://www.manhattanreefs.com/forum/spring-frag-swap-2010/76085-frag-swap-schedule-events.html

lmao, why am i not surprised....

 

[SevTT]

...and at 3:00 too!
Did I tell ya we are only giving you a butter knife and a rusty pair of pliers to do the fragging this time around?

Bah, real men frag with their TEETH!

...They also die very young of palytoxin poisoning, but hey.

 

[KathyC]

Bah, real men frag with their TEETH!

...They also die very young of palytoxin poisoning, but hey.

yeah...lol

 

[beerfish]

...and at 3:00 too!
Did I tell ya we are only giving you a butter knife and a rusty pair of pliers to do the fragging this time around?

Oh c'mon... give the poor guy a dremmel... But no bits! :sad2:

 

[Chraddam]

...and at 3:00 too!
Did I tell ya we are only giving you a butter knife and a rusty pair of pliers to do the fragging this time around?

KATHY-shhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!!!!!!!!! You are giving away my top-secret fragging method!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[reefcrazy]

Swap last minute questions

Is there an itinerary? What time are the talks by Sanjay and Simon? Is lunch available all day or between 12-2???? Thanks<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-comfficeffice" /><o:p></o:p>

 

[KathyC]

Is there an itinerary? What time are the talks by Sanjay and Simon? Is lunch available all day or between 12-2???? Thanksfficeffice" /><O:p></O:p>

See the link on Post # 8 on this thread.
It answers both of your questions.

If you want additional food, there are 2 cafeteria's in Pratt and a BUNCH of places to eat on Myrtle Ave - 1 block away