IMAC Pictures thread

[SDguy]

Well, relating all this back to IMAC, I'm not sure I'd compare a backyard frag swap to an international marine aquarium conference.

Conferences are classically pricey (at least in the bio-tech field). Getting world renowned speakers costs more then getting vendors.

I was asking my coworkers what they thought of IMAC, as I described it to them, thinking they are a totally impartial, non-reef group of opinions. I asked what they thought is the draw to a conference, when so much info is available on-line nowadays. In other words, why spend money to go see people talking about things you can find on line? In fact a majority of their work, you can find on line. Well, the resounding response was "Information and personal interaction with these people all in one place" The face to face networking aspect is a huge draw for a typical "conference". I personally thought it was great to meet and talk with many of the speakers. It was beneficial to me personally, as well as to my club. But I went into it expecting this. I was not there looking to buy frags... we already have two or three other yearly events for that.

 

[dfladermaus]

Well, relating all this back to IMAC, I'm not sure I'd compare a backyard fragswap to an international marine aquarium conference.

Conferences are classically pricy (at least in the biotech field). Getting world renowned speakers costs more then getting vendors.

I agree with you there, having attended a very large conference this year. Though in the science field, many conferences have sessions that release data/experiments that typically are unpublished and may never be published or available. Also, in the biotech/pharm field, most companies are pretty stingy with their data so the ability to interact with other company representatives at presentations is important. At an aquarium event, that isnt really all that important...there arent too many "company secrets" revealed at these events. I know I presented data at the last scientific conference I attended that we will never publish, not confidential, but interesting none the less and something only an attendee would have gotten to see.

I would say though, that this is just a hobby, we aren't solving deep world issues at the conference and in the end we are just glorified algae scrubbers and skimmer cleaners learning about cool gadgets and neat new "improvements" to our hobby. In that sense, the international conference and the frag swap are pretty similar, its just the caliber of "professionals" would tend to be higher at big conference.

 

[SDguy]

I agree with you there, having attended a very large conference this year. Though in the science field, many conferences have sessions that release data/experiments that typically are unpublished and may never be published or available. Also, in the biotech/pharm field, most companies are pretty stingy with their data so the ability to interact with other company representatives at presentations is important. At an aquarium event, that isnt really all that important...there arent too many "company secrets" revealed at these events. I know I presented data at the last scientific conference I attended that we will never publish, not confidential, but interesting none the less and something only an attendee would have gotten to see.

I would say though, that this is just a hobby, we aren't solving deep world issues at the conference and in the end we are just glorified algae scrubbers and skimmer cleaners learning about cool gadgets and neat new "improvements" to our hobby. In that sense, the international conference and the frag swap are pretty similar, its just the caliber of "professionals" would tend to be higher at big conference.

Agreed. I just did the same thing at a symposium our company sponsored. Nonetheless, that idea can still easily be adapted to this field. It would be nice to see professionals speaking of/sharing new ideas at the conference, which we have not been seen online yet. It could be done, just needs to be planned better, IMO.

 

[Kbra]

Letsgotothezoo looks like you're the only one with pics in this picture thread
:ttiwwop:

 

[coral diver]

I know what you meant Peter, and I agree but then you have to consider some factors, not all hobbyist go for this thing they rather go in the Display area and get their hands to some good deals (no offense intended) and plus the present economy

 

[SDguy]

Picture satisfaction

Got these for a steal from youreef (sp?)

 

[coral diver]

:ahhhhh: Peter!!!! Zoa!!!!! What happen to Mr. Rare SPS????

 

[SDguy]

LOL, I know, shocking, isn't it. Well, I haven't tried a new zoa for over a year. Thought I'd give it a shot, since they were so healthy and cheap

 

[SDguy]

.....

 

[Nick_kun]

Guys, keep this thread on topic!