Now that reefapalooza cali is over…
- Thread starter djrice69
- Start date
I didn’t see much signages in the hotel to help direct people to the event. The aisles are too small to have 2 ways traffics. There were a few occasions I would bumped into people.
I had bought a ticket about 1 hr prior to the event opening time and wasn't given a swag bag while other that came after way later got one. I went to the ticket counter to asked but told they were all out. It’s no biggie to me, but don’t the organizer have an idea on how many people would show up on that days to supply with adequate bags.
I had bought a ticket about 1 hr prior to the event opening time and wasn't given a swag bag while other that came after way later got one. I went to the ticket counter to asked but told they were all out. It’s no biggie to me, but don’t the organizer have an idea on how many people would show up on that days to supply with adequate bags.
It was great meeting vendors from the east coast in person, and getting to hang out with my usual local vendors. Sps selection was really good and was able to pick up some great pieces.
I was there both days and only paid 6$ in parking a day. Not sure where everyone else parked. I parked in the parking structure right next to the loading dock.
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I was there both days and only paid 6$ in parking a day. Not sure where everyone else parked. I parked in the parking structure right next to the loading dock.
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Tbh wasn’t a good show, I know many can agree with me, but won’t say it. Over priced basic frags, not really much to see as in dry goods or equipment venders. Tbh more fish venders and equipment venders should’ve been part of it. I feel it was more like meet up for Instagram lol then an attraction for all reefers especially newbies. Idk this is my opinion. Not worth the $60 for me and fiancé and the $12.00 parking. Tbh even my fiancé noticed I bummed out that it was lame and she said I over hyped it compared to the other years I’ve gone alone.
I think it kind of depends on why you are going... if you are going to just buy corals, then I would say that it was good for that, particularly if you went Sunday afternoon when the vendors were more motivated to sell and offer better deals. I got some nice pieces for pretty decent prices.
If you are going to socialize, listen to speakers, etc., then I don't have much feedback on that. I didn't go on Saturday, so I missed out on Ryan's presentation among others (not sure if there was a speaker on Sunday).
As others have said, the negatives I feel were the lack of signage directing you where to go, and the parking situation. I still only paid $14, but having it so close to Disneyland just adds to the mayhem and craziness of getting in and out of the area. I LOVED it when it was at the fairgrounds... easy parking, big/spacious venue, and close off multiple freeways 405/55.
All in all, I enjoyed myself, got to catch up with a few guys I know, and came away with some nice corals, so I can't complain.
If you are going to socialize, listen to speakers, etc., then I don't have much feedback on that. I didn't go on Saturday, so I missed out on Ryan's presentation among others (not sure if there was a speaker on Sunday).
As others have said, the negatives I feel were the lack of signage directing you where to go, and the parking situation. I still only paid $14, but having it so close to Disneyland just adds to the mayhem and craziness of getting in and out of the area. I LOVED it when it was at the fairgrounds... easy parking, big/spacious venue, and close off multiple freeways 405/55.
All in all, I enjoyed myself, got to catch up with a few guys I know, and came away with some nice corals, so I can't complain.
Having been involved with RAP since it was first held in a back yard I would like to comment on a few of the items mentioned. There are many factors that go into selecting a venue. 1st there are very few big enough in OC. Vendors don't like the fair grounds. One reason is they work hard a day and don't want to have to drive or uber to a hotel at the end of the day or if they need a break or get up earlier to be at the show on time. Also the comradie of everyone in the bar area and convience to resturants are a big plus. The cost of the hotels is very significant. To have bigger isles would require a larger room and higher ticket prices.
Having a variety of vendors has always been a goal. If there is a vendor you would like to see there, please encourage them to participate. I know i was planning to buy a peice of equipment at RAP however the vendor I expected to have it was not there this year. I don’t know why, perhaps it confliced with something else they had planned, or the did not feel they had enough staff to man a booth properly, or they felt the cost was not worth it. The show is a lot of work and expense for the vendors and their participation is very much appricated.
Besides the one item I found everything I wanted and more. I enjoyed the show and want to thank everyone that went, including attendies, all the vendors, SCMAS and WWC.
Besides the one item I found everything I wanted and more. I enjoyed the show and want to thank everyone that went, including attendies, all the vendors, SCMAS and WWC.
Pros -
Venue itself was nice
Large selection of coral vendors from all over the country
Lots of different coral
Good speaker
Cons -
I think it was just way too expensive. The entry plus the parking I paid was more than half of a Disneyland ticket and that's super tough to justify, especially before you step foot in the event where you will likely buy more.
Felt a bit cramped
Venue itself was nice
Large selection of coral vendors from all over the country
Lots of different coral
Good speaker
Cons -
I think it was just way too expensive. The entry plus the parking I paid was more than half of a Disneyland ticket and that's super tough to justify, especially before you step foot in the event where you will likely buy more.
Felt a bit cramped
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I liked the show and would go next year.
I think things that would add value to the show would be to have more demonstrations and presentations. Having some speakers come through, and many were already in the building would make it more fun and I think better for the hobby as a whole.
Presentations on things like Mariculture, Indio and why collecting is being limited places, how refugium's affect reefs, how to culture pods or phyto at home, etc. Even basic setup stuff like how to plumb a tank or manifold, aquascaping do's and don't etc. Maybe something about different LED lights, and how they stack up against each other with PAR. How to properly QT fish and when which medications are indicated.
I know we did some of this back in like 08'ish but the only presentation I heard about was Ryan's. Nothing was on Sunday.
I would also like to see more gear demonstrations, and hopefully for sale. I know it sucks for vendors to bring in a bunch of things to sell; not sure how you make it worth their while.
I am guessing you could get companies to sponsor specific presentations/demonstrations. Maybe do a raffle of one of their products after the demonstration to break it up a bit more through the day. It could be an increased revenue source, and add value to the attendees.
I think things that would add value to the show would be to have more demonstrations and presentations. Having some speakers come through, and many were already in the building would make it more fun and I think better for the hobby as a whole.
Presentations on things like Mariculture, Indio and why collecting is being limited places, how refugium's affect reefs, how to culture pods or phyto at home, etc. Even basic setup stuff like how to plumb a tank or manifold, aquascaping do's and don't etc. Maybe something about different LED lights, and how they stack up against each other with PAR. How to properly QT fish and when which medications are indicated.
I know we did some of this back in like 08'ish but the only presentation I heard about was Ryan's. Nothing was on Sunday.
I would also like to see more gear demonstrations, and hopefully for sale. I know it sucks for vendors to bring in a bunch of things to sell; not sure how you make it worth their while.
I am guessing you could get companies to sponsor specific presentations/demonstrations. Maybe do a raffle of one of their products after the demonstration to break it up a bit more through the day. It could be an increased revenue source, and add value to the attendees.
