Michigan Coral Expo and Swap - Lansing, MI (Jan. 29, 2012)

[BeakerBob]

http://www.captivereefs.com/misc_images/swap/michigan-coral-expo-frag-swap.jpgThe Mid-Michigan Marine Club (MMMC) will be hosting the Lansing swap on Sunday, January 29, 2012. This year, we are happy to announce that it will be co-hosted by the Grand Rapids Marine Aquarium Society (GRMAS) and Captive Reefs (CR). The joint swap promises to be bigger and better with many vendors and an outstanding raffle of livestock and dry goods.

This event has grown into one of the largest reef aquarium events in Michigan. Attendance last year exceeded 450 hobbyists from across the Midwest and included vendors from Michigan and several states outside of Michigan. With the GRMAS and CR, this event will be the largest reef hobby event in Michigan! The combined event is being called Michigan Coral Expo and Swap (MCES) (http://midmichiganmarineclub.org/swap.html). We anticipate a record turnout this year. Vendor's don't wait to get your space reserved table space is limited!

DATE: Sunday January 29, 2012

TIME: The main doors will be open to the general public from 12:00 noon to 5:00 pm. On the day of the swap, doors will open for setup at 9 am. Only those who have reserved tables will be allowed in at that time.

LOCATION: The swap will be at the same place we have had it in the past:

Fraternal Order of the Eagles Hall
4700 N Grand River Ave
Lansing, MI 48906Eagles Hall, 4700 North Grand River Avenue Lansing Michigan 48906

ADMISSION to MCES is as follows:

-Non-seller entry fee $3 per person. Kids 12 and under free.
-MMMC, MASM and GRMAS are free with proof of membership

As more details are available we will update this thread. For now...mark your calendars and subscribe to this thread (http://www.captivereefs.com/forum/subscription.php?do=addsubscription&t=19036) for updates!

[larryandlaura]

Sounds like a killer swap I can't wait.

[rcombs]

cant come quick enough

[AJ :)]

Always a crowd!

[jduck]

Sweet!!! just reserved mine

[Sir Patrick]

My favorite swap!!! Cant wait!!

[larryandlaura]

The best swap in Michigan!

[jimsflies]

This will be a great event! If you are considering a table, please reserver it early. We removed a few of the tables from last year's layout to make more walking room.

[jimsflies]

Here is the table layout for this year (also posted in the table reservation area (http://www.captivereefs.com/forum/cr-proshop?do=viewcategory&cartplogcatid=1))

http://www.captivereefs.com/misc_images/swap/2012-swap.gif

(Note that this table map hasn't been updated yet to reflect the sold tables.)

[Seaside Treasures]

Here is the table layout for this year (also posted in the table reservation area (http://www.captivereefs.com/forum/cr-proshop?do=viewcategory&cartplogcatid=1))

http://www.captivereefs.com/misc_images/swap/2012-swap.gif

(Note that this table map hasn't been updated yet to reflect the sold tables.)
Seaside will be there at 11-12-13. See you there.

[jimsflies]

Just an update...approximately 1/3 of the tables are sold as of today. Although there isn't a bad spot at the swap, a few may be more desirable than others so don't delay too long if you want a choice.

Reserve Table Link (http://www.captivereefs.com/forum/cr-proshop?do=viewcategory&cartplogcatid=1)

[mikezalewski]

I am trying to find out how to select the table that I want and what ones are taken or not! please let me know!

[larryandlaura]

Same here Jim!

[jimsflies]

This isn't too sophisticated...hope this helps ...Full tables are on one page and half tables are on another. There are a few 1/2 premium tables remaining. Other premium tables are sold.

Full tables here (http://www.captivereefs.com/forum/cr-proshop?do=viewitem&cartplogproductid=2)
Half Tables Here (http://www.captivereefs.com/forum/cr-proshop?do=viewitem&cartplogproductid=1)
Premium 1/2 Tables here (http://www.captivereefs.com/forum/cr-proshop?do=viewitem&cartplogproductid=5)

http://i1119.photobucket.com/albums/k621/jimsflies/table-selection.jpg

[mikezalewski]

ars most of the premier tables takes or are there some still ava. I can only see the $50, $40, and $25 dollar tables. are there any $60 tables left?

[jimsflies]

Unfortunately...


Other premium tables are sold.


You could however combine 37 & 38 and have a full premium table.

[buk]

table 50 is all mine. MUAHHHH HAHHHHH HAHHHHH!!!.
but anyway come visit the day of the event.

[mikezalewski]

Hay Buk do you have any of those containers of the fugue mud left?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[buk]

yup...lol settin up a new fuge mike?

[mikezalewski]

Just thinking that I will turn my little mechanical filter into a refuge! Could you bring at least one of the containers please thanks!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[mikezalewski]

I got table 37 so there!!! haha, I will see you at the swap!
:hypnodisk:you will want to come to my table first:hypnodisk:

[slapshot]

Can't wait!it is also right down the road from Pruess. Lots of coral to see that day.

[jolson10450]

Here is the table layout for this year (also posted in the table reservation area (http://www.captivereefs.com/forum/cr-proshop?do=viewcategory&cartplogcatid=1))

http://www.captivereefs.com/misc_images/swap/2012-swap.gif

(Note that this table map hasn't been updated yet to reflect the sold tables.)

Keeping the same layout i see! now i dont even have to do any work this time lol! i am going to for sure try to make it out even if i dont have a tank going at the time i will just come out and chat with people! hope to see everyone there!

[jimsflies]

I yup thanks again Justin it worked out well last year! I eliminated a few tables in the middle to give us more room.

[msumatt]

This was my very first swap last year when I only had my tank up for about 3 weeks. Now, a year later, I'll have my first tank at a frag swap, woo hoo! It will be table 47 unless something changes of course.

[jimsflies]

Tables are filling up fast!

[jimsflies]

BTW- Be sure to mark that your attending on our facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/events/245103155546339/

Send me a friend request, if you're not already!

[chazde3]

Just snagged up Table 26, see you guys at the swap.

[jimsflies]

Less than 10 tables remain...

[larryandlaura]

Wow they filled fast!

[jimsflies]

Updated map with names/locations:

http://www.captivereefs.com/misc_images/swap/2012-swap-2.gif

[jimsflies]

The event is up on fragswapper.com to help with arranging trades and pre-sales.

http://fragswapper.com/setmeeting.asp?MeetingKey=94

[buk]

Ha!!!! first one registered!!! and thus concludes me feeling special (well other than that short bus type special)

[larryandlaura]

Lol nice Buk!

[jimsflies]

Another quick update:

http://www.captivereefs.com/misc_images/swap/2012-swap-3.gif

[MyNemesis]

Boy did those tables go fast! Only five or six left. Promises to be a Great Swap!

[larryandlaura]

I wish I could make it! This is two years in a row missing the swap.

[whites97]

Can't wait!it is also right down the road from Pruess. Lots of coral to see that day.
Put me down for table 38.

[jimsflies]

Full tables are now all sold or pending. Feel free to contact me if you were wanting a full table in the event we have someone back out.

There are a 3 half tables remaining...

The map is up to date. If you hold the shift key and reload a page with the layout image on it, you should get the latest version of it.

[larryandlaura]

Wow looking good Jim. They sure went fast.

[HappyCoral]

See everyone there

[Tom Toro]

I think I'm showing up for this one.

[Tom@HaslettMI]

It looks like all the tables are spoken for. Is that correct? I was hoping to snag a 1/2 table... perhaps I'm too late.

Tom

[larryandlaura]

It looks like all the tables are spoken for. Is that correct? I was hoping to snag a 1/2 table... perhaps I'm too late.

Tom

The full tables went fast. Check with Jim there might be a 1/2 still available.

[Durso]

Any raffle teasers for the swap yet?

[larryandlaura]

Any raffle teasers for the swap yet?

+1 on the raffle goodies!

[jimsflies]

It looks like all the tables are spoken for. Is that correct? I was hoping to snag a 1/2 table... perhaps I'm too late.

Tom

We've had a few people cancel and so I have been able to accommodate those needing tables still. I have you down for one now Tom.

If anyone else is still looking for a table, contact me and I can let you know if/when one is available. This also is good info for the future swaps as we look for larger places to know how many tables we should be trying to accommodate.

[Tom@HaslettMI]

We've had a few people cancel and so I have been able to accommodate those needing tables still. I have you down for one now Tom.

If anyone else is still looking for a table, contact me and I can let you know if/when one is available. This also is good info for the future swaps as we look for larger places to know how many tables we should be trying to accommodate.

Awesome. Thank you Jim!

[larryandlaura]

PM sent Jim!

[sinistervato]

+1 on raffle goodies. im just counting down the days lol

[larryandlaura]

Got a update on the tables Jim?

[CalmSeasQuest]

Looking forward to the swap - I'm on the hunt for a small (< 4" when fully expanded ), brightly colored Quadracolor.

[Tom@HaslettMI]

Got a update on the tables Jim?

Yeah, what he said.

[Sun357]

Ugh, want to go but have to work and can't take it off. Too close to the holidays so i'll still be broke. =( Wish it was in the spring.

~Fred

[scubamomma]

Im ready!!!

[jimsflies]

Vendors should have received a couple emails from me by now (sent last week). If you didn't get an email, you better contact me so I can be sure we have the right info.

The question came up about area accommodations. Here is a map showing area hotels (all the red dots some arent showing with pin markers): (The hall is near the airport.)

hotels lansing mi - Google Maps (http://maps.google.com/maps?q=lansing+mi+hotels&ll=42.742537,-84.659743&spn=0.024647,0.038581&oe=utf-8&client=firefox-a&safe=active&fb=1&gl=us&hq=hotels&hnear=Lansing,+Ingham,+Michigan&t=m&vpsrc=6&fll=42.742537,-84.659743&fspn=0.024647,0.038581&z=15&vpsrc=0)


As far as restaurants, there is the standard chain fair around the hotels there....Outback, Carrabbas, Red Robin, Bennigans...Ukai Sushi is good too!

lansing mi restaurants - Google Maps (http://maps.google.com/maps?q=lansing+mi+restaurants&hl=en&ll=42.739968,-84.65837&spn=0.012324,0.01929&sll=42.738692,-84.641933&sspn=0.098593,0.154324&vpsrc=6&gl=us&hq=restaurants&hnear=Lansing,+Ingham,+Michigan&t=m&fll=42.738156,-84.655194&fspn=0.012324,0.01929&z=16)

[jimsflies]

Vendors should have received this information via email already. If you did not, please be sure that CR emails are set to your safe list as they are probably going into your junk folder. The emails were sent to was in most cases the one you used to pay for the table or otherwise communicate with me.

We will have setup the night before (January 28, 2012) at the hall. This is a great option for you to get your inventory set with less traffic and if you are selling livestock, it makes for better looking corals the day of the event. Vendors will be able to begin setup from 6 to 9 pm on January 28. If you plan to come the night before, but will be later than that, please let me know and I will try to accommodate. We definitely have to be out of the hall by 11pm since they lock the doors.

The hall will be open by 9am for vendor setup on January 29. The doors open to the public at noon and the event runs until 5pm.

When you arrive (whether the night before or the day of) there will be a vendor check in with name tags. Only those people with a vendor lanyard/name tag will be allowed in the hall during setup. A full table includes 2 admissions.

Also note, that vendor space behind and around tables is very limited. Please do not have more than one (per half table) or two (per full table) people at your table during the event so that your neighboring tables have room to conduct business.

I also want to remind everyone about the table restrictions:

Setup restrictions:

Maximum water volume per table: 30 gallons (or 15 gallons per half table)
Maximum power per table: 300 watts max. (e.g.,100 watt heater, 200 watts lighting)
Make sure your equipment is in good working order and not a safety hazard.
Bring your own extension cords. All cords must be clear of walkways or securely taped to avoid tripping.

Note if you are conducting business other than selling corals or reef related dry goods, you must provide notification of the nature of your business. Failure to disclose could result in your removal from the event without a refund.

Sharing of tables is not allowed unless given prior authorization.

[KRAKEN H2O]

This will be my very first swap / expo I'm excited

[jimsflies]

Thought you guys might like an update on tables and who is going to be where. A printed version of this will be passed out at the expo/swap:


http://www.captivereefs.com/misc_images/swap/2012-swap-layout-final.gif



1 Registration 18-19 Eye Candy Coral 30 Tank Envy 45 The Coral Nut
2 CaptiveReefs 20 randgcantu 31 Lucid Prop 46 jakem
3 Reefer Tees 21 Zoantharia 32-22 Cherry Corals 47 msumatt
4 Aqua Gardens 22 Salt Creeps 34 Pazazz 48 Meisen
5 Pacific East Aquaculture 23 wilco1rd 35 jduck 49 MyNemesis
11 Akron Coral 24 dknuckle 36 Happy Coral 50 Buk
12 Tom@HaslettMI 25 Captian's Corals 37 mikezalewski 51 Booyah's Reef
13 Fishdoctor 26 chazde3 38 whites97 52 Veritas Controls
14 jimsreef 27 TM01 39-40 The Blue Glow 53-54 Reef Wholesale
15 Paradise Corals 28 Beakerbob 41 Reef Deep Aquatics 55 Reef Brite
16 ScottCRRT 29 Zachtos 42-44 Dirks Dry Goods 56 dendronepthya
17 larryandlaura 29.5 Jason Fox

[jimsflies]

Just as a little added incentive...as if bringing in the hottest coral vendors and a superb raffle wasn't enough...

While supplies last, attendees will receive a free Drs. Foster and Smith tee shirt and a goodie bag with free samples of fish food and other products.

[jimsflies]

This is a little last minute here....but it looks like we have a vendor that may not make it. If someone was interested in a table for this event, please let me know.

[jimsflies]

BTW- If you guys get to the swap before we start letting people in (noon) and want a great breakfast, I would highly recommend the restaurant at the back of the Eagles Hall. It is open to the public for breakfast and is very tasty.

[jimsflies]

Just a reminder, vendors can setup starting at 6 pm this evening.

(Club members that are helping, we will be setting up the layout starting at 5pm.)