Michigan's Largest Coral Swap! - Lansing, MI (Jan. 27, 2013)

[jimsflies]

Michigan Coral Expo and Swap (MCES, formerly the Lansing Swap) is getting bigger! We are moving from the facility of the past 6 years to a new venue with more than double the space. The previous MCES brought together 650 hobbyists from around the state and upper midwest. As well as nearly 50 vendors from across the country. If you are a reef keeper in the midwest, you do not want to miss this event!

The tables are now available for reservation!


Table Registration Site: mi-reefs.org (http://www.mi-reefs.org)

Here is the map of the new facility...
http://www.mi-reefs.org/coral-images/mces-layout-numbered.jpg


Date: January 27, 2013
Where: Best Western Plus Hotel and Convention Center
6820 South Cedar Street
Lansing, MI 48911

Itinerary
8:30 am - Hall Open to Vendor Setup Only
10:30 - 11:30 - Dick Perrin: Captive Breeding Awesome Rock Anemones
11:30 - noon - Early swap admission to attendees of morning session
12:00 - Hall Open to General Public
1:15 - 2:00 - Kirby Adams: Feeding Your Reef
2:15 - 3:00 - Reef LEDs: Building LED Lighting for Reef Aquariums
3:30 - Raffle
4:30 pm - End of Swap

Admission: $10 per person, includes conference and expo/swap.


6820 South Cedar Street, Lansing, MI 48911


Vendor's will have access to the hall for setup on January 26 from 5pm to midnight. Rooms are available at the discounted rate of $89.50 per night. To book a room, call 517-694-8123.

#LansingSwap (http://www.captivereefs.com/forum/usertag.php?do=list&action=hash&hash=LansingSwap) , #MCES (http://www.captivereefs.com/forum/usertag.php?do=list&action=hash&hash=MCES) , #mmmc (http://www.captivereefs.com/forum/usertag.php?do=list&action=hash&hash=mmmc)

[SnowflakeCoral]

We definitely want to come!
We've got a sweet show tank, & some LEDs on the way to have a cool set up @ this one!

[AJ :)]

Sure to be a good time. Looking forward to the new location. Hopefully parking wont be such a chore with this upgrade.

[Tom@HaslettMI]

Oh yes. This is a great swap and the facility is way more spacious.

Tom

[larryandlaura]

Awesome news. Reserve me a table Jim. This swap keeps getting bigger and better.

[jimsflies]

Sure to be a good time. Looking forward to the new location. Hopefully parking wont be such a chore with this upgrade.

Definitely more parking than the Eagle's facility. :)

[ebushrow]

Can't wait and it's even on my birthday!

:thumbsup:

[TM01]

Practically across the street from my house too! (sweeet!)

[Rabidgoose]

Sounds good, I've missed the last couple so I will probably make a weekend of it. Especially knowing there is a lounge.

[Hopkins]

The day after my birthday! Sounds like a good way to celebrate to me.

[dknuckles]

LMK when available
I will have to work a miracle but this swap is always worth it!!

[Poseidon]

Wooo Hooo!!! Was waiting to here the date for this one!!!

[ScottCRRT]

I'm definitely interested in table info Jim. Thanks.

[BlackGrandPrix]

Keep me posted on this as well

[dknuckles]

Jason it will be cool to finally see you @ some swaps!

[mikezalewski]

I will be interested in a table! Please keep me posted.

[mikeswartz2007]

I thought the world is supposed to end before then... Hmm might want to move the date up :)

Sent from my PC36100 using Tapatalk 2

[jimsflies]

I thought the world is supposed to end before then... Hmm might want to move the date up :)


Good point! :doomed:

[joe ringbloom]

cant wait i would like to get a tabel allso

[dputt88]

Looking forward to it. Reall happy about the larger area this year. Hopefully i get some more great deals. It feels like the last one just happened. Hard to believe its already been 7 months

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I997 using Tapatalk 2

[REEF007]

Can't wait I look forward to every swap I can attend, expecially this one. Let me know if I can be of any assistance.

[Paradise Corals]

You know ill be there. Lmk when tables can be purchased.

[that Reef Guy]

Awesome. The best Swap of the Year just got bigger. :fish2:

[Sir Patrick]

I am officially looking forward to this swap x2 as much as last year!!!!

I will admit-

Lansing is my favorite......

[jimsflies]

We are hoping to bring in more manufacture reps so that attendees will be able to see the latest/greatest products and get the technical information right from the manufacture. It should also be a great show for LFS employees and owners to gain contacts.

Although details are not available at this time, I also want to let you know we are planning to bring in speakers for a workshop/lecture this year as well. This activity will start in the morning during the swap setup time so that attendees arriving early will be able to enjoy themselves and learn a few things from the experts.

Another great thing about our new location, is that I don't anticipate having to wait outside in line for the exhibit hall to open. :cold:

[jakem]

I'll take a table. Thanks

---------- Post added at 08:00 PM ---------- Previous post was at 07:59 PM ----------

I'll take a table. Thanks

[jimsflies]

We're getting closer to having the tables available for reservation! I thought I would show off a few photos of the new facility where we will be holding the swap:


No more waiting in a line out in the cold for the doors to open...plenty-o-room to wait inside here:

http://www.mi-reefs.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/best-wetern-lobby.jpg

http://www.mi-reefs.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/best-western-lobby2.jpg

http://www.mi-reefs.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/best-wetern-lobby3.jpg

Although probably frozen in January here is the koi pond:

http://www.mi-reefs.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/best-western-koi-pond.jpg

Onsite restaurant:

http://www.mi-reefs.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/best-western-restraunt.jpg

Onsite Bar:

http://www.mi-reefs.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/best-western-lounge.jpg

Consider making it a weekend for the family!

Guest Room:
http://www.mi-reefs.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/best-western-guest-room.jpg

Arcade:
http://www.mi-reefs.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/best-western-arcade.jpg

Swimming Pool:
http://www.mi-reefs.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/best-western-pool.jpg

also there is a workout room

For those interested in booking a room, we have negotiated group rates of $89.00 per night. Here is the hotel's site (http://www.causewaybayhotellansing.com/) to book your reservation.

[dputt88]

I am so pumped for this. I think I have to stay a night there to. Anyone else gonna stay? That place looks like it could be fun

[Sir Patrick]

I am so pumped for this. I think I have to stay a night there to. Anyone else gonna stay? That place looks like it could be fun

I might be staying, as well as a few freinds.

[marc49127]

Sounds like alot of fun! I think I will stay for the weekend! Can't wait to see who is going to speak at this one! I really enjoyed beaker bob's talk at zeeland! Maybe he could have an earlier spot at this one so he can do his whole lecture?

[jimsflies]

The tables are now available for reservation!


Table Registration Site: mi-reefs.org (http://www.mi-reefs.org)

Here is the map of the new facility...
http://www.captivereefs.com/misc_images/swap/mces-layout-numbered.jpg

#LansingSwap (http://www.captivereefs.com/forum/usertag.php?do=list&action=hash&hash=LansingSwap) , #MCES (http://www.captivereefs.com/forum/usertag.php?do=list&action=hash&hash=MCES) , #mmmc (http://www.captivereefs.com/forum/usertag.php?do=list&action=hash&hash=mmmc)

[chazde3]

Hey Jim, I may have missed it, will half tables have power?

[jimsflies]

chazde3 - Yes all tables will have power.

The table restrictions are still in effect:

Maximum water volume per table: 30 gallons (or 15 gallons per half table), unless you provide your own stand.

Maximum power per table: 300 watts max. (e.g.,100 watt heater, 200 watts lighting)

Note that providing your own stand for a half table isn't really an option since we don't have "half tables"...they are 8-foot tables which you get half to use. If there were a couple vendors that had their own stand that was less than 4-feet, then it would work out for them to occupy a half table space. Hope that makes sense?

[jimsflies]

We are off to a fast start with table reservations! The following vendors have already reserved their tables:
cherrycorals
The Blue Glow ( schminksbro )
Premium Aquatics ( saamath )
dknuckles
BeakerBob
MyNemesis
tropicorium
I will be updating the vendor location map to reflect the sold tables and where vendors will be located.

[AJ :)]

Looks like a good time!

[jimsflies]

Its already shaping up to be a fantastic turnout! 17 of the tables are already gone!

[dputt88]

why does it have to be 4 months away!!!! actually i guess thats better, ill have more money by then, lol.

[jakem]

Just bought table # 25 can't wait!!

[chazde3]

chazde3 - Yes all tables will have power.

The table restrictions are still in effect:

Maximum water volume per table: 30 gallons (or 15 gallons per half table), unless you provide your own stand.

Maximum power per table: 300 watts max. (e.g.,100 watt heater, 200 watts lighting)

Note that providing your own stand for a half table isn't really an option since we don't have "half tables"...they are 8-foot tables which you get half to use. If there were a couple vendors that had their own stand that was less than 4-feet, then it would work out for them to occupy a half table space. Hope that makes sense?

If you hear of anyone wanting a half table but using their own stand will you let me know. My co-worker and I are probably looking at a half table with our own stand.

[jimsflies]

If you hear of anyone wanting a half table but using their own stand will you let me know. My co-worker and I are probably looking at a half table with our own stand.

I'm sure there will be someone in a similar situation.

Tables are going fast so I encourage everyone interested to reserve your spot ASAP. Yesterday, the first day of table sales, we reserved 25 tables!

#LansingSwap (http://www.captivereefs.com/forum/usertag.php?do=list&action=hash&hash=LansingSwap) , #MCES (http://www.captivereefs.com/forum/usertag.php?do=list&action=hash&hash=MCES) , #mmmc (http://www.captivereefs.com/forum/usertag.php?do=list&action=hash&hash=mmmc)

[jimsflies]

Here is an updated vendor map showing available locations:

http://www.mi-reefs.org/coral-images/mces-layout-numbered2.jpg

[creefer]

This is going to be awesome!

[jimsflies]

The swap is also now listed on FragSwapper.com (http://fragswapper.com/setmeeting.asp?MeetingKey=109) for those that like to use that service for deals.

Map has been updated:
http://www.mi-reefs.org/coral-images/mces-layout-numbered.jpg

[msumatt]

It's like you guys want to keep me broke. Last year, the swap was about 6 minutes from my house, we move, and now the new location is about 6 minutes from our new house! I'll keep fragging so I'll have plenty to offer at the swap this year.

[jimsflies]

Here's the updated list. Still some tables available.

http://www.mi-reefs.org/coral-images/mces-layout-numbered4.jpg

[larryandlaura]

Looking awesome Jim.

[creefer]

I'm REALLY liking the vendors on this list for this swap!! It's going to be awesome. I may need to get a room. I don't have any friends that are really into reefing, so maybe getting a room and throwing a few drinks down with some other reefers will help in that regard.

[BlackGrandPrix]

Alright I just grabbed 2 tables. I heard this is THE swap to go to.

[dknuckles]

Jason,
This one is always the best swap of the year!

Thnks agin for saving my butt @ the swap!!!

[BlackGrandPrix]

Jason,
This one is always the best swap of the year!

Thnks agin for saving my butt @ the swap!!!

No problem. The purple polyp turb is resting and happy

[schminksbro]

Alright I just grabbed 2 tables. I heard this is THE swap to go to.
This is the one Jason! It will be good to see you.

[larryandlaura]

+1 this swap is huge and getting bigger every year.

[jimsflies]

Updated map showing latest table sales and availability:

http://www.mi-reefs.org/coral-images/mces-layout-numbered5.jpg

[larryandlaura]

Almost sold out wow!

[jimsflies]

Another updated vendor list:

http://www.mi-reefs.org/coral-images/mces-layout-numbered6.jpg

[dknuckles]

Looking forward to his swap!
Always a great time...not to mention an awesome vendor list!!

[Tom Toro]

Glad to hear this one is roomier than the last. I still can't believe how many great deals there were at the last one on first class corals. And we showed up an hour before closing. I think Son and I are going to be there at the opening this year.

[jimsflies]

Another table update:

http://mi-reefs.org/coral-images/mces-layout-numbered7.jpg

Full tables are now sold out. There are several pairs of half tables remaining so there are some spaces to accomodate a few more vendors.

[dputt88]

oh man.... i cant wait!!!!!

[larryandlaura]

Wow the tables are gong quick. Just a few months away.

[dlhirst]

I am gonna have to make some room in the tank. There is always too much to pass up here...

[carlitofish]

Looking forward into participating at the show. I'll bring some good things for you all!

[larryandlaura]

As always we will have swap specials on the hottest corals!

[rosebud161616]

Are there any details on the mini-conference part of this swap yet?

[jimsflies]

There will be 3 or 4 speakers, right now we have talks lined up covering reef chemistry/additives, LED lighting, and feeding your reef. We'll post more detailed speaker info and bios.

The cost to enter the swap will be $10 per person this year (kids can enter for free). This will include full access (swap and mini-conference).

[larryandlaura]

Sounds cool Jim.

[jimsflies]

Just a heads up, we are down to 5 half tables remaining (49,52,53,58,59). There are a few people who reserved tables and haven't paid yet, if you haven't heard from me, you likely will soon about getting your payment. The tables need to paid since we don't want to turn away vendors if we have unpaid tables.

Once tables are completely sold, vendors can contact me and I will have a wait list for tables in case there are any late cancellations.

52 days until the Michigan Coral Expo & Swap...

[fishtal]

Bummer, I won't be able to make it this time. I don't get back from Hawaii until the following Tuesday. Have fun. :)

[jimsflies]

Bummer, I won't be able to make it this time. I don't get back from Hawaii until the following Tuesday. Have fun. :)

Man that's rough! :)

[jimsflies]

Updated vendor list...

http://mi-reefs.org/coral-images/mces-layout-numbered8.jpg

[jimsflies]

Down to two half tables. If you missed out on a full table, please let me know if you are interested and I will keep a list in the event of cancellations.

http://mi-reefs.org/coral-images/mces-layout-numbered9.jpg

[briansweber]

What time does the frag swap begin? Not sure if it's a different time zone then me but if you could send me central time that would be great!

[jimsflies]

Doors to the swap will open at noon (EST) which would be 11 am CST. However we will have a mini-conference which will start before the swap. The tentative time for the first talk to start will be 10am EST, or 9am CST.

Swap setup for vendors the night before (1/26), will start at 5:30pm EST. Club staff will be working on arranging tables, but once your area is setup, you will be able to start to get your tanks filled.

[briansweber]

Thank you.

[dlhirst]

LOVIN the extra wide aisles this year!

[buk]

it's been a week and a half...are there any updates for this huge event yet?

[jimsflies]

The "What are you Brining Thread" is here:

http://www.captivereefs.com/forum/reefing-events/what-you-bringing-michigan-coral-expo-swap-25197/

[slapshot]

Bummer, I won't be able to make it this time. I don't get back from Hawaii until the following Tuesday. Have fun. :)

Jealous!!!!

[larryandlaura]

I can't wait to see everyone! Let's see the raffle prizes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[jimsflies]

Looks like I have one half table available if someone needs one.

[larryandlaura]

Looks like I have one half table available if someone needs one.

Wow it wont last long!

[jimsflies]

It looks like the table is pending now.

But please let me know if you are looking for a table and I can put you on the wait list if something comes up.

[larryandlaura]

That was fast lol..........................

[jimsflies]

We have a schedule! Here's what is on tap for January 27 at MCES:

8:30 am - Hall Open to Vendor Setup Only
10:30 - 11:30 - Dick Perrin: Captive Breeding Awesome Rock Anemones
11:30 - noon - Early swap admission to attendees of morning session
12:00 - Hall Open to General Public
1:15 - 2:00 - Kirby Adams: Feeding Your Reef
2:15 - 3:00 - Reef LEDs: Building LED Lighting for Reef Aquariums
3:30 - Raffle
4:30 pm - End of Swap

On January 26 (day before the swap) vendors will be able to setup from 5:30 until 9:00 pm.

[creefer]

Schedule sounds good, Jim!

[msumatt]

That's too bad. I'd like to go to all three, but can't since two of them are during the swap. I'll probably go to that first one though!

[larryandlaura]

Can't wait to see everyone there!

[that Reef Guy]

Sweet. Dick Perrin is speaking.

Don't miss that.

I mean go to see all the presentations but definetly don't miss Mr. Perrin's.

He is a great guy and has a ton of great stories.

He is a Reefing Pioneer.

I went to his talk at the Tropicorium last year and had a great time.

Can't wait for this show. :fish2:

[bigbill]

i will be at the reef solutions table bring all kinds of goodies

[dknuckles]

I will be donating a Cornbread PPE Chalice frag for the raffle/contest
5952

Getting excited only 2wks away!

[Skyhigh]

I will be donating a Cornbread PPE Chalice frag for the raffle/contest
5952

Getting excited only 2wks away!

Me to you going out the night be for? I will be there about 6:30 on Sat night, set up and then its party time.

[Skyhigh]

Can't wait to see everyone there!


Is your wife bring any treats?

[larryandlaura]

Is your wife bring any treats?

Food of coral? Should have both! Hope to see you there.

[Skyhigh]

Food of coral? Should have both! Hope to see you there.

Food lol, i know you will have some hot corals!!!!!

[dputt88]

I really want to show up the night before but dpnt think im going to. Mostly.due to money. Either way i cant wait for it. Plus if i went the niht before then i would be able to gwt up in time to set up.

[jimsflies]

We have a schedule! Here's what is on tap for January 27 at MCES:

8:30 am - Hall Open to Vendor Setup Only
10:30 - 11:30 - Dick Perrin: Captive Breeding Awesome Rock Anemones
11:30 - noon - Early swap admission to attendees of morning session
12:00 - Hall Open to General Public
1:15 - 2:00 - Kirby Adams: Feeding Your Reef
2:15 - 3:00 - Reef LEDs: Building LED Lighting for Reef Aquariums
3:30 - Raffle
4:30 pm - End of Swap


I wanted to mention for those that are planning to take in the speakers that space is limited. Our break out room can hold about 60 people. Those first 60 people who come to listen to Dick Perrin will be able to get into the swap first at 11:30. Our goal is to encourage an educational component to MCES, and thought this might help fill the seats! So if this is something you want in on, get there early to get a seat!

The speakers are included with MCES admission.

[larryandlaura]

Getting closure CR!

[Rabidgoose]

A few things I will bring to the swap if prepaid for......

http://www.captivereefs.com/forum/livestock-sales-trades/corals-stuff-25554/#post162849

[dknuckles]

Me to you going out the night be for? I will be there about 6:30 on Sat night, set up and then its party time.

No :oldman:
I don't close the restaurant until 10 then i get everything ready until 2or3am
Have a few/many for me:mouth_zipped:

[jimsflies]

Vendors planning to book a room in the hotel should do it pretty quick. I was informed there is also a hockey tournament in town and they are also snapping up the rooms.

[that Reef Guy]

No :oldman:
I don't close the restaurant until 10 then i get everything ready until 2or3am
Have a few/many for me:mouth_zipped:

What restaurant do you own?

Do you have any aquariums in there?

[jimsflies]

A few changes to the table layout...couple additions, couple of moves. This should be getting close to finalized now. :)

http://www.mi-reefs.org/coral-images/mces-layout-numbered11.jpg

[jimsflies]

I will add if someone is looking for a premium table near the front of the room, I may have an opportunity. Shoot me a pm.

[jimsflies]

Attendees should be on the look out for some free products and swag this weekend. To start with, every attendee (while supplies last) will receive a free tee shirt and goody bag from Dr. Fosters and Smith.

Be sure to stop by the Seachem booth for a free package of Reef Dip to treat your new frags. Seachem will also have samples of their new NutriDiet food line.

I believe Rods Foods will also have some swag and samples.

Also CaptiveReefs will have quite a spread this year. Everyone that stops by the CR booth will win something...from free corals to nice discounts at many of our sponsors.

I'm going to go out on a limb here and say this will be by far the best show we have had here in Lansing! Our vendor line up is incredible, our raffle is better than ever, we have three great speakers lined up, and the new facility is going to rock.

[that Reef Guy]

This is definetly going to be the best ever.

Not just in Lansing but all of Michigan.

I have never been to a Swap before that actually had Speakers.

I can't wait.

Thanks Jim.

[jimsflies]

This is definetly going to be the best ever.

Not just in Lansing but all of Michigan.

I have never been to a Swap before that actually had Speakers.

I can't wait.

Thanks Jim.

To give credit where its due, the MASM guys have their Michigan Marine Conference which does have speakers too.

[larryandlaura]

This is sounding better and better!

[jimsflies]

Here is the final lineup of vendors at MCES 2013:

http://www.mi-reefs.org/coral-images/mces-layout-numbered12.jpg

We have more than 50 vendors of the hottest coral in the country coming into town so you won't want to miss it!

[larryandlaura]

Looks great Jim. I can't wait hoping to be there Saturday nite.

[MizTanks]

Wow! Looks to be an amazing event!

[jimsflies]

One of these years you need to make the trek down to the show Jamie!

[that Reef Guy]

I will have some Lights for sale if anybody is interested PM Me.

Aquaticlife 1W LED 24" (This is the upgraded 3 row version with 36 LED's) (Retails online for 279.99). Brand New.

Corallife 4 Bulb T5HO with Lunar LED Lights 30" (Retails for 226.99 online). Very little use.

Kessil A150 LED 10K Sky Blue with Gooseneck (Light retails for 224.99 online, Gooseneck is 39.99 online).
Kessil A150 LED 15K Ocean Blue with Gooseneck (Light retails for 224.99 online, Gooseneck is 39.99 online).
Kessil A150 LED 20K Deep Ocean Blue Actinic with Gooseneck (Light retails for 224.99 online, Gooseneck 39.99).

Let me know if you are interested in any of these Lights.
I will be at the Lansing Swap.
Private Message Me.

[MizTanks]

One of these years you need to make the trek down to the show Jamie!

I keep hoping Jim, I really do.....

[carlitofish]

looking forward to bringing some frags...

[MyNemesis]

Should be an outstanding weekend! Everybody who is anybody is coming!
http://i874.photobucket.com/albums/ab310/MyNemesisPhotos/DSC01332.jpg
Looking forward to seeing Everyone Sunday!

[motorcityreefs]

how much are kids or are they free?????

[Sir Patrick]

See you guys there.

[jimsflies]

Setting up the hall!

http://i1119.photobucket.com/albums/k621/jimsflies/FBA74F3B-0B4D-46A8-95AF-F27C87483074-5696-000006478A07B3A0.jpg

[MyNemesis]

Looking forward to seeing everyone later today. Should be great fun!

[jimsflies]

Got home at 3:00am from setup... it was a rough nite.

http://i1119.photobucket.com/albums/k621/jimsflies/63234985-DFAA-43C8-9C0A-245A33ACBE0E-5696-000006477EFAEC20.jpg

[tcp316]

I wasn't able to go to the swap but am very excited to see what everyone brought back. Come on people and post pictures:)

Sent from my Transformer Prime TF201 using Tapatalk HD

[eefan]

I had a really good time at the swap meet today. I was happy to meet representatives from Captive Reefs!

[dputt88]

what a good swap. i heard about the shenanigans the night before. i got some laughs. i was very happy with how much macro algae i moved, i wish my corals had moved a bit better though. but there were a lot of other rics there so its understandable.

[pinhigh1886]

This was my first! Thank goodness there isn't one of these every week. I broke the the bank. Here are a few of the hot pieces I got before the let everyone in...

[pinhigh1886]

I also got one of Dick Perrin's Rock Anemone's This one has 3 color... Really cool!! sorry about the quality and the sideways they are from my phone.

[dputt88]

i should have mentioned, it was my first time as a vendor and i think i did well enough to keep on doing it. so always a plus to have a positive outcome from a learning experience.

[Rabidgoose]

Had a good time and learned a little bit about LED's. Bought some corals and talked to some peeps I haven't seen in a long time. Thanks to the clubs for putting this on. I have been to quite a few swaps and the Lansing show has always been my favorite. The new venue has taken this to the next level......just let me know and I'll help with some of the leg work for a MACNA bid. :)

[West Mariculture]

First frag swap for me. Met a lot of great people and made some new friends. Thanks for a great event.

[nikab]

This was my first show. I just recently started up my tank and could not believe the deals and how many vendors were there...

[Poseidon]

I had a GREAT time today! It was nice to see faces that I hadn't seen in a while, and meet some new friends. Thanks MMMC!

[dputt88]

repost into the right thread

what a good swap. i heard about the shenanigans the night before. i got some laughs. i was very happy with how much macro algae i moved, i wish my corals had moved a bit better though. but there were a lot of other rics there so its understandable.

i should have mentioned, it was my first time as a vendor and i think i did well enough to keep on doing it. so always a plus to have a positive outcome from a learning experience.

[tcp316]

I had a GREAT time today! It was nice to see faces that I hadn't seen in a while, and meet some new friends. Thanks MMMC!

Thanks for picking up the frags for me. I really appreciate it.

[jimsflies]

Great swap today! Hope everyone had as much fun as I did. Sorry about somehow bumping the old swap thread last night. I fixed it up so all of our posts are in the correct thread now. :)

What did you guys think? The club is always looking for feedback. Did you like the new venue?

[Poseidon]

dputt, thanks for displaying that Reef Breeders fixture today, Logan is taking care of me and sending out the 24" version Monday.

Vicki, it was no problem at all! My cooler had room for a few more pieces... just ran out of green printed paper. ;)

Jim, the Venue was GREAT! I think next year if we get a power drop, it will be perfect!

[larryandlaura]

Loved the new venue and how big it has become. However losing power constantly cost me big time. Next year maybe a few less vendors so there are no power issues. It was great seeing everyone.

[dputt88]

next year have BW bring in the heavy duty chords in right off the bat. i think they got us 220 lines but not sure, im no expert.

---------- Post added at 10:02 PM ---------- Previous post was at 10:00 PM ----------


dputt, thanks for displaying that Reef Breeders fixture today, Logan is taking care of me and sending out the 24" version Monday.

Vicki, it was no problem at all! My cooler had room for a few more pieces... just ran out of green printed paper. ;)

Jim, the Venue was GREAT! I think next year if we get a power drop, it will be perfect!

glad to hear you liked them.

[stunreefer]

New venue was awesome, you guys put on a great show!

Thanks for all the hard work, now get some sleep Jim and team :)

[wenwillwego]

Loved the new venue and how big it has become. However losing power constantly cost me big time. Next year maybe a few less vendors so there are no power issues. It was great seeing everyone.


I was wondering how the vendors felt about that... I do art fairs and I can tell you the artist would have been up in arms about the power, and they don't have anything to try to keep alive! :roll_eyes:

I had a really good time, and really enjoyed the Feeding Your Reef talk. As far as corals I got a really pretty purple and brown acan frag, and a gold and purple ric. The acan is super happy, already ate some brine mush this morning, but the ric is still trying to decide if it should live the rest of it's life in a little ball or try to puke it's guts out instead... we'll see. I also got a frag of blue ochtodes from dputt (thanks again!), and I have to say my eyes were a little bigger than my knowledge, I came home with a small red starfish that I know nothing about. :embarrassed: Still researching species, but from what I'm reading most people think they starve to death over the course of a few months to a year.

Not to end on a bad note, I had a really good time, it's always neat to meet the kinds of people who are in the same sort of thing that you're into. :highfive3:

[BeakerBob]

Pictures from the swap!!

We had some great presentations by Dick Perrin, Kirby Adams and Reef LEDs! Attendees also were able to get into the swap 30 minutes before the door opened at 12 noon.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v505/beakerbob/Michigan%20Coral%20Expo%20and%20Swap/2013-MCES/GAA_1024Large.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v505/beakerbob/Michigan%20Coral%20Expo%20and%20Swap/2013-MCES/GAA_1025Large.jpg

The swap starts with lot's of incredible corals and fish!
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v505/beakerbob/Michigan%20Coral%20Expo%20and%20Swap/2013-MCES/GAA_1048Large.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v505/beakerbob/Michigan%20Coral%20Expo%20and%20Swap/2013-MCES/GAA_1002Large.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v505/beakerbob/Michigan%20Coral%20Expo%20and%20Swap/2013-MCES/GAA_1007Large.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v505/beakerbob/Michigan%20Coral%20Expo%20and%20Swap/2013-MCES/GAA_1009Large.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v505/beakerbob/Michigan%20Coral%20Expo%20and%20Swap/2013-MCES/GAA_1013Large.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v505/beakerbob/Michigan%20Coral%20Expo%20and%20Swap/2013-MCES/GAA_1014Large.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v505/beakerbob/Michigan%20Coral%20Expo%20and%20Swap/2013-MCES/GAA_1033Large.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v505/beakerbob/Michigan%20Coral%20Expo%20and%20Swap/2013-MCES/GAA_1039Large.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v505/beakerbob/Michigan%20Coral%20Expo%20and%20Swap/2013-MCES/GAA_1041Large.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v505/beakerbob/Michigan%20Coral%20Expo%20and%20Swap/2013-MCES/GAA_1042Large.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v505/beakerbob/Michigan%20Coral%20Expo%20and%20Swap/2013-MCES/GAA_1043Large.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v505/beakerbob/Michigan%20Coral%20Expo%20and%20Swap/2013-MCES/GAA_1046Large.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v505/beakerbob/Michigan%20Coral%20Expo%20and%20Swap/2013-MCES/GAA_1050Large.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v505/beakerbob/Michigan%20Coral%20Expo%20and%20Swap/2013-MCES/GAA_1051Large.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v505/beakerbob/Michigan%20Coral%20Expo%20and%20Swap/2013-MCES/GAA_1056Large.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v505/beakerbob/Michigan%20Coral%20Expo%20and%20Swap/2013-MCES/GAA_1061Large.jpg

[MizTanks]

Thanks for sharing some pics Bob! :)

[tcp316]

I really enjoyed the pics. Thanks for sharing. Looks like everyone had a wonderful time

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using Tapatalk 2

[that Reef Guy]

Which tables were pictures # 2, 3, and 4?

I did many laps and never saw those corals.

---------- Post added at 02:41 AM ---------- Previous post was at 02:41 AM ----------

Which tables were pictures # 2, 3, and 4?

I did many laps and never saw those corals.

[foxhole]

I want to thank all that was involved in making this the best swap ever,big thanks to Jim.

[jimsflies]

I want to thank all that was involved in making this the best swap ever,big thanks to Jim.

You're welcome Gary.

I can't take all the credit... The clubs' other board members also help out a ton and I would like to give them all props for a job well done!

From MMMC
BeakerBob
Sandman
MyNemesis
TM01

From GRMAS:
tanglovers
dejavu
BWsReef
speeedracer1

Other MMMC club members that helped out at the swap were:

Tom@HaslettMI
skuttduck
REEF007
taziam10797
Poseidon
(Nick...not sure of his username off the top of my head)
sparky_gm
Pete_from_Michigan
Chesneyfan06
msumatt
Saltwatertaylor


tanglovers is going to post the names of the GRMAS members that helped during the swap as well. If I tried, I am sure I would miss someone.

[reefkoi]

I enjoyed the show lots of good people there!

The night before the show was a little rough for me LOL hung out with some peeps in the lobby till 4 am, not sure who they were but I still had my wallet when security woke me up so I guess they were ok.

Looking forward to next year!

[carlitofish]

great swap! loved seeing some of the old faces and meeting a lot of new ones.

[tanglovers]

Other GRMAS members who were a huge help -

Ed, Becky and Ethan (Wreckscuba)
Richard
Ron
Lon (Hydro52)

[Sir Patrick]

Best swap I have had the pleasure of attending! Was great to see so many new faces and old freinds.