Dec 8 swap

bpeck · Sep 3, 2012

I am looking into putting together a swap in Clanton, AL on Dec 8 from 12-4. I am trying to get a feel for interested parties that would want to setup a tank and attendees. Officially I am no part of any club just a hobbyist wanting to rub elbows and trade, sell, and buy frags. I plan to contact some manufactures in the hobby for some door prizes. There will be a charge to set up a tank to pay for the conference room. I would like to leave it free for all other attendees.

Brian Peck

gmoney243 · Sep 4, 2012

dec is gona be to cold to really get people or vendors to bring corals. its to risky. but GL

dwilliams87 · Sep 4, 2012

+1 I would go to buy, but wouldn't risk my corals to sell.

bpeck · Sep 4, 2012

Thanks for the input guys. I haven't been in this hobby very long I guess I don't see the concern with it being cold. Dec isn't normally the coldest month in any state and AL should still be pleasant. I would just get up that morning do a quick 20gal water change on system and load that water up to take. Then set up a 20 with a heater. Maybe offer small coolers with hand warmer packs?

H@rry · Sep 5, 2012

I remember going to a swap in Nashville a year or so ago in January with snow on the ground. Everything went pretty well then.

From my observations over the years, there are several things to think about went attempting to put on a frag swap.

First, why would you want to do it? Do you intend to make money or do you just want to do it for kicks and giggles?

Have you considered how many tasks will be involved: securing a site, acquiring tables, contacting potential sponsors, publicizing the event, shopping for food and refreshments, etc.

How many people can you COUNT ON to be available to help setup before and cleanup after the event, to work the table at the door, to sell refreshments, etc.? If 4 people say they will help 3 months prior to the event you can probably count on 1 to show up.

Most people want to setup the night before the event to give their corals a chance to open up before the doors open.

I've seen several swaps that were done right and were successful. I've also been to a couple that were disappointing. I think it all comes down to having leadership and foresight in getting things done in a timely manner and just "being ready".

Good luck.

pickupman66 · Sep 5, 2012

I have organized the MTRC swap for the last two years. the first year, I had very little help. It was ALOT of work to lineup sponsors, exhibitors and Door prizes. While it is one of the larger gatherings in the area, it took me about 4 months of lineup work. This year, i was blessed to have a very supportive Leadership board and we had what I would call a Stellar swap. the location was ok, but the attendance and offerings were incredible considering...

MTRC swaps were historically in late Jan. this made it difficult for keeping waters warm and yes, coral was lost. we moved the swap to April this past year and IMO, it was much much better. the MTRC swap will again be in April 2013. hopefully in a larger location as we were packed to the gills.

Dont get me wrong, as the chief organizer of the swaps, it is VERY rewarding to see it all come together and to see the line 100 people long out the door at opening, but it is alot of work.

bpeck · Sep 5, 2012

Well Harry I have thought about all the things you have listed. I don't plan to deal with food and the sorts though. Not in it for money just kicks. If I end up with a ill money and some frags so be it, I think all of the work should be rewarded a little. Thinking free admission, 40 at most to set up tank. Room I am looking at now is $150, they are cool with setting up night prior and have tables avail. Plan to pick some additional tables and chairs if needed. If I get a couple more to commit to setting up tank I will go forward with contacting some manufactures for door prizes.

I am moving back up to Clarksville, TN in Jan so I look forward to meetings you guys sooner or later.