Was Reefapalooza NY Worthwhile?

[ca1ore]

Curious to hear some thoughtful views on whether it was worth going or not - mainly from long tenured reefers please? I'm not much of a fan of these kinds of shows anymore. I considered going (since it's a modest car ride for me), but ultimately concluded it was unlikely to be worthwhile.

 

[Picesduh]

It’s was value to see a lot of the equipment hands on.

 

[coral-boss]

I really look forward to going each year. Its only a 20 minute drive for me and it beats doing yard work for sure. Get to see a lot of cool stuff and I pick up some nice frags also.

 

[Makers Marc]

Does Texas ever have any big events?

 

[Greenstreet.1]

It was for me and I will be there next year.

 

[Thirdeyesight17]

Drove up from NC was my first RAP was worth it imo.

 

[dewy]

I didn't go to the NY one but I did go to the Orlando one. It was my first time going. It was cool but not sure I would make a trip out of it again. If I was in the area or if I could drive there and back home in a day I would do it again. There was a lot of really nice coral.

 

[Oberst Oswald]

I've been there for the last 3 yrs. I'm not a big deal in the reefing world but will give my 2 cents anyway. Was kicking around should I go this year but decided what the heck, only an hours drive, and went. I can honestly say that the thrill is gone. If you are starting out in the beginning stages of reefing it will knock your socks off. Bring your full of cash wallet and have fun... you will be in reefing heaven.
ca1ore... with all your R2R banners, I've seen your build thread so unless you want to meet up with your reefing friends there will not be much for you. It is mainly for buying stuff. Lots and lots of coral vendors with a respectable assortment of low, middle and reasonable samples of high end. Jason Fox, WWC, Unique and other well know coral vendors will be there that may be an interest to you. As far as info on products the internet has it all for those who will search for it so no need to go there for that for you got all you need already. Crowded, noisy and, in my case coming home with a empty wallet, makes me wonder if the drive in Jersey traffic was worth it. But... it is something to experience once so maybe next year you could consider if you have nothing important going on.

 

[Just_Pete]

First RAP for me and I went on Sunday. I will say I got some pretty good deals on corals that are probably 20-25% more expensive online.

Next year I'm thinking about going both days to compare and contrast. A lot of people said Sunday was much less packed with people. Which makes me wonder what kind of corals I missed out on Saturday. Also, wish I made a list... there where product vendors there that I wish I stopped by for some dry goods.

All-in-all, very happy with the experience.

 

[ca1ore]

That's rather what I figured which is why I didn't go. Not to come off as old-mr-grouchy and all but these show really do seem like trade shows, and I've spent more of my life at trades shows than I care to admit. I went to the first few MACNAS all those years ago and they were cool; intimate, got to chat with friends and acquaintances .... there wasn't quite so much bald face hawking of stuff like it seems to be now. Seems like everyone and their mother is selling frags now ..... all under blue lights. Yawn! Do they do any panel discussions with experts, long time reefers, etc.? Those still have some appeal to me. If I were starting out in the hobby I'd absolutely go, as an unsociable curmudgeon who hates crowds I think I'll pass.

 

[CNDReef]

They had 4 guest speakers, 2 each day I believe

 

[mdd1986]

I'm in NY and the drive to this thing in the middle of the summer is a disaster. I would prefer if they had it in the fall or early Spring when everyone and their mother is not traveling to/from the jersey shore. I stay as far away from 95/garden state/287 during the summer months as much as possible on the weekends.

That being said the event was a decent trip for me as I was able to pick some people's brain about issues I'm dealing with on my tank. Also received a bunch of free products to try out and provide feedback. The drygood vendors were really awesome and helpful which was great. You can tell they are a bit more polished at attending these type of events compared to some of the small vendors selling frags.

Outside of that the corals sales were average at best. I saw a lot of price gouging and not really that many great deals on frags to be honest. Since I want on Sunday I did get some better deals from vendors looking to unload before they had to pack up for the weekend. While other vendors are asking $1200 for a 2 headed Acan. There should be more incentive to sell things here vs online AKA cheaper prices. My 2 cents at least.

I would say it was 6/10 experience. I would give it higher if I didn't have to deal with traffic and crowed event. Next time open up the entire convention hall so its not so crowded.

 

[BZOFIQ]

Great event, have been to past 3 or 4. This year I wanted to see mainly vendors to get some ideas for new build I've been working on. I believe the event has shrunk from years past. BRS didnt even show up this year, neither did Marine Depot and slew of other stores and manufacturers that I have seen years past.

I enjoyed the event but was somewhat disappointed. Perhaps a trip to InterZoo is in order LOL

 

[gcarroll]

Over the 20+ Reefapalooza show's that I have been to, I have come to the conclusion that it is impossible to please everyone. Reefapalooza is not conference, not a frag swap, not a trade show. It's a little of all of those combined. 4 speakers, 2 raffles, 180 booths, over 2 days. Those who may be looking for corals will probably think there is a lot of dry goods exhibitors, those looking for dry goods exhibitors will probably think there is too many coral vcndors. Those looking for speakers will most likely not get their fill. But for those that just want to have the chance to look at corals with their own eyes, touch equipment to experience the quality, take in a talk or two, and hang out with a bunch of passionate reefers for the weekend and talk tank for the weekend, It's priceless!

I almost fell out of my chair when I read that someone though the show was smaller than years past. Although BRS and Marine Depot, did not have a booth, Ryan was their the whole weekend, and to my surprise, Wayland the CEO of Marine Depot was there to take in the show. In the end, I spoke with hundreds of happy reefers at the show.

 

[ndrwater]

Like @gcarroll , I have been to tons of Reefapalooza shows in all 3 locations (4 next year with Chicago being added) and they all have different personalities. I had a great time talking with reefers who just wanted to ask questions. In my opinion, having a face to face conversation can be so much more informative than reading 1000 posts from random strangers. Having the chance to talk to friends from all over the country that I wouldn't otherwise get to see all that often is also priceless. There were a TON of YouTubers there as well from Rico from Rico's Reef, Joey from King of DIY, Jake Adams of course, and a slew of others, all there to chat with anybody who who wanted to shake a hand or ask a question.
The other great thing, for me at least, is the ability to hang with other passionate reefers at the hotel before and after the shows. Getting to meet people over an adult beverage and just talking all things reef related is worth more than the price if admission alone.
Being someone who has been around much longer than I would like to admit, the "oh wow look at that crazy frag" wore off long ago, but the friendships I have made by seeing people face to face at Reefapalooza is something worth more to me that any new "gotta have it" frag will ever be.

 

[Dr RBG]

Its the only show near the New England area that I know of. My drive is 4 hours but I stay over.. I like seeing the corals and not having to ship them.
as far as other equipment most is familiar stuff, did not see any big discounts. Not many samples either. Went to one lecture which was well presented but rather basic, I will probably skip next year.

 

[vetteguy53081]

This is one of a few major shows nationwide and I would wish they would ( I know its a pain) but rotate various cities other than Orlando and NY every year ( Chicago, Denver, Texas, Atlanta as examples to allow other aquarists possible attendance.

 

[ndrwater]

This is one of a few major shows nationwide and I would wish they would ( I know its a pain) but rotate various cities other than Orlando and NY every year ( Chicago, Denver, Texas, Atlanta as examples to allow other aquarists possible attendance.

There will indeed be a show in Chicago. Mid October 2019, so there is that..
Denver already has a show put on by Jake Adams. Dallas, well, you never know...... Just not yet...

 

[Scorpius]

Looking forward to the Chicago event next year. Would really like to meet the folks at WWC, BRS, and Marine Depot.

 

[ScottsTot]

Don’t have a tank so experience level is at a 0. I went because I wanted to see in person what I gaze at online.

I went both days. I went with my dad and wife who are interested so it was nice to spend time together.

I don’t know about the standard pricing of corals since I haven’t bought any ever but on Sunday, I did notice the ones that looked cool (in my eyes) were gone. I overheard sellers cutting deals though since many didnt want to bring a lot back.

I’d also say it’s worth it if you’re hunting for equipment. Not many deals on Saturday but I saw the kessil 700 for 650, 360 for $260, ecotexh and reef octopus for 15% off. I went to each booth that had equipment on display and asked if they had any sales.

I ended up picking up a hydra 26 for 300 and the mount for 50. Usually goes for 350 and 75. If you shop around your local stores, they might be able to do the same but I had the itch to pick something up while I was there so I just bought it.