ACA Convention 2009

[RustyNut]

I have gotten approval from the better half to go to the 2009 ACA convention! WOOT! It will be my first after planning to go four previous times.

Infomation is Here. (http://www.2009aca.com/)

Cincinnati, Ohio
July 30 - Aug 2

If you plan on Attending reply below and perhaps we can setup something for our members to get together and finally meet!

So who is going!?!?

[SabrinaD]

I'm hoping to get the fam there. My youngest dd is really helpful with my hobby (I don't know what I'm going to do without her when she grows up LOL) and she's interested in fish. My dh would like to go (probably to stop me from buying fish LOL), so that leaves my older dd to travel along.

[jombi21]

I'm going... cichlidforums party!!!!! I'll bring the Jager. It's going to be a blast!!!!

Jom

[Glaive]

It is one of my goals for the next year, I am contemplating another insane Alex run.

(Cali to Cincinnati in a straight shot.)

If I knew for sure I was able to go I would get a van and offer up a road trip to any brave souls along the way. ;)

[crazyfishlady]

fish speaker & I are planning to be there. :ok:

[StructureGuy]

You all know I'll be there. It's only about a 100 mile drive.

Kevin
Sheesh, Rusty. I usually don't see ACA convention posts until at least March or April. A little excited, are ya?

[fish speaker]

fish speaker & I are planning to be there. :ok:

Yes! I'd say the only thing undecided is whether it will be a flight in with CFL, or a drive with CFL and some fish!

[Glaive]

I just shifted this to the clubs forum, I figured it was less likely to get lost there. ;)

[crazyfishlady]

I'm not quite as excited as Rusty ( :razz: ), but I wish they'd post a schedule already, so I can figure out what days we need to be there. :D

[Chromedome]

You need to be there from Thursday through Sunday, trust me. If you can't get there Thursday, I'd at least try to be there no later than noon on Friday. Stuff really gets going then.

[crazyfishlady]

Right, but for Atlanta I actually had to be there on Wednesday, because the trip to the Atlanta Aquarium was at 8:00 Thursday morning. I'd like to know if we have time to arrive on Thursday morning, or if we need to plan on Wednesday night.

[RustyNut]

I'm getting so excited and I just can't hide it. :D

[mikeinco]

I'm going, that is unless the economy turns to total crap by then. I too wish the web site would get up and running so i can check on classes and so forth. I reserved my hotel room so i plan on being there, hopefully showing fish this year for the first time. Its really hard transporting Central Americans and I always end up changing my mind.

[Mr Firemouth]

http://www.2009aca.com/

I am just checking to see how many other people are going to the convention?
I hope to see you all there!!!

[jombi21]

No one???? :( I was hoping to meet some of you great people.

Jom

[Glaive]

I'm still trying Jom, if I can make it then that should make quite a few of us. Perhaps even enough to try and set up a lunch or dinner. ;)

[StructureGuy]

My plan was to work a half day on Friday, then go to the convention. I have a room for Friday night and I paid for the Saturday evening banquet. But I'm driving home Saturday night since the auction doesn't interest me a whole lot.

But ..... now I see that Chuck Rambo is doing a Lake Victoria talk Thursday evening so I gues I'm driving to Cincinnati and back to Columbus Thursday.

Kevin

[Glaive]

I think Kevin is afraid I'll talk his ear off again. ;)

[StructureGuy]

I think Kevin is afraid I'll talk his ear off again. ;)

And since I know what you look like now, I will be better at moving in the opposite direction.

[Ironmahn]

I will be attending Saturday, and Sunday. Hope everyone has a great time!!

[RustyNut]

This is slicing things close for us.... Next week my wife has a check up and if she clears that, we can travel!

I am disappointed the ZOO was chosen for a thursday morning activity... a lot of people are going to miss that that would have wanted to go!

[Glaive]

Alex quickly scrambles to hide pictures of himself lest other members heed Kevin's warning. ;)

[jombi21]

Lunch/dinner would be excellent. See all of you there!

Jom

[SabrinaD]

Wah, I can't go. I really could only go on Saturday because I have to get my husband to work at an odd time. And then I have to be at the State fair August 1st so my kid and dog can run the agility competition.

[Mr Firemouth]

http://i85.photobucket.com/albums/k44/mrfiremouth/6ftmonterey_25339.jpg

Our friends at the United Pet Group generously donated a 300g aquarium and a 75g aquarium!
The 300g aquarium will be up for silent auction! Bid high and bid often!!!

Be sure to inquire about all the auction items and to check the raffle items!

Yes, a 72g Bowfront tank and stand will be up for raffle thanks to our friends at Central Aquatics!
Remember the more raffle tickets you purchase the better your odds of winning!!!

Be sure to be at the Convention in Cincinatti this year!

[Fischfan13]

Rusty Nut and Glaive, hope both of you are going...two more people for me to search out and say hello to!

[longstocking]

I'm going :)

I will be great to meet some of ya....

:party: :drink:

[jombi21]

It will be nice to meet you too!

Jom

[Glaive]

Unfortunately for me I am unable to attend the convention this year. Work has decided to encroach in on my fun time and I am not in a position to turn it down. That being said I would like to encourage you guys to meet up with each other. A fair shake of you will be there and gathering around a table at the convention should be within the realm of possibility. The fish show room is good place to find people and get to know them. Bring your camera if you have one and give picture taking a go, it also acts as an ice breaker (as do the great fish).

One trick you may be able to try is to Put a CF on your convention badge, I was a nerd last year and wore mine every where. Kevin should be a fairly easy spot and maybe those of you who go might be able to spot out one of our founding members (Rex Karr). If there was a Mount CFmore his face would be on it.

I hope you all enjoy what should be a great convention. Do not hesitate to talk to people. Make friends and contacts through out our hobby enjoy the lectures and introduce yourself to the big wigs of the hobby as all are very genuine gracious people.

Alex

[RustyNut]

I am disappointed to report that life has once again conspired against me and I will be unable to attend... have a drink for me while there, and enjoy!

[crazyfishlady]

Sorry this is falling through for so many. I'd love to read some first hand accounts, since we are unable to go, as well. :(
We are already planning to go next year though! Milwaukee is a lot farther than it was for me when I lived in MN, but we'll be able to fly up to visit my family, and then maybe rent a car and drive to the convention.

[jombi21]

Leaving in 7 hours! I will be wearing the CF on my name tag. See you all there! :zzzz:

Jom

[Glaive]

I'm going to try and purchase tickets early to force myself to make time for next year.
Bring a camera Jom and take pictures.

[StructureGuy]

I came a day early to hear Chuck Rambo's Victorian talk.
Kevin

[jombi21]

I'll be dropping a photo bomb on you soon. I think i have more videos than pics tho. I don't normally use Youtube, but I will upload all my videos and post them. I'm pretty sure I have a few seconds on all/most the show fish. I know I have some that focus just on particular classes. Also, I have some that just walk you through the whole convention. No commentary, but If you are unsure of anything, just ask. I'll probably start a new thread and describe my first visit to an ACA convention.

Jom

[StructureGuy]

I put the pictures here:

http://www.cichlidforums.com/showthread.php?p=262782&posted=1#post262782

Kevin