American Cichlid Association 2008 Convention, Atlanta, Ga, July 17-20, 2008

[neoprodigy]

MonsterFishKeepers and MonsterAquariaNetwork (http://www.monsteraquarianetwork.com/) family

are proud sponsors of


http://www.aca2008.com/images/ACA2008logo_400.gif

http://www.aca2008.com/images/aaaa175.gifhttp://www.aca2008.com/images/ACALogoColor_175.gif


American Cichlid Association Annual Convention 2008 (http://www.aca2008.com)

Thursday, July 17th ~ Sunday, July 20th, 2008.
Hilton Atlanta Airport Hotel
1031 Virginia Avenue
Atlanta, Georgia 30354
Map/Directions (http://maps.google.com/maps?q=1031+Virginia+Ave,+Atlanta,+GA+30354,+USA&ie=UTF8&z=17&iwloc=addr&om=1)

Registration Here (http://www.aca2008.com/catalog/index.php)




MonsterFishKeepers and MonsterAquariaNetwork (http://www.monsteraquarianetwork.com) family are sponsoring ALL the Speakers and the Auction Room at the convention.
Rusty Wessel (http://www.aca2008.com/speaker_wessel.html): Central America
Juan Miguel Artigas (http://www.aca2008.com/speaker_artigas.html): Mexico
Ad Konings (http://www.aca2008.com/speaker_konings.html): Rift Lakes
Uwe Römer (http://www.aca2008.com/speaker_rower.html): Apistogramma (Banquet Speaker)
Ron Neilson (http://www.aca2008.com/speaker_neilson.html): "Madagascar"
Hans Koops van't Jagt (http://www.aca2008.com/speaker_jagt.html): "Discus"
Ted Judy (http://www.aca2008.com/speaker_judy.html): West African
Wayne Leibel (http://www.aca2008.com/speaker_leibel.html): Discus Nomenclature
FREE SHIRT : MFK at American Cichlid Association Annual Convention 2008 (http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=119872)

[neoprodigy]

If you have any question about ACA2008 or the Free T-shirt offer please post it here..

[Onion01]

this is gonna be awesome! Can we get a free shirt even if we don't go?

[repair]

I have my hotel booked!!! Staying at the host hotel is worth it!

[lilfats2]

I have a house out there already...

[Nate77]

I have a house out there already...

so were all crashing at your place?

[loach43]

Room booked. Wouldn't miss this one for the world.

[dragonfish]

Are there any MFK events/tours planned or just what is available through the convention?

[titansfever83]

Ken, or Li, or anybody, I registered to the ACA, then I bought a ticket to the convention but I have not received anything in the mail except the Buntbarsche Bulletin that the ACA prints. Should I receive something in the mail or will they have my name on a list at the convention?


Jamie

[neoprodigy]

i will ask for you...

[neoprodigy]

Are there any MFK events/tours planned or just what is available through the convention?

there will be no special MFK events at the convention.. we will pass out free shirts at the convention...

[loach43]

I thought you were going to take us all out for sushi Li :cry:

[neoprodigy]

I thought you were going to take us all out for sushi Li :cry:
you like cichlid sushi? we can grab some at the show room...

[loach43]

No way!!! They have some at the hotel?? Guess you'll know where to find me.

[ikevi]

Ken, or Li, or anybody, I registered to the ACA, then I bought a ticket to the convention but I have not received anything in the mail except the Buntbarsche Bulletin that the ACA prints. Should I receive something in the mail or will they have my name on a list at the convention?


Jamie


I sent out an e-mail to mark to the guy that is handling the registration, will get back to you asap. But I do know that we plan on having everyone who has registered setup with a id card that you will get when you walk in along with the bag of goodies. (I just don't know about a confirmation via mail.)

Kevin

PS. Oh and Li... I don't think you are going to be able to get any fresh cichlid sushi :-) We have santa on security and he sees all.

[ikevi]

Ok some more info from Ken:

"Everyone who registers will have a registration package given to them when they arrive with all the freebies in the goodie bag, a name tag and any tickets for tours, banquets show fish ect."

So I don't think you should be expecting anything in the mail.

[titansfever83]

Thanks Kevin, does that include the trip to the aquarium?


Jamie

[ikevi]

So yah if you signed up for the aquarium trip also, you will receive your tickets when you arrive and then on the day of the trip we will take everyone there. (I assume the tickets will be something that we make up since we will be entering as a group which is a lot faster than going in individually.)

[titansfever83]

What you guys do during non ACA hours??? Nightlife???? I've been to ATL but I don't know my way around by no means.


Jamie

[loach43]

Atlanta is well known for being one of the food capitals of the world and rivals NYC for good eats. I'm being serious this time! :)

[fishfarm]

Many good restaurants, good micro breweries, we will be having the hospitlity suite open at 10 pm each night, free beer!, I most likely will do a hatchery tour Friday morning to my place (provding I have time to get away), It's an hour drive north of the city.
MFK is also sponsoring the workshop speakers:
Mini Workshop Speakers
Vickie Vaughn "Fish Disease Wet Lab"
Brian Revenaugh "Ultimate Planted Tanks"
Gary Lange "Fish Photo Workshop"
Lee Finley - "Catfish In The Cichlid Tank"
Plus the 4 study groups will have speakers:
Study Groups
Apistogramma - Uwe Römer "Wild Apsito Habitats"
Central America - Mo Devlin "Tank Busters"
Discus - Tony Silva "Wild Discus"
South America - Ken Davis "Uruguay Cichlids"
That's 15 world class speakers over 3 days. Ken

[Onion01]

how many of those speakers are MFK members? that's really cool!

[tfaceon]

hook me up with a free t-shirt

[titansfever83]

Ken, you had me at "FREE BEER" :ROFL:

A tour of your place would be a nice addition for all of us out of town folks.

[fishfarm]

Thursday, Friday and Saturday night in the Hospitality suite, yes free beer. Ken

[Morledzep]

is the hotel doing discounted rooms for folks coming to the convention? some kind of group rate? i can't seem to find it if there is.

let me know please

[loach43]

Yes, discount for the ACA convention attendees until rooms are sold out (not sure how many are left). Room w king bed = $104 plus tax per night. Parking is extra also.

[fishfarm]

There are plenty of rooms, click on the "book a room" link and it will take you to the registration page for the hotel at the discounted rate.

[iwak4]

ow like that

[fishluvr12]

Ken,Do You know what time You will leave Fri for your hathery tour?Would love to go but had planned on coming later in the day on fri.Will change my arrival time if need be.Also do you know if You will have any HRPs& approx. cost?
Thanks,
John

[addicted2cichlids]

this is gonna be awesome! Can we get a free shirt even if we don't go?

+ 1

.............. :headbang2ad konings :headbang2

[fishluvr12]

Does anyone know if Amphilophus Sp Lago Nicaragruan,Red iletas is a valid species to enter in the show?Do they need to be a certain size/age ?

[mercury904]

how can I attend here? im from asia,,tourist visa? im very eager

[Ash]

how can I attend here? im from asia,,tourist visa? im very eager

Prob. a passport and visa, if you are just visiting not sure if you need the visa but def. the passport :D

[mercury904]

cool ! ill try

[ikevi]

Ok I will try to answer the questions I saw. I am sure Ken will chime in when he notices. (He is obviously busy just getting back from his trip.)

Anyways first, from what I know Ken hasn't figured on a time for a tour of his place yet, (if he will even have one.) If he does it will likely be Thursday or Friday early afternoon at latest.

Amphilophus are in the Large Central American Cichlids category. (Show Entry Division A - NEW WORLD CICHLIDS) Obviously the more fully grown the more likely you will win, but there is no age/size restriction that I know of.

Mercury904, of course you can attend. As said you will need to be able to get to the convention, which depending on the country means you need to have for sure you passport and maybe a visa to enter the country. Register online (and get a room to stay at in the hotel), and if you are all ready an ACA member that is really all you need to do. (Just show up at the airport, jump on the shuttle to the hotel and basically all is taken care of for the convention. In other words we don't need to see passports and such, just a form of identification.)

[mercury904]

Ok I will try to answer the questions I saw. I am sure Ken will chime in when he notices. (He is obviously busy just getting back from his trip.)

Anyways first, from what I know Ken hasn't figured on a time for a tour of his place yet, (if he will even have one.) If he does it will likely be Thursday or Friday early afternoon at latest.

Amphilophus are in the Large Central American Cichlids category. (Show Entry Division A - NEW WORLD CICHLIDS) Obviously the more fully grown the more likely you will win, but there is no age/size restriction that I know of.

Mercury904, of course you can attend. As said you will need to be able to get to the convention, which depending on the country means you need to have for sure you passport and maybe a visa to enter the country. Register online (and get a room to stay at in the hotel), and if you are all ready an ACA member that is really all you need to do. (Just show up at the airport, jump on the shuttle to the hotel and basically all is taken care of for the convention. In other words we don't need to see passports and such, just a form of identification.)

Looks like im into some cramming prep :cry:

[mercury904]

im already a member of ACA .The thing is I think ill be needing some invitations to finish my visa approval...i guess:confused:

[ikevi]

Ok, mercury904 I couldn't reply to the pm since you have it disabled. If you want contact numbers, try the following link: http://www.atlantaaquarium.com/officers.htm

But Ken doesn't tend to answer his phone, so it would be wise to try e-mail first.

[mercury904]

Ok, mercury904 I couldn't reply to the pm since you have it disabled. If you want contact numbers, try the following link: http://www.atlantaaquarium.com/officers.htm

But Ken doesn't tend to answer his phone, so it would be wise to try e-mail first.

where can i email him? do u have a contact number? would like to talk to you thanx!

[ikevi]

His e-mail is on that webpage. (Just click his name.)

[mercury904]

His e-mail is on that webpage. (Just click his name.)

It just gives me an error whenever I click his name:confused:

[ikevi]

Well I can't send you a pm. But you aren't clicking on the link I gave you.

So here it is again: http://www.atlantaaquarium.com/officers.htm


(NOT the one in my signature.)

[mercury904]

Well I can't send you a pm. But you aren't clicking on the link I gave you.

So here it is again: http://www.atlantaaquarium.com/officers.htm


(NOT the one in my signature.)

same thing dude!

[ikevi]

send me an e-mail at ikevi10@gmail.com

Though you know it would make things much easier if you just enabled pms.

[fishfarm]

Traveling from the Philippines I would think all you would need is a passport and fill out the form when you enter the US as a tourist. Ken

[dragonfish]

Is anyone else bringing a significant other on vacation that isn't really into fish as much?

[ikevi]

I have heard of people that have plans to come with there whole family with the idea that only they are staying at the convention while there spouse and kids visit atlanta.

[blotot]

hello...newbie here...

[loach43]

bringing wife but she likes fish as much as I do:headbang2

[Ash]

I am gonig and bringing my dad (hopefully) and my Boyfriend but he is into fish so it wont matter lol. I am just going to hangout and visit the aquarium (will be going friday instead though).

[ikevi]

Just a quick bump. I think you can get the convention deal for the hotel if you reserve before the 4th. And I think the Tank reservations and show entries are all due on the 1st. SO if you haven't signed up yet it is about time to start deciding what fish you want to enter, and to get your reservations in.

I look forward to seeing everyone at the Hilton.

[hemiboo]

wow, I'm in Charleston now planning to make the drive...Maybe I can make it!

[hemiboo]

If I'm an ACA member can I still get my wife in or does she need to be a member too?

[ikevi]

I don't know off hand. I will ask Ken.

[ikevi]

Word from Ken:

"If they register for the convention their spouse can come to the banquet, but will need to register if they want to see the talks, Kids are free and can come to anything. Ken"

[fishfarm]

Let me explain that a little better, Anyone can come and see the fish show, vendor area and fish sales rooms and attend the Friday night and Sunday auctions. They are free and open to the public.
To show fish, see the speakers and go on the tours you need to register, if you spouse want to go on the tours or come to the banquet and you are registered you can by them a ticket without them having to register or be an ACA member. To see the speakers you must be an ACA member and register. Bringing in the speakers is a major expense so we have to charge everyone for this, But you can take your kids to the talks for free. Ken

[abiddle]

I am fairly new to the hobby and I was interested in driving to the ACA Convention for a day. I was mostly interested in seeing the contestants, vendor products and possibly purchasing fish. Which day would be best?

Also, can I purchase/bid on fish if I am not currently an ACA member? Thanks!

[loach43]

bidding open to public

[ikevi]

So for the fish show and vendors it is likely best to be there on Sat. (The show will be taken down on Sunday.) There will be a rare fish auctions (Babes) Saturday night. Sunday is the large (main) auction.

I am fairly new to the hobby and I was interested in driving to the ACA Convention for a day. I was mostly interested in seeing the contestants, vendor products and possibly purchasing fish. Which day would be best?

Also, can I purchase/bid on fish if I am not currently an ACA member? Thanks!

[fishfarm]

So for the fish show and vendors it is likely best to be there on Sat. (The show will be taken down on Sunday.) There will be a rare fish auctions (Babes) Saturday night. Sunday is the large (main) auction.

Rare fish auction is Friday night. Ken

[pattycakescichlids]

We will be looking forward to seeing everyone there. Won't be until Friday unfortunately. We are both avid cichlid lovers and hope to enjoy meeting some of the people from MFK's in Atlanta.

[Ash]

I am getting so excited!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I am hoping to find some rare or cool Tangs for my new unfinshed tank!!! I am looking forward to seeing and meeting everyone!!!! Less then a week!!!!!!!! =]

[loach43]

Arriving Wednesday afternoon so can buy fish before they enter the building. Dibs!!

[ikevi]

Arriving Wednesday afternoon so can buy fish before they enter the building. Dibs!!

Sorry got you beat, will be there tue by 2 ;-) Of course I will be a little busy helping set up.

[loach43]

No fair you live there! Looking for plecos only so all the cichlid folks are safe from yours truly. I'm sure there will be more than enough fish for everyone regardless of when they arrive. Not sure if it's even possible for one person to look at all the bags of fish for sale on Sunday. I'm really looking forward to the overkill!

[dragonfish]

Will be there Wed. night.

[Juand15]

i will be there Thursday morning looking for plecos, Geophagus and some South American Dwarfs also some Silver dollars, looking forward to meet many people from MFK !!!!

[Ash]

you guys stinkie!!! I wont be in untill Thursday around noon =] but I am sure a lot of you will be at the aqaurium!

[dragonfish]

you guys stinkie!!! I wont be in untill Thursday around noon =] but I am sure a lot of you will be at the aqaurium!

Yes we will, so don't take all my fish.

[neoprodigy]

i will be there around noon-sh..

[fishfarm]

I'm leaving this morning to construct the fish room, see all of you in the next few days. Ken

[Ash]

hehe dont worry I wonttt steal all the fish while you are gone >__>



j/k looking forward to seeing everyone!!

[ikevi]

Just wanted to post a link to the prep thread I made. A lot of people are helping out and things are going very well, lots of work done lots ahead. But it is looking great and we can't wait to see everyone.

http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/forums/showthread.php?p=1981040

[Aquamanic]

I am in the Atlanta area. What is the cost of the event ticket for a day?

[ikevi]

Free to see the show/rental tank/go to the auction on Sunday.

For the talks you need to be a member of either the ACA or AAAA. (25 for the ACA, 15 for the AAAA.) And the cost for a full ticket is 60 bucks, we don't have an single day at the moment, since talks start at 7:30pm today, Thursday.

Anyways I am off to the airport again.

(Today many people are going off to the aquarium. I decided not to go seeing as I sort of have been there oh 15 or so times now...)

[Red_Terror]

no shirts left I am guessing