Huge Frag Swap Suggestion...
Printed From: Utah Reefs
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Forum Name: Suggestion Box/Recommendations
Forum Description: This is the place to submit recommendations to the WMAS presidency.
URL: http://www.utahreefs.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=59564
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Topic: Huge Frag Swap Suggestion...
Posted By: ReefdUp
Subject: Huge Frag Swap Suggestion...
Date Posted: October 09 2012 at 4:57pm
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I'm not really sure where to put this, so it's going here. I've talked to several of you about this (both in the current Presidency and some potential new Presidency members.) For the past 5 years I've been an addict of the frag swaps back in the midwest. They're much different than I've seen out here. They draw anywhere from 400-1000+ people in a single day, and the cash flow to the club is tremendous. I'd like to propose we try one here. The problem I see is that early spring is the best time for them, and starting to plan one once the new Presidency comes on board may be too late to have one this spring. But, maybe we can all be on board with the idea? If so, I volunteer to get it going...but we need to start with a lot of help...now. I've already run one of these, and I've been to countless others (in Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Ohio, etc.) I already have tons of info/form letters/etc. on how to do this. But, here's the basic idea: We get a place like where we currently meet for a full day. Vendors are invited from all over, and they pay to set up in prime locations. "Advanced" hobbyists (those with a lot to sell) can buy smaller "early bird tables" where they can set up small tanks or just sell in containers. Walk-in hobbyists have last pick of the tables, but they aren't charged to sell just a few items. Everyone can post their items on Fragswapper.com to presell (helps keep the number of people in the building all at once down). Fragswapper allows users to post pictures of items for sale, so this also helps to sell items that would typically be closed up during a sale (zoanthids, etc.) For those who just want to shop, there's a small entry fee (maybe free to members or whatever). There would also be a huge raffle (I've got about 150 companies on a list that I know have donated nice items in the past) and goody bags. Depending on the value of the donation, the company would get a certain level of sponsorship in return (advertising on various things). I've also seen t-shirts sold, food available, you name it. I see this being very successful since it would give those who live hours away a reason to come and get everything they could imagine in one swoop. Vendors can usually unload a lot of items since the crowd is more diverse than what they usually get...and they get more new customers. Hobbyists can unload their frag tanks all at once and not worry about people asking for "free delivery". Buyers win too b/c a lot of sellers end up giving good deals at the end so they don't have to haul their corals back home. Clubs tend to get a LOT more members (especially if entry is free to members), get some nice cash flow to fund speakers/equipment/etc., and their members are forced to interact more with each other. Anyway, I would be thrilled if we could do this. Usually these are packed shoulder-to-shoulder, so I'm not the only one who enjoys them. I'm volunteering to get this going, but I need support from everyone. Thoughts? :-) |
Replies:
Posted By: jwoo
Date Posted: October 09 2012 at 5:02pm
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Sounds like our Fragstock in March. Did you go to it this last year? The only thing different here would be adding the ability for everyone to sell and not just vendors. FYI at our last fragstock we had close to 400 people show up and it was only open for 2.5 hours, so I could see expanding the concept working pretty well. It'd be up to the new President but it might not be a bad idea to expand Fragstock. ------------- None at the moment Soon: 72 Gallon Bowfront |
Posted By: ReefdUp
Date Posted: October 09 2012 at 5:10pm
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I think the key is for everyone to be able to sell. This draws in more hobbyists that just want to offload their stuff, but not necessarily buy. Hobbyists also typically have more beginner-friendly corals while the vendors bring in the high-end stuff. Most vendors rarely feel like hauling $5 Xenia in, but have no problem bringing a $600 master scoly. Having hobbyists selling will fill the lower-end market...as well as maybe fill the void for some of the more old-school awesome frags that vendors don't typically have. Hobbyists would also have the chance to offload equipment...which always works out awesome for everyone. If you guys had 400 people in 2.5 hours, then an expanded one could be nuts. We have had people coming in from 13 hours away before, and it was common to travel 4-6 hours for one. Yes, I did make it to the Fragstock. Although they sound similar, Fragstock was not like the frag swaps I've been to. It was nice, but I think there's some unlocked potential. |
Posted By: e46slc
Date Posted: October 09 2012 at 5:13pm
| Love the idea Nikki! Also like the fragswapper deal, that way we don't have to be the first one there to get the good stuff. |
Posted By: Adam Blundell
Date Posted: October 09 2012 at 5:35pm
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Let's do it. Nikki- make it happen. Adam ------------- Come to a meeting, they�re fun! |
Posted By: Teknik777
Date Posted: October 09 2012 at 5:53pm
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Nikki awesome idea! I think it would be a huge event! I am willingto help out also if needed. ------------- 220 G SPS Display. |
Posted By: ReefdUp
Date Posted: October 09 2012 at 6:21pm
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WAAAHOOO!!! So, would we still call it FragStock? Same time of the year? Same place? Is it possible to get a separate FragStock volunteer section of the forum (like MWRF) so we can plan without clogging up the normal threads? It would also help us plan without having to drive all over the place to meet. Teknik - got you down as the first volunteer! ;-) Who else wants to volunteer? |
Posted By: Ann_A
Date Posted: October 09 2012 at 6:26pm
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Awesome idea! Let me know if there's anything I can do to help! ------------- http://utahreefs.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=53856&title=annes-65g-rsm-reef" rel="nofollow - RSM 250 Reef |
Posted By: nsfw dave
Date Posted: October 09 2012 at 6:39pm
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not sure if its part of the idea.. but even equipment people would want to try to sell seems like a good idea. ive tried to get something like this going in the mustang community, but cost is a little bit more significant when deal with car stuff. btw.. love this idea.. and absolutely think something similar to fragstock is a definite must with no reef fest this year.
------------- 480 in wall in progress |
Posted By: ReefdUp
Date Posted: October 09 2012 at 6:44pm
| Exactly - we always had equipment at the swaps, and it was pretty awesome. There was also live rock, dry rock, sand, books, you name it. I usually had a bucket of old test kits, light bulbs, etc. for free...and it was always gone really quick. |
Posted By: bur01014
Date Posted: October 09 2012 at 6:47pm
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hate to be the downer, but this sounds like pest swap city to me... perhaps I am just too particular (i only buy from certain vendors), but providing the opportunity for everyone to sell increases the risk of pest swapping, along with the frag swap. please don't let me discourage the concept everyone is pumped about, but I do think we owe it to inform the new hobbyists the risk of buying at such an event. |
Posted By: nsfw dave
Date Posted: October 09 2012 at 6:53pm
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agreed, but its also on the buyer to dip and quarantine anything they might find to be a risk. ------------- 480 in wall in progress |
Posted By: ReefdUp
Date Posted: October 09 2012 at 6:57pm
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That's a great point. Maybe we could hand out pamphlets on dipping/QT or even get the teeny bottles of CoralRx for goody bags. In my experience, vendors/hobbyists have about the same type/number of pests (hobbyists get it from somewhere.) But, you're right, there are ways to counter this. I'm sure those who are uber-cautious with their reefs already have a QT system or just won't purchase (but may sell.) |
Posted By: nsfw dave
Date Posted: October 09 2012 at 7:01pm
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a handout on dipping and qt, is an awesome idea. ------------- 480 in wall in progress |
Posted By: jaschall
Date Posted: October 09 2012 at 7:26pm
| I think this is also a great idea. Think you could plan it on a Friday or Saturday? |
Posted By: ReefdUp
Date Posted: October 09 2012 at 7:46pm
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I'd recommend it on a Saturday. We should be able to get more vendors - especially those who are far away. I know I'm usually up around 3am the day of the swap getting ready, so I'm sure others would appreciate it on a non-typical work day. The schedule I've seen work many times (not saying this is how it has to be...just an idea): 8 am - Doors open to staff/vendors for setup 9 am - Doors open to early bird hobbyists for setup 10 am - Officially open 2 pm - Raffle 3 pm - Event closes & cleanup 5 pm - Everyone goes home This is why I've recommended lunch be served (pizza, drinks, etc.) Otherwise, people leave for lunch and we would lose money on the raffle, etc. Again, nothing is in stone...just throwing out ideas. |
Posted By: Fatman
Date Posted: October 09 2012 at 7:56pm
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I'll help. If we want to we can set up a google or similar site with a log-in for volunteers and planners to work from if setting one up here is too hard. Also we can use a free live meeting tool for the meetings. Let me know. Fat PS Happy Birthday! ------------- February 4: Winter Banquet at the Living Planet Aquarium Tickets: http://utahreefs.com/store/index.php?route=product/category&path=36 |
Posted By: ReefdUp
Date Posted: October 09 2012 at 8:02pm
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Ooh, I hadn't thought of that. Nice idea! Thanks again! |
Posted By: lskurys
Date Posted: October 09 2012 at 8:03pm
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This sounds really good. I know the first thing that my wife did in the hobby with me was the Reef fest / frag fest last year at the Redlion hotel. We both had such a good time. We have been wanting to do something like that for the past year. I have talked to alot of people that have stopped by the house to see the new tank and we all end up on the even from last year and how much everyone liked it. Just thinking that there is a lot of warehouse space in Noth Salt lake that is not being used. This might be an idea for a large location just have to work out details for the vender with power. ------------- 220g , large elite aquatics sump. 3 Radion Pro Gen 3 lights 3 Mp 40's |
Posted By: ReefdUp
Date Posted: October 09 2012 at 8:10pm
| Hm, another good idea! A warehouse would be ideal (as long as the power situation is ok) since water on the floor is no big deal. We've always had to request power limitations of the building when searching...I've seen too many swaps with blackouts. But, thankfully the day of the LED has arrived! |
Posted By: bmac2
Date Posted: October 09 2012 at 8:25pm
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I spent a few years as a trustee of the Utah Open Source Foundation, so I helped manage and schedule the yearly nerd conference. I would be happy to help with it. couple of things that would have to be done quickly. One, a committee to put the plan together, and a chair person to be in charge....cough...nikki...cough...nikki....cough (typed in my best subliminal style). Positions that need to be filled. Marketing person, the face, the one to push it, the person to be the announcer to announce events, etc. One thing that would have to be found immediately is a space. We need a space so we can lay out what we want. There has to be a booth layout, then someone to manage the spaces, the schedule and who goes where. That is what I always did, was the conference scheduler/manager. Once the layout of the booths is designed, then there is a decision on the cost of the booths. Better booths at the front or at the start of isles usually get premiums, just like booths next to the entrance. Also, if you are going to plan this type of "conference" swap meet, then my suggestion is to pepper it with 3 or 4 good speakers on topics that would interest the crowd. Make it a full blown fish nerd conference. Frags, equipment, booths to sell whatever would appeal to the hobbyist. As long as they pay for a booth, and what they are selling is legal, go for it. if it is all day we need to court some food vendors who want to come in and will pay us a percentage, or some decent fee. This done right can make substantial money. Especially if advertized correctly and the word gets out all over the mountain west. Do we want to make the place in sections, vendors here, hobbyists here, or frags over here, equipment over here, or just spread eveyrone out. My suggestion is mix and match and spread them out to maximize traffic. Do we want to charge a minimal admission, like a $2 for a member of any fish club, $3 or 4 for someone not a membrer? or just let in the general public and make the money on the booths? lots and lots of questions to answer. I nominate Nikki to chair this since this is her idea..all in favor say I!!! |
Posted By: Molli
Date Posted: October 09 2012 at 8:53pm
| How difficult would it be to actually set up a dipping table, especially for the newbies who might want hands on experience about how to dip their corals? I think people may be more likely to take that precaution if it was easy for them to do so. |
Posted By: ReefdUp
Date Posted: October 09 2012 at 9:07pm
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Wow bmac! Those are great suggestions!! You'd better be right alongside me if you're nominating me! LOL. You're completely right on all those points. That's why I was nervous waiting until the new year to get started. There's so much to do! I also agree we need a chair and subcommittees (sponsors, vendors, advertising, food, facilities, you name it!) I'm more than happy to volunteer as long as I have everyone on board. I was thinking the "facilities" committee could research our needs (based on expected number of vendors, hobbyists, etc.) and compare our electrical and space needs to available places (also depending on cost, convenience to the highway, etc.) I like your idea of mixing hobbyists with vendors. Most places I've seen line the vendors against the walls (so they have the most electrical access) and put the hobbyists in the center (less electrical...if any.) If we could find a facility to accomodate everyone, that'd be great! I also hadn't thought of charging a premium for booths at the entrance to aisles. Really think we could get more for them? I was thinking maybe a premium for corner spaces or double spaces. Hmm...interesting! Speakers would be awesome, but I'm not convinced (not that it matters). This would make it a mini-MACNA with hobbyists selling too...almost seems like too much going on (at least for my little brain.) But you're right - it would draw even more attention. I wonder if we could get a mini hotel with multiple conference rooms in order for it to work. Hummmmm.... Food vendors may be tricky. If we do it in a hotel, we usually have to use their catering service ($$$.) I was just thinking of ordering pizza and soda...or maybe some hamburgers/hotdogs on a grill...but vendors would be nuts! Getting more interesting!! As far as $$ goes, I think those things would just have to wait for the swap committee to propose a budget and present it to the Presidency. We'd have to weigh the costs of the facility, etc. and make sure we make the club back something nice to fund more activities. Molli - that's a neat idea! We could have a small QT/dipping station with maybe some pictures of pests and containers to dip a few corals in. I have a few concerns (certain frags don't do well with certain dips, so we don't want to kill people's frags, etc.), but I think we can work around them. It would be so educational and beneficial! |
Posted By: BobC63
Date Posted: October 09 2012 at 9:35pm
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I am liking this idea a lot! Nikki, please head this up! ------------- - My Current Tank: 65g Starfire (sitting empty for 2+ years) - * Marine & Reef tanks since 1977 * |
Posted By: jdinchak
Date Posted: October 09 2012 at 9:46pm
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So is this like the Mountain West Reef Fest we had or a bit different? ------------- 180G Mixed Reef Tank 170G Dart Frog Tank |
Posted By: bmac2
Date Posted: October 09 2012 at 9:47pm
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I don't like hotels or "conference" centers. One place that is usually open to having something like that is SLCC. We could ping their biology/science department and see if they are willing to "sponsor" it, meaning we plug their name if they let us use some rooms in a building. There is some decent space at some of the campuses. We need to stay in the general salt lake area and NOT go north or south. Not if we are trying to make this a regional even and bring people in. a place like Southtown expo would be perfect, BUT they charge big bucks for their venue. we need space and an open room, something that is easy to get to. Fairgrounds on North Temple? they have a lot of buildings that they use for stuff. Maybe up at the U of Utah? maybe ping their marine biology teachers? see if they are interested in helping. Free space is best. Especially for the first year or two. You have to get a conference established and happening for it to get to the point of paying for a venue. That and college campuses have lots of space, lots of parking and are usually easy to get use of. One other way to make money is to sell wall space for sponsors to put up their posters advertising their stores/goods. Like getting the local fish stores to pay to put up a banner/poster. We always made decent money from selling wall advertising space. Also, see if we can get items for random raffles. All will make a little money. We don't need to go in expecting a windfall for the club, but we need to make sure to do enough things to make sure the conference pays for itself, and we put at least a little back in the coffers of the club. If we don't make at least a little for hte club, then what is the point of even doing all the work!! |
Posted By: ReefdUp
Date Posted: October 09 2012 at 10:03pm
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It's like FragStock, MWRF, and the classified forums all combined into one big, crazy event. :) Or...at least that's the vision. We usually had ours at places like the American Legion, etc. - big enough, but cheap. If we did speakers, I don't think that would cut it. Parking at the campuses would be easy...hmm. We usually paid about $400 for our location, and we made that back with no problem (and then a whole bunch.) I agree that location should be central SLC...makes it so we're likely to have the Vegas crowd, Idaho, everyone. The highways make it all pretty easy to get to, too. The last thing we want is to be in the middle of nowhere with nothing for the families to do. What I've seen in the past is the following (I have detailed sample budgets somewhere). Vendor space (depends on space size): $100+$50 donation (non-sponsor), $75 + $25 donation(sponsor) Early bird space: $30 (non-member), $20 (member) General Admission: $5 (non-member), free (member) Raffle donations (gets various size/location advertisement placement) Platinum sponsor: $300+ donation Gold sponsor: $200-300 donation Silver: $100-200 donation Bronze: $10-100 donation I've got a list already of companies known for donating for advertising space. Hopefully they'll do it for us too! Raffle tickets: $1 per ticket, or 25 for $20. Food: minimal funds for the club T-shirts: $20 per shirt Alright...I'm thinking we have a good start with lots of interest. I think it's time (once we have the official "go"), to make the committees and get the groups working on what they think is best. We can hem and haw over this here, but it'd be great for each group to pick out what they think will work. |
Posted By: rize2
Date Posted: October 09 2012 at 10:20pm
| This sounds Awesome! |
Posted By: ReefdUp
Date Posted: October 10 2012 at 6:16am
Here's a screen clipping from Fragswapper. Just list what you have available for the swap, then people can request them. So much easier than running around like crazy.
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Posted By: ReefdUp
Date Posted: October 10 2012 at 6:20am
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Advanced Aquarist did a small blurb on my favorite swap: http://www.advancedaquarist.com/blog/all-ohio-frag-swap-by-c-sea-a-major-success |
Posted By: lskurys
Date Posted: October 10 2012 at 11:06am
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Well I am willing to help also. I forgot to add that on the last post. Everything is sounding like alot of fun. ------------- 220g , large elite aquatics sump. 3 Radion Pro Gen 3 lights 3 Mp 40's |
Posted By: icenine
Date Posted: October 18 2012 at 1:22pm
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Hi! Just moved out here from Chicago and I'm a former member of the CMAS board. We ran a swap along these lines twice a year. I'd be happy to pitch in an offer any experience or insight I might have. These things can be a lot of work to set up, but they are always a blast. Marc |
Posted By: rfoote
Date Posted: October 18 2012 at 2:00pm
| Would it be worth starting a poll, to see who would attend and see if it is worth the trouble? To be honest, I personally wouldn't but I'm probably the minority. |
Posted By: ReefdUp
Date Posted: October 18 2012 at 5:47pm
Considering we had over 400 people at our Fragstock (and we would just be expanding Fragstock rather than making a whole new event), I don't see why we wouldn't easily get 400+...which might be a bit excessive for a poll. May I ask why you don't think you'd participate...even as a possible buyer? |
rfoote wrote:Posted By: rfoote
Date Posted: October 18 2012 at 7:32pm
Oh, a few different reasons but I recognize that they are probably exclusive to a nut like me and that I'd probably offend. In regards to as a buyer, just not really willing to drive an hour for the same thing I can have delivered to my door.(unless it is to support an LFS) |
Posted By: ReefdUp
Date Posted: October 18 2012 at 7:35pm
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Hmm...ok. Just thought maybe you had some concerns that we could address. Me personally, I like to go for the rush...there's always so much amazing stuff that I usually don't see often...or find easily. Once I've collected my goodies, I get to sit and chat with old friends and make new ones about all the awesome stuff we got. I don't know...to me it's more than just buying and selling...it's part of the addiction I guess. :) |
Posted By: Molli
Date Posted: October 18 2012 at 8:47pm
| How do these frag swaps work? Are the corals happy in tanks so that you can get a good look at them or are they in small containers and all closed up? Have they been in small containers for quite awhile or are they somehow getting oxygen and water flow? I've never been to a frag swap before. It sounds interesting and I'd volunteer some of my time to help -- just can't commit to spending a lot of time each week from now until then. |
Posted By: ReefdUp
Date Posted: October 18 2012 at 8:55pm
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It works however you want it to work...that's the beauty of it. Most vendors (real businesses) set up tanks...most of it opens, but the zoanthids usually don't until the end. Hobbyists mostly bring stuff in containers, but they post online (usually use Fragswapper.com or just post on the forum) the pictures, frag size, cost, etc. Some hobbyists set up tanks, but most don't have enough to warrant the trouble. It was common for a lot of people in my last club to caravan 4+ hours to a swap one way...sit at the swap all day...then drive everything home. I never lost a thing even with everything in a container all day. Corals don't really need the oxygen like fish do (fish are another story...which is why most people don't bring fish to sell.) As we get closer to doing this, I can give out tips to those wanting to buy/sell...how to keep things warm/cool...how to pack bags/containers...etc. Honestly, the best methods just come from learning what works for you and what doesn't. There's no right way to doing this other than to just have fun. |
Posted By: BobC63
Date Posted: October 18 2012 at 9:44pm
Ryan - A couple of points on this... First, we are planning on having multiple out-of-state online coral sellers coming in for this - perhaps as many as 10 of them. In the past, we have had them come from ID, CO, AZ and NV. This year we are expanding and may get some from as far away as LA or even FLA. In addition, we should have maybe 6 to 8 of our own LFS selling as well. Then we will be having 8 - 10 of our local online coral sellers. Next, some of our own Members have inquired if they can sell also. The first 2 Fragstocks we had about 15 vendors total. We have enough space to hold a maximum of 28 - 30 vendors; I fully expect to fill each and every space. This means about double the vendors from past years. So you will be able to come in and choose from perhaps 1500+ corals at one venue. And all our sellers will be displaying in well - lit frag tanks, so you get to inspect any corals thoroughly before you buy, vs. browsing photos over the Internet. In addition, you are not going to have to pay the shipping charges of $20 -$35 per seller that you would be paying when ordering online. You also will not be worried about excessive acclimation times, since you got your corals locally, instead of having them sit in a bag inside a shipping box for 24 - 48 hours, exposed to cold temps, etc. If space allows, we will also be doing a sort of 'equipment swap meet' on the side. One thing I like to do at these events is to take a look at my own tank and see if I have any frags or corals I want to sell. Usually I choose 4 or 5 pieces. Then I put them up on the Buy / Sell Forum the weekend before the event and advertise that I will 'deliver to the event for free' (since I am going to be there anyway). This way, I entice people to buy MY stuff that usually wouldn't want to travel all the way to my home to pick them up. If you live an hour away this might work well for you. And there's no better feeling than buying new corals using the money someone else just gave you for your old coral... it's almost like getting the new stuff for free. The other thing some people do is, once we announce the line up of sellers, they check out the sellers websites ahead of time and if they see something online they really like, they contact the seller and ask if the seller will bring it to the event especially for them. This way, you know that primo piece you wanted will be waiting for you when you get there... This year we will be holding "Fragstock '13" on a Saturday (instead of a Thursday night) and it will probably run for 6 hours, instead of the usual 2 hrs... all in an effort to make it as convenient as possible for everyone to attend. And we'll have food and of course, it will be a family - friendly event. So you may want to reconsider. I can pretty much guarantee you won't regret it!
------------- - My Current Tank: 65g Starfire (sitting empty for 2+ years) - * Marine & Reef tanks since 1977 * |
Posted By: BobC63
Date Posted: October 18 2012 at 9:51pm
Corals will be open and in well lit, flowing frag tanks. On things like zoas that may not open fully the seller usually has photos or a chart showing what they look like. This will be an AWESOME time. Fragstocks are easily the busiest, most popular and well-attended events the Club has ever done. For 2013 we are expanding the amount of sellers and I expect it to be the absolute greatest one yet!
------------- - My Current Tank: 65g Starfire (sitting empty for 2+ years) - * Marine & Reef tanks since 1977 * |
Posted By: rfoote
Date Posted: October 18 2012 at 9:55pm
| Thanks for the clarification/additional info. Bob! I think there's a big difference from what you've described and the title of Frag Swap. |
Posted By: BobC63
Date Posted: October 18 2012 at 10:15pm
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Oh yeah, this is like a Frag Swap on Mega - Steriods!!!
Here's a recap of last years (2011): http://utahreefs.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=48066&title=holy-crap-was-fragstock-unbelievable-or-what" rel="nofollow - http://utahreefs.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=48066&title=holy-crap-was-fragstock-unbelievable-or-what Fragstock '13 will be more than twice as big!!! ------------- - My Current Tank: 65g Starfire (sitting empty for 2+ years) - * Marine & Reef tanks since 1977 * |
Posted By: Molli
Date Posted: October 18 2012 at 10:30pm
| About what time of year do you plan to have this event? I need to make sure my little frag/quarantine tank is empty by then! This is sounding like a great event! |
Posted By: BobC63
Date Posted: October 18 2012 at 10:32pm
Right now we are looking at March 2013 - takes a little time to plan out something as big as this  ------------- - My Current Tank: 65g Starfire (sitting empty for 2+ years) - * Marine & Reef tanks since 1977 * |
Posted By: Molli
Date Posted: October 18 2012 at 10:36pm
| Oh that's a great time! Just before spring when people are needing a pick me up! When you start needing help let us know! |
Posted By: sabeypets
Date Posted: October 18 2012 at 11:27pm
A lot of the these big vendors travel from "show" to "show". They know how to pack and display their corals so they are healthy, colored out and fully open for your viewing pleasure! I know one zoanthid vendor has it down to a science where at least 99% of thier paly/zoas have been open in the past.
------------- Shaun American Fork "Would you leave a dead cat in your kitchen till tommorow?" Builderofdreams |
Posted By: ReefdUp
Date Posted: December 31 2012 at 6:36am
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Just wanted to bump this old thread... If you're still willing to help out, let me know! We have the green light! ------------- www.reefdup.com Diving since 2009, reefkeeping since 2007, & fishkeeping since 1987 200g, 75g, & 15g Systems PADI Advanced Open Water |
Posted By: ReefdUp
Date Posted: January 14 2013 at 6:42pm
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All, I need some help finding a rental hall in SLC. I'd prefer one like the ones at VFW Posts, American Legions, etc. If you know of a good place, please let me know! With wedding season coming up, it's hard to find an inexpensive available place. Thanks!! ------------- www.reefdup.com Diving since 2009, reefkeeping since 2007, & fishkeeping since 1987 200g, 75g, & 15g Systems PADI Advanced Open Water |
Posted By: pitboss
Date Posted: January 14 2013 at 8:18pm
| Rocky Mountain speed way in west valley.They have a nice hall with tables, a optional bar and also has a stage.they have great prices around a 1000.not sure on all the power but worth a shot. |
Posted By: ClownFishAddict
Date Posted: January 14 2013 at 8:32pm
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reefdup Size? Price Range? Maybe I can keep an eye out... ------------- http://utahreefs.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=61789&title=ok-here-it-goes-my-redneck-120-rimless-build" rel="nofollow"> 
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Posted By: ReefdUp
Date Posted: January 14 2013 at 8:53pm
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Thanks pitboss, but that's a bit out of our price range for our first year. We'd like to stay under $400, which is usually about right for a small venue for a full Saturday if they don't usually do weddings. Wedding venues get pricey quickly. As far as size goes, for our first frag swap, it's hard to judge, but if we had a venue that held 100-150 at seated tables, then that should be enough for our scenario. I held these back east at a local VFW, and that was the right size/price. Again, we're limited for our first year, so that's why we're reaching out to see if anyone has a good connection. Thanks for the help!! ------------- www.reefdup.com Diving since 2009, reefkeeping since 2007, & fishkeeping since 1987 200g, 75g, & 15g Systems PADI Advanced Open Water |
Posted By: DMower
Date Posted: January 17 2013 at 4:27pm
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The West Valley City Community Cultural Center located at 1355 w 3100 s in WVC. It has many different sizes of rooms and rental costs. A couple rooms combined (for 150 people seating) would cost about $400 after a not for profit organization 20% discount. Here is a link to more information. http://www.wvc-ut.gov/index.aspx?NID=247. Also tel (801)965-5102 Darren ------------- 150 gal reef with 50 gal sump. Reef Octopus DCS-200 Skimmer. AI Sol Blues. |
Posted By: Jeremyw
Date Posted: January 17 2013 at 4:35pm
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That is a great idea! Thanks Darren! ------------- Next meeting: |
Posted By: ClownFishAddict
Date Posted: January 18 2013 at 9:05am
Awesome Idea ------------- http://utahreefs.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=61789&title=ok-here-it-goes-my-redneck-120-rimless-build" rel="nofollow">
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Posted By: ReefdUp
Date Posted: January 18 2013 at 9:30am
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Darren, that's awesome! I'm going to call them today. ------------- www.reefdup.com Diving since 2009, reefkeeping since 2007, & fishkeeping since 1987 200g, 75g, & 15g Systems PADI Advanced Open Water |
Posted By: H200
Date Posted: January 18 2013 at 9:51am
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you might also call the megaplex theaters, they have meeting rooms ------------- 210 gallon glass aquarium 90 gal Refuge. 900Gal Pond |
Posted By: bmac2
Date Posted: January 18 2013 at 10:00am
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one other thing to do is to check the colleges locally and talk to their biology departments and see if they will sponsor the event and use a building there. They let us use one at Miller Campus for free one year for teh UTOS conference, and one year for free at hte Redwood Campus. If the biology department can be involved and list it as them being a sponsor, they are usually willing to do it. The U might even be an option. Other places around end up costing a lot. We looked at every venue around for UTOS when we started it. |
Posted By: Erikts
Date Posted: January 18 2013 at 10:08am
This is a great facility we use it for work meetings quite a bit! ------------- 34G solana |
Posted By: ReefdUp
Date Posted: January 18 2013 at 10:55am
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No answer yet. Erikts - do you know which rooms have carpet & which don't? I can't find a link to the floor plan of the suites. They are much larger than the meeting rooms and cost less (so I'm thinking they may be more along what we need...no carpet...less pretty...etc.) ------------- www.reefdup.com Diving since 2009, reefkeeping since 2007, & fishkeeping since 1987 200g, 75g, & 15g Systems PADI Advanced Open Water |
Posted By: Erikts
Date Posted: January 18 2013 at 10:57am
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I don't know all rooms we have ever used are carpeted. ------------- 34G solana |
Posted By: ClownFishAddict
Date Posted: January 18 2013 at 11:17am
bmac2 Actually that would be an awesome idea to get their biology departments involved. It would be a great learning experience for sure. IMO ------------- http://utahreefs.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=61789&title=ok-here-it-goes-my-redneck-120-rimless-build" rel="nofollow">
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Posted By: ReefdUp
Date Posted: January 28 2013 at 5:21pm
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Bump for more volunteers!! Event planning is well underway, and we need more people to help make it better! ------------- www.reefdup.com Diving since 2009, reefkeeping since 2007, & fishkeeping since 1987 200g, 75g, & 15g Systems PADI Advanced Open Water |
Posted By: rfoote
Date Posted: January 28 2013 at 5:37pm
| I'm glad to help! |
Posted By: ReefdUp
Date Posted: February 20 2013 at 5:34pm
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We've had to dial it back a tad...but it'll still be awesome!! Date: Thursday, 4 April Location: Rose Garden Time: TBD More details to come! Start getting those frags ready!!! ------------- www.reefdup.com Diving since 2009, reefkeeping since 2007, & fishkeeping since 1987 200g, 75g, & 15g Systems PADI Advanced Open Water |