Is it time to attempt/explore a "MACA"? (Serious)

[Kevin.Erickson]

Is it time to attempt a "MACA" (Marine Aquarium Conference of Australia)?

It will take 16-24 months to plan, and would need a solid committee of at least 4 people, with at least 1 of them being in the host location.

I suggest that RTAW at least create an exploratory committee so see whether or not such a project is feasible.

Although I do not have time to be on such a committee at the moment, I would be happy with sharing the resources I have on hand from planing multiple MACNAs.

What do you all think?

Please no thread jacking.

[r0cksteady]

Good idea. Would need to be driven by sponsors.

[NewyReefer]

That sounds like a excellent idea, would be great to see it happen here..

[chromus]

I would love to see it, I think it may be a few years away but it would be awesome.

[Kevin.Erickson]

From N0rk via Facebook:
"I've floated the idea several times and went as far as seeking out sponsors and the like to see what the feasibility was. From the industry and speakers there was definitely interest, but I do wonder if our relatively small size compared to the MASNA societies would be a major hindrance to feasibility."

[Kevin.Erickson]

If there is previous discussion to this regard, can someone provide the link?
If it is in a "mod" only forum, can I been given access to see it?

[spwa]

It should be fully possible, after all they have multiple reptile, bird and other type expo's/shows. A Committee should not be too hard to put together, events organizer, fundraiser/ sponsor committee member so on so on. I would believe that most all of the manufacturers and distributors (wholesale and retail) would be more than happy to get on board.
The only fault would be the lack of passion from the committee in place.

[ynotrahuk]

What a great idea and long overdue.

I would be happy to volunteer any expertise I might bring to the table as a research scientist!

There are many reefers and aquarium enthusiasts out there (on facebook forums alone) that would be very interested in this, if it were to happen.

Cheers,
Tony

[Rusty1]

Having been involved with a Fragfest and bringing A. Calfo over, I had an insight to what is required.

Sponsorship can and should be able to cover the costs but there needs to be something in it for the sponsors. Having only a few major players locally does not help, but if you got the OS manufacturers involved (Tunze, Ecotech, Red Sea) and such it just may be possible.

Fragfest with Calfo attracted around 70 odd from QLD over the 2 days, so I would be concerned about numbers in Australia.

I think it would need to be run alongside/with the Pet expo's to get our best chance of sponsors and people along.

Would be happy to help and be involved.

[pebbles]

It's definitely a numbers issue (on both hobbyist and sponsorship levels)...

I think it would need to be run alongside/with the Pet expo's to get our best chance of sponsors and people along.

Yep. And you would need to choose the location very carefully. Sydney would be the ideal choice from a numbers /exposure point of view. (Sorry rusty!)

JM2c

Angie