RAP Chicago?

Weasel1960 · Oct 6, 2021

Thanks for the info @vetteguy53081. Haven’t started my build yet so just going to check it out. Seminars? Haven’t seen any of those announced on web site, how to find out what and when? Buying raffles will depend on what, definitely would try for equipment that would work for my build but not ready for livestock yet. Do they list raffle prizes somewhere in advance?

vetteguy53081 · Oct 6, 2021

Weasel1960 said:
Thanks for the info @vetteguy53081. Haven’t started my build yet so just going to check it out. Seminars? Haven’t seen any of those announced on web site, how to find out what and when? Buying raffles will depend on what, definitely would try for equipment that would work for my build but not ready for livestock yet. Do they list raffle prizes somewhere in advance?

Most vendors donate items and last RAP there were seminars. Will check when I return tonight.
Just landed(business trip)
Prizes last time was entire tank system, lights, salt, test kits, chemicals, coral packs and more

Weasel1960 · Oct 6, 2021

vetteguy53081 said:
Most vendors donate items and last RAP there were seminars. Will check when I return tonight.
Just landed(business trip)
Prizes last time was entire tank system, lights, salt, test kits, chemicals, coral packs and more

I had been watching to see if there would be any seminars but haven’t seen any listed any where.

RobB'z Reef · Oct 7, 2021

vetteguy53081 said:
A tip for first timers. At shows like these it it easy to be overwhelmed with a vendor or two and spend a lot of time with one and not have enough time to cover others Especially if you plan to attend a seminar or two and find yourself losing out on corals and coral deals.
Look at the floor plan and vendors and make a list. Prioritize who you want to visit and keep the visits to 15 minutes PER booth. If you can do less, you have extra minutes to stay on track.

Best is to allow 5 mins per vendor and 4 hours with R2R- Ok kidding on this line but the rest is a best bet ESPECIALLY IF YOU ARE DOING JUST THE ONE DAY ATTENDANCE AS I AM
iF ANYONE WANTS TO MEET UP AND TAKE JUST ONE VEHICLE- NOW IS THE TIME TO PLAN THAT ALSO.
The parking lot at Rennaisance Hotel is huge but can also become distant if you get there after 9:30am.

An example is a couple of favorite coral vendors I have. I have 9 vendors written down as must visit and i have them in order of priority. . #1, #2 and so forth. If I get to visit no other, I'm happy if I got to see at least those 9 making it worth my drive and cost of ticket. Buying Raffle tickets is a gamble BUT a Very Good one- spend at least $40 on tickets for if you win, you got your money back for raffles-gas and show ticket easily on any given prize but remember- YOU MUST BE PRESENT TO WIN.

IF the Wisconsin group is heading back Saturday evening via I-90 or 94 . . . .. We could all head to gurnee (right before entrance to Wisconsin) and stop at Golden Corral Buffet which will feature Steak, Fish, Chicken, taco bar. english pot roast, 17 desserts, salad bar and much for for $13 !!!

Super great advice! My first show, so I'm showing up with zero plans, zero expectations and just gonna wing it lol. Gf and I are making an extended weekend of it in Chicago to see some sites while we're down there. Will probably be at the show all day Saturday and partial Sunday. If I find a great coral deal (el cheapo) great, if not meh. Hope to meet a couple of y'all at least.

On Wisconsin!

Weasel1960 · Oct 8, 2021

Rob.bucek said:
Super great advice! My first show, so I'm showing up with zero plans, zero expectations and just gonna wing it lol. Gf and I are making an extended weekend of it in Chicago to see some sites while we're down there. Will probably be at the show all day Saturday and partial Sunday. If I find a great coral deal (el cheapo) great, if not meh. Hope to meet a couple of y'all at least.

On Wisconsin!

Go Brewers

Zach B · Oct 9, 2021

I believe @Reef-junky will be joining us one of the days as well

Reef-junky · Oct 9, 2021

Be cool to see what all they have as I’ve never been to one of these.

vetteguy53081 · Oct 9, 2021

Reef-junky said:
Be cool to see what all they have as I’ve never been to one of these.

Not as big as MACNA but still a good selection.

Reef-junky · Oct 10, 2021

I know there’s one in Florida as well.

Zach B · Oct 12, 2021

Excited for the show and to see everyone. Like @vetteguy53081 said maybe some of us can get together for lunch or dinner. Hope everyone is well

#608Reefers

cwerner · Oct 12, 2021

I'm going to try to make it myself. My wife works 3rds that weekend but I have family in the area, so I'm going to see if they can watch my kids while I check things out.

eraser2001 · Oct 12, 2021

My wife and I will be there on Saturday. We planing to take the plane early from Charleston to Chicago and back in the afternoon with corals

Reef-junky · Oct 13, 2021

Zach B said:
Excited for the show and to see everyone. Like @vetteguy53081 said maybe some of us can get together for lunch or dinner. Hope everyone is well
#608Reefers

Did u say there was a kegger after the show?

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