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Gang,

The American Livebearer Association has its annual convention this year here in New Jersey at the end of April. I have been toying with the idea of going there, but I have no clue how such a convention functions.

I know that there will be speakers and an auction of fish on Sunday, but what else is going on during these events? I mean, do you just wander into the hotel and there will be many stands to peruse? Or is this more for commited members of the ALA and all they do is debate their agenda?

If you have any experience with such conventions, please share your knowledge with me.

Thank you so much in advance,

Ingo

EDIT: Here is the link to their website.

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Proud Member of the New Jersey Aquatic Gardeners Club

Ingo,

The ALA is a nice show. We have hosted it here in Kazoo. Speakers are top notch and a great variety of fish.

When I attended, the display tanks were the highlight of the experience. I was familiar with the run of the mill live bearers but not the "non-standard" fish that you never see at the lfs.

This show in Jersey should be particularly interesting because of the speakers. Additionally, you will probably inadvertently rub shoulders with people whom you have had the chance to read such as Colletti, Seva and Langhammer. If you get lucky, maybe LMuha will be there!

If I had the opportunity, I would try to be there for Colletti's talk on the planted livebearer aquarium.



__________
"To steal ideas from one person is plagiarism; to steal from many is research."
researched from Steven Wright

Bob,

Thank you so much for your information, it sounds very interesting . It for sure would be great to meet Colletti, he seems to be a funny guy. And Laura, I will have to study her picture so I recognize her in the crowd .

But in general, I guess your input is hinting toward the fact that one has to register for the ALA, is that right? I am not able to plan a whole weekend for the show, the wife has other plans for me at least for one day. Is there an option to simply wander in? Or are unannounced guests stopped at the hotel door? How does this all work?

Believe it or not, I am a little shy when it comes to these things. One year in fishkeeping still means that I am a greenhorn, and there are all these pros and what not.

Thanks,

Ingo

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Proud Member of the New Jersey Aquatic Gardeners Club

Ingo,

I would wander in for a day... Give your bride the car and a credit card, tell her to pick you up later.

You will love the displays and speakers. I hung around the vendor tables to hear the questions on the products. Stop by at the Kingfish booth and say hello from Steve Vernon and myself. Ray will recognize Steve's name but not mine.

So, you feel that one year of experience precludes you from going to a seminar, admiring fish, eavesdropping on questions and not shopping for women's shoes? Ingo! I am surprised!



__________
"To steal ideas from one person is plagiarism; to steal from many is research."
researched from Steven Wright

Bob,

Yeah, I am full of surprises .
Although I have done more in this one year than quite a few people will do in their lifetime, it still leaves me with a major lack of experience.

Anyway, thank you so much for the additional details. I am sure that I can have one day to go to the ALA without having to hand over my credit card . In this case, I probably will go on Saturday rather than on Sunday when they have the auctions, way too dangerous - I would for sure end up with some fish.

But - who is Steve Vernon?

Thanks again,

Ingo

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Proud Member of the New Jersey Aquatic Gardeners Club

Steve owns a lfs, breeder of discus and past president of Southwestern Michigan Aquatic Society. He is well acquainted with Ray (Kingfish).

__________
"To steal ideas from one person is plagiarism; to steal from many is research."
researched from Steven Wright