Fresh off the heels of the well-attended MACNA, Reef-A-Palooza is taking place this weekend and it looks to draw in even more aquarium nerds than it has in previous years. Dubbed the largest marine aquarium conference in the US, RAP is estimated to host just over 4000 guests in its 8th year, and attendees will be treated to two full days of corals, aquarium equipment, and guest speakers. Put on by the Southern California Marine Aquarium Society (SCMAS), the show takes place on October 20th and 21st at the Orange County Fair Grounds, with the doors opening at 10AM on both days. Admission is just $10, with seniors discounted to $5 and children under the age of 12 are allowed in for free.
In comparison to other conferences, specifically MACNA, Reef-A-Palooza doesn’t primarily focus on the educational experience with loads of guest speakers. Instead, it serves to be a fun and exciting environment that promotes developing relationships between aquarium hobbits and exhibitors. That said, RAP does play host to four guest speakers that will be providing hour-long breaks from the coral buying frenzy.
Unfortunately, we won’t personally be in attendance, but we will have plenty of friends at the show who will be feeding us with updates.
