Why You Should Attend the 2014 Aquatic Experience

The Aquatic Experience event is in Chicago from Nov. 7-9, 2014 with guest speaker Jeff Gibula discussing the behind the scenes look of a public aquarium. In this article, learn about the attractions, educational sessions, and why you should attend.

At the Schaumburg Convention Center you will learn about everything aquatic under one roof. From saltwater to freshwater with pond and aquatic animals, enjoy educational seminars, and an exciting show floor filled with hobbyists. In attendance, meet the speakers you’ve heard of online and read articles from but have not yet met in person.

Attending the show? Visit us at booth #528!

Courtesy of David Musselman – http://goo.gl/3gbWmk

Why Attend the Aquatic Experience? 7,000 Gallon Shark Tank. That’s Why.

“The Shark Encounter will begin complete with all of the theatrics- dimmed lights, “Jaws” music, and a smoke-billowing, floor-rising 7000 gallon tank filled with sharks. The show will include educational information as a diver enters the tank and comes in close contact with these amazing creatures. In addition, attendees will be able to have a close up view of the sharks, ask questions of these shark experts, and walk through the Great White Shark museum where they will see shark teeth, shark jaws of different sizes (including a giant ancient one), items found in the bellies of sharks, photos and posters of many different species, and more.” Learn more on the aquatic experience website.

Consumers and retailers alike are invited to one of the most sophisticated aquarium shows in the US for networking with livestock and equipment experts who are setting new trends in this thriving aquarium, pond, and plant industry.

Important Times/Dates for Aquatic Experience Chicago 2014

Friday, November 7
- Show Floor Hours: Noon-6:00 pm
- Educational Sessions: Noon-5:30 pm
- Raffle Drawings: 5:40 pm-6:00 pm
- State of the Aquatics Industry Town Hall: 6:15 pm-7:45 pm
Saturday, November 8
- Show Floor Hours: 10:00 am-6:00 pm
- Educational Sessions: 10:00 am-5:00 pm
- Raffle Drawings: 5:30 pm-6:00 pm
- Keynote Meet & Greet (speakers, board members & 3 day pass holders only): 6:00 pm-6:45 pm
- Banquet and Keynote: 7:00 pm (Keynote Speaker: Jeff Gibula, Newport Aquarium)
Sunday, November 9
- Show Floor Hours: 10:00 am-6:00 pm
- Education Sessions: 10:00 am-2:00 pm
- Raffle Drawing: 2:15 pm-3:00 pm

The Aquatic Experience Aquascaping Live! Contest, Florida Tropical Fish Farmers Display, and 64,000+ Sq Ft of Salt/Fresh Water Exhibits and Displays makes us think this will be the event of the year to attend. There is a tank rental-fish swap & sale area so you can pick up live fish and then promptly feed into the shark encounter tank. (just kidding!)

From saltwater to freshwater w/ pond & aquatic animals, the Aquatic Experience has it all. http://t.co/yexnWlfeFq #saltwater #freshwater— AquaticExperience (@AquaticExper) October 22, 2014

Featured 2014 Aquatic Experience Attractions

These attractions are for kids and adults to enjoy the beauty of aquatic life. Touch shark tanks, shake hands with a starfish and watch the Fancy Guppy competition for full immersion into a world full of fish from around the world. Read these expandable sections below for details on these featured attractions at Aquatic Experience Chicago.

Live Shark Encounter Show & Exhibit

Look into the eyes of a live shark to experience the heart pounding feeling that sharks bring. Understanding this species is important for its survival. Listen to shark experts and watch them swim with these mysterious and many times misunderstood fish of the deep. Sponsored by Aqueon

Fancy Guppy Competition

The first host for the Aquatic Experience Fancy Guppy Competition presented by the International Fancy Guppy Association (IFGA) with over 100 entries to compete over 7 categories for $1,500 dollars in prize money and certificates.

Fish From Around the World Display & Children's Touch Tank

A unique 2,100 square foot aquatics display is presented in a series of vignettes replicating a contemporary home and office environment. It is meant to provide attendees with ideas on how they can integrate the healing qualities of an aquarium. A variety of tanks (ranging anywhere from 3-120 gallons) all in a full regalia with an assortment of tropical fish, plants, and decor with educational banners to provide insight into the origin and history of the fish species. The Children’s Touch Tank will allow your child the rare opportunity to touch a swimming shark or shake hands with a starfish.

Koi Pond and Lounge

Enjoy a beautiful koi pond and lounge built by Aquascape, Inc. Meet the company behind the New Series “Pond Stars” which transforms typical boring landscapes into backyard paradises. Sponsor Aquascape Inc.

Featured 2014 Educational Sessions

LED Lighting for Aquariums - Sanjay Joshi

In this session Sanjay will cover the basics of LED lighting including the various types of LEDs available, selection of LEDs for different aquariums, cost calculations and considerations for determining energy savings. He will also provide personal experiences of converting a 500G reef to LEDs.

More Tips for Aquarium Lighting

Drop for Drop...It's all water to me! - Jeff Gibula (Keynote Speaker)

Jeff Gibula, the Zoological Operations Manager at Newport Aquarium, in partnership with the SHEDD Aquarium takes you on a behind-the-scenes lighthearted look of a Public Aquarium and its relationship to today’s hobbyists and their home aquariums. The average public aquarium’s volume, scope and scale has become fantastically large over the past three decades and we continue to push the barriers both with the type of captive animals we are caring for and the physical structures we are constructing. However at the core of these immensely complex, custom buildings the simple science needed to make them work is founded upon the (3) legs of a stool: Aquaculture, Waste water treatment and the Hobby trade. From a Nano to a 200,000 gallon tank….Comparisons are relative!! *All Access Weekend Pass or Keynote Banquet Dinner Ticket Required

Freshwater Stingrays in the Wild and in the Aquarium - Jen Reynolds

Learn more about the natural history of South America’s Freshwater Stingrays (Potamotrygonidae), and how to successfully maintain them in aquariums. Jennifer will discuss evolution, biology, captive husbandry (including tank sizes and dietary needs) and provide tips and tricks for dealing with picky or delicate rays, including newborn pups. The talk finishes with a case study of the rare successful reproduction of Tiger Stingrays (Potamotrygon tigrina) under Jennifer’s care.

Do’s and Don’ts of Reef Aquariums - Julian Sprung

Setting up and maintaining a reef aquarium involves numerous choices that can have an important influence on the success of the display and one’s enjoyment of the hobby. These choices include the location, shape and other aspects of the aquarium and stand, the equipment used, the creatures added, when and how they are added, among other decisions. Don’t worry the recipe for success is not very strict. There are in fact many ways to achieve a successful reef aquarium. This lecture nevertheless offers some helpful tips on how to avoid some predictable problems that are easily avoided, and how to include things that will increase your chances of success.

Hiring & Training Strategies Proven to Work in Retail - Patrick Donston

One of the most underestimated business best practices in relation to success is employee training and motivation. Within today’s retail world; “to compete is to be serviceable”. The power of words and knowledge needs to be taught, demonstrated and re-enforced. This is where the fly-wheel concept begins, momentum carries and results are driven. We need to know how to market our team and organization. Once that can be accomplished, we now can present ourselves, motivate and teach easier. The ultimate training program will show results, increase customer counts and returns per engagements. This seminar will focus on: Getting the right candidate to interview, Interviewing technics, Hiring and orientation, Education on ornamental fish, How to know if they’re doing it your way, Motivation strategies, Advanced training ideas

Aquatic Experience 2014 – Product Raffle

This daily raffle is a show favorite with a raffle products showcase in the center of the floor. At the last hour of each show day the raffle is completed with new products cycled in. Drop off items at booth #319 Thursday or Friday. As an exhibitor this is a strong opportunity to promote your product over the speaker during the raffle and for attendees visiting the raffle table.

The part that makes this raffle great is that all (100%) of raffle proceeds benefit three Aquatic related charities. The Coral Restoration Foundation, the PIJAC Marine Ornamental Defense Fund and Pets in the Classroom.

Experience the Aquatic Event Yourself (Video)

If you have not bought a ticket to the event and can not attend, this video will give you a visual overview of of what you are unfortunately missing. But there is good news, we will be posting pictures and information on our Facebook and Twitter pages. So please interact with our pages for more information.

Attending Aquarium Shows Helps us Learn from the Vibrant Community

Do you have an upcoming show? Are you seeking new and innovative products to introduce to your Society? We are happy to send product as a giveaway or a staff member to operate a booth at your event.

Please reach out to us via email about your event and how we can be of assistance.