Looks like CAFE is trying to have a convention in Columbus. I hope it's successful but $30 at this time just for the convention seems to be a bit much for me. If the buy/sell is anything like before (and that's all I would really be interested in), it seems a bit high. And I don't feel that the auction on Sunday makes it worth the price, either, but that's just my opinion. I liked the old arrangement for the fish auction and swap meet, without the speakers. Maybe it will return later in the year to be the way it used to be. We'll have to see.

I can't say I want to see this fail, but I would also like to see it return to its previous form and pricing. Remember, if I wanted it to fail, I would not be posting this here in the first place.

Pre-registration was $25, but that's only good until March 20, which is already past.

But if you like the speakers and subjects and feel it's worth paying to listen to them, it may be a worthwhile event for you.

Also, it is a 2-day event, and they will have the fish and dry goods auction on Sunday.
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the information below is from:

http://www.columbusfishclub.org/swapmeet.php

Columbus Area Fish Enthusiasts
Convention 2010
April 10-11, 2010
World Class Speakers, Vendors and Auction
Courtyard by Marriott Columbus West
2350 Westbelt Drive
Columbus, Oh 43228
Phone: 1-614-771-8999 or 1-800-971-4759

Special CAFE Room Rate of $79.99
Just Mention the CAFE Convention When Making Your Reservation

View Larger Map (visit web site for this link and the map)

Welcome to the CAFE Convention 2010 WebPage.

Please visit the REGISTRATION Page to Pre-Register for the Convention.

Below you will find the latest information on the 2010 CAFE Convention including our Top Notch Speaker and Vendor line-up, event schedule, and other important information. Don't forget to check out the Convention FAQ to help answer any questions you may have.

CAFE is proud to announce a WORLD CLASS line-up of Guest Speakers and Vendors sure to give everyone something to get excited about.

Our Speaker Line-up Includes:

* Ted Judy - "Ted's Most Excellent Cameroon Adventure"
* Randy Carey - "The Art of Characins [2010]"
* Rusty Wessel - "The Livebearers of Central America"
* Brian Zimmerman - Native Fish Care & Production
* Steve Lundblad - Aulonocara spp.

We are excited to welcome the following Vendors and Sponsors:

* The Fish Factory (Mike & Robin Schadle)
* PlecoCaves.com Website
* Kingfish Services (Ray "Kingfish" Lucas) Website
* SweetAquatics.com Website
* Aquarium Adventure Website
* Aquatic Clarity (Jeff Michels) Website
* Brian Zimmerman (Natives, etc...)
* CAFE Unusual Fish (Silent Auction)
* Swiss Tropicals Website
* Amy & Rob Zerkle
* Something Fishy Inc Website
* RMC Aquatics
* All Oddball Aquatics Website


Schedule of Events:
Friday, April 9 - Vendor set-up 6pm-10pm
No Events Are Scheduled Friday Evening.
Only registered Vendors and Volunteers will be allowed in the convention room.
Saturday, April 10 - Speakers, Vendors, Banquet
Time

Event
8:00 am Vendor Room Set-Up (Registered Vendors Only)
9:00 am Registration Desk Opens, Vendor Room Open
10am-11am Ted Judy - "Ted's Most Excellent Cameroon Adventure [2009]"
11:30am - 12:30pm Brian Zimmerman - "Native Fish Care & Production"
12:30pm - 2:00pm Lunch Break - Lunch will be Provided for ALL Registered Attendees
2:00pm - 3:00pm Rusty Wessel - "The Livebearers of Central America"
3:30pm - 4:30pm Steve Lundblad - "Aulonocara spp."
5:00pm - 6:00pm Randy Carey - "The Art of Characins [2010]"
6:00pm Registration Desk Closes, Vendor Room Closes for Banquet
7:00pm - 9:00pm BANQUET (& Fishy Entertainment by Ray "Kingfish" Lucas)
9:00pm - 10:00pm Vendor Room Re-Opens (Open/Close times may vary based on banquet and traffic)
Sunday, April 11 - Fish, Plant & Dry Goods Auction
Time

Event
9:00 am Auction Registration Begins
11:00 am Manufacturer Dry Goods Auction presented by Kingfish Services
After Dry Goods CAFE Fish & Plant Auction begins directly after Manufacturer Dry Goods Auction


CAFE Convention FAQ
# What is a Fish Convention?

CAFE holds a "Workshop" or "Convention" every few years for the benefit and enjoyment of anyone with an aquarium (or an interest in fish keeping). If you've never been to a Convention, just think of it as a Meeting, Swap Meet and Auction combined into a two-day event.


# What is there to do at the Convention?

There is always something happening at a Fish Convention and you should not have a problem finding something fun to do. We are bringing in an award-winning line-up of Guest Speakers. For the low registration rate of $30 (Pre-Register for only $25) you will gain access to all Speakers. We will also have a Top-Notch line-up of Vendors and Sponsors where you can pick up great deals on rare and unusual fish and plants as well as books, supplies and more.


# Why Hold a Convention?

The Convention is designed to be a fun and entertaining time for all hobbyists (from beginners to veterans). With the great line-up of speakers and vendors, it is the perfect opportunity to learn something new and find some great deals. From beginners to veterans, all are sure to have a great time immersing themselves into the world of fish keeping.


# Who Can Attend the Convention?

EVERYONE Can attend the convention. Registration is required to attend the guest speakers. The small registration fee helps cover the costs associated with bringing in guests from across the United States to share their passion and expertise with us. As usual, the SUNDAY Auction is FREE to EVERYONE who wishes to attend. A convention usually leads to a great auction turnout as well. If you only plan on attending one fish auction this year, this is the one to attend.

Sounds like they've really upped the ante. Looks like a great weekend. $30 seems pretty reasonable.

The swap meet and auction are free. You only need to pay the $30 for access to the world class speakers. If you don't care about the speakers, it's a cheap flea market and auction.