A PUBLIC Thank you to Scott and Debby and Michael too!

[IguanaMama]

I was about to PM Scott and Debby to let them know I had a great time, etc. and figured why not make it public. They deserve ALL of our applaudes:worship: :clap: :clap: :clap: .

It is obvious from the pictures and stories that we all had a blast. I can't wait until next year. I know that Scott and Debby were taking notes on how to improve things, but quite frankly, I think the event was perfect.

Scott, Debby and Michael worked tirelessly and thoughtfully to bring this event together. We all reaped the benefits. We have them to thank for it. Close your eyes and try to imagine the planning and effort that went into this, and they pulled it off soooooooooooo well. WOW!!! I am impressed!

My only complaint is that it was too short! Next year I will add a few days to my trip.

I hope everyone that attended comes back, I loved meeting all of you AND I hope that those of you who stayed away will join us next year. It is well worth the time and expense, a truly fun and educational vacation. Next year I bring the immediate family to meet my arachnoboards family. I really really hope our German friends come back, meeting them was worth the price of admission alone!

Thanks again Scott and Debby and Michael too!

[BigBryan]

i shouldve been to the whole thing! but sadly i was only at arachnoexpo and i plan on going next year!... according to the pictures it looks like arachnocon was a BLAST... props to scott and debby! thanks for saying hello!

[Brian S]

It was really great to say the least. I went down there with high expectations and I was NOT let down.
Again, Cheers to all who made AC the event of the year!!!
I expect it will only get better with each year

[GoTerps]

I was going to make a "thank you" post in the discussion thread, but now I'm glad this topic was started!

A HUGE thanks is deserved to all those involved in making ArachnoCon a reality. The event was a success from start to finish.

When I arrived on Thursday the hotel informed me they had no record of my reservation. :mad: Everything was fully booked, and I got bumped across the street to another hotel. When Debby learned of this, I could tell she was upset and really wanted to help. Thanks to her help, and insistance, I was able to get over to the conference hotel for Friday and Saturday. Debby had a million things going on at once, and it was greatly appreciated that she took the time to help me out.

Michael deserves a lot of thanks for getting the lecture series put together. For me, this was the biggest draw of the conference and it didn't disappoint!

My only regret was not having nearly enough to time to talk with everyone I wanted to talk to! But there's always next year, and you can count me in!

Eric

[Michael Jacobi]

Y'all are very welcome. It was a pleasure to put the event on and, even though the Scher's and I are taking a 30 day breather before we start working on next year, I'll admit that I am already thinking about it.

I also would like to publicly thank Scott and Debby. They were the ones who put their money where there mouths are and spared no expense to ensure that ArachnoCon was an event like no other. I would also like to state that working daily with Debby was an absolute joy. She and I are both very detail-oriented, hard working perfectionists, and she was the perfect partner for me during the planning of every aspect of the 'con. That girl GETS STUFF DONE! I can't wait until Scott, Debby and I start talking 2007.

I appreciate Eric's and everyone elses positive feedback on the lecture series. I promise you that next year's roster will be just as good, and for those of you scorpion and other arachnid people, I will do my best to give you a little more of your favorite topics in 2007. We already have some speakers in mind... The lectures are my baby and I will do everything I can to maintain the standard of excellence we set this year.

As an organizer and a dealer, it was also satisfying to get such great feedback from my colleagues in the world of arachnid sales. You'd think that the competition would be tough and possibly even ugly, but all of us are friends and everyone focused on their own strengths and niches and did very well. I look forward to Kelly, Billy, Bruce, Charlie, Joel, Jason and Eric joining me again next year, and hopefully Todd and others will be able to make it.

Yes, Scott, Debby and I busted our butts to make it happen, and we had a lot of help from others as well, but it was all worth it to read all of the kind things y'all have been posting and to feel the accomplishment of setting lofty goals and surpassing them.

Thanks to ALL OF YOU for coming!

All the best, Michael

PS - I also must echo Eric's regret about not getting to speak with everyone. One of the drawbacks of being an organizer is that you are stretched a bit thin and cannot circulate as you'd like to. Eric is just one example of people who I wish I could have spent a couple of hours chatting with, and there are many people who I didn't even get a chance to say hi to you. For anyone I missed, my apologies.

[IguanaMama]

Well, Michael, you just have to take my suggestion and extend it a few days and have at least one "schmooze" day set aside, where even the organizers get to relax.

[Michael Jacobi]

Well, Michael, you just have to take my suggestion and extend it a few days and have at least one "schmooze" day set aside, where even the organizers get to relax.


Jodi, I was supposed to be there by Monday morning and should have had some relaxing hours, but it ended up being a mad rush all the way through. Next year, I will extend my stay a day or two AFTER the event when I can completely chill. M

[Nerri1029]

Yes.. actually waiting for this thread..

In my line of work I attend my share of conferences..

For a first time out... this one was better than some I've been to that have run for 10 years.. No one could tell this was a premiere event.. hats off.. etc..

SOOO MANY MANY KUDOS !!

[hamfoto]

yeah, you guys were great!

BRAVO!!!

and thanks for all the hard work...

Chris

[OldHag]

I went with high expectations and they were far exceeded!! VERY good time. Like everyone else, Im going to tack on a few days extra too!! I had so much more Id like to have seen and done! I rushed too fast.

Very well done! Loved every moment!!

[Brian S]

I went with high expectations and they were far exceeded!! VERY good time. Like everyone else, Im going to tack on a few days extra too!! I had so much more Id like to have seen and done! I rushed too fast.

Very well done! Loved every moment!!
If you all EVER need a speaker for Isopods remember Hag. hahahaha{D {D {D

[Nerri1029]

If you all EVER need a speaker for Isopods remember Hag. hahahaha{D {D {D

She can talk to Isopods ??? :clap: :eek: :wicked:

[Brian S]

She can talk to Isopods ??? :clap: :eek: :wicked:
Yep, kinda like the Dog Whisperer only with Sowbugs:wicked:

[LPacker79]

Scott, Debby, Michael........

There are NO words that can adequately express exactly what a great job you three did in planning and executing this event. Hats off to you guys, and I can't wait for next year!

If you guys ever need any help, count me in!

[David_F]

Many, many thanks to Scott, Debby, Michael and all others involved in planning and executing Arachnocon. I can't imagine a better way to spend a few days and look forward to next year.

[Schlyne]

Many thanks to everybody that planned the event, it was a blast.

I wish I'd had more time to spend down in san antonio...next year i'll stay longer .

[David DeVries]

The lectures were incredible and there was something for everyone. My sixteen year old daughter attended with me and really enjoyed herself. The expo was great.

The details were also great. The registration get together, bags of goodies, the door prizes and pizza party at the end (Thank you all who donated all that neat stuff!). It was Wonderful. Meghan would like to thank Debbie for letting her trade the wondering spider she won for a T. sling.

I had to split the trip between arachnocon events and family vacation stuff. This meant missing a lot of the social after-event times and field trips. After watching backpack wearing - flashlight bearing people exit the hotel all weekend. Seeing pictures of some of you...ah...keeping hydrated..(not to mention the arachnopee picture). I have since told my wife that next year she is either in or out. Arachnocon 2007 or bust! (I can talk tough like this as she is not here right now)

Thank all of you for your hard work. It was tons of fun!

[Gesticulator]

I posted this on tarantulas.us (http://www.tarantulas.us/forums/showpost.php?p=17187&postcount=33) as well as a link to the picture thread.



...I am eagerly waiting to view the recording of the lectures, as I was helping with the supervision of the kids. The two lectures I did have the priviledge to watch, Michael Jacobi's "Terrarium Design" and Mark Yedinak's "School Presentations and Promoting Arachnoculture" were well planned and informative. The lectures covered the spectrum of interest levels among hobbyists.
I joined the "children's" field trips, led by David "Skinheaddave"and John "Kugellager" (assisted by John "Pandinus"). A special thanks to that trio for making my son's eyes light up as brightly as a scorpion illuminated under black light.
Just being surrounded by so many knowledgable and friendly people who share in the hobby was incredible. So many of us have formed "cyber friendships" that it was awesome to meet and chat with one another on a more personal level. I whole heartedly recommend being there next year.

The expo was filled with fascinating displays from Swift's Invertebrates, Southern SpiderWorks, E spiderworld, Michael Jacobi's Spider Shoppe, Botar By Eights, Blaberus.com, Russ Gurley, Theraphosid Breeding Project, Arachnotees, Nature's Nightmares, Being Green, Matthew Hodges and Bekky Muscher and of course Arachnopets. Inc. As well as the hundreds of attendess mulling around the tables.

The closing ceremonies included a plethora of door prizes, which made quite a few people very happy. Along with a few P mets, mirandas and and a tigress, some australians and wandering spiders, quite a few exoterra setups were handed out to a select few.

I commend Scott and Debby Scher and Michael Jacobi as well as all who helped pull this off for their efforts.

So there you have it...my "not so official" review.
Terri
__________________

[IguanaMama]

I would also like to extend my personal thank you to both Terris--Gesticulator and MizM for watching and entertaining the kids. Debby asked me to help out and I explained that although I had three of my own, I was less than patient with other's children and was not the best choice for the job. I did not step up to the plate. I hope to be bringing my own next year. We really owe a lot to Terri and Terri, they had a difficult job and did it well.:worship: :clap: :clap: :clap:

[skinheaddave]

David "Skinheaddave", John"Kugellager" and John "Pandinus".

Just for the record, Pandinus is not an official representative of Arachnoboards or Arachnocon and was not one of the leaders of the field trip.

Cheers,
Dave

[Gesticulator]

Just for the record, Pandinus is not an official representative of Arachnoboards or Arachnocon and was not one of the leaders of the field trip.

Cheers,
Dave

Thanks for clarifying, Dave. I just thought he deserved a bit of credit for helping out, as well. Post has been edited to reflect my error.

[Botar]

I would also like to extend my personal thank you to both Terris--Gesticulator and MizM for watching and entertaining the kids. Debby asked me to help out and I explained that although I had three of my own, I was less than patient with other's children and was not the best choice for the job. I did not step up to the plate. I hope to be bringing my own next year. We really owe a lot to Terri and Terri, they had a difficult job and did it well.:worship: :clap: :clap: :clap:

I'm with you on this one as well. Although I know my swimsuit wearing child was running around at the expo offering bribe money to anyone willing to take her to the pool, I appreciate both the official child watching crew as well as those who watched out for all of them at the pool. Emma was running the halls of the hotel with her new friends all night long and having a blast. The conference was great, the official crew was great, the vendors/dealers were great (awesome to finally get to meet many of you), and the attendees were great. I had an excellent time and with over 500 non-registered members through the door at the expo, I'm willing to bet there will be many more registered next year. Good job to all.

Botar

[bagheera]

I too had a ball! I hope Scott and Debbie actually did take that extra day off! It was sad watching everyone melt off at the end!

I am grateful to have had a venue to meet all the great folks there. The lectures were a high point. I think the conference could even benefit from more lectures.

I was wondering where that child got the P metallicas she was giving away to watch her in the pool! :D

[Botar]

I was wondering where that child got the P metallicas she was giving away to watch her in the pool! :D

That would be out of her college fund for sure... not to mention she'd be grounded until college anyway.

Bagheera - It was a pleasure meeting you as well. You were one of the few people I actually got to sit down and talk with. Looking forward to hearing about more of your travels next year.

Botar

[Brian S]

I'm with you on this one as well. Although I know my swimsuit wearing child was running around at the expo offering bribe money to anyone willing to take her to the pool,

HA!!! She tried to take my money and did manage to get $2.50!!!!:eek: Tell her I want my $$$ back LOL:D

[Botar]

???? I thought she was PAYING people to take her to the pool. How did she get you to GIVE her money? She must have seen you coming from a mile away.



Botar

[LPacker79]

Um....yeah.....she got me to give her my female T. latipes. I want my spider back, or a replacement! :liar: ;P

[Gesticulator]

I'm with you on this one as well. Although I know my swimsuit wearing child was running around at the expo offering bribe money to anyone willing to take her to the pool, I appreciate both the official child watching crew as well as those who watched out for all of them at the pool. Emma was running the halls of the hotel with her new friends all night long and having a blast. The conference was great, the official crew was great, the vendors/dealers were great (awesome to finally get to meet many of you), and the attendees were great. I had an excellent time and with over 500 non-registered members through the door at the expo, I'm willing to bet there will be many more registered next year. Good job to all.

Botar

Emma is an absolute sweetheart! <insert words of caution here> Anytime you need a bit of a crystal ball, Botar, I can fast forward you to tales of my 14 year old.;)
I got a kick out of watching her. In fact all of the kids were so well behaved, that I actually enjoyed "hanging" with them. I know my kids had a blast.

[Brian F.]

Excellent time, I'm really glad I went. I was particularly impressed with how well-organized a show it was. If I didn't know better, I would have thought that this show had been around for years. I can't imagine the planning that must have gone into it -- thumbs up!:clap:

The speakers were great and having that many invert experts/breeders/dealers all under one roof was nothing short of incredible.

[davegrimm1]

I would like to thank everyone that helped organize this event or helped at the event. Everything went very well, the planning could not have been executed any better, both days that food was provided, there was more than enough, the little bag of goodies that were handed out had some very cool items. The speakers were top notch, I don't know what they said because I was messing with bugs all day but I know that they were the best in thier feild. The hospitality of the folks ath the hotel was top notch. There is also a target in the same parking lot, resturants everywhere and the convention center next door. A great place to stay!
My wife and I came in on tuesday and went home on wed,we were there a week and took advantage of it, We went critter hunting with Martin ,Volker Mike ,Manny ,Mathew and Sky and abunch of others, I think we put 400+ miles on the rental that day.
I also went snake hunting (I guess a Texas tradition)with Mathew, Manny and Jay, we had great time,we ran into 10+ snakes ,most venomous, It was a little crazy but at the same time ,very cool!
One of the things I liked about the event is getting to meet all the folks that I have conversed with and traded with ,bought from ,sold to , or just looked over thier websites a couple million times. Their was no sence of competition between the sellers, everyone doing thier own thing and loving it. Don't be fooled though folks, It was my first time selling stuff and at a show, and its a lot of work!!! It's actually the first time I had seen T's other than mine.

We will do our best to make it again next year, and if you plan to go , make a week of it, there's a lot to see in San Antonio.

Thanks again for a great time! and hope to see a lot more next year,
Dave, representing blaberus.com at arachnocon 2006

[Michael Jacobi]

Emma is an absolute sweetheart!

Yes, Emma is a great kid - very friendly and mature for her age. I cracked up during the door prizes when I saw that she had put my "Kiss My Big Hairy Spider" sticker on the back of her miniskirt. I wanted to take a photo, but then I realized that, at best, it would make me seem like a dirty old man and, at worse, it would have resulted in Botar kicking my arse! :eek:

All of the kids were great and well-behaved. Thanks to all that were involved in the kid's activities. I hope to see even more families and kids there next year.

Cheers, Michael

[GQ.]

I have been to several dozen reptile expos in the past. I have to say that Arachnocon far surpassed the vast majority if not all of those reptile events. I was amazed at how polished the event was. What is even more impressive is that this is the FIRST Arachnocon. At every level it was a first class convention. Hopefully I'll be able to pull my weight and help out a bit next year. Thank you Scott, Debby, Michael, Dave, Kug, Bile, and Tamara. (I hope I didn't miss anyone.) You did a fantastic job with everything. See you next year. :)

[Code Monkey]

Thank you Scott, Debby, Michael, Dave, Kug, Bile, and Tamara. (I hope I didn't miss anyone.)I think there was this one guy who you were chatting with while he was working the expo booth ;P

[GQ.]

I think there was this one guy who you were chatting with while he was working the expo booth ;P

Ahhh hell. I'm an idiot. Sorry Chip. I can't believe I skipped your name. I think I talked to you the longest too. I even bought a shirt from you. As soon as I saw your name on this thread I knew I messed up and skipped your name. :) Thanks for all for your assistance in making Arachnocon a success Code. I'm looking forward to seeing you at the next function.

[Michael Jacobi]

...and Bekky and Matthew, plus Terri/MizM, Mark and a bunch of others. Also thanks to Jamison for the t-shirt designs and the artwork for the kid's activity book.

You're all signed up again for next year ;P

[Code Monkey]

...and Bekky and Matthew, plus Terri/MizM, Mark and a bunch of others. Also thanks to Jamison for the t-shirt designs and the artwork for the kid's activity book.

You're all signed up again for next year ;P
MizM gets the purple heart for spending all day watching the kids while the lectures were going on.

[IguanaMama]

MizM gets the purple heart for spending all day watching the kids while the lectures were going on.

And don't forget a purple heart for the "other" Terri/Gesticulator, I'm sure she indured some battle wounds for helping to keep the kids well entertained too!

[Arachnoboards]

WOW! What can we say but a HUGE thank you goes out to everyone! From the speakers, to the sponsors, to the vendors, to the committee, to the volunteers and last but not least the attendees. You ALL deserve a round of applause. :clap:

We are forever greatful for all of the support and help that everyone has contributed, that in turn helped to make this event what it turned out to be. None of it would have been possible without all of you. THANK YOU ALL! :worship: :D


Scott and Debby

[Botar]

I cracked up during the door prizes when I saw that she had put my "Kiss My Big Hairy Spider" sticker on the back of her miniskirt. I wanted to take a photo, but then I realized that, at best, it would make me seem like a dirty old man and, at worse, it would have resulted in Botar kicking my arse! :eek:



Nah... no need to worry about that. She did some more advertising for you at a Kelly Clarkson concert the other day. A friend of Emma's had a birthday party in which they attended a Kelly Clarkson concert and Emma wore another "Kiss My Big Hairy Spider" sticker on her butt. However, I don't see it as really being good advertising for you since you're only mentioned in the "small print" and I believe I would have to object to someone reading it while she's wearing it.

Botar

[Michael Jacobi]

However, I don't see it as really being good advertising for you since you're only mentioned in the "small print" and I believe I would have to object to someone reading it while she's wearing it.

{D :D :) I believe I'm going to have to send you some more... I never realized they could be used as a fashion accessory. MJ

[Botar]

Believe me... she'll wear 'em. Just think, in about 8 years, it will be EXCELLENT advertising.

Botar

[MizM]

And don't forget a purple heart for the "other" Terri/Gesticulator, I'm sure she indured some battle wounds for helping to keep the kids well entertained too!

No wounds, but she was a great help. We got a chance to talk quietly, which was rare as there was too much fun stuff to do. She also missed out on some great lectures, I'm sure that she will get a copy of the video. (If not, I will share mine!!)

Botar: I paid for my P. metallica, I promise Emma didn't bribe me with it. Although she tried!;)

Like I said before, great bunch of kids. I'll do it again next year!

[MizM]

Ladies and gentlemen, may I present our very own royal couple, he who rules and she who rules ALL.

[Cheshire]

Here's a better close up pic of Scott (http://danielfuentes.iespana.es/images/mitologia/zeus.jpg) and a SLIGHTLY better one of Debbie (http://images.fok.nl/upload/soul_calibur_II_Chick_Fight.JPG) (owning up with the sword, of course :) )

[Code Monkey]

Here's a better close up pic of Scott (http://danielfuentes.iespana.es/images/mitologia/zeus.jpg) and a SLIGHTLY better one of Debbie (http://images.fok.nl/upload/soul_calibur_II_Chick_Fight.JPG) (owning up with the sword, of course :) )You should request they change your title to "ArachnoKissAss" after that post.

[skinheaddave]

You should request they change your title to "ArachnoKissAss" after that post.

He doesn't have to. You just did. :D

Cheers,
Dave

[MizM]

(And I got off "scott" free!):rolleyes:

[Cheshire]

(And I got off "scott" free!):rolleyes:

Yeah...Code Monkey does seem to have a bit of a chip on his shoulder sometimes :)

[Sheri]

Note to admin;
Please change from ArachnoAssKisser to ArachNoOriginiality. ;)

[Cheshire]

Note to admin;
Please change from ArachnoAssKisser to ArachNoOriginiality. ;)

Hey...I thought the theme of the party here was bad puns :)

[MizM]

Yeah...Code Monkey does seem to have a bit of a chip on his shoulder sometimes :)

ROFLMAO!!{D :clap: