Various strains of the Cherry Shrimp, Neocaridina davidi, are a fitting example of the types of entries you may see at the 1st International Shrimp Competition slated for November in Chicago, IL. Image courtesy WPA
CALL FOR ENTRIES:
1st International Shrimp Competition at
Aquatic Experience – Chicago
Nov. 4-6, 2016
CONTEST REGISTRATION DUE SEPT. 30, 2016
CHICAGO (August 17, 2016)—The World Pet Association (WPA) presents the 1st International Shrimp Competition during its fourth annual Aquatic Experience – Chicago, Nov. 4-6, 2016, at the Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center. The competition is sponsored by Dennerle, JBJ Transworld Aquatic, Shrimp King and the WPA. Contestants compete in ten categories for $1,000 in prize money and the top Shrimp King Award, and all competitors receive free admission to the Aquatic Experience show floor—experiencing “everything aquatic under one roof,” from saltwater and freshwater fish to marine plants and mammals.
Captive strains of the Bee Shrimp, Caridina cantonensis, are highly popular, and breeding for the best is quite competitive. Do you have what it takes to win this year? Image courtesy WPA
Registrations for the 1st International Shrimp Competition are due by September 30, 2016. For complete contest rules, regulations and registration form, visit www.usashrimpcontest.com. For more information and tickets to Aquatic Experience – Chicago, Nov. 4-6, 2016 at the Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center (1551 Thoreau Drive N, Schaumburg, IL) visit www.aquaticexperience.org.
What were once nondescript wild freshwater shrimps, Bee Shrimps are now available in a dazzling array of color variations and strains due to the efforts of breeders.
The 1st International Shrimp Competition will give shrimp breeders the opportunity to share their hobby with the greater public and exhibit different freshwater dwarf shrimp species and color morphs across ten categories. An international jury will judge all entries and winners will be publicly honored on the Aquatic Experience show floor on Saturday, Nov. 5 at 3 p.m., including the top Shrimp King Award of $500. Additionally, designated competing dwarf shrimp will be included in the raffle being held on the show floor Sunday afternoon for all show attendees.
Only the most stunning will win – do you have what it takes? Enter to find out!
Aquatic Experience – Chicago is the first show in industry history to combine everything aquatic under one roof, from saltwater and freshwater fish to marine plants and mammals. A thriving show floor of exhibitors showcases the latest in aquatic trends and products, and this year’s educational seminars on hobbyist and retail topics will include: George Blasiola, author of Barron’s New Marine Aquarium Handbook and Koi: A Complete Pet Owner’s Manual; Chris Buerner, owner of Quality Marine, the industry’s leading marine ornamental fish importer; Patrick Donston, owner and operator of Absolutely Fish; Barbie Fiorentino, pleco specialist and owner of Aquarium Solutions; Justin Grabel, co-founder of ReefGen; Mike Hellweg, master fish breeder; Michael Johnson, VP of marketing at leading pet industry consultancy Chuck Latham Associates; Sanjay Joshi, LED tank lighting expert and professor of industrial engineering at Penn State University; Lawrence Kent, frequent Tropical Fish Hobbyist and Cichlid News contributor; Oliver Knott, professional aquascaper; Chris Lukhaup, leading freshwater shrimp specialist; Liz Marchio, trained ichthyologist turned social scientist; Joe Olenik, aquatic biologist, owner and operator of Aquarium Architects, LLC; Richard Ross, marine biologist at the Steinhart Aquarium at the California Academy of Sciences; Julian Sprung, marine aquarium fishkeeping specialist; Wolfgang Staeck, renowned aquarium fish researcher, biologist and author; and Lynn Switanowski, Creative Business Consulting Group, Pet Association marketing expert.
Show attendees will also experience traveling sea lion experience Sea Lion Splash, sponsored by Aqueon/Coralife/Kent, and see displays of fish from around the world to delight and inspire aquarists of all levels.
Media Partners for Aquatic Experience – Chicago 2016 include: BlueZoo TV, Pet Age, Pet Business, Pet Product News, Reef Builders, Reef Hobbyist Magazine, Reef to Rainforest Media (AMAZONAS/CORAL) and Tropical Fish Hobbyist.
The World Pet Association (WPA) is the oldest industry organization promoting responsible growth and development of the companion pet and related products and services. WPA works to inform and educate the general public in order to ensure safe and healthy lifestyles for our animal friends. WPA is the host of America’s Family Pet Expo, the world’s largest consumer pet and pet products expo, held annually in Costa Mesa, California. The organization also produces SuperZoo, an annual pet industry trade show that showcases a comprehensive collection of exhibits and offers a variety of informative educational seminars, and Atlanta Pet Fair, the Southeast’s largest competition and trade show for the professional pet stylist. For more information, please visit www.worldpetassociation.org.
Hours
Friday 11/4: 12 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Saturday 11/5: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Sunday 11/6: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
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