Ques. Boston Reefers Club Improvements

[tkyee98]

What do BRS members want to see from the club? What are things the Officers and BOD can work on improving?

For context, myself and the other Officers/BODs have been working on seeing how to drive the Boston reefers mission of furthering reef keeping education, providing a sense of community for the hobby and expanding the hobby to new members. We have had a few club meetings and have our annual Fragsgiving event, but what other improvements would members and non-members like to see happen?

 

[jonesboy6]

This is fun to think about and I appreciate that you guys are looking for input. I think the current events are great. I know a ton of work goes into those events.

One thing that jumped to mind was maybe to look at other large regional clubs to see what they have going. Like BAR (Bay Area Reefers) to see if they have things going that we don’t (or even just have someone from their board do a virtual event to tell us about things they are doing). I know they have a variety of educational events and a cool Don’t Break the Chain Program (Welcome to BAR!)

Just some ideas!

 

[Mike Lemming]

This is fun to think about and I appreciate that you guys are looking for input. I think the current events are great. I know a ton of work goes into those events.

One thing that jumped to mind was maybe to look at other large regional clubs to see what they have going. Like BAR (Bay Area Reefers) to see if they have things going that we don’t (or even just have someone from their board do a virtual event to tell us about things they are doing). I know they have a variety of educational events and a cool Don’t Break the Chain Program (Welcome to BAR!)

Just some ideas!

I've heard that they have days where they tour the area and stop in different members' tanks, hang out and talk about it. That sounds pretty cool!

 

[SteveDola]

I've heard that they have days where they tour the area and stop in different members' tanks, hang out and talk about it. That sounds pretty cool!

Member Tank tours are great, especially when coupled with brewery tours

 

[tkyee98]

Just some thoughts but if members are open to such ideas maybe we create regional groups? That way when folks make the drive out or carpool there’s like 3-4 members that live within close proximity to each other? Seems like if enough folks are open to such an idea we can get something going. I know back during Covid we did virtual tank tours but those never really gained too much traction.

My only concern is safety, unfortunately we live in an era where not everyone can be trusting, I would love to invite folks over but sometimes you never know unfortunately.

Love the feedback thus far guys keep it coming!

Thoughts on Fragsgiving improvements?

Do folks like educational aspects and in person talks?

Do people see the forum more as a local Facebook marketplace for reef items and corals? Are there areas we can improve on that?

Sponsors feel free to chime in as well for what does and doesn’t not work for you guys!

 

[Cooper2]

It seems the ability to connect with local members and knowing who is local always gets mentioned but nothing ever develops. It would be neat to have a map with "Pins" on it to show where members are located. I've traded with members that don't live close to me and always try to hit 2 or 3 places if traveling out to the sticks so it's worth the trip.

I like the idea of having members see my tank and seeing theirs. Sadly, this only really happens when someone is selling or breaking down a system, and nobody ever really just visits. If any fish nerds want to talk fish at my place I'm home weekends....lol

If there is interest in showing members systems on the site, I'm happy to show off my 5 systems in various stages of evolution and improvements. I build a lot of my own equipment and always up to help any DIY members that need custom fittings machined, tanks drilled, whatever.

I was so thrilled with some 3D printed things Chris made for me recently, I researched what model to buy and pulled the trigger on an enclosed 4 spool AMS model that is my new addiction. Missing any Apex cleats or need a wall mount for that Jebao controller with the broken tab?....Let me know!
Happy to offer printing to any paid members for material cost only in Foxboro. (Made a 3 foot long RC battleship too!)

 

[tkyee98]

Tuesday bump!

Keep the feedback coming guys. The board and officers would like to keep improving the club but we also need to know which areas to focus on.

Specifically for those who have attended Fragsgiving what works and what doesn’t? For those who have not attended or made it out is there things we can do to make the event more attractive/worthwhile?

We’re gonna bring this feedback to the next board meeting for discussion, so everyone voice does matter!

 

[Miran2782]

How about asking Roger Williams University for a tour of their aquaculture facility if they would be open to it... they have been bringing some nice fish and inverts they breed to FFM the last couple of years.

 

[tkyee98]

Bringing this back to the top!

What are some event ideas that members would actually drive 30+ mins to attend?

 

[BiGGiePauls33]

How about asking Roger Williams University for a tour of their aquaculture facility if they would be open to it... they have been bringing some nice fish and inverts they breed to FFM the last couple of years.

I've bought two captive bred dottybacks and a bunch of lymsata wurdemanni from them last year and both are doing well and still have a few peppermints that my triggers haven't gotten.

 

[#Angels&Demons]

Something like this might already exist, so pardon me if it does; but I think it'd be cool to see a BRS event at one of the larger LFS in the Boston area (maybe at a BRS sponsor's place) where you run multiple workshops and talks on different topics related to reef-keeping throughout the day, kind of like MACNA, etc.

You can charge members a registration fee ahead of time and provide food, drinks, and entertainment (could just be hiring a dope, local DJ). It might be a good idea to partner with a local bar, restaurant, or catering business for this event. The fish store (or sponsor) itself can offer discounted coral and fish to attendees (or to members only). At the event, members could have a chance to share reefer testimonials of how they've overcome some common reefing challenges, in unconventional ways. Something like this would also be a good opportunity for sponsors to make merch sales and take mailing list signups and special orders.

Summer is around the corner, so a member with a big enough yard can also host one of these events at their place, and sponsors can setup tables with discounted livestock, supplies, gear, and merch there. Maybe one of the popular members, with a really popular build thread on this forum, can be the host so as to give us members a chance to see their build in-person.

Choosing the right location for this event can absolutely be a game-changer because imagine going to an event like this at the New England Aquarium (don't know if they have function halls), or even on a large boat in the middle of the ocean—this would be great for content. There are places like Fun City, or any other place where parents take kids to run around and play, where they also rent rooms for parties—these places could make great locations for these events as they have multiple rooms for multiple workshops and could function as dual-purpose spaces for both our meeting and our families (obviously no alcohol if done there).

That's all I got. Thanks for giving us the opportunity to chime-in like this.

 

[tkyee98]

Something like this might already exist, so pardon me if it does; but I think it'd be cool to see a BRS event at one of the larger LFS in the Boston area (maybe at a BRS sponsor's place) where you run multiple workshops and talks on different topics related to reef-keeping throughout the day, kind of like MACNA, etc.

You can charge members a registration fee ahead of time and provide food, drinks, and entertainment (could just be hiring a dope, local DJ). It might be a good idea to partner with a local bar, restaurant, or catering business for this event. The fish store (or sponsor) itself can offer discounted coral and fish to attendees (or to members only). At the event, members could have a chance to share reefer testimonials of how they've overcome some common reefing challenges, in unconventional ways. Something like this would also be a good opportunity for sponsors to make merch sales and take mailing list signups and special orders.

Summer is around the corner, so a member with a big enough yard can also host one of these events at their place, and sponsors can setup tables with discounted livestock, supplies, gear, and merch there. Maybe one of the popular members, with a really popular build thread on this forum, can be the host so as to give us members a chance to see their build in-person.

Choosing the right location for this event can absolutely be a game-changer because imagine going to an event like this at the New England Aquarium (don't know if they have function halls), or even on a large boat in the middle of the ocean—this would be great for content. There are places like Fun City, or any other place where parents take kids to run around and play, where they also rent rooms for parties—these places could make great locations for these events as they have multiple rooms for multiple workshops and could function as dual-purpose spaces for both our meeting and our families (obviously no alcohol if done there).

That's all I got. Thanks for giving us the opportunity to chime-in like this.

Great ideas! Ideally this is what the annual Fragsgiving event aims to achieve.

Full transparency after been on the BOD in two separate stints, the officers and BOD are volunteers at the end of the day and hosting large events do require significant amounts of time and money.

We’ve hosted a few things in years past, I recall a Kelly’s roast beef meeting etc, but it does seem like we always struggle with turnout (I could be mistaken though). I think WAMAS has a good thing going on with their quarterly meetups we can maybe use as a model? Just spit ballin ideas out here for fun, but all feedback is taken seriously for sure!

 

[#Angels&Demons]

Great ideas! Ideally this is what the annual Fragsgiving event aims to achieve.

Full transparency after been on the BOD in two separate stints, the officers and BOD are volunteers at the end of the day and hosting large events do require significant amounts of time and money.

We’ve hosted a few things in years past, I recall a Kelly’s roast beef meeting etc, but it does seem like we always struggle with turnout (I could be mistaken though). I think WAMAS has a good thing going on with their quarterly meetups we can maybe use as a model? Just spit ballin ideas out here for fun, but all feedback is taken seriously for sure!

I hear you on the time and money thing, but charging people a registration fee, and getting local and online businesses to sponsor the event, might help offset some of the costs associated with putting something like this together; the club can also take donations for this event from members and non members alike. If the members like the idea enough, they might be motivated to contribute more to making it happen than just their annual membership fee. An agenda filled with both fun and intellectually stimulating workshops and talks, as well as the opportunity that attendees will have to take advantage of really good discounts on some cool stuff, might incentivize people to both contribute and attend. Personally, if it's an event where I can kill two birds with one stone, i.e., take my kids to, then I'd be more inclined to coughing up some cash to make it happen.

Fundraising will play a critical role in putting together any of the event ideas that I proposed; however, setting a deadline for registrations and donations, and counting the amount of said registrants and donations, can help you gauge potential turnout; doing that can also help you determine whether or not the club will be able to afford putting the event together at all, especially when you take committed sponsors into account. If the count reveals that the event can't happen, then people can simply receive refunds at that point. Just some ideas for solutions; Pardon me if I'm being naive!

As far as time goes...well, that's a tough one because as you said, any one of those event ideas, and even the fundraising, will require lots of time to plan and execute.

 

[BiGGiePauls33]

I hear you on the time and money thing, but charging people a registration fee, and getting local and online businesses to sponsor the event, might help offset some of the costs associated with putting something like this together; the club can also take donations for this event from members and non members alike. If the members like the idea enough, they might be motivated to contribute more to making it happen than just their annual membership fee. An agenda filled with both fun and intellectually stimulating workshops and talks, as well as the opportunity that attendees will have to take advantage of really good discounts on some cool stuff, might incentivize people to both contribute and attend. Personally, if it's an event where I can kill two birds with one stone, i.e., take my kids to, then I'd be more inclined to coughing up some cash to make it happen.

Fundraising will play a critical role in putting together any of the event ideas that I proposed; however, setting a deadline for registrations and donations, and counting the amount of said registrants and donations, can help you gauge potential turnout; doing that can also help you determine whether or not the club will be able to afford putting the event together at all, especially when you take committed sponsors into account. If the count reveals that the event can't happen, then people can simply receive refunds at that point. Just some ideas for solutions; Pardon me if I'm being naive!

As far as time goes...well, that's a tough one because as you said, any one of those event ideas, and even the fundraising, will require lots of time to plan and execute.

@#Angels&Demons you sound like a great candidate for a BOD spot come election time towards the end of the year, I'll make sure to nominate you, seriously though, thanks for coming in.

 

[#Angels&Demons]

@#Angels&Demons you sound like a great candidate for a BOD spot come election time towards the end of the year, I'll make sure to nominate you, seriously though, thanks for coming in.

Thanks. I'm flattered.

I see the saltwater aquarium hobby as being like the gold before the gold rush—if we can get enough people from within our own circles excited about it, they'll come rushing in; we just have to be ready to teach them how to mine it, and that's why the idea of these types of events excites me—it's an opportunity to teach newcomers and their friends how to mine this gold that will "enrich" their lives... or make em go broke.