The Aquatic Expo 2024, an annual event dedicated to aquarium enthusiasts, took place on June 01-02, 2024, at The Park Expo & Conference Center in Charlotte, North Carolina. It is one of the largest events of its kind in the United States, organized by Carolina Aquatic Expo in cooperation with local aquarium clubs.
During the two-day expo, participants had the opportunity to explore the latest products and technologies in marine, freshwater, and terrarium aquatics. The event attracted both local and international exhibitors who showcased a wide range of products—from advanced filtration systems to live organisms such as fish, reptiles, corals, and aquatic plants.
A special highlight was the aquascaping contests, where participants competed in the art of aquarium arrangement, creating thoughtful and aesthetic compositions. Additionally, workshops and seminars led by experts were well-received, covering topics from breeding and care of various marine species to advanced reproduction techniques. A special guest was Than Thein, co-owner of Tidal Gardens, a company specializing in coral cultivation, who is highly respected among marine aquarists.
This edition featured a notable event dedicated to shrimp, including the North American International Shrimp Contest, which attracted a large group of breeders and enthusiasts from around the world. Participants had the chance to showcase their skills in breeding various shrimp species, providing an excellent opportunity for knowledge and experience exchange.
The Aquatic Expo 2024 also served as a platform for discussions on marine environmental protection and sustainable development practices. It was a great opportunity to learn more about current research on the impact of aquatics on the natural environment and about new methods to minimize this impact.
In summary, the Aquatic Expo 2024 was an extraordinary event filled with interesting activities that could interest anyone connected with aquatics. Moreover, the event offered access to the latest products and technologies in marine, freshwater, and terrarium aquatics. It confirmed its position as a key meeting place for the aquarium community, stimulating the exchange of knowledge and experiences among aquarists from around the world.
About the author
Grzegorz Bubak
My fascination with marine aquariums began over two decades ago when I stumbled upon an article about this topic in a magazine. Since then, the underwater world has become my obsession and passion, shaping my everyday life. I started my adventure with marine aquariums with soft corals, which were my first step into this fascinating world. Over time, captivated by the diversity and beauty of SPS corals, I decided to focus on their cultivation, which continues to fill me with constant wonder.
Thanks to my experience and passion for marine aquariums, I am ready to share my knowledge and expertise with other enthusiasts in this field. I am happy to be part of the Reef Pedia community, which serves as an invaluable source of information for all marine aquarium lovers.