#so i didnt exactly feel confident that id have anyrhing to talk about

[narelleart]

I recently attended the 2024 All-Aquarium Catfish convention.

Those that know me will remember this as an event I attend regularly. It's held every two years. Last year was the last time the original club in the DC area was willing to host it (2022 was their 9th one), but the Tropical Fish Club of Burlington agreed to take it on this year to keep the tradition alive. (They only agreed to take on for just this year, but it sounds like someone will continue it again in 2026.)

It was great to see familiar faces again and meet new ones. I really love talking to hardcore hobbyists, especially catfish people. Compared to the scientific conferences I'm going to nowadays, hobby conventions really just hit different. A scientific conference is still a work event, so networking and appearances are still a big deal even if the people are chill. A hobby convention is just pure unbridled love of the fishes and the hobby as a whole. Catfish hobbyists, more than anyone else, really are my people.

TFCB did a great job with their first Catcon. My only major complaint is the same one I always have: It was too short! I wish I had another day or two to hang out with my cool fish people.

I might start giving some talks for clubs and conventions going forward. 🤔 I had some invites. Keep an eye out on speaker lists for events like this!