If you haven’t seen this year’s speaker lineup, here is a short glimpse:

• Julian Sprung
• Scott W. Michael
• Lindsey Kayal
• Anthony Calfo
• Bob Fenner
• Sanjay Joshi
• Matthew Wittenrich

A stellar list indeed. A list that doesn’t include many more presenters and workshop leads.

If you are the unfortunate one not attending, be sure to tune into the blog for our exclusive 3 day runaround. We will include so much material, that your fish’s brain will explode. (Wait, we really don’t want that to happen).

It is not Rocky Vs Apollo, but it sure is billed that way. Two heavyweights in the reef industry are possibly going to fight it out in court. According to WetWebMedia  (a soon-to-be former residence of Anthony Calfo and a current one of Bob Fenner), and ReefBuilders, the dispute between the two revolves around the publication of their co-written book titled “Reef Invertebrates 4″. Here is a snippet from Reef Builders who broke the story:

It has come to my attention that a former friend, pet-fish content producer has elected to steal from me by having printed and selling a work we co-authored… a “fourth printing” of Reef Invertebrates. I did not agree to this pressing nor to the cheesy ads promoting Anthony’s ‘zine et al. added to this edition. I ask that you not purchase this illegal edition and eschew doing business with Mr. Calfo period.
Bob Fenner

The post on WetWebMedia was found here.

If that is true, it would bring a great deal of disappointment to many Calfo supporters. We will follow this so you will get a better picture of this mega fight! Stay tuned!

Continuing the reshuffle at Ice Cap, Inc.. we follow a story that was recently posted on ReefBuilders.com. Anthony Calfo, a newly appointed co-prez, named his good friend Steven Pro the VP of Sales and Service. Steven was a regular contributor for Reefkeeping Magazine, Reef Central, Marine Depot Forums, and other speaking engagements. Here is the official press release:

Hamilton, New Jersey – With a 17-year reputation for quality, value, and innovation, IceCap Inc. is once again demonstrating its extraordinary mettle. Amid tough economic challenges, IceCap has been expanding operations categorically from new product development and classic customer service to increased personnel. In continuation of those efforts, IceCap Inc. is proud to announce that industry veteran, Steven Pro has joined the Executive Team as Vice-President of Sales and Service. Co-President Anthony Calfo says, “For over a decade, I have known Steven Pro as a personal friend, friend to the aquarium industry, and an overall overachiever in the aquatic science realm. He has a greater knowledge of the inner workings of the aquarium business than perhaps anyone I know. From retailer to reef club and from manufacturer to consumer, Steven is a champion for the greater good. I am proud to have him on board with the IceCap team and look forward to blazing innovative paths together.”

Steven is well known in the aquarium industry for staunch consumer advocacy and organizational consultations. He has worked at almost every link in the chain of custody for marine ornamentals; from retail and custom design installations to wholesale and manufacturer representation. He has published over 40 pertinent articles and lectured more than 50 times to national conferences and hobby clubs across the USA. Few people have the extraordinary perspective of Steven on the handling of aquarium products (livestock and drygoods alike) from source to consumer. This unique gamut of real world experience makes Steven an invaluable resource to manufacturers, retailers and consumers alike.

According to Mr. Pro, “I believe that the vision and values at IceCap align perfectly with my commitment to advanced husbandry combining the best of thought leadership, education, and sustainability with innovation in product and services. These are issues that have inspired me for well over a decade and I truly look forward to working with my friend and mentor, Anthony Calfo, Co-President Chris Conti and the rest of the IceCap team for years to come.

So who is next in line for Ice Cap? Fenner? Maybe you? Stay tuned.

For those who haven’t been to this conference, it is the mother of all North American conferences. Guest speakers of this year include:

Dr. Sanjay Joshi, Dr. Ron Shimek (2 presentations), Frank Burr, Anthony Calfo, Scott Fellman, Adam Cesnales, Jake Adams, John Coppolino, Dr. Adelaide, Rhodes, James Fatheree, Tony Vargas, Tim Hayes, Mark Schick, Allen LaPointe, Tullio Dell Aquila, Tom Frakes, and Robert “Bob” Fenner.

This is just like lollapalooza, but with less dirt and more sand. Hope to see you all there!