Aquashella Dallas 2026

[BenB]

In the AGA Convention thread, a few of us discussed going to Aquashella Dallas which is May 16 and 17
I'm not committed to going yet, but I want to go, and I thought I'd open up this thread for anyone else who might be considering it.
I'm waffling hard on it. A lot of money basically for an aquascaping demonstration.
What do you say?

 

[Koan]

Aquashella New Jersey in September is possibility!

https://aquashella.com/nj-tix/

 

[BenB]

Well, I am supposed to be traveling for the NJ and Chicago events, so Dallas is my only option if I want to go.

 

[Koan]

Well bummer, that could be fun

 

[JayP]

I only see a list of speakers/VIPs for Dallas. A couple speakers I'd like to meet in person but after doing the math on cost, I decided neither it or Chicago was worth it to me. I can spend that money on other cool aquarium gear that will last much longer than a 2 day marketing show. I might still consider AGA next year though depending on location.

 

[BenB]

I might still consider AGA next year though depending on location.

The next AGA will be 2028 and is probably going to be in St Louis, so you might could even drive there.
If they have any of the amazing stuff in the auction like they did this year, you might could be the person who gets it.

 

[JayP]

The next AGA will be 2028 and is probably going to be in St Louis, so you might could even drive there.
If they have any of the amazing stuff in the auction like they did this year, you might could be the person who gets it.

Ooh! St. Louis, I'll definitely be there. That's practically in my back yard. I could even transport one of those scapes if I got one.

 

[gnatster]

I'm going to be in Dallas the weekend after for my nephew's graduation. Looked into changing my flight that I bought back in January. It would cost over double the original cost to change. Can't justify the cost. 10 days with family instead of 4 is frightening too.

 

[BranchScape]

I will be there and already bought my ticket for the DOOA "SHIZUKU" Workshop 2026 at AQUASHELLA. Hopefully I learn a lot from the events as the flight prices was insane.

 

[Long Sun Aquascaping]

I'll be driving up and participating in the live scaping contest as an apprentice! Was hoping to make the cut this year, but the field is incredibly strong.

 

[BranchScape]

I'll be driving up and participating in the live scaping contest as an apprentice! Was hoping to make the cut this year, but the field is incredibly strong.

Nice who are you working with?

 

[Long Sun Aquascaping]

Austin Kwan! Had the honor to apprentice with Hiep Hong last year, so I guess I'm seeing the contrast of aquascaping styles from ADG haha.

 

[BranchScape]

Austin Kwan! Had the honor to apprentice with Hiep Hong last year, so I guess I'm seeing the contrast of aquascaping styles from ADG haha.

They seem to be a good duo to work with, tons of experience. I didn't try to be a competitor, as I’m still very green, and I’m also not sure I could ever be a contest scaper given the level of investment required on the photography side (I don't own a camera beyond my phone).

I was originally assigned to Gunnar, but I mentioned to Ryan when I signed up that I was happy to serve as a general show assistant if needed—I was fine either way. So curious how it will all be and see you there.

 

[Long Sun Aquascaping]

It will be great to meet you in-person! It's an absolutely incredible contest. I learned a lot as an apprentice last year.

While a nice camera helps, I firmly believe that a modern-ish smartphone has a good enough camera to do well in the competition. Lightroom goes a long way. I would certainly not let the lack of a high-end DSLR prevent you from entering the contests.