What is it that makes you think the Americans are so much more successful than Australians at breeding animals from our country? I can't see the value in an extra $1000 compared to doing a course with some of Australias most experienced and well respected herpers.
history shows us that o/s breeders are more successful.
i think Australia's best have tried to do cheap shows in scout halls and failed. that's why the CARA conference was canned.
to bring successful breeders here to share their knowledge can only be a good thing. if you don't see the value in it for yourself, fine. but don't condemn it because it looks like a quality event to me. these breeders coming are top shelf professionals, and you can't compare the value with a talk in a scout hall or somebody's garage, with a line up as a proper convention. i am sure it will be better than anything seen in Australia before.
the fact that sponsors are getting behind it, and Peter Johnson ( very well respected Aussie ) is involved, makes me think it wont be a flop. these business people can't all be wrong.
the price is equivalent to a clutch of macs or coastals, with what you could learn, isn't that worth it.
doesn't everybody wish they could make a living out of their hobby? this sort of conference attempts to help you do that.
i can understand people thinking it's expensive, but i'm sure there are a lot of costs involved to organise such an event. if you can't aford it, don't go. but don't criticise the quality of the speakers, check out their web-sites and you'll see that they are true professionals.
hope to see you there, 'cause i'm going.