281 replies to this topic

[WadeH237]

I didn't see a topic for NEAF or NEAIC 2025, so I am starting this one.

 

I'm thinking about possibly attending NEAIC and NEAF in April this year, and I am just penciling out the logistics and costs.

 

The issue that I am running into is that the recommended hotel is already fully booked for the NEAF/NEAIC dates.  I really don't want to rent a car. and don't want to use a Taxi multiple times per day (and I don't use ride sharing apps).  When I have gone to AIC in San Jose, I've always been able to stay at a hotel either in the venue, or within easy walking distance.  It looks like all the hotels, including the recommended one, are miles from the venue.

 

Is it remotely possible to attend as a pedestrian?

[Xeroid]

See if there is an Airbnb near the Rockland Community College.

Edited by Xeroid, 12 January 2025 - 09:35 AM.

[George N]

First - guess it's that time of year! Also - you missed the discount pricing offered last month. I missed it too because at the time my health status was very much up in the air. I now expect to attend at least NEAF - maybe NEAIC - even if it is a long commute from home in the Binghamton area (about a 3 hour drive, one way).

 

There are many hotels in the area. Several are very nice - most are your basic (star and a half) discount motel room - that's it - learning how to check for bed bugs would be advisable  . Unfortunately - none are an "easy drive" to the College or the Crowne Plaza Hotel that is the site of NEAIC. I forget its name right now - but I stayed a few years at a 3.5 star hotel in the general area (35-minute drive to the college) that is used by many of the bigger vendors - because - Sky & Tel thro's a big party Saturday evening for their advertisers - like Celestron, etc -- or at least they used to (sorry, invite only). Again, very nice hotel, quite 'commercial' park kind of area - but an annoyingly long drive on major Interstates to get to the College.

 

The NEAIC 2025 website (https://www.neafexpo.com/neaic) has a special registration code you need to use to get a room - by calling the hotel directly - not the company or other booking sites. The event organizer usually reserves a block of rooms for NEAIC attendees - and you probably need to register for the event to get the room. The idea is that all NEAIC attendees will stay at the hotel. In past years the cost included a special breakfast room for attendees and other amenities.

 

NOTE -- very strange -- NEAIC 2025 will be the Monday/Tuesday *** after *** NEAF ---- because of the dates of "Passover & Easter falling on back-to-back weekends".

Edited by George N, 12 January 2025 - 12:01 PM.

[slavicek]

Closest hotels are around 10 min drive. You only need one ride to NEAF and one ride back per day. I usually stay in a hotel which is 15-20 min drive. It might be cheaper to stay in a hotel 20 min away and rent a car...

Hotels in the area are "basic" but I have yet to see bad bugs (I should not have said it!).

... and forget the cost of the hotel cus you will spent $$$$ on gear you do not need but you want!

[GUNER]

Wade,

  Sent you a PM

[Bob Moore]

OK as always, i'm backed up on getting things posted. 

 

first ; there are lots of rooms at the hotel, and as always you have to call the hotel directly and use the hotel code NEA. do not call the 800 number and do not use the hotel web site.

 

 

[Bob Moore]

Wade, PM me ASAP I run NEAIC and can clear up your questions regarding 

 

neaic

Edited by Bob Moore, 16 January 2025 - 12:21 PM.

[phobos2]

I've never been to this event.

 

I have gone to their home page, but I'm more interested in the vendors. I have so many questions about what to get, etc, that meeting with the vendors just may help me with my quest.

 

So, for those that have gone, is it worth it for checking out the vendors?

[George N]

I've never been to this event.

 

I have gone to their home page, but I'm more interested in the vendors. I have so many questions about what to get, etc, that meeting with the vendors just may help me with my quest.

 

So, for those that have gone, is it worth it for checking out the vendors?

That's probably the major 'draw' of NEAF, and a great added benefit of NEAIC.

 

There are at least three kinds of "exhibitors" with booths at NEAF:

 

1> manufacturers, like Celestron and Teleview - for the most part they are there to show and tell, but some of the small makers also sell product (one exception is ZWO - they sell much of their product line at discount) --

 

2>  store vendors - places like High Point Scientific - they are there to sell product but will talk to you. At least last year (2024) most *did not show* - with only one or two big 'stores' there. They often sell at a discount, you can check out your purchase right there, looking for defects, and you walk out with it - no shipping. When the book publishers came, they were also there selling. I hope the store vendors are back this year.

 

3> various groups and organizations - astro clubs, star party organizers, public observatories, Stellafane, etc -- they are there to promote their organizations - and will talk about them, or maybe anything "astro". They often offer discount annual memberships or renewals.

 

Then there's the other attendees to talk too. You can easily run into many well-known people in the hobby - book authors, magazine article writers, top-tier imagers, etc - who may well be willing to talk to you and maybe offer advice.

 

With NEAIC - while the event is mostly centered on the imaging presentations and evening workshops - just about every "maker" in imaging is there, and will be quite happy to discuss their product and offer 'advice'.

 

One downside at NEAF -- especially on Saturday the crowds are usually quite big (perhaps 2024 was "eclipsed" - with many people not wanting to fork out for *two* big astro-travel events in a very short time span). It can be difficult to get to 'the front' at very popular booths to connect up with a company representative. On the other hand - just listening in on others question/answer discussions can be enlightening. Sunday is better - but by then, especially in the afternoon - many of the reps are dead tired and perhaps less animated in their discussion.

 

Bring a bag or similar to carry all the advertising and info to carry home!

 

If you have only one day to come - try to pick the one with clear sky - because NEAF features one of the best "solar star parties" there is - most of the top solar gear to observe the sun with is set up right outside. It makes for a good break from the other activities.

 

Finally - the presentations are quite good too - some are big time presentations by astronauts, etc - there are presentations by the big makers discussing their product or area (think Al Nagler talking eyepieces or Celestron talking the latest, ZWO talking astro cameras) - and a separate series on pro/am science collaboration.

Edited by George N, 20 January 2025 - 11:15 AM.

[slavicek]

I've never been to this event.

 

I have gone to their home page, but I'm more interested in the vendors. I have so many questions about what to get, etc, that meeting with the vendors just may help me with my quest.

 

So, for those that have gone, is it worth it for checking out the vendors?

Yes. Follow my example and bring several Credit cards with you!

[GUNER]

And LOTS of cash just in case they have the TeleVue Blem table this year!

[slavicek]

Or TAK 130 on sale....   must resist.

New stuff, old stuff... Last year, by the time I only got to table 5 I dropped few Gs on ZAOs.

And then I've got myself TV blem 8 mm Ethos... it was looking at me saying "buy me, buy me..."

I think you are getting the idea.

[phobos2]

That's probably the major 'draw' of NEAF, and a great added benefit of NEAIC.

 

There are at least three kinds of "exhibitors" with booths at NEAF:

 

1> manufacturers, like Celestron and Teleview - for the most part they are there to show and tell, but some of the small makers also sell product (one exception is ZWO - they sell much of their product line at discount) --

 

2>  store vendors - places like High Point Scientific - they are there to sell product but will talk to you. At least last year (2024) most *did not show* - with only one or two big 'stores' there. They often sell at a discount, you can check out your purchase right there, looking for defects, and you walk out with it - no shipping. When the book publishers came, they were also there selling. I hope the store vendors are back this year.

 

3> various groups and organizations - astro clubs, star party organizers, public observatories, Stellafane, etc -- they are there to promote their organizations - and will talk about them, or maybe anything "astro". They often offer discount annual memberships or renewals.

 

Then there's the other attendees to talk too. You can easily run into many well-known people in the hobby - book authors, magazine article writers, top-tier imagers, etc - who may well be willing to talk to you and maybe offer advice.

 

With NEAIC - while the event is mostly centered on the imaging presentations and evening workshops - just about every "maker" in imaging is there, and will be quite happy to discuss their product and offer 'advice'.

 

One downside at NEAF -- especially on Saturday the crowds are usually quite big (perhaps 2024 was "eclipsed" - with many people not wanting to fork out for *two* big astro-travel events in a very short time span). It can be difficult to get to 'the front' at very popular booths to connect up with a company representative. On the other hand - just listening in on others question/answer discussions can be enlightening. Sunday is better - but by then, especially in the afternoon - many of the reps are dead tired and perhaps less animated in their discussion.

 

Bring a bag or similar to carry all the advertising and info to carry home!

 

If you have only one day to come - try to pick the one with clear sky - because NEAF features one of the best "solar star parties" there is - most of the top solar gear to observe the sun with is set up right outside. It makes for a good break from the other activities.

 

Finally - the presentations are quite good too - some are big time presentations by astronauts, etc - there are presentations by the big makers discussing their product or area (think Al Nagler talking eyepieces or Celestron talking the latest, ZWO talking astro cameras) - and a separate series on pro/am science collaboration.

Thanks!   This was very helpful. At least it gives me a better understanding on what the deal is going to this event.

[phobos2]

I get the idea.... credit cards, Lots of Money, prepare to be overwhelmed....

[George N]

I get the idea.... credit cards, Lots of Money, prepare to be overwhelmed....

 

The real question for all of us is - is this the year of the return of "Old Time NEAF" post covid? As I mentioned, NEAF probably got "eclipsed" last year thanks to the solar eclipse. I suspect that many 'astro types' were not prepared for two expensive astro-trips right on top of each other. Lots of people put 'big money' into the eclipse and were not ready to spend even more $$ and more time away from home at NEAF/NEAIC - all within a few weeks.

 

So - we shall see -- Does NEAF serve the same purpose anymore? The "World astro product show" where equipment makers and software providers announce their biggest new gear? .....often accompanied with a major sale? Will the "astro stores" return to NEAF (last year there were only two) and offer show-discounts? Or has "the internet" replaced NEAF just like it has the "bricks-and-mortar astro stores" - perhaps folks now just want to read about new stuff and order more while warming up from a night in the yard observing?

 

One thing to remember - NEAF is a lot more than a chance to talk to maker reps and buy stuff -- the presentations are endless, top notch, and go from pro-astro, to 'space program', to astro equipment, to pro/am science collaboration. I personally plan on spending about a third of my time at them - and the big auditorium is a good place to rest!

 

Food - yes there's a food vendor, and the student caf near the auditorium has decent food - but it can be a tad expensive. Personally, I always bring a hoggie and snacks in a cooler left in my vehicle and take a 'lunch break' walking out to my vehicle to sit, munch, think - and perhaps drop off the morning collection of handouts and "purchased stuff" (if you buy it, you have to carry it around with you). I also always at least hope for an hour or more at the outside "solar star party", which in my experience always has the biggest collection of high-end gear I observe the sun each year.

 

Finally - try to find friends or make new ones!

Edited by George N, 23 January 2025 - 11:01 AM.

[slavicek]

NEAF is still not what it use to be pre-Covid.

 

There is a dozen or so members of my astro club going to NEAF every year. Some members only go to the lectures, some only look for new gear and some do bit of both. So you do not have to spend any money over there. Also, we use to do B-day parties in the evening for some members but members with early April B-days are not around anymore... live moves on so do not wait!

 

The cafeteria is just that - CAFETERIA. Do not expect fine dining and do not complain about that food! Food is not the reason you go to NEAF (I hope).

Solar observing is very good and educational (as long as there are no clouds).

Talking to Naglers or TAK reps or Lunt reps etc. is priceless!!! Especially their reactions to the improvements I made to their gear!

David Nagler (yes the CEO) shoving me how to clean their binoviewer, Al Nagler (yes, uncle Al) shaking his head on seeing what I did to his binoviewer (with help from the one and only Denis007), I can keep on going on.

 

See you there.

[Bob Moore]

NEAIC 2025 Registration form.

 

More posting's to come in the next days and weeks here are some now.

 

1) Warren Keller

2) Richard Wright 

3) Wolfegand Promper

4) Dr.Brian Kloppenborg 

5) Alex Gorbachev

6) Ron Bercher

7) Dale Ghent

8) Jon Talbot

9) John O'Neil

 

[Speedy1985]

My schedule looks like it will finally allow me to make my first trip up to the event. I'm looking forward to taking in the overall experience and perhaps meeting some CN members as well. 

[GlobularLover]

RAC is updating the NEAF Facebook site with speaker, vendor, and other updates:

 

https://www.facebook...100069026688677

 

Don't forget....because of unique circumstances this year, NEAIF will follow NEAF this year (it's always been the lead-in before).

[galaxyman]

Well, I've been to all of them since NEAF's humble beginnings. Last year was not great, and is having me thinking 50/50 if I will attend this year or skip it for the first time, particualrly with over a 2 hour drive. I would like to see a complete list of vendors who will actually be there.

Karl

E.O.H.
 

Chesmont Astronomical Society - https://www.chesmontastro.com
Galaxy Log - www.youtube.com/user/GalaxyLog4565
The Astro Observers -https://www.youtube....K_PScnqVdnrcQHw
Galaxy Log Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/galaxylog
Waite Renegade 20” f/3.3
Orion UK 12" f/4 Dob
Bresser 8.2" f/3.9 Dob
High Point GSO 6" f/5 newt.
Astro-Tech 4” f/7 ED refractor
E.S. FirstLight 102mm f/6.47 refractor.
Celestron 10x60mm Binos

[George N]

Well, I've been to all of them since NEAF's humble beginnings. Last year was not great, and is having me thinking 50/50 if I will attend this year or skip it for the first time, particualrly with over a 2 hour drive. I would like to see a complete list of vendors who will actually be there.

Karl

E.O.H.
...

Me too!

 

Alas, I don't remember a single year in the last 10 or so where they ever got the actual list of vendors correctly posted (actually they call them "exhibitors"). Having 'worked' several booths over the years - I can tell ya it is even confusing on 'set up day' - with errors in the list, booth number, stuff like electric power and even correct spelling of names! ....but the NEAF organizers are volunteers - doing the best they can.

 

I missed the first year (for those who don't know, NEAF started as a one-day NYC area local event featuring local stores and TeleVue - Al Nagler was one of the founders of NEAF). I missed two others when snowstorms in the Catskills made the drive too difficult for me and NEAF was still just one day.

 

Last year was not too good for vendor buys - unless you wanted ZWO stuff. Only one or two 'store type' vendors. I bought nothing, not even a t-shirt. However, some of the presentations were pretty good and I learned a lot about Celestron's new Origin (https://www.celestro...XFvqYip_f_HDpnW) - but I'm still unsure if I would ever buy one.

 

My guess is - NEAF 2024 got "eclipsed". Not too many people - or store vendors - wanted a 2nd major astro-related trip after the total solar eclipse a short time earlier. As a result it all seemed "smaller".

 

While I'm still on the "fence" about going this year, it's for personal reasons, not a 'loss of love' for NEAF! -- Still, I think 2025 may be a serious turning point for NEAF - back to normal or it will fade to something smaller in future years.

 

If I do go - I hope to see some familiar faces - and to meet new friends!

[Megrez]

We've been coming down from Montreal for many years at NEAF. My friends and I even presented twice, a 3-D Mars Movie (many thanks to Astronomics and OPT for sponsoring the 3-D glasses), and in 2023 an Eclipse Documentary "ShadowChasers". We also noticed a difference in attendance, and vendors. We used to purchase eyepieces, Coronados, filters, many accessories, and of course, TeleVue blems. Always look forward to NEAF as a right of Spring & Seeing Uncle Al & David (miss Paul D.) Also we miss the Airmont diner! For us its a 6 hour drive, not including the stop at Customs. We now stay at the Super8 in Mahwah, take the NJ Train to NYC as well (pilgrimage to BH Photo etc). Also love the solar parties! However, as the show seems to of not been quite the same since Covid (understandably) we are hoping to come one more time despite the Canadian dollar (everything is 50% more for us) so we will be choosy about purchases. The last one we attended in 2023, several of the main speakers were cancelled at the very last moment, and there was only one vendor so no "NEAF" specials. I miss the "old days"! That anticipation/excitement waiting to get in from the ticket area to see the show floor. Having the vendors confirmed only at the very last minute is also a gamble for us, if we are hoping to see, say, William Optics and they don't show up its too late for us to cancel hotel rooms (just 72 hours before) so we take a chance. Yes I have my EazyPass! Most of my relatives live in NJ/California/Georgia, so I do get to visit my cousin in NJ. Picking up eyepieces or a refractor saves us in shipping, so I'm hoping for many vendors this year, and not just t-shirt sales....

[George N]

We've been coming down from Montreal for many years to NEAF......... Picking up eyepieces or a refractor saves us in shipping, so I'm hoping for many vendors this year, and not just t-shirt sales....

Early April? Good luck with the snowstorms in the Adirondacks!  

 

If you like 'used' equipment start looking for those adds here, A'mart, etc, that say "....pick up at NEAF.....". I've seen a lot of high-end and big gear (like Dobs and Bisque/AP GEMs) switching vehicles in the NEAF parking lot. You can even post something like "Wanted - a complete set of used Ethos for pick up at NEAF."

 

If you want to purchase a specific item - call your favorite vendor that has been at NEAF in the past - and if they are going - ask them to bring you the specific item. I've done that in the past and they have had the item 'under the table' for me - and at NEAF discount price too.

 

I suppose one draw for a trip to NEAF 2025 is -- this looks like it could be our last 'pre-tariff' chance to buy stuff from China, etc.

 

BTW -- NEAF 2023 was a great year to buy -- if -- you wanted ZWO stuff. I bought a high-end ZWO asi6200mc at Woodland Hills that year - big discount, no shipping, no waiting for fedex to lose it. I could check it out in my hotel room Saturday night hooked to my laptop, and if it didn't work (it did), I could always go complain to ZWO the next day. However, post pandemic - I've been disappointed that the book publishers no longer come.

Edited by George N, 26 February 2025 - 11:15 AM.

[Megrez]

Thanks for the suggestions for purchasing pre-NEAF, we love looking for deals, and surprises too. So far, no issues with weather in the mountains, I travel often on the 1-95 to South Carolina, Florida and have seen my share of storms, snow and heavy thunderstorms too. NEAF has always been a great event to attend. Yeah, we are concerned about tariffs too as all of our items in Canada (except for one vendor, Starfield) all comes through the US, not directly from China, so we will have those tariffs added to our gear as well, plus the 50% CAD dollar exchange. I do love my Turkey Dinner at the dinners though! Stateline Diner in Mahwah is good! I usually love the drive through the Adirondaks as we vacationed in Lake George/Glenns Falls  when I was a kid, very fond memories!

[dan_hm]

Not sure if OP figured out a solution, but the Suffern and Mahwah train stations are a fairly short drive from RCC and the tracks run through various towns in NJ, any of which you should be able to get a hotel at.  Cabs are accessible at most train stations.  You'll want to avoid Paterson and perhaps some of the other towns along the track.  Also, NJ Transit is not always the most reliable.  

 

You can also get to New York Penn Station from either Suffern or Mahwah with a transfer, so it's not unreasonable to make a city trip out of it.  

Edited by dan_hm, 27 February 2025 - 10:36 AM.