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.