I've attended all but 2 ARBA Conventions since 1986. I doubt I'd have traveled to so many states I have if not for this "rabbit habit". I've been to Louisville, KY 3 times, Portland, OR twice, Columbus, OH 3 times, Tulsa, OK, Ft. Worth, TX, Tampa, FL San Diego and Pomona, CA, Tacoma, WA, Providence, RI, Madison, WI, Peoria, IL twice, Grand Rapids, MI, Indianapolis, IN twice to name most. While much of the time was spent in the showroom, some sightseeing has been squeezed in here and there.
FEED and WATER
It is helpful to either bring or buy bottled water and of course, bring your own brand of feed. Some conventions list grain donated by feed companies but it is possible they may run out or not bring the particular type you use. Generally metal cups are provided with the coops but are not always safely smooth edged, so plan to bring your own. If you use water bottles bring plastic cable ties to zip tie onto the cages. They are less likely than metal hooks to get knocked off and lost. Water bottles provide cleaner water than cage cups that get shavings kicked into them or germs from a next door neighbor bunny. It is also easier to tell how much your rabbit is drinking. However, use bottles only if your rabbit is already used to them, don't start new at covention. And still refill with fresh water daily. Write your name on all your watering cans, water containers, feed cups and bottles (include your cell phone # if you like).
Measure out how much grain you will need for each day, place in a ziploc bag and write the day on it. That way you will only need to bring in one small bag daily instead of a big container to slep around the showroom aisles. Pack a few extras for rabbits you are selling and a couple of empties for the new rabbits you will undoubtedly buy.
If you have finicky eaters, pack their treats. Papaya tablets, carrots, bread, parsley, oatmeal, striped sunflower seeds. Always, always bring hay if you can. There usually is an Oxbow or other hay vendor there but you will pay premium. If packing space is tight though, it is worth it to buy at the showroom. I would not bother packing a hayrack.
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