Convention Speakers

Chantz Cramer - Aquascaper
North american native aquatic plants for our aquariums

Chantz Cramer is an aquascaper and aquatic plant grower based in South Florida. He is known for cultivating a wide variety of aquatic plants, including rare and emergent species, and for participating in both live and digital competitive aquascaping contests. One of his notable works is the 306‑liter Dutch‑style aquarium titled “Here & Now”, submitted to the 2023 AGA International Aquascaping Contest (AGAIAC).

ivan mikolji - River Explorer
flora of the orinoco

Ivan Mikolji is a world-renowned river explorer who tirelessly documents the diversity and wonder of the world we live in. He is an Associate Investigator of the La Salle Institute, promoting the importance of preserving freshwater biodiversity around the globe. His work inspires a deep love and respect for the conservation of nature, stating “You cannot preserve something that you don’t know exists.” He had the honor of having a newly described species of cichlid named after him, Astronotus mikolji.

His book, Fishes of the Orinoco, has won three Indie Book Awards.  PFK magazine described it as #2 in their list of “Best Fish Books EVER!”. His next book, Flora of the Orinoco shows the aquatic and semi-aquatic plants that he has documented in his expeditions across the Orinoco River Basin. From the most iconic aquatic plants to the most unknown ones, all exposed, displaying their natural colors through breathtaking photography. Each species was reviewed by leading botanical experts on the flora of the Orinoco River Basin, providing the most accurate species identification possible.

Dave Chow – aqua Art
Aquascaping topic and live demo

Mr. Chow was the Grand Prize winner of ADA International Aquatic Plant Layout Contest 2007, the first ever Hong Kong person to receive such honor. Starting from 2003, he has been participating in IAPLC year after year, not just for the prizes, but also for the experience and to spread the concept of an aquascape being a piece of living art.  He introduced “NA Concept” to Hong Kong through his company and has been bringing his positive influence to the traditional market. Mr. Chow continues to put his utmost effort into introducing this "Living Art" to the world, and holds the firm belief that it will one day become a widely recognized art form, just as painting or sculpting.

Michelle Conrey
Water Chemistry for the Planted Aquarium

Michelle Conrey has been keeping, killing and propagating aquatic plants for over 30 years. Her MTS (Multiple Tank Syndrome) started during a gap year managing ~40 tanks at a local pet shop, and never really stopped. She studied plant physiology and biochemistry as an undergrad before defecting to a career in business, leaving plant science to dominate her hobbies instead. She currently serves as the underpaid maintenance staff to more than a half-dozen high-tech planted tanks and an unreasonable number of houseplants.

Randy Carey
Charachin expert

Randy Carey is a long-time aquarist and author best known for his deep expertise in characins—tetras, barbs, and other small schooling fish. With over 30 years in the hobby, he has become a respected figure in the aquarium community, both for his hands-on experience and for his contributions to education and writing.

Randy authored the book Tetras and Barbs, and for years, his column “The Art of Characins” appeared in Tropical Fish Hobbyist magazine, where he shared insights on fish care, breeding techniques, and species behavior. In addition to writing, he’s an active speaker at aquarium clubs across the U.S., often focusing on the challenges and rewards of breeding egg-scattering fish.

At home, he maintains a large fishroom with nearly 100 tanks, many of which are dedicated to breeding projects. He also participates in Breeders' Award Programs, having successfully bred numerous rare and delicate species. Through both his writing and his hands-on work, Randy Carey continues to be a guiding voice in the world of freshwater fishkeeping.

brandon mclAnE - florida aquatic nurseries
Banquet Speaker

Brandon McLane is the President of Florida Aquatic Nurseries in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, one of the largest producers of aquatic plants in the United States. He has been with Florida Aquatic Nurseries since 2006. Brandon works in all aspects of the company from discovering and hybridizing new plant varieties to developing websites and business plans.

Brandon attended the University of Florida where he received a Bachelor of Science Degree with a specialization in Landscape and Nursery Management in 2003. He also studied micro propagation under Dr. Michael Kane. After graduation he joined Pikes Family Nurseries in Atlanta, Georgia where he was a retail store manager from 2003 until 2006. Pike Family Nurseries is one of the largest independent retail nurseries in the United States and the knowledge gained from the retail side of the industry is extremely valuable today.

Brandon has written several articles on aquatic plants and provided information and photographs for many others. He is a member of the Florida Tropical Fish Farms Association, Florida Nursery and Growers and Landscapers Association, and is on the board of directors for the Florida Aquaculture Association and was a past director for the International Waterlily and Water Garden Society.