GET READY TO
Experience THE
AQUASHELLA TOUR

*

The Largest Aquarium
Expo In America

+

VENDORS IN 2025

+

ATTENDEES IN 2025

+

EDUCATORS IN 2025

GET READY TO
Experience THE
AQUASHELLA
TOUR

*

The Largest Aquarium Expo
In America

+

ATTENDEES IN 2025

+

VENDORS IN 2025

+

EDUCATORS IN 2025

CHOOSE YOUR LOCATION

UPCOMING AQUASHELLA EVENTS

ORLANDO

March 14th & 15th, 2026

DALLAS

May 16th & 17th, 2026

NEW JERSEY

Sept. 12th & 13th, 2026

CHICAGO

Sept. 26th & 27th, 2026

WHAT IS AQUASHELLA?

THE #1 EVENT FOR AQUARISTS

From expert hobbyists to first-time visitors, families, and kids, it brings together freshwater and saltwater aquatics, koi ponds, aquascaping, reptiles, and aquatic art. Whether you’re here to learn, connect with experts, shop unique products, or simply experience breathtaking displays up close, Aquashella is a place to explore, be inspired, and share a love for everything aquatic.

CURRENT & PAST SPEAKERS

AMERICA'S TOP AQUARISTS

INSIDE AQUASHELLA

THIS IS WHAT YOU GET

Come see and shop the largest collection of top tier aquatic vendors and brands anywhere. Our line-up includes the best of Freshwater, Saltwater, Reptiles, Aquatic Art and more...
Interact with your favorite influencers from YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, and more in a one of a kind setting. Watch and participate in Fish Stream live streams & Q&A or get a photo with your favorite star.
Learn about exciting topics from entry level to advanced. Our two stages are packed with engaging speakers.

KIDS
ACTIVITIES

Bring your little ones for a day filled with underwater wonders and family fun. Kids corner is an interactive experience where children can unleash their creativity through crafts and engaging aquarium-related activities.
Passion meets competition! Dive into the world of saltwater and freshwater marvels as enthusiasts and hobbyists gather for an exciting showcase of aquatic expertise.

LOCATION & HOTEL

FIND AQUASHELLA

VENUE LOCATION

Dezerland Park
5250 International Drive, Orlando, FL 32819

NEARBY HOTEL

Hyatt House Orlando / International Drive
5374 International Dr, Orlando, FL 32819

VENUE LOCATION

Dallas Market Hall
2200 N Stemmons Fwy, Dallas, TX 75207

NEARBY HOTEL

Holiday Inn Express Dallas Medical - Market Ctr by IHG
4500 Harry Hines Blvd, Dallas, TX 75219

VENUE LOCATION

New Jersey Convention Center
97 Sunfield Ave, Edison, NJ 08837

NEARBY HOTELS

Sheraton Edison
125 Raritan Center Pkwy, Edison, NJ 08837
Hilton Garden Inn Edison/Raritan Center
50 Raritan Center Pkwy, Edison, NJ 08837

VENUE LOCATION

Schaumburg Convention Center
1551 Thoreau Dr N, Schaumburg, IL 60173

NEARBY HOTELS

Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center Hotel
1551 Thoreau Dr N, Schaumburg, IL 60173
Wyndam Garden Inn Schaumburg
1725 East Algonquin Road, Schaumburg IL 60173

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CHOOSE YOUR AQUASHELLA EXPERIENCE

WHAT'S INCLUDED WITH EACH TICKET TIER

ORLANDO

March 14th & 15th, 2026

DALLAS

May 16th & 17th, 2026

NEW JERSEY

Sept. 12th & 13th, 2026

CHICAGO

Sept. 26th & 27th, 2026
TICKETS GO LIVE IN
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days day

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hours hour

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minutes minute

Thanks to our partners

FAQS

Your tickets will be sent digitally to your email. If you do not receive a ticket email within 30 minutes of purchase please check your spam folder.

Aquashella is open for attendees from 10am to 6pm on Saturday, and 10am to 5pm on Sunday.

Entry is staged hourly by ticket type!

VIP Weekend Ticket holders
Have access to the show floor from 10am to 6pm Saturday, and 10am to 5pm on Sunday with re-entry privileges all day, each day!

Daily Attendees
Early Bird - Entry within the hour that the ticket is held for (i.e., 11am ticket will be scanned to enter as quickly as possible between 11am and 12pm), or if you are late, any time after that window, with re-entry privileges for the rest of the day of your ticket.
General - Entry within the hour that the ticket is held for (i.e., a 1pm ticket will be scanned to enter as quickly as possible between 1pm and 2pm), or if you are late, any time after that window, with re-entry privileges for the rest of the day of your ticket.

Kid's Tickets
Entry is tied to the adult ticket holder time of entry, with re-entry allowed with the adult ticket holder, in accordance with their timed entry ticket.

Buy Tickets

Aquashella staff can look up your ticket via your ticket number or the name of the individual that ordered the tickets.

Aquashella tickets are non refundable.

If you need to change your ticket entry day, time, or to transfer your ticket to another individual, email team@aquashella.com with your ticket information, and how you would like it changed.

You will receive instructions prior to the event on how to redeem your VIP T-shirt and any VIP extras at the Aquashella Merch Booth.

There are numerous special events at each show from our contests, to meet & greets, and more! Please refer to the show schedule for more information.

We have multiple shows in the US, follow us on our socials for upcoming show dates!

THE #1 EVENT FOR AQUARISTS

APPLY

Creator Application Speaker Application Vendor Application Volunteer Application
Copyright © 2026 Aquashella. All rights reserved.

CHICAGO EVENT SCHEDULE

September 26th & 27th, 2026
Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center
Note: Schedule of Events May Change

Saturday

Time
Festival Floor
Speaker Stage
Feature Stage
10:00am
VIP Entry


10:30am

Aquariums and Their Effects on Mental-Wellbeing w/ Evan Johnson, Founder, Ivan the Angelfish
VIP Meet & Greet w/Creators @ 10:30!
11:00am
11 am Entry
Aquascaping Masterclass w/ Yusuke Homma - presentation, substrate and hardscape placement
Speed Scaping: Elimination Round 1
11:30am

Aquascaping Masterclass continued

12:00pm
12 pm Entry
Aquascaping Masterclass continued
Saltwater Jeopardy LIVE!
12:30pm

Aquascaping Masterclass continued

1:00pm
1 pm Entry
Igniting Your Success: Live Coral Sales and Marketing Secrets w/ Bobby Moon, Kush Corals

1:30pm

Igniting Your Success continued
Christa's Shrimp Special w/ Christa Caneda Artist & Comedian
2:00pm
2 pm Entry
Aquascaping Masterclass w/ Yusuke Homma - Planting
Kids Terrascaping Contest w/ Custom Cages & Vision Cages


Aquascaping Masterclass continued

3:00pm
3 pm or later Entry
Panel Discussion: Current Pressures on the Aquarium Trade w/ Pet Advocacy Network & USAqua
Speed Scaping: Elimination Round 2
3:45pm
Understanding Wabi Kusa w/ Jack McCarey of Studio Aquatica
Speed Scaping continued
4:00pm

We Don't Just Take It Easy w/ Brian Levinson, Tank It Easy
Live DJ!
5:00pm
Charity Raffle after 5pm presentation wraps


6:00pm
Festival Close


Sunday

Time
Festival Floor
Speaker Stage
Feature Stage
10:00am
VIP Entry

VIP Meet & Greet w/Creators @ 10:15am
11:00am
11 am Entry
Aquashella Aquascaping Contest Awards
12:00pm
12 pm Entry
From Beach Dreams to Giant Installations, a Saltwater Keeper's Journey w/ Frank Aguirre, Professional Aquarist
Speed Scaping: Elimination Round 3
12:45 pm

Discovery and Development of New Strains & Colors of Tropical Fish w/ Phil Marraccini formerly of Summerland Tropical Fish Farms
Freshwater Jeopardy LIVE!
1:00pm
1 pm Entry

SHIZUKU Workshop with Aqua Design Amano
1:30pm

Ethics and Best Management Practices for the Home Breeder w/ Jody Reed Uncle Joes Fish Shed
SHIZUKU Workshop continued
2:00pm
2pm and later entry

SHIZUKU Workshop continued
2:15pm

Natural Aquarium Husbandry w/ Lucas Bretz, LRB Aquatics
SHIZUKU Workshop continued
3:00pm

Neocaridina & Caridina Shrimp Top Breeder Insights w/ Bene Tay, Shrimp Sanctuary
Speed Scaping: Championships
4:00pm
Charity Raffle begins after 3pm presentation wraps


5:00pm
Festival Close

NEW JERSEY EVENT SCHEDULE

September 12th & 13th, 2026
New Jersey Convention Center, Edison
Note: Schedule of Events May Change

Saturday

Time
Festival Floor
Speaker Stage
Feature Stage
10:00am
VIP Entry
VIP Meet & Greet w/Creators @10:15am

10:30am

Fishin’ For Knowledge: Our Favorite Fish in Science w/ Gettin’ Fishy With It Podcast hosts Josh Barber and Christine Archer

11:00am
11am Entry
Aquascaping Masterclass w/ Daichi Araki - presentation, substrate and hardscape placement
Freshwater Jeopardy Live!
12:00pm
12 pm Entry
Aquascaping Masterclass continued w/ Daichi Araki - presentation, substrate and hardscape placement
Speed Scaping: Elimination Round 1

Kid's Aquascaping Contest
12:15 - Dustin's Fishtanks Booth
1:00pm
1 pm Entry
What are Competitive Koi? Learn What it Takes to Win w/ Fitz's Fish Ponds
Diverman Goes to the Deep - Diverman Jeopardy
2:00pm
2 pm Entry
Aquascaping Masterclass w/ Daichi Araki - Planting
Kids Terrascaping Contest w/ Custom Cages & Vision Cages
3:00pm
3 pm and later Entry
What the L? An Introduction to Plecos w/ Sabu Yamamoto, Saburai Aquatics
Speed Scaping: Elimination Round 2
3:45pm

Panel Discussion: Current Pressures on the Aquarium Trade w/ Pet Advocacy Network and USAqua
Live Interviews and Contest Scavenger Hunt - w/ Diverman
4:30pm

Building a Legacy w/ Lori Barczyk, CEO/Founder, Legasea Aquarium and The Reptarium
Live Interviews and Contest Scavenger Hunt continued - w/ Diverman
5:30pm
Charity Raffle


6:00pm
Festival Close


Sunday

Time
Festival Floor
Speaker Stage
Feature Stage
10:00am
VIP Entry


10:30am


VIP Meet & Greet w/Creators @ 10:30am
11:00am
11 am Entry
Aquashella Aquascaping Contest Awards
Speed Scaping: Elimination Round 3
12:00pm
12 pm Entry
The Coral Food Nutrition Pyramid w/ Vanessa Glass, Home Brew Live Feeds
Saltwzater Jeopardy Live!

Kid's Aquascaping Contest
12:15 - Dustin's Fishtanks Booth
12:45pm

Ethics and Best Management Practices for the Home Breeder w/ Jody Reed Uncle Joes Fish Shed
Diverman - Show and Tell
1:00pm
1 pm Entry
SHIZUKU Workshop with Aqua Design Amano
1:30pm

Methods for Natural, Self-sustaining Aquarium Systems w/ Lou "Father Fish" Foxwell

2:00pm
2 pm and later Entry

SHIZUKU Workshop continued
2:15pm

History & Development of the Tropical Fish Hobby - Livebearers! w/ Phil Marraccini formerly of Summerland Tropical Fish Farms

3:00pm
Keynote: The Science Behind Aquarium Keeping w/ Kat of KatsAquatics
Speed Scaping: Championship Round
4:00pm
Charity Raffle starts after the 3pm presentation finishes


5:00pm
Festival Close


DALLAS EVENT SCHEDULE

May 16th and 17th, 2026
Dallas Market Hall
Note: Schedule of Events May Change

Saturday

Time
Festival Floor
Speaker Stage
Feature Stage
10:00am
VIP Entry

VIP Meet & Greet w/Creators @ 10:30am
11:00am
11 am Entry
Fish Tank vs Planted Aquariums, What Wins? w/ Lucas Bretz, LRB Aquatics
Live DJ!
12:00pm
12 pm Entry
CANCELLED - Building a Legacy w/ Lori Barczyk, LegaSea Aquarium & The Reptarium
Live DJ!
1:00pm
1 pm Entry
The Importance of Advocacy in the Hobby w/ Panelists from Pet Advocacy Network and USAqua
Open Mic - Tank Roast!
2:00pm
2 pm Entry
Experience the Diverse World of Macro Algae w/ Amanda Tamillo, The MacroLady
Kids Terrascaping with Vision Cages/Custom Cages
3:00pm
3 pm or later Entry
Be Successful Culturing Phytoplanton (Workshop) w/ Skyler Nelson, Reef Legends
Saltwater Jeopary Live!
4:00pm

Keepin' it Clean, Dipping and Coral Pest Inspections w/ Marc Levenson, Melev's Reef
Live DJ!
5:00pm
Charity Raffle


6:00pm
Festival Close


Sunday

Time
Festival Floor
Speaker Stage
Feature Stage
10:00am
VIP Entry

VIP Meet & Greet w/Creators @ 10:15am
11:00am
11 am Entry
Aquashella Aquascaping Contest Awards
Live DJ!
12:00pm
12 pm Entry
Discover the world of Crested Geckos w/ Kristen Hailey, CrestieWorx & Carnivorous Plants
Freshwater Jeopardy Live!
1:00pm
1 pm Entry
Living the Micro Tank Life w/ Harley Finberg, PNW Custom
Shizuku Workship with Aqua Design Amano; starting at 1:30pm
2:00pm
2 pm and later Entry
Ethnics, Conservation, and BMPs: The Path from Home Breeder to Trusted Supplier w/ Jody Reed, Uncle Joes Fish Shed
Shizuku Workshop continued
3:00pm
Dream Big! Designing Showpiece Aquariums w/ Jeff Turner, Reef Aquaria Design
Live DJ!
4:00pm
Charity Raffle

Live DJ!
5:00pm
Festival Close


ORLANDO EVENT SCHEDULE

March 14th & 15th, 2026
Dezerland Park, Orlando
Note: Schedule of Events May Change

Saturday

Time
Festival Floor
Speaker Stage
10:00am
VIP Entry
VIP Meet & Greet w/Creators @ 10:30!
11:00am
11 am Entry
Aquarium Biology with Taras Pleskun, Top Shelf Aquatics
12:00pm
12 pm Entry
Aquarium Designs - Jeff Turner, Reef Aquaria Design
1:00pm
1 pm Entry
No Filter Aquariums and Natural Setups with Lucas Bretz, LRB Aquatics
2:00pm
2 pm Entry
Reptile Breeding, Husbandry and More with TikisGeckos
3:00pm
3 pm or later Entry
Getting through the first 30 days without losing your mind with Dr. Tim, Dr. Tim's Aquatics
4:00pm

Lighting Techniques to Better Your Husbandry in Planted Tanks, Terrariums, Reptile Enclosures and More! with Tulio Dellaquilla, ReefBrite
5:00pm
Charity Raffle after 5pm presentation wraps
Live DJ!

6:00pm
Festival Close


Sunday

Time
Festival Floor
Speaker Stage
10:00am
VIP Entry
VIP Meet & Greet w/Creators @ 10:15!
11:00am
11 am Entry
Aquashella Aquascaping Contest Awards at 10:45 then Coral Farming and Coral ID with Chris Meckley at ACI Aquaculture at 11:15am
12:00pm
12 pm Entry
From Farm to Family Room: A Fish's Journey with David Drake at 5D Tropical at 12:15pm
1:00pm
1 pm Entry
Sustainability in Aquaculture and Mariculture with Jake Phillips at Biota NA
2:00pm
2 pm and later Entry
Discus Breeding and Husbandry with Gabe Posada, Jack Wattley Discus
3:00pm

Giant Clams: Fragging isn't an option, but they still deserve your love with Julian Sprung, TwoLittleFishies
4:00pm
Charity Raffle
Live DJ!

5:00pm
Festival Close


CHICAGO TICKETS

September 26th & 27th, 2026
Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center

Tickets

The numbers below include tickets for this event already in your cart. Clicking "Get Tickets" will allow you to edit any existing attendee information as well as change ticket quantities.
VIP Weekend Pass
Saturday and Sunday access, 10am entry, official show t-shirt
$ 85.00
271 available
VIP Kids Weekend Pass
(Kids 12 and under) Saturday and Sunday access, 10am entry, official show t-shirt included
$ 50.00
Unlimited
Daily Access Chi - 11am Saturday
11am Entry, 1 Day Access, Saturday Only
$ 30.00
306 available
Daily Access - 12pm Saturday
12pm Entry, 1 Day Access, Saturday Only
$ 30.00
654 available
Daily Access - 1pm Saturday
1pm Entry, 1 Day Access, Saturday Only
$ 25.00
618 available
Daily Access - 2pm Saturday
2pm Entry, 1 Day Access, Saturday Only
$ 25.00
681 available
Daily Access - 3pm or later, Saturday
3pm or later Entry, 1 Day Access, Saturday Only
$ 25.00
1495 available
Daily Access Chi - 11am Sunday
11am Entry, 1 Day Access, Sunday Only
$ 30.00
567 available
Daily Access - 12pm Sunday
12pm Entry, 1 Day Access, Sunday Only
$ 30.00
669 available
Daily Access - 1pm Sunday
1pm Entry, 1 Day Access, Sunday Only
$ 25.00
636 available
Daily Access - 2pm Sunday
2pm or later Entry, 1 Day Access, Sunday Only
$ 25.00
1494 available
Kids Access - Daily
Kids aged 3-12, 1 Day Access, Saturday or Sunday. Must accompany an adult with VIP or Daily Access ticket.
$ 15.00
Unlimited

NEW JERSEY TICKETS

September 12th & 13th, 2026
New Jersey Convention Center, Edison

Tickets

The numbers below include tickets for this event already in your cart. Clicking "Get Tickets" will allow you to edit any existing attendee information as well as change ticket quantities.
VIP Weekend Pass
Saturday and Sunday access, 10am entry, official show t-shirt
$ 85.00
109 available
VIP Kids Weekend Pass
(Kids 12 and under) Saturday and Sunday access, 10am entry, official show t-shirt included
$ 50.00
Unlimited
Daily Access NJ - 11am Saturday
11am Entry, 1 Day Access, Saturday Only
$ 30.00
0 available
Sold Out
Daily Access NJ - 12pm Saturday
12pm Entry, 1 Day Access, Saturday Only
$ 30.00
1 available
Daily Access - 1pm Saturday
1pm Entry, 1 Day Access, Saturday Only
$ 25.00
3 available
Daily Access - 2pm Saturday
2pm Entry, 1 Day Access, Saturday Only
$ 25.00
496 available
Daily Access - 3pm or later, Saturday
3pm or later Entry, 1 Day Access, Saturday Only
$ 25.00
Unlimited
Daily Access NJ - 11am Sunday
11am Entry, 1 Day Access, Sunday Only
$ 30.00
7 available
Daily Access - 12pm Sunday
12pm Entry, 1 Day Access, Sunday Only
$ 30.00
527 available
Daily Access - 1pm Sunday
1pm Entry, 1 Day Access, Sunday Only
$ 25.00
476 available
Daily Access - 2pm or later, Sunday
2pm or later Entry, 1 Day Access, Sunday Only
$ 25.00
Unlimited
Kids Access - Daily
Kids aged 3-12, 1 Day Access, Saturday or Sunday. Must accompany an adult with VIP or Daily Access ticket.
$ 15.00
Unlimited

DALLAS TICKETS

May 16th and 17th, 2026
Dallas Market Hall

Tickets

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Tickets are no longer available

ORLANDO TICKETS

March 14th & 15th, 2026
Dezerland Park, Orlando

Tickets

The numbers below include tickets for this event already in your cart. Clicking "Get Tickets" will allow you to edit any existing attendee information as well as change ticket quantities.
Tickets are no longer available