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Welcome to the 1st annual AstroCATS Trade Show

Saturday May 25 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM &
                Sunday May 26 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM

AstroCATS is the 1st show of this kind in Canada and ideally situated as an alternative for attendees who would otherwise need to travel to New York or Chicago, California, or Arizona to get their astronomy “toy fix”.  For some of you, it will be the first convenient opportunity for you to attend a world class display of astronomy products up close and personal!

NEW: Special Bonus for On-Line Ticket Buyers. Guests who purchase Admission Tickets on-line will receive a special FREE Raffle Prize Ballot that we will deposit into the ballot box on your behalf. And then on Friday evening (May 24, before the show starts on Saturday) we will do a special Raffle Prize Draw (raffle prizes are the BIG prizes). Only pre-registered guests will have a chance to win this prize. If your name is not drawn, your raffle ballot remains in the ballot box for the main prize draw on Sunday. You do NOT need to be present to win! So not only do you save on your ticket purchase, you also have an extra chance to win a great prize!

Save with on-line ticket purchase. (1-day extension: on-line sales close May 22 @ 11:59 pm)

Door Prize Update: This just in (May 17)... Actually, there are too many prizes that came in over the last 2-days to list them here. Go check the "Prizes" Page. Prize tally now over $ 13,000 and still counting!

Free "Solar Shades" glasses for your children age 5-17 (while supplies last, 300 available). Courtesy of Charlie Bates Solar Astronomy Project.

Over 20 Exhibitors/Sponsors from all over North America with $300K+++ in merchandise on display. New product débuts!  You'll see everything from entry level up to "observatory class"... equipment, software, accessories, the sky's the limit!

Exhibitor Update - Just added: (May 17):
- Starlight Xpress
- Normand Fullum Telescopes

Seminars and Keynote Speakers
For Beginners AND Experienced Astronomers - Something for everyone!  FREE with the purchase of a General Admission Ticket! There are even seminars for families with children!

We have a full slate of seminars! Whether you are a "newbie" looking for tips on your first telescope purchase, an experienced  astronomer, or astrophotographer, there are several seminars that offer the opportunity to learn and be entertained. For more details:

Saturday Keynote Speaker: Terence Dickinson  - Author, Publisher, Educator
                                 21st Century Trends in Backyard Astronomy
Terence Dickinson is a leading amateur astronomer and science writer who lives near the town of Yarker, Ontario.  He is the editor of SkyNews magazine and an astronomy commentator for Discovery Channel Canada. He has written fifteen books, which are widely regarded as some of the best resources available for beginners in astronomy. Most notably, "The Backyard Astronomer's Guide" and "Night Watch: A Practical Guide to Viewing the Universe " are considered "must have" books by all astronomers.  Terry even has an asteroid named after him:  Asteroid 5272 Dickinson


Sunday Keynote Speaker: Jim Fitzgerald -  Retired NASA Educator
20 Years of NASA Education .. What a Ride!


Jim Fitzgerald is a professional educator. In 1990 a unique opportunity took Jim out of the classroom and into the world of NASA. He became part of the NASA Aerospace Education Services Project – which began to provide a NASA impact on education in 1961.

 

Door Prizes and Raffle Prizes:
Our Sponsors have been generous! There will be $ thousands of fabulous door prizes and raffle prizes. Every visitor will receive a door prize ballot and you can increase your odds of winning a fabulous prize by purchasing a Raffle Ticket ($2 or 3 for $5).

  A Great Day For Families!

This is a great way to introduce the whole family to a fun, educational, and wholesome hobby. We have special seminars devoted to beginners. For example, "Family Observing" and "Choosing Your First Telescope". The Keynote Speakers will enjoy seeing young people in the audience!


What is an Astronomy Trade Show?

It's just like an auto/boat/outdoor/cottage show, only with astronomy gadgets that will leave you drooling. Some exhibitors will be showcasing brand new products, others will offer a retail purchase opportunity. Some visitors will see this as an excellent opportunity to plan their next investment in new equipment. A trade show is where you get to see the "real thing" and kick a few tires (gently please!). And no trade show would be complete without fabulous door and raffle prizes!

If you are ready to buy new astronomy gear there will be approx. $ 250K+++ of merchandise available for purchase at the show. Everything from telescopes, mounts, CCD cameras, focusers, and more. There is something for everyone...entry level to high-end professional grade equipment will be on display. And there is sure to be a few "new product unveilings" at the show.

Held just 25 km (15 miles) West of Toronto and only 90 km (55 miles) North of Buffalo, NY), at Sheridan Community College in Oakville, Ontario, AstroCATS is a 2-day event featuring the largest commercial display and sale of telescopes and related astronomical products in the Canada.

We expect AstroCATS to rapidly become the world’s largest networking platform where manufacturers, suppliers, and vendors have the opportunity to build partnerships, expand their relationships, and showcase new products for the upcoming year.

Outside of the trade show area we will have seminars featuring leaders and acknowledged experts in various fields. We present a unique opportunity for attendees to network and learn from both amateur and professional astronomers.

Tickets:
Tickets can be purchased at the door or on-line (discount for on-line purchases). Individual, Youth, and Family tickets are available. See below for ticket prices.