Reptile expos? Worth the trip?

kiiarah · 10-06-14, 08:21 PM

Hi guys,

So there are two upcoming reptile expos in my area and I am trying to decide if it is worth the trip and admission cost (they are two hours away). Has anyone been to one of these and are they worth it? I wouldn't be in the market for any new pick ups right away and am pretty much good on supplies. I know frozen feeders are a good price there, but I would be taking a family of four and only have one snake. Do you think feeders would still be cheaper after factoring in gas and admission too? Anyone have any stories about a show they have been to that will help me make a decision?

**millertime89** · 10-06-14, 08:22 PM

Depends on the show and the area. The BIG shows (NARBC for example) are always worth a trip. The smaller, local shows can definitely be worth a trip as you can network and usually get deals on gear or animals.

kiiarah · 10-06-14, 08:50 PM

I see, well one that is going to be here soon is Repticon which seems like it is well known, but from the photos the other one (the Phoenix Reptile Expo) almost seems bigger and nicer. Any experience with Repticon by chance?

simpleyork · 10-06-14, 09:07 PM

The Repticon show here usually isn't the greatest, given they've only been coming here for the past three or so years. The Wasatch Reptile Expo, is decent, I go as more of a tradition my wife and I started as it is always near our anniversary, so that is one of our things to go do. Took our 5 kids there this year and they had a blast. I count them as a better event then the Zoo we have, though I am biased as I only go to the zoo to see their Herp collection, which at this time is small in number of different species (they had three cages with sand boas last time I was there)

toddnbecka · 10-07-14, 01:37 AM

We went to a reptile show last month the day before we flew to Myrtle Beach. It was a monthly affair, first one we'd been to, so nothing to compare it to. I was surprised at the prices, baby corn and king snakes of just about every color were available for about 20% of the usual pet store prices. Planning on going to the Hamburg show in 2 more weeks, I heard it's much bigger and better than the one we attended. Even if you don't buy anything it's great to go and look around.

sharthun · 10-07-14, 08:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by millertime89

Depends on the show and the area. The BIG shows (NARBC for example) are always worth a trip. The smaller, local shows can definitely be worth a trip as you can network and usually get deals on gear or animals.

Yep, I agree, NARBC is worth the trip! I have been disappointed with Repticon in the Dallas area. Very small shows and vendor/breeder list.

**Pareeeee** · 10-07-14, 09:11 AM

The reptile expo I went to in Toronto was awesome. I saved SO much money buying my supplies there. Lots of animals to drool over too. Take lots of cash with you. You WILL buy something.

IW17 · 10-07-14, 10:53 AM

I like reptile shows. You meet lots of people and prices are usually reasonable and negotiable. Plus if you don't see something you want, chances are someone either has them and just didn't bring them, or knows someone who does. Feeders are generally the same price as online, but you don't pay shipping. Enclosures and supplies are hit and miss. Sometimes I find deals, other times it's cheaper online. But either way it's fun to just walk around and see so many herps in one place. It's like a candy shop for grown up kids lol. You'll show up with a list of wants, and leave with a much longer list!

kiiarah · 10-07-14, 01:58 PM

Sounds like it would be fun then, maybe I will go for the Reptile Expo at the city convention center over Repticon then. From what I saw in photos and on their website they looked smaller and more thrown together than the actual expo. Guess I know where at least some of my vacation time is going.

sharthun · 10-07-14, 02:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kiiarah

Sounds like it would be fun then, maybe I will go for the Reptile Expo at the city convention center over Repticon then. From what I saw in photos and on their website they looked smaller and more thrown together than the actual expo. Guess I know where at least some of my vacation time is going.

You never know! I picked up my last snake at Repticon and it was a very small show. It is fun to see all the different breeds and meet others interested in our hobby.

**millertime89** · 10-07-14, 06:54 PM

Repticon can be hit and miss. It's run by a national organization but it doesn't draw the big vendors from out of state usually like NARBC (Tinley/Chicago, Arlington/Dallas, or Anaheim), Myrtle Beach, the Pamona Super Show, and some others.

CK SandBoas · 10-07-14, 06:59 PM

I always enjoy going to my two local shows, the Massachusetts and New Hampshire Reptile expos. I always get to meet and hang out with my friends, and I always seem to leave with a new critter!

I just went to the White Plains Expo in New York for the first time last month, and to me, it was definitely worth the 3 1/2 hour drive up and back. Had a great time, got to hang out with old and new friends, and of course came home with a Hognose

Akuma223 · 10-07-14, 07:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CK SandBoas

I always enjoy going to my two local shows, the Massachusetts and New Hampshire Reptile expos. I always get to meet and hang out with my friends, and I always seem to leave with a new critter!

I just went to the White Plains Expo in New York for the first time last month, and to me, it was definitely worth the 3 1/2 hour drive up and back. Had a great time, got to hang out with old and new friends, and of course came home with a Hognose

Lucky you only have a 3 1/2 hour drive! For me to go to any interesting expo I have drive at the very least 5 1/2 hours!!

CK SandBoas · 10-07-14, 07:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Akuma223

Lucky you only have a 3 1/2 hour drive! For me to go to any interesting expo I have drive at the very least 5 1/2 hours!!

Yikes!!! I can only imagine how tired I would be after doing an 11 hour roundtrip to an expo...

Akuma223 · 10-07-14, 07:12 PM

I really thinking about it!! If I don't find anything at the buffalo expo I'll will begin my plans!