What are the best shows in Florida?

I have never really gone to the expos, since I was occupied with test and research papers.

Anyways, I really would like to go to some shows this year, but I'm not sure which one to go to. Could someone give me a description of the shows, and what to expect? Also, do you recommend staying at a hotel for the ones that are at a far distant or are they not even worth staying? Two more questions: May I bring my snake? How is the buying transaction like at these shows, and what should I bring for temporary housing if I do stay the night?

Thank you.

This is the best show in Florida:

http://www.reptilebreedersexpo.com/

What to expect is usually alot of fellow herpers, and more amazing animals than you can imagine. Especially at the bigger shows. Also a ton of variety!

As far as staying at a hotel it really depends, some shows you can walk through and see everything a few times in one day and others it could take you both days to really see everything. So it depends on the size of the show and what all you are looking for.
No, you can't bring your snake. Usually the only outside animals that are allowed are service animals.
Transactions are very easy. Some vendors will accept credit/debit cards but cash is usually recommended. You can usually get better deals when using cash. Also, set a limit for yourself and only bring that much! If you have the money available it is very easy to spend more than you planned on!
When you purchase animals the vendors will supply you with the temporary housing for transporting your new animals. Usually plastic containers.

The Daytona expo in Aarons post is the best ones I have been to. Although, I have not been to many Repticons, the one I did go to was not extremely thrilling, but worth it if you are within an hours driving distance.

I went to both days of "Daytona" this year and in my opinion, you can see everything Saturday, but Sunday you may be able to find some good deals.

Thanks, everyone! It is to bad that I missed the breeder expo, it looks like fun. Anyways, what is the best upcoming show, like which is the best Repticon? What types of animals and stuff are they selling? Also, my daughter (16) is planning on going and getting her second snake that is totally hers, but I
was wondering if they would sell the snake to her or do I have to be with her during it all. I know she wants to surprise me with what she chooses, but I'm not sure of the rules at shows.

Thanks!

Daytona show is the biggest but also has the biggest crowds! All of the Fl shows I have been to will sell to anybody unless a permit is required. I have gotten 99% of all my balls from the Fl repticon shows. Really great people!!

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Originally Posted by ReptileJenna

Thanks, everyone! It is to bad that I missed the breeder expo, it looks like fun. Anyways, what is the best upcoming show, like which is the best Repticon? What types of animals and stuff are they selling? Also, my daughter (16) is planning on going and getting her second snake that is totally hers, but I
was wondering if they would sell the snake to her or do I have to be with her during it all. I know she wants to surprise me with what she chooses, but I'm not sure of the rules at shows.

Thanks!

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The Daytona Reptile Breeders show s in August

Sellers shouldn't sell to minors, but many do.

Like others said, don't bring your animals. Daytona is awesome to stay overnight, esp if you can go to the seminars or attend the dinners that different people go to. Meeting up with a lot of cool herpers is one of the best aspects. Seeing a ton of cool animals that you might not be able to keep or afford is one of my favorite reasons to attend.

I can't think of a single show I would stay overnight for, except for Daytona. Most shows you can arrive early and stay all day and see every angle of every thing in the show multiple times. Honestly, the last couple years, you could do the same even with Daytona.

Maybe we'll meet at a show! Sometimes there are threads asking "Who's going to *insert show* this weekend??" and anyone who is attending will post(unless they're shy or antisocial or whatever) and so BP.net members can meet each other.

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Originally Posted by wolfy-hound

Maybe we'll meet at a show! Sometimes there are threads asking "Who's going to *insert show* this weekend??" and anyone who is attending will post(unless they're shy or antisocial or whatever) and so BP.net members can meet each other.

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I know that I am going to Daytona this year... I'll probably be starting one of those threads if someone else doesn't beat me to it lol

Wow, August already seems so far away! I am definitely saving up my money and start making a shopping list. I plan to go to at least the Tampa repticon, but it doesn't seem that big. However, the Orlando show seems slightly bigger.

I am really hoping to get some good morphs or some unique breeds, but I guess I'll just have to wait and see.

Thanks!

Would the Daytona Expo be worth a road trip from CT lol? Itd be like a 20hr drive but i feel like itd be something really fun to do with some friends before i have to go back to school in the fall. Plus all you Floridians are always talking about how awesome FL is, i gotta get down there eventually. This seems like as good an excuse as any :p

I'll be at Daytona in August...

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Originally Posted by Mike41793

Would the Daytona Expo be worth a road trip from CT lol? Itd be like a 20hr drive but i feel like itd be something really fun to do with some friends before i have to go back to school in the fall. Plus all you Floridians are always talking about how awesome FL is, i gotta get down there eventually. This seems like as good an excuse as any :p

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If paired with other things in florida, then I would say yes... just for the show, probably not.

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Originally Posted by The Serpent Merchant

If paired with other things in florida, then I would say yes... just for the show, probably not.

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I was just talking all this over with my friend and he convinced me that going to 3 shows in may, july, and august that are all closer to us will be better than going to daytona. I agree haha.
Crap, looks like ill have to wait some more before making my way to the sunshine state lol!