Reptile expo, tips for first timer?

Vacation is scheduled and I am going to the Phoenix reptile expo in about two weeks! I have never been to a reptile expo before (or any type of animal related expo for that matter). I have gone to a huge gem and mineral show in the past so I have a basic idea of the set up, just lots of individual vendors, but does anyone have any general info on these. I am going on the first day of the expo because I have heard that the discounts on the second day are usually on animals and not supplies. Since I have only had my baby bp for a month, I don't think it would be responsible to bring anyone new home just yet, so this first year will just be stocking up on supplies and scoping out availability and prices of various morphs and species. Is there usually a huge line on the first day? I don't see any option to purchase tickets in advance so I am assuming they are just something you buy at the gate. Is an expo the sort of event that tickets can sell out or can anyone who shows up get in? If anyone has any experience with the Phoenix reptile expo specifically that would be great too. Just sort of wondering how big it is and how much variety there will be. :)

It's been a few years since I've been to the Phoenix show, but if it is as I remember it, then it's not a huge show. It's a lovely show, but not huge. So you shouldn't have to worry about crazy long lines or anything. Yes, there will likely be a line at the door before the show opens, but it should move quickly. You'll pay your entry fee and get either a wrist band or a hand stamp, then go into the show.

Advice...just enjoy it and soak it all in. Don't be afraid to talk to the vendors, even if you see a "big name" at the show that you recognize, you shouldn't be afraid to talk to them. The vendors are there because they WANT to talk to the general public and they love talking about their animals. Ask questions, show interest, be polite and respectful. You can ask to hold animals, but don't be offended if they say no. Some animals are skittish or bitey or just not suitable for public handling, but you'll find plenty of animals to interact with. Always ask first, though!

If you're sure you don't want to buy anything, I'd recommend leaving your money and credit/debit cards at home. :P (Except, of course, for what you need for the entry fee, lunch, and maybe a t-shirt or some trinket.) The temptation to buy something, especially an animal, can be REALLY strong. See a little crested gecko you fall in love with? Well guess what? Someone there will be selling cages and substrate and gecko food. Way too easy to walk out with an armload of supplies and a new critter. So...just be prepared, either way. ;)

I'd say the "end of show" deals apply to both dry goods and animals. Whatever they sell means that much less they have to pack up and carry home with them. :)

That's some great advice Judy. Not to hijack the thread, but I'm also going to my first reptile expo in Dallas next month. You've pretty much answered any question I would have had but do you have any experience with that show? Whether it'll be a mad house or not? If I'm looking to actually walk away with a critter would it be best to go on the first or second day?

I went to my first show in July 2013 and have been to 2 others since then (and am going to yet another in November).

There has always been a line the first day... I know, for buying animals, I would advise going early on the first day for the best selection... I know there may be a price drop the second day, but that is on the animals "left over"... So if you are looking for something in particular, you might want to go on the first day. But if you're just looking to see what you can pick up for a good deal, the second day might be a good bet for you.

Do you know who is putting on the show? In my area, repticon does all the shows and you can buy 2 day tickets online (they keep your name on file and check you off their list when you tell them who you are).

The only other advice I would give is bring cash... in various denominations and bring hand sanitizer so that you can clean your hands after handling an animal.

The temptation to buy an animal is very strong... I actually set up two quarantine enclosures last time before I went and it's a good thing I did... I came home with 2 snakes that I got good deals on instead of the 1 snake I was planning on buying.

Good luck and have fun!

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Originally Posted by Madscrills

That's some great advice Judy. Not to hijack the thread, but I'm also going to my first reptile expo in Dallas next month. You've pretty much answered any question I would have had but do you have any experience with that show? Whether it'll be a mad house or not? If I'm looking to actually walk away with a critter would it be best to go on the first or second day?

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I've been to the big NARBC shows in Arlington a number of times, and one other smaller venue in the D/FW area. Not sure which specific show you're going to next month, but my guess is that it would be on par with what I described for the Phoenix shows.

If you're looking for something specific, I'd definitely try to get there early on the first day, as already mentioned. Also, look up the show's website and vendor list and see who will be there so you can get an idea of what will be available. If you're looking for a specific ball python morph, for instance, you can see who will be selling ball pythons, check out their own websites, and maybe even contact some ahead of time to talk about what will be available and maybe even make a deal ahead of time, or arrange to have some specific animals brought to the show for you to look at. Not all vendors will be that accommodating, but some may be.

Don't call someone's animals ugly. I think that's a good start.:gj:

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Originally Posted by pythonminion

Don't call someone's animals ugly. I think that's a good start.:gj:

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Also try to avoid dropping any animals you might get the pleasure of holding :)

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Originally Posted by George1994

Also try to avoid dropping any animals you might get the pleasure of holding :)

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I've actually had a crested gecko fly out of my hands the last time I went. Made it up to the vendor by buying a baby one lol

Thanks guys, and sorry about the delayed reply! I had been checking this thread constantly but I think my tablet was having a hard time updating because I didn't see any replies until just now. The whole family is so excited for the show. I can't imagine any reptile I would be tempted to call ugly, so we are good there. ;) I don't plan on buying any animals, I just feel like I owe it to my baby (and first ever) ball python to give him plenty of time with my undivided attention before bringing any new "distractions" home, but I will be stocking up on feeder rodents and possibly some substrate or better hides.

I would love to handle some snakes while I am there, but I sort of hate to waste the vendors' time since I know I won't be purchasing. The two that I hope to get to handle would be a hognose and a carpet python if any are available because these two are on the list for future acquisitions and it would be nice to get some first hand experience with them to finalize that plan. That way I have a whole year to research and prepare before even considering bringing one home. The Phoenix show has a "no venomous" rule so there may not be any hoggies there, but fingers crossed, maybe they squeaked by.

I can't even imagine having an animal leap or otherwise do anything risky during handling, I would be so worried it would get hurt. I did get to handle a pied ball python today at Petsmart of all places. I was only there to return an incomplete product, but I couldn't pass up the opportunity when I noticed they had him. He was quite timid and actually struck in the direction of my son's head as he walked past lol. Couldn't have done any damage to him, but I was thrilled that I didn't flinch or drop him or anything. I had been pretty confident that I wouldn't panic if one struck while I was holding him/her, but you can never really know until it happens. It gives me more confidence that I could remain calm if my little guy ever did anything like that. I was lucky to get a very very sweet pastel who will even let me gently pet him on his head down to the back of his neck without any flinching. In fact, usually he just looks up and me slowly and flicks his tongue. Seriously can't imagine a more curious and tolerant snake. He is one reason I am not too worried about impulse buys at the show, I just don't know what could compete with him lol. :P

One suggestion I have that applies in general to all expos: Take a "warm up lap" and walk through the entire hall before making any decisions or purchases. Check out every vendor and stall, and then go back and spend more time at those you're interested in.

Recent example: a few weeks ago I went to the Toronto Reptile Show with the intent of buying a Vivarium Electronics VE-300 from a specific major vendor with a huge display - dozens of snakes, display panels with all sorts of decor and stuff. But it was more $$$ than I was expecting, so I kept looking around and further down the hall there was a guy from out of town with a one table set-up who was selling the same product for $75 less.

Wow, will definitely keep that in mind, especially since I am only looking for the types of supplies that have to be purchased regularly that I can stock up on. I figure that is the kind of stuff that lots of different vendors will have, as opposed to snakes that are all fairly unique. We are also using it as an opportunity for the kids to see the different herps out there. They have been taught from an early age that animals should be respected and that there are very few that should be feared across the board. They are great about treating animals well, but I really want them to develop a passion and fascination with all different animals. Reptiles are probably the ones they have had the least direct experience with. We have had so many different kinds of pets but reptiles are new to them, so I think it will be great for them to get to really see the diversity and admire just how cool these guys are, so a lot of our time is going to be spent just seeing the different animals there.

Both of them want to get a reptile of their own, but I have explained to them that they would need to show me it isn't just a fleeting interest. They have agreed to see what is available, figure out what really interests them there and then start researching and learning about the care that animal would require. They are homeschooled so they should have plenty of time to do it. I figure if by the time the show comes around next year they are knowlegable enough and still that interested then we can make a decision by then. They are only 6 and 7 (both with birthdays next month) so they will be pretty young still by that time. I am going to wind up being the primary caretaker for any animals we get at this point, but I at least want to know they won't get bored in a week, because otherwise I would rather have something I have been dying to get lol. Should be a great experience for everyone though. :)

Walk around and look more than once.

Ask multiple people about their prices.

Haggle.

Don't bring more than you intend to spend.

Leave when you've bought what you need/want or when you've run out of money! It's hard not to want all of them. :D

This thread is great! I've been to reptile shows in the past, but the one in Denver this weekend is the first one we are going to where we plan to purchase our first snake (finally! Our first reptile show was over 3 years ago but our apartment did not allow reptiles. We bought our own house last year though and we feel it's time to get a snake now!). I'm very excited but a little nervous this time around! We aren't looking to spend much money since it's our first snake (though we do have leopard geckos, so we aren't totally new to keeping reptiles haha). I've heard reptile expos are great for finding a good deal on a nice snake. :)

It sounds like you and I OP are in the same boat - I'll be heading to the expo in Phoenix too, but I won't get there until Sunday. Hopefully there are still a few to choose from!