Buying a Snake @ a Show

[ALTownsend1]

So...Tampa Repticon is this Saturday, and if the right price/snake/breeder is there, I will likely be bringing home a new addition, a buddy for Wyatt. Before I make the trip to the show, I have a few questions for the wise BP.netters:

1) Has anyone made it to previous Tampa Repticons? What can I expect? How are the vendors/prices/atmosphere?

2) I went ahead and bought the VIP ticket on the Repticon website. What does this get me? I read that I can pick up tickets that morning, and enter at 9 rather than 10..any other perks? Does this cover only one day or both? Did I waste a whopping $2?

3) I will have the truck packed so if I do make a purchase, I can head back up to Gainesville straight from the show to get the possible purchase right into it's new home.If I do find something before the show starts for non-vip's, or early in the show, will the seller hold the snake for me until I'm ready to leave, or will I have to hold the snake as I make my rounds?

4) Once I get the snake and leave the show, any tips for transporting the snake in the car? It will be a 2 hour ride from Tampa-Gainesville.

5) (This may get me some flack, but I'd rather ask it and get a proper response then not ask and make a mistake). I have a 3 tub rack where my one BP Wyatt is in the top tub, and the other two are unused. The temps and humidity are perfect and all that good stuff. Here's the controversial question: with a snake from a reputable breeder at the show, how necessary is the quarantine process (be gentle...at least I'm asking...)? Would putting the snake in the rack be a huge no-no?

6) Any show wisdom? Just want to hear everyones experiences, what they do, or wish they had done, and anything I need to know before I go to make sure I make smart decisions, and make the most of the show that will likely be the only one I go to this year, or for a long time. Are there ATM's? Do breeders take plastic (sorry if this is a silly question)? I've heard random info such as "sunday sales" or deals during the 9-10 "VIP" time...

You guys, as always, ROCK! Thanks!