Alright, everyone! Before we get into the really fun stuff—like which axolotl morph is the cutest—let's set the scene. Repticon Hickory is almost here, we're talking October 11th and 12th at the Hickory Metro Convention Center. That’s 1960 13th Ave. Drive SE in Hickory, North Carolina for anyone who still writes things down like I do! Doors open Saturday at 9 am, close at 4, and then Sunday you can roll in at 10 am, stay until 4. Seriously, there’s plenty of time to wander, shop, or just get lost watching dart frogs all day, no judgment.Yeah, Lisa, and—well, what I love about that venue is it’s got enough elbow room that you aren’t tripping over strollers and glass tanks every turn. The whole place just works for families and seasoned hobbyists. And, y’know, the thing about Hickory is, it’s kinda become a hub for a lot of North Carolina’s herp community. You see newer faces with the seasoned breeders, which is really... I mean, it makes for a special show every year.And if you’re traveling in, don't let the “Metro” in the name fool ya—parking’s easy, access is easy, and you get these little clusters of excitement as soon as the doors open. We saw that at Lakeland, and Baltimore too, right? People pour in with that energy, crowding around the vendor tables. There’s a lot of buzz, even before you’ve hit your second cup of coffee.You know, setting the place up is always a wild couple days. My team and I start mapping tables, marking guest entrances, keeping the vendor flow smooth—and yeah, Guy, I saw you last year trying to single-handedly untangle that extension cord snake pit. We try to make this show feel as welcoming as possible; signage, activities, helping families find the educational stuff so nobody feels overwhelmed. There’s this rhythm to it all, and I always hope people feel that spark when they walk in the door.Absolutely, Lisa. And I always notice how, when you prep these events, there’s attention to both the animals and the people. Accessibility, safety, and some good space for meet-and-greet moments—little things that actually matter to veterans and newcomers. It’s… well, you want everyone to feel part of the community. And honestly, Hickory usually manages exactly that.Couldn’t agree more. In fact, the way each expo is set up, it really lays the groundwork for those memorable vendor discoveries. Speaking of—should we start talking about which tables you can't skip this year?Let’s do it—because Hickory’s got some all-star vendors lined up. I’ll kick off with Appalachian Axolotls. These folks bring some seriously impressive axolotls, right out of the Smokies. We’re talking about copper, leucistic, melanoid, and even those fluffy-gilled golden albinos. What makes them stand out to me, besides the genetics and healthy stock, is how dedicated they are to teaching new folks the ropes—care sheets, feeding advice, you name it.They’re all about education on Instagram too. I’ve seen them answering questions in real time, posting tips, showing behind-the-scenes stuff. It’s not just, “Here's a cute animal.” They want every axolotl to land in a good home—with a keeper who knows what they’re doing! They bring that community engagement right to the expo floor.Exactly, Lisa. Next, let’s not sleep on Crazy Eye Creations over in Kernersville. If you’re after a bearded dragon or one of those wild gecko morphs, their table is a must. They’ve got Red Monster, Hypo, Tiger, Witblit beardies. And for geckos—think crested, gargoyle, and those New Caledonian giants. Plus, I appreciate the way they bring in supplies, custom enclosures, collectibles—more than just animals. Their MorphMarket reputation is flawless, a real 5.0, so you know they back their commitment to quality and healthy husbandry.Yeah, Crazy Eye’s all about support too. They stick around after the sale, answer questions, and—since this comes up so often—remind everyone to check their Instagram and Facebook for live updates and care advice. We’ve seen in shows like Baltimore and Greenville how valuable that follow-up support is for new keepers. And not to forget, when you hit their table, ask about their collectibles. I cannot resist a reptile mug, I’m just… well, you all know they have a way of following me home.You and your mugs, Jay! But okay, the last of our spotlight trio: Sterling Exotics, out of Garner. This is a woman-owned operation, and honestly, their lineup is wild—Western hognose snakes, multiple species of tree frogs, all sorts of geckos, plants, and even some inverts. They’ve garnered a ton of respect, not just on MorphMarket with a perfect five from, what, nearly fifty reviews?—but from local hobbyists and in online communities as well. Their guarantees, payment options, the whole transparency piece… it just builds so much trust with buyers, especially for folks who are new or want to branch out.I’ve heard from people at shows up and down the southeast that Sterling brings a table with real variety—herps, habitat plants, even some cool invertebrates. If you’re after a White’s tree frog, a crested or mourning gecko, or want to start a planted setup, you’re going to want to check them out. And as we’ve been saying these past few episodes: those policies and clear guarantees are huge for buyer confidence. That’s the standard we keep talking about seeing more often at Repticon events. Sterling really nails it.And it's not just about their variety. Sterling is active at expos all over the Repticon circuit, making them easily approachable and consistent. Really, those three tables—Appalachian Axolotls, Crazy Eye Creations, Sterling Exotics—they’re not just vendors, they’re touchpoints for education and community-building, which is what expos like this are all about, right?Couldn’t have said it better myself. And just a reminder—don’t just breeze by, actually engage with these folks. Ask questions, learn about their breeding practices. There’s more behind every animal than you realize, and these vendors love sharing.Speaking of maximizing every moment—let’s talk expo strategies. Jay, you’ve been going to shows forever. I know you’ve got a checklist in your pocket. What’s your biggest tip?I could go on—believe me. But the single best thing is planning ahead. Download that vendor map before you show up—set a route for the must-see tables. I always circle my priorities, and if there’s an animal you really want, make it your first stop. And, uh, don’t forget cash; some folks aren’t set up for cards, and it can mean the difference between getting that dream dragon or leaving empty-handed. Happened to me once, never again.He’s not kidding about the cash thing! As someone who sees a zillion transactions per show, it’s way smoother than tracking down an ATM. And, please—engage with the vendors. If there’s a care sheet at a table, grab it! Ask for one if you don’t see it. And don’t be shy about finding them on Instagram or Facebook for those last-minute care questions or getting updates about new clutches after the show. It helps keep that sense of community going even after the weekend ends.And, as odd as it might sound, take a notepad—or, at least, make use of that phone for notes and pictures. Jay, you brought this up a while ago, and it's stuck with me. Jot down the breeder names, morphs, tips you hear. I always forget which vendor said what if I don’t write it somewhere! Oh, and definitely ask before snapping photos—most are happy to let you, but it’s common courtesy.Yeah, some of my favorite wish list animals have come from old notes or photos I’ve taken—saves you from that inevitable “Where did I see that blue gecko again?” Not all our memories are as sharp as a crocodile’s teeth, right, Mike?Ha, not even close, Jay. Also, I’d add: pace yourself. There’s so much to see, and it can be easy to burn out and miss something cool near the end of the day. Take breaks, hit the concession stand, and remember, it’s supposed to be fun. We talk a lot about planning, but don’t lose the sense of wonder, either.That’s the heart of it. Repticon shows are about meeting new animals, new people, and new ideas. The more you get involved, the more rewarding it becomes. And hey, if you spot one of us, please say hi! Sometimes we’re running around with clipboards or microphones, but we always love hearing your stories.Brilliant. And, before we go—I know we’ll be covering even more vendors and behind-the-scenes stories in future episodes. So, if you plan to attend Hickory, let us know your top vendors or wish list animals for the show! Alright, folks, let’s sign off.Thanks for joining us! This has been Jay, can’t wait to see everyone at the show, and, uh, don't forget your notepad and cash.I’ll second that—this is Michael. If you see a guy hovering near the carpet pythons, it’s probably me. Take care, everyone.Lisa here—thanks for listening and keeping the Repticon energy alive. Can’t wait to make some more memories in Hickory. Bye, y’all!And I’m Guy—cheers from me. See you at the expo, and keep the conservation conversations going. Goodbye all!

Episodes

Repticon Hickory Spotlight