Repticon Bradenton August 2025

Lisa Parker

Welcome back, reptile lovers! Lisa here, and today we're throwing the spotlight on Repticon Bradenton 2025, coming up August 30th and 31st at the Bradenton Convention Center in Palmetto, Florida. I mean, I know I always say this, but this one's truly for everyone—families, hobbyists, first-timers, even folks who just wandered in searching for air conditioning and left with a crested gecko. Happens more than you think!

Jay Tacey

Yeah, Lisa, and what I love about expos like Bradenton, it’s, well—I mean, it’s the education baked right in. You get all these passionate vendors and breeders under one roof. It’s fun, it's interactive—hands-on stuff for the kids, talks for the parents, and honestly, it’s hard to not get swept up when you see a five-year-old’s eyes light up because they met a blue-tongue skink for the first time. I remember one year—this was in Texas, actually—a little girl spent half an hour petting a snake and left declaring she was gonna be a zookeeper. Next thing you know, she’s dragging her parents booth to booth, asking about every species. That’s the magic of these events to me. Instilling curiosity, a little bit of awe—and sometimes a lifelong obsession, if you’re not careful.

Michael Arnold

And you know, Jay, that's what I hear all the time. I'll see families pull up looking kind of nervous, and by the time they're done feeding dubia roaches to a beardie, they're totally hooked. Repticon Bradenton’s awesome for that—there's always something happening, whether you’re there for the snakes or you just want to check out some wacky enclosures.

Guy Mc Farlane

I couldn't agree more. And from a conservation angle, expos like this do real work moving the needle—when people see how stunning these animals are, how well they’re cared for, that empathy and respect just grows naturally. So, whether you're six or sixty, you're going to find something at Bradenton that sparks a bit of wonder, and that's, in my opinion, what keeps the community going strong.

Lisa Parker

And don't forget, y’all, it’s perfect timing at the end of August—before the chaos of school fully kicks in, and with a full schedule of programming to keep the kids occupied. If you’re listening and thinking about it, go ahead and mark the calendar: August 30th and 31st, Bradenton Convention Center. Just trust me on this one.

Jay Tacey

Let’s talk vendors, because this year’s Bradenton lineup is, honestly, kind of stacked. First up: Agocs Exotics out of North Fort Myers—these folks have mastered the “one-stop shop” approach. I’m talking ball pythons, lizards, arachnids, feed—you name it. The staff is welcoming but also really know their stuff. They've got that 5.0 MorphMarket reputation, and you can tell why just watching them interact. There’s always a sense of community around their booth—like, nobody’s in a rush, you get your questions answered, and new keepers feel at home. And look, anyone who can wrangle both spiders and kids at the same booth? It's a skill set!

Michael Arnold

Oh, absolutely. You know what impresses me with Agocs? The flexibility. You can buy a corn snake, grab an enclosure, pay with Venmo or Apple Pay—heck, even set up an installment plan if you need to. And every review out there raves about their healthy animals and how helpful the staff are. That’s gold for new hobbyists and old timers alike.

Lisa Parker

And they really show up for the community—agreed, Michael. You’ll run into them at expos all over the country, not just Florida. It makes a difference when families can come back year after year and see the same familiar faces behind the table. That sort of consistency, it’s a trust builder. And, um, the gecko variety? It’s almost dangerous how tempting that is—don’t leave me alone at their booth with my wallet, I’m warning you now.

Guy Mc Farlane

Moving along, DGB Exotics—Daniel Bates’ operation. He specializes in corn snakes, and, well, if you love kingsnakes, geckos, or something a little less mainstream, he's got you covered. The big thing here is the meticulous record keeping—genetics, feedings, shedding, pedigrees; it all matters when you want healthy, long-lived animals. He’s earned that 5.0 reputation for a reason. Honestly, as someone who’s worked in conservation, seeing careful lineage tracking and prepped-for-success animals says it all about the ethics behind the table.

Jay Tacey

Yeah, and DGB Exotics isn't just about looks—Daniel's clear about what goes in, out, and around every animal he sells. People can track lineage, get care tips, and even geek out on genetics with him. The shipping's done right—hub to hub, safe, no shortcuts. That peace of mind is huge, especially for anyone ordering for the first time.

Michael Arnold

The other thing—this is where expos shine—ask a question and you get ten more fun facts back. Daniel’s the sort who’ll walk you through every detail, no judgment. Makes new keepers feel confident before they even go home with their new animal. You see why vendors like this pop up so often in our conversations—we talked about it in Knoxville, same vibe here. It’s knowledge plus accessibility.

Lisa Parker

There’s one more all-star we’ve gotta mention: Guardians of the Geckos. Not only do they specialize in those gorgeous New Caledonian geckos—crested, gargoyle, leachianus—but they also bring the whole care ecosystem. Custom 3D-printed habitats, magnetic feeders, bioactive setups, care guides you can actually understand… and they’re always out there with interactive displays. Folks, their booth is basically a playground for gecko fans of all ages—and if you don’t know what a leachie is, make it your homework before the show. You’ll thank me.

Guy Mc Farlane

Right, and Guardians of the Geckos are, what’s the word—evangelists? For education. Every animal they sell comes paired with real advice, take-home care sheets, and encouragement to stay in touch. It’s that transparency and support that drive good husbandry and set people up for success, not just at the event but months after. That theme pops up frequently; we saw it at Fayetteville and Johnson City too—vendors building real, supportive relationships with keepers. That ripple effect, it’s what grows the hobby responsibly.

Michael Arnold

I wanna pivot for a sec here—because as much as we love the animals, expos like Bradenton are also about creativity and community. This is where vendors like Aloha Kai Lani jump out. They blend Hawaiian-inspired art. Think laser-engraved ceramics, glass, jewelry with animal rescue advocacy. So, every decorative piece they sell? That helps them build toward their dream of opening an exotic animal sanctuary. I just think that’s a ridiculously cool way to blend art with purpose.

Jay Tacey

Yeah, Michael, that intersection is important. It’s not just animal care behind the tables—it's people sharing passions, supporting rescue, offering hands-on opportunities. You walk past their booth and it’s not just retail, it’s storytelling. And honestly, the family-run spirit there, that’s the undercurrent for much of Repticon these days.

Lisa Parker

So, little behind-the-scenes peek: events like Bradenton take an enormous amount of teamwork and creative juggling, not only scheduling over a hundred different booths, but making sure every vendor—from breeders to crafters to hands-on display folks—all feel supported. And, okay, maybe also refereeing who gets to borrow the rolling carts first. But to see these vendors interact—sharing ideas between the animal folks and the artists—it’s kind of magic. Even the volunteers get swept up in it, lugging gear for someone they just met that morning, because, well, it’s a community thing.

Guy Mc Farlane

That’s the intangible part, I think—the reason someone’ll come for a gecko and leave with a custom wall plaque and a completely new appreciation of what the hobby encompasses. And for kids, it’s a chance to literally get their hands dirty with displays or talk to artists and crafters who explain their process right there. It’s a family event, yes, but also a space for creativity to mesh with science, advocacy, and a bit of sheer fun.

Michael Arnold

I was gonna say—nobody's leaving empty-handed, whether it's a new pet, a feeding brush, a laser-etched coffee mug, or even just, you know, a bunch of Instagram stories and memories. That blend of interactive and inspirational, that’s why Repticon Bradenton stands out every year.

Lisa Parker

Well, that brings us to the end of this preview, and if we learned anything, it’s that Repticon Bradenton’s going to be chock-full of community, creativity, and, let’s be honest, a few irresistible geckos and ball pythons. Thank you for joining us and listening as we geek out about our favorite vendors—I’ll be the one running around with the clipboard and the kazoo, if you wanna say hi.

Jay Tacey

Yeah, and hey, if you spot a kid staring in wonder at their first herp, stop and say hello. That’s what keeps this community awesome. Thanks for tuning in—we’ll see you at the convention, or back here next time.

Guy Mc Farlane

Cheers, everyone—be good to your animals, and to each other.

Michael Arnold

Catch y’all next episode!