Hey everyone, welcome back to the Repticon Reptile Shows podcast! I'm Jay Tacey, and we've got a really fun episode today because we're packing our bags and heading for Repticon Denver. Honestly, this expo always feels like the start of something electric in the mountains. You get that rush walking into the Arapahoe County Fairgrounds, and you know it’s not just reptiles—it's this whole joyful energy. Lisa, you've probably seen the most of this behind the curtain, right?Oh, totally, Jay. Denver is always a huge one for us, but honestly, every event has its own kind of buzz. So, the doors open at 9am sharp on Saturday, and you should see the vendor hall at, like, 7am—everyone lugging bins, folks running extension cords everywhere. And—okay, I haven't told this story in a while—I once brought my kazoo, you know, for morale. We were all dragging, and out it comes. I started this sort of, um, marching theme? Suddenly, there are boa breeders and tarantula sellers marching along as I play. I think I got at least three tired grins, so, mission accomplished! Denver setups, they're exhausting, but a good kazoo blast helps everyone through.I wish I’d seen that, Lisa. I’m picturing a ballroom full of reptiles with you as the pied piper on kazoo. But for real, that behind-the-scenes hustle absolutely sets the tone for the whole weekend. Families, kids, even seasoned collectors—there’s something on every table, and because the show runs all weekend—from 9 to 4 on Saturday, 10 to 4 on Sunday—you actually have the time to see it all.Absolutely, Michael. Denver always brings this welcoming vibe. The thing is—no matter if you’re new to reptiles or you’re what my gran would call an “old reptile hand,” you’ll find something. And everyone’s up early—sometimes earlier than folks think!—just to get that first crack at rare species or one-off enclosures. Like, I’m telling you, if you show up late, half the good stuff is spoken for! And, uh, I'm not saying Lisa's kazoo playing is legendary, but I’ve heard whispers…Oh, “legendary” is maybe a stretch, Guy! But, Denver does have that mix of big energy and genuine friendliness that keeps teams—and visitors—coming back. And it’s such a cool spot for families. You see little kids peering into enclosures for the first time, teens showing off homemade frog pins, adults chatting over coffee about beetle substrates. It’s learning and fun bundled together—just classic Repticon.And I love that about it. There’s no one way to enjoy it, which is honestly why we keep coming back show after show—whether as hosts or as guests.So, let’s talk about the vendor floor—because Denver is stacked this year. I want to start with something a little different—AJ’s 3D out of Greeley. If you’ve ever seen that “flexi snake” desk toy in someone’s office or on Instagram, it’s probably theirs. It’s this little articulated snake that people just can’t put down. But beyond fidget toys, they do custom 3D-printed accessories for reptile folks, too. I mean, need a quirky décor for your gecko enclosure? Or a cup-holder that actually fits your car? Austin at AJ’s 3D can probably help you out.Their table is always so fun, right? And they are, like, Etsy famous for a reason. Plus, they're super approachable. I had someone ask last year if they could 3D print a custom hide for their ball python, and the owner just sketched it out, right there at the table. They’re those rare sellers who make you feel like your idea is the best idea ever.That’s what’s brilliant about events like this. Then you’ve got AntopiaUSA, which—okay, not strictly reptiles, but their tables are packed with ant colonies. They’re a family business, USDA-licensed, and they do live queen ants, complete setup kits, even this DIY "Test Tube Tower." If your kids want to try an ant farm or you’re—uh—bitten by the ant bug, they’re the place to start. Oh, and the queen guarantee thing? That’s impressive. If your queen ant doesn’t make it in transport, they’ll set you right up. I love that we keep seeing more invertebrates making their way into the reptile hobby. And the resources these folks bring—those free care sheets and all—help new keepers avoid the classic pitfalls. Which sort of brings me to Queso’s Spoods. Okay, full disclosure, I’m a little obsessed with jumping spiders. Queso’s Spoods is this woman-owned operation really focused on selective breeding for health and variety. The species lineup is wild these days: bryantae, regius, different localities of otiosus, even carolinensis and adumbratus. Not to mention, you can get a spider and a plushie at the same table. Lisa, didn’t you grab one of their handmade plush spiders last year?I absolutely did! It’s sitting right on my desk. What I love is that Queso’s Spoods takes that creative approach—making spiders less scary for kids, you know? The plushes are adorable, and Jamie really knows her stuff. Plus, all her spiders come with solid care info and even a deposit hold policy for folks still getting their setups ready.Let’s not forget Critical Hit Exotics. This is the table that always gets a crowd—ball pythons, yes, but with a twist. Joshua blends his pop culture and gaming interests into the branding, so you’ll see snakes named after classic RPG achievements, and sometimes table setups with little D20s everywhere. His Hypo Clowns are real showstoppers if you’re into morph collecting. Very selective breeding, strong genetics, and you can actually tell he's as much a fan as he is a breeder.It makes for a great entry point for new hobbyists, too. Like, if you’re not sure whether you want a classic ball python or something with a funky pattern, he’ll walk you through the genetics, risks, and best care practices. There’s a lot of personality behind each table, which turns a shopping trip into an experience. It's the same kind of passion we saw with those vendors in Baltimore and Kissimmee that we talked about a few episodes back—it’s not just commerce, it’s mentorship and storytelling.Alright, so you’ve got your tickets—let's help folks make the most of their time in Denver. First and foremost: arrive early. I say this every year, but the first hour is golden if you want your pick of unique animals or one-off supplies. Guy, you’ve probably seen this with niche species—what happens if someone rolls in too close to lunchtime?Yeah, exactly. If you come late, you might see nothing but empty deli cups at some of these high-demand tables—especially the more unusual inverts or rare ball python morphs. Vendors bring what they can, but there’s only so much room in a transport bin! So if you have your heart set on something, just get there early, have your list ready, and move quick.And have your questions ready! This is something I see all the time—people get excited, but then forget to ask about care, feeding, or long-term needs. Vendors love talking about their animals and products. Bring a list, or even jot notes in your phone. Some of the best conversations happen when you’re curious and engaged.Absolutely. I see that with my own tables at the show—people who ask thoughtful questions often leave with so much more knowledge, sometimes new friendships, too! Even if you’re only window shopping, learn as much as you can. Also, to circle back to Jay's advice-the earlier the better, definitely, but don't feel pressured either. If you don't have any particular purchases in mind, it's perfectly fine to wander around and just enjoy the experience!Definitely, Mike. And on the practical side—set a budget before you walk in. Every expo, someone falls in love with a snake or a spider and forgets to budget for housing or feeders.We want to send everyone home with smiles—not panic! Planning ahead on budget and transport is a game-changer, whether you’re buying or just browsing. And if anyone’s uncertain—stop by the front desk and ask. We want everyone to feel supported, especially the families and first-timers.Alright, friends, that's going to wrap it up for today. Whether you're coming for animals, hands-on learning, or just those flexi snakes at AJ's 3D, there's something for everyone!We’ll see you at the fairgrounds. Always a pleasure chatting with you all. Cheers, Jay, Lisa, Michael.Thanks, everyone! Keep bringing those questions and that curiosity. I’ll have my kazoo ready just in case.Thanks for listening, folks. This is Jay for the crew, signing off for now. We'll catch you next episode with even more scales, stories, and behind-the-scenes fun. Take care!

Episodes

Inside Repticon Denver