Repticon Tampa is Coming: Meet the Vendors You Can’t Miss

Jay Tacey

Alright, welcome back everyone to the Repticon Reptile Shows podcast! Jay here. We're getting close to one of the biggest weekends for Florida herp fans—Repticon Tampa is coming back to the Florida State Fairgrounds, November 8th and 9th. So, mark your calendars. It's all going down at the Special Events Center, that's 4800 North US Highway 301 in Tampa. Saturday hours, you get an early start at 9am till 4, and Sunday 10 to 4. Classic Tampa, always a ton of energy and, honestly, so many side conversations about lizards and snakes you'll forget what city you're in.

Lisa Parker

And I just wanna say—this is one of my absolute favorite events every year. For real, you get such a mix: families with strollers, serious breeders walking around with their little notepads, and, like, kids grinning ear to ear because they just touched a lizard for the first time. We've got educational presentations, live animal encounters, crazy variety—I'm talking hundreds of species you can see up close. Whether you're picking up your first corn snake or dragging along someone who's "not really into reptiles" yet—give 'em twenty minutes, trust me, the magic works.

Michael Arnold

Yeah, and this one's super accessible. Families, friend groups, newcomers—everyone finds something. Plus, it's not just a place to ooh and ahh at cool animals—there's real hands-on education, presentations, and those impromptu chats with breeders where you can ask all kinds of questions, especially if you're thinking about bringing a critter home for the first time.

Guy Mc Farlane

I love how the show becomes this learning hub. It's not just families—I've seen college kids doing field notes, and even pros drop by for something new. It’s all about making reptile knowledge accessible, no matter your experience. The energy is infectious. And Tampa’s got this sense of, I don't know, discovery? Even for people who've seen dozens of expos before.

Jay Tacey

For sure. I’ve seen even the most hard-nosed reptile skeptics melt in front of a well-behaved corn snake or some tiny, impossibly blue gecko. Tampa makes fans out of people. After what we talked about on past episodes, it all comes together here, you know? The show’s still growing, too. Vendors and guests from all over Florida and beyond.

Lisa Parker

Yeah, and if you spot me, feel free to request a kazoo solo or, better yet, ask where to find the closest hands-on experience. That part of the show is always my favorite. Anyway—I’ll try not to lose my voice by Sunday this time. No promises, though.

Michael Arnold

So, diving into the vendor highlights, and I gotta start with Kaptive Bred Beauties. Shane Betkowski out of Tampa—if you're even remotely into colubrids, you already know his name. They're all about ethical breeding: corn snakes, rat snakes, anoles, hognose. He's basically set the gold standard—5.0 stars on MorphMarket from, like, 97 reviewers. That's not easy, folks. Those are real buyers, and they rave about healthy, ethically bred pets and just killer communication, before and after a sale. It doesn't matter if you're picking up your first hatchling or you're three racks deep.

Jay Tacey

Ethical breeding, especially in colubrids, is more important now than ever. Shane and his family at Kaptive don't just breed for looks. It's health, feeding response, strong genetics, and transparency. And in a hobby where impulse buys can go sideways, that commitment makes a difference. Michael, since you've raised more snakes than most people have houseplants—why are we seeing such a push for ethics and education these days?

Michael Arnold

I mean, part of it is demand—more people want colubrids who’ll thrive, not just look pretty. But it's the general awareness too. Buyers are smarter now, they ask about feeding records, background, even lineage. And breeders like Kaptive are super open, whether you’re chatting on MorphMarket, Instagram, or at the booth. There’s shipping all over the lower 48, or local pickups if you want to talk details in person. It’s a total package. And honestly, I see Kaptive as kind of an "easy button" for beginners—they really walk you through the process. Even the after-care communication, it’s world class. That makes a huge difference for people just getting started, and it keeps the animals healthy over the long run.

Lisa Parker

Oh, I love that you brought up communication. I've watched so many first-time buyers come in just a little nervous, and Shane or his team take ten minutes to talk through setup, feeding, potential hiccups. There's a confidence there—a sense of, you're not just buying a pet, you’re joining this community. And that's exactly the kind of vibe we want at Repticon. Especially at a big event like Tampa where, honestly, the choices can be overwhelming.

Guy Mc Farlane

I'd add, the transparency and guidance really make a difference for hobbyists at all levels. If you're new and a bit hesitant, Kaptive is one of the few vendors where you can ask a "silly" question and get a full, patient answer. The professionalism shows in how they prepare the animals and communicate—a model approach that benefits the wider community too.

Jay Tacey

Absolutely. And, you know, as much as the hobby keeps evolving, Kaptive's model is setting a standard that future generations of keepers and breeders will hopefully keep alive. Ok—I’m getting off my zoology soapbox. But it’s important, right?

Michael Arnold

Preach, Jay. I mean, animal health and happy keepers—can’t ask for more. Tampa’s lucky to have them local. If you’re heading to the show and considering your first corn or rat snake, stop by their table, ask a question, and see for yourself. You’ll leave with more than a business card, I promise.

Lisa Parker

Alright, let’s zoom out a bit because Tampa is never just about colubrids—far from it. Mosaic Morphs is a vendor that always brings something special. Ann Ring over in Brandon runs this boutique ball python operation, and her whole vibe is hands-on, ethical, all about quality over quantity. She guarantees every animal is healthy and properly represented. And they’re at local expos all the time—so if you fall in love at Tampa but need to think it over, odds are you’ll see them again soon. It’s all about building real relationships.

Michael Arnold

Ball python fans honestly have it made at this show. Mosaic’s got a reputation for working with the customer—even on a budget—and they’ll walk you through picks, background, genetics, the works. If you're in the market for your first python or a puzzle piece for your breeding project, you can ask all the detailed questions and get honest answers. Makes a difference when you’re dropping good money and want peace of mind.

Guy Mc Farlane

And then, you’ve got Artesian Exotics. Totally different corner of the expo. Started as hobbyists in Tampa and now they're the bioactive go-to for the region. They specialize in isopods—those little clean-up crews that keep enclosures healthier—and a whole array of bioactive supplies. I’ve used their setups for a few of my own projects, and let me tell you, it’s a legit upgrade for animal welfare. Too many people overlook what’s happening underneath the surface—quite literally!

Jay Tacey

Guy, didn't you run a case study a while back—using bioactive systems in a public setting? I always meant to ask. Did you end up seeing measurable differences in behavior, or was it just “nicer to look at” for the guests?

Guy Mc Farlane

Good memory, Jay! Yeah, we retrofitted an entire set of exhibits with isopods, springtails, custom substrate—the works. Not only did the animals show more of their natural behaviors, but even the guests, after a little education, started treating the reptiles and their habitats with more respect. It shifts perceptions. When you introduce living systems, you’re not just decorating, you’re demonstrating an ecosystem in action. Visitors go from thinking of reptiles as “scary” or “weird” to appreciating the complexity and balance—that’s a big win for welfare and public understanding. Honestly, vendors like Artesian help make this accessible. You see it at zoos, but anyone can start small at home, especially after a Tampa show run.

Michael Arnold

That ripple effect is so real. I hear from people every year who came looking for a gecko and walked away inspired to overhaul the whole setup—plants, bugs, the works. It’s the conversations with vendors like Ann at Mosaic Morphs and the Artesian crew that spark those lightbulbs. And honestly, those are the stories I never get tired of hearing.

Jay Tacey

Alright, if you’re a show regular or it’s your first time, Repticon Tampa's lineup this year genuinely covers every angle—from pet snakes to natural habitat design. Stop by Mosaic Morphs for the pythons, hit Artesian Exotics for your living ecosystem crash course. You’ll leave with new ideas, even if you came for just a tub of feeder crickets.

Guy Mc Farlane

That’s spot on, Jay. It’s not about who spends the most or collects the rarest morph—it’s about walking out with a sense of discovery. These vendors are part of lifting the hobby in the right direction. And hey, even if you just end up chatting or admiring setups, that’s still a win.

Lisa Parker

Couldn’t have said it better. Alright, I think that’s a wrap for today’s episode. Tampa’s around the corner—come say hi, ask your toughest question, or, if you’re feeling brave, join my kazoo chorus at opening hour.

Jay Tacey

Thanks for joining us, everyone. I’m Jay—see you on the expo floor, or in the colubrid aisle hunting for my next snake. Thanks again, team.

Michael Arnold

Always fun, guys. Be sure to bring your questions, and, you know, maybe bring snacks—or at least coffee. See you in Tampa!

Guy Mc Farlane

Cheers, everyone—looking forward to connecting with new keepers and, hopefully, hearing a kazoo or two along the way. Until next time!

Lisa Parker

Bye, y’all! Don’t be shy if you see us. And remember, every question is a good one at Repticon. See you soon!