Repticon Memphis Excitement

Jay Tacey

Hey everyone, welcome back to Repticon Reptile Shows! I'm Jay Tacey, and we're gearing up for a big one—Repticon Memphis is right around the corner. Mark your calendars, December 6th and 7th, 2025, and get ready for a weekend at the Landers Center in Southaven, Mississippi. That's 4560 Venture Drive, for anybody who wants to plug it in their GPS early.

Lisa Parker

Lisa here! This show holds a special place in my heart. And yes—if you've ever wondered if the rumors about a Saturday morning kazoo chorus at Repticon Memphis are true, they are! We start the whole weekend off with a little musical chaos—picture a whole team of staff and early-bird vendors blasting away on kazoos at 8:59am. It's just… instant energy! And honestly, I think it sets the tone for what Repticon is all about: it's fun, it's welcoming, and you don’t have to be a herpetology expert to feel like you belong.

Michael Arnold

You know, Lisa, that’s such a signature Repticon thing. This expo is always family-friendly and really hands-on. No intimidating attitudes or velvet ropes here—doesn’t matter if it’s your first time or your fiftieth, there’s something for everyone. I mean, the doors are open 9 to 4 on Saturday and 10 to 4 Sunday. You’ve got hours to explore, and we see everyone from little kids pointing at dart frogs to hardcore python keepers talking shop over coffee. I probably—uh—shouldn’t say how many times I’ve gotten distracted in the invertebrate section…

Guy Mc Farlane

That’s the best part, Michael. It’s rare to find an event that appeals so broadly. For us in the zoo and animal science space, it’s refreshing—people of all ages, backgrounds, and experience levels diving into herpetology together. And—well, this blends education and engagement in a way that, frankly, a lot of science events could learn from. You see those kids, you see the, you know, inquisitive grandparents—ah, and everyone’s asking questions. That, to me, is what keeps these expos feeling so alive.

Lisa Parker

Totally, Guy! And—um—I’ll just say, there’s nothing like watching a whole family take a group photo in front of a giant Reticulated python after stomping around to that kazoo intro. Look, we take reptiles seriously, but we don’t take ourselves too seriously. That’s the Repticon vibe, and Memphis really brings it out in people.

Michael Arnold

Speaking of the Memphis vibe—let’s get into a few vendors we’re looking forward to seeing this year. First up, Jax’s Exotics, all the way from Virginia. If you want variety, this table is absolutely nuts. I’m talking iguanas, uromastyx, monitors, tokay geckos—you never really know if you’re gonna walk away with a frog or a tegu from these folks.

Guy Mc Farlane

Absolutely, Michael. Jax’s nails the diversity side—lots of handling experience, visible online, and, if you want an answer, Jackson usually replies before you even hit send. But I want to give a shoutout to Roach Hollow Reptiles & Bugs from Georgia. Their table’s, um, sometimes crawling with… let's say all sorts of life. If you want crested or gargoyle geckos, mantids, tarantulas—that’s your stop. What I respect? They’re not just selling, they’re socializing these geckos—actually handling them, so you get animals used to people, not just something plucked out of a bin.

Lisa Parker

Oh, for real, Guy! Their “bioactive” supplies always get me talking—like, I’ll end up in a twenty-minute convo about springtails or leaf litter before I even realize it. But I’ve gotta say, Roach Hollow is also really integrated in the community, posting baby updates online, showing up at expos all over. They’re genuinely approachable, which makes a difference—especially for folks new to reptiles or maybe a little nervous around bugs!

Jay Tacey

And, Lisa, for the locals—it wouldn’t be Memphis without Reptipets. This group’s really special. I mean, they’ve got millipedes, beetles, isopods, everything small and fascinating—plus reptiles and amphibians, of course. But what stands out is their commitment to education in the community. They do a lot of outreach with Memphis schools. You see a kid holding a mantis while their science teacher explains metamorphosis? That’s how new hobbyists are made right there.

Michael Arnold

Jay, that’s a perfect point—I actually remember last year, my own boys hanging off that Reptipets booth, eyes wide at all the critters. They went home talking about stick insects for weeks. The staff there loves to teach, and you can see it with every interaction. It’s more than just selling animals; they’re building a foundation for responsible exotic pet keeping right in Memphis.

Lisa Parker

It really does take a village! Between Jax’s for rare herps, Roach Hollow for the unconventional, and Reptipets anchoring the local scene, you can explore every corner of the hobby without ever leaving the show floor. And, hint for parents—these vendors are used to curious kids, so don’t be shy asking questions, even the wild ones! I love watching the next generation of reptile keepers get their start right here.

Guy Mc Farlane

Let’s be honest, Repticon Memphis just nails the “something for everyone” promise. It doesn’t matter if you want to get hands-on with geckos, chat about python genetics, or build a new terrarium from scratch—there are tables, demos, and breeders for you. The diversity on display is, well, a bit mind-blowing. Where else can you go from holding a blue tongue skink to picking out bugs for your beetle tank—oh, and then talk to the people who breed them?

Jay Tacey

That’s it, Guy. You know, a few years back, there was a teen at the Memphis show—about eleven, maybe twelve? She was utterly fixated on a tokay gecko. Her parents were hovering, nervous, but she just kept asking questions, soaking up every fact. I spent half an hour talking about care, diet, what makes tokays such characters. By the end, her folks were less worried and she walked away inspired—and they've checked in since, which I love. It’s those connections, real hands-on mentorship, that you just don’t get online.

Lisa Parker

And, look, if reptiles and bugs aren’t enough, there’s food, family zones, and the gift market. Shopping for that hard-to-please animal lover? You’re set. The Landers Center does a fantastic job keeping the atmosphere lively and safe. And honestly—having that supportive Memphis reptile community? You feel it in every high five, every friendly debate about UV lighting, every “hey, come take a look at this!”

Michael Arnold

Definitely, Lisa. I think what makes Memphis different—and we talked about this in Johnson City a bit, too—is this real sense of community. People here support each other; they’re excited to see you try something new, even if you walk in not knowing the difference between a house gecko and a glass lizard. Interactive demos, breeders who want to teach, not just sell—you don’t find that everywhere, and it’s why the show is a can’t-miss year after year.

Jay Tacey

So to everyone listening: whether you’re shopping, learning, or just looking for a genuinely fun weekend with the family, Repticon Memphis checks all the boxes. Come for the creatures, stay for the community—and let’s see if that kazoo chorus gets any louder this year.

Lisa Parker

Thanks for hanging out with us, everyone! If you’ve got stories or critter questions for the next show, send them in. I’ll bring the kazoo—you bring your curiosity.

Michael Arnold

I can’t wait to see everyone at the Landers Center. Check the schedule—plan wisely—and maybe I’ll bump into you at the feeders booth or the tarantula display.

Guy Mc Farlane

Cheers, all. Until next time, stay curious, stay compassionate, and keep building that reptile community. See you at Memphis!

Jay Tacey

All right—thanks, Lisa, Michael, Guy. Looking forward to another lively weekend. Take care, everyone, and we’ll be back with more Repticon adventures soon. Bye!