Get Ready for Repticon Houston!

Lisa Parker

Hey everyone, it’s Lisa, and welcome back to Repticon Reptile Shows! This episode, we are absolutely buzzing because Repticon Houston’s hitting Pasadena—at the Convention Center and Fairgrounds, Campbell Hall—on January 17th and 18th, 2026. That’s right, mark your calendars! Honestly, this is one of my favorite venues—it’s got this electric family-friendly vibe, with kids tugging at their parents' hands, eyes wide, and you see, like, total awe every single year.

Guy Mc Farlane

I couldn’t agree more, Lisa. The energy in Campbell Hall is always infectious. Repticon Houston really is for everyone—doesn’t matter if you’re a total beginner or you grew up with snakes slithering through your childhood memories. It’s proper educational too, with breeders and keepers happy to walk you through the basics. And, as a former conservation manager, I reckon it’s also important for shifting perceptions. You see kids meet their first reptile, and it just... It leaves a mark, doesn’t it?

Lisa Parker

Absolutely! Oh, and you just reminded me—so, my very first show running this venue? I’ll never forget this little girl—she must have been five—she runs up and just freezes, mouth open, when she sees a panther chameleon for the first time. Like, full-on statue mode. The breeder let her gently hold the branch the chameleon was perched on. I swear, the smile on her face? That’s why I love these shows. And honestly, pretty sure her dad was even more excited than she was—he was sneaking selfies the whole time. I love those moments.

Jay Tacey

That never gets old! And I mean, Pasadena is a real sweet spot for these kinds of expos—close to Houston, easy to get to, and there’s space for families to spread out. Just to make sure everyone’s got the details—the doors open 9am Saturday, 10am Sunday, it goes ’til 4pm both days. And it’s... It’s designed so all ages feel included. Not just viewing—hands-on, real engagement. That’s the Repticon promise, right?

Michael Arnold

Yeah, Jay, and the other thing people sometimes miss is—you don’t have to “know” reptiles to come out and have a blast. There’s plenty of curious families, total newcomers, teenagers wanting to geek out, and even some that are kinda on the fence, you know, just “reptile-curious.” You’ll walk away with more knowledge and probably more photos than you bargained for.

Guy Mc Farlane

And every year, the vendors bring their A-game. I have to start with Goliath Arachnids—they’re one of those Houston gems. Hardcore tarantula folk—driven purely by passion, not marketing. Their table always draws a crowd, and they’re the kind of breeder who will let anyone—no matter how nervous you are—come over, ask all your spider questions, no judgment. They’re known for fantastic customer service, by the way—people rave about their communication and how meticulously they package, whether you’re buying at the show or online.

Lisa Parker

Honestly, I’ve seen even the most spider-shy folks walk away entertained at that booth—which is saying something, ‘cause, you know, tarantulas aren’t everyone’s jam! And they’ve really built the community side online too—3,000+ Instagram followers and a super interactive approach. But the best part is, in person at Repticon? They’re just as welcoming. So if you’re, well, spider-curious, this is the spot.

Jay Tacey

And then there’s Sargent Geckos! Love these guys. It’s a family-run, Texas-based breeder, specializing in crested and Sarasinorum geckos. They’re genetics nerds—I mean that as a compliment, by the way—working these multi-year projects, like Galaxy × Cherry or Zeus × Jelly Bean. And their brand? All tied into family: “Sarge” was their beloved dog, and their logo is literally modeled after their first geckos and family pets. It just makes the whole experience more personal when you know the backstory, right?

Lisa Parker

Exactly, Jay! And they’re super transparent—always ready to tell you who the parents are, why a gecko looks the way it does, what makes a pairing special. I love that personal touch; it’s so true to what Repticon is—we meet the people, not just the animals. Oh, and if you miss them this year, they keep everyone posted with updates and project news online, so you can follow the journey even after the expo.

Michael Arnold

Yeah, and speaking of a strong reputation—Clayton’s Ball Pythons, based out in Katy, Texas. I think—I was chatting with Clayton himself at last year’s show for, I don’t know, probably half an hour about banana morphs and his “choose-your-own-adventure” approach with buyers. He’s got a five-star average from 29 buyers and is honestly one of the friendliest folks in the business. His table’s packed with morphs—Banana, Cinnamon, Clown, the works. And what struck me is how transparent his process is: live-arrival guarantees, payment plans, clear-cut shipping terms. Which—I mean, you don’t always see that level of detail out there, especially not with that much morph variety available.

Jay Tacey

And I want to echo what you said, Michael. Buyers appreciate transparency, and that’s a thread with all the vendors we’re highlighting. It’s something we’ve talked about in past episodes—how trust and clear communication with breeders raises the whole community, makes these events safer for the animals and better for the keepers. And really, Repticon Houston nails it with these standout names.

Lisa Parker

So, whether you’re coming with little kids who want to see their first gecko or you just want to geek out on snake genetics, there’s something—or honestly, someone—for you at Repticon Houston. I always tell families: jump into the hands-on education booths. Don’t be shy, just walk up and ask anything, because those volunteers and breeders? They thrive on questions.

Michael Arnold

Absolutely. If you want the best experience, my tip—especially for those new to reptile expos—is to arrive early. That’s when the rooms are buzzing but not packed, and it’s perfect for getting those up-close moments at the more interactive booths, like those run by local entrepreneurs. Bring your questions: about care, about setups, about “is this species right for my home?” No question’s too basic, and you might save yourself months of guesswork.

Guy Mc Farlane

One thing I’d add, too, is, it’s not just about the animals. Watch how the breeders interact with the kids—and the adults! You’ll catch genuine passion and a lot of patience, which, as we’ve said in past shows, is what sets Repticon apart. There’s this real sense of community. It’s like we’re all helping each other discover something fascinating about the natural world, together.

Jay Tacey

And… I can’t help but get a bit sentimental here, but moments like these—watching a family meet their new favorite animal—it brings me back to why I first got obsessed with exotic species. For a lot of us, it started with that one show, or that one encounter, seeing something magnificent up close. These family expos are so much more than an event—they’re like a launchpad for curiosity and a spark for lifelong passion. I’ve seen kids return year after year, leveling up their knowledge, becoming keepers themselves. You can’t buy that kind of inspiration anywhere else.

Lisa Parker

Totally with you there, Jay. Well, that wraps our preview for Repticon Houston—but trust me, we’ll be back with more. If you’re heading out this January, come say hi! Check the event site for tickets and info. Thanks for hanging out with us, everyone!

Jay Tacey

Always a pleasure, Lisa, Michael, Guy—you lot make these episodes fun, as always. See you all at the expo!

Michael Arnold

Yeah, great conversation. Can’t wait for Houston. Take care, everyone!

Guy Mc Farlane

Cheers, all. Looking forward to seeing familiar faces and new ones in Pasadena. Until next time!