Repticon Bradenton Spotlight

Jay Tacey

Welcome back, everyone, to the Repticon Reptile Shows podcast. Jay here, and you know, we’ve spotlighted a ton of wild and wonderful events lately—Asheville, Costa Mesa, Knoxville. But today, we’re zooming in on a venue that’s got its own energy: Repticon Bradenton. This one’s coming up November 22nd and 23rd, 2025, over at the Bradenton Convention Center, right in Palmetto, Florida. That’s a spot that, honestly, never disappoints—great layout, tons of space for both the animals and the crowd, and, well, always something new coming through those doors.

Lisa Parker

Oh Jay, absolutely! Every time I’m prepping for Bradenton, there’s just this…buzz, I can’t even describe it. Families lining up outside, kids with their faces pressed to the glass, just waiting for those doors to open. And you know what’s so cool? It doesn’t matter if you’re a complete newbie or you can rattle off every morph name in the book. Bradenton’s got this family-friendly vibe—like, you come for the snakes or geckos, but end up leaving with new friends, full of questions, possibly a new obsession, and definitely a few photos of a lizard on your head.

Michael Arnold

It’s that combination, right? I mean, the show is just packed with educational opportunities. There are live animal displays at, like, every other booth, breeders are so open about how they care for their animals… and if you ask ten questions, you get twelve answers back. My boys love it. I see parents actually getting into it as much as their kids—it’s not just “keep your hands off, look don’t touch.” It’s, “come over here and let’s see what it feels like to hold a chahoua or a python.”

Guy Mc Farlane

It’s truly special. What stands out to me is that balance between excitement and learning. I’ve been at shows where things lean too much one way or the other, but at Bradenton, the educational talks, the signage on every enclosure, the willingness of vendors to engage—and the safety protocols, let’s not forget those. It all creates this environment where curiosity and respect go hand-in-hand. Honestly, it’s a blueprint for what these expos can accomplish for families and future keepers.

Lisa Parker

And just as a quick flashback—my first time managing Bradenton? I was so nervous! But when I saw those families waiting outside, all chattering and basically vibrating with excitement, it kind of hit me—this isn’t just a trade show. It’s an event that people of all ages actually count down for.

Jay Tacey

Alright, Lisa, you set that up perfectly, because the vendors really take the Bradenton experience to another level. Let’s dig into some of the standouts this year. First up: Guardians of the Geckos, back again with their full New Caledonian lineup—crested geckos, gargoyles, leachies, chahoua. These aren’t just beautiful animals, either. They’ve got those custom TerraGuard Habitats, you know, the rounded-corner, bioactive-friendly enclosures they design? Totally 3D printed in collaboration, and, if I’m remembering right, even the colors pop. It’s so much more than tubs—it’s like a miniature treehouse for your gecko.

Michael Arnold

Yeah, and what I love about them is how into education they are. That “Guardians’ Log” they’ve got? It’s just—it’s loaded with care guides, FAQs, even stuff for day geckos if you’re thinking about branching out. They truly want hobbyists to succeed, not just buy and bail. It’s the kind of thing we talked about at Asheville with Appalachian Axolotls—storytelling, transparency—Guardians bring that, but with a tech spin and so much personality on Instagram or Facebook, too.

Lisa Parker

Totally. And then swinging over to R and A Ball Pythons, you’re looking at a father-and-son team—just a few clutches a year, not a massive operation. They offer a full genetics and health guarantee, and they’re open about what can and can’t be proven genetically, especially with multi-gene combos. And if you’ve got a question, you can call them directly, no middleman at all! I mean, to me, that’s gold—especially for families new to the hobby or anyone wanting to learn about ball python projects in depth.

Guy Mc Farlane

It’s impressive, isn’t it? And beyond the guarantees, I’ve noticed R and A genuinely care about post-sale support. “You buy a python, you get us on speed dial,” that sort of thing. Those personal connections really make a difference, especially for the long-term welfare of the animals—and for fostering responsible reptile keeping overall.

Michael Arnold

I keep saying, it’s the little guys who often set the bar for customer care. And now—Rock N Roll Gecko! If you love crested geckos or just want to see some wild morphs—Lily Whites, Axanthics, Cappuccinos, Frappuccinos, Sables—they’ve got some of the rarest and fanciest crested geckos at the show, hands down. Their branding is just fun, too. It’s…sort of punk, sort of charming. You remember their booth last year? Total eye-candy, and I saw people coming back just for another look.

Lisa Parker

Oh, for sure, Michael! It’s like, people don’t just buy a gecko from Rock N Roll Gecko—they get the whole backstage pass experience. And customers rave about their communication, their care, and how smooth the process is, even if you’re new or need a payment plan. Healthy geckos, a touch of swagger, and a spot at nearly every Bradenton show. What’s not to love?

Jay Tacey

So when you stitch all that together, the appeal just stacks up. It’s not just geckos or snakes—there’s incredible vendor diversity. You’ve got bioactive setups from companies like Guardians, rare python morphs, boutique breeders, creative custom enclosures, and new tech being demoed right there on the floor. There’s so much to see, and honestly, even after decades in herpetology, I still walk out with something new rattling around in my head—and usually a couple things in my bag!

Michael Arnold

I’m with you, Jay. For me, one of the best things about Bradenton—and really any Repticon—is that chance to meet breeders of the animals you’ve been dreaming about. I remember, this wasn’t at Bradenton but at a different expo, I finally got to shake hands with someone producing Diamond Carpet Python morphs I’d read about for years. Seeing them in person, asking questions face-to-face—that took my understanding and my enthusiasm for that species to a whole new level. It’s the magic of turning online curiosity into real-world connection.

Guy Mc Farlane

Exactly, and that engagement is what brings crowds back year after year. I’ve noticed families especially get pulled in—not only by the animals, but by the chance to learn from passionate experts. If you ask a vendor about bioactive habitats or rare gecko morphs, they’ll walk you through the setup, care, and why it matters. Educational resources and real mentorship on the floor help shape the next generation of keepers, rather than just encouraging impulse buys.

Lisa Parker

That’s right, Guy. And hey—to everyone listening, I’d love to hear what draws you to reptile expos like Bradenton. Is it the animals? The shot at rare morphs, or that one-on-one with breeders? Maybe it’s the workshops or just the atmosphere. And for families, what’s helped you feel welcome or brought your kids back for more? Send us your stories or questions—we might work ‘em in on a future episode!

Jay Tacey

I think that’s a perfect way to wrap this one. Bradenton’s got the animal variety, the expertise, and the community feeling we keep talking about on the show. It’s exactly what the hobby needs—education, connection, and a welcoming space for all experience levels.

Michael Arnold

Couldn’t have said it better. And hey, if you spot me wandering the show floor—probably with my boys and a bag of crickets—say hi, share your dream animal, or trade tips. These events are, above all, about community.

Lisa Parker

Thanks everybody for tuning in, and remember—Repticon Bradenton, November 22nd and 23rd. We’ll see you there! Bye for now!

Guy Mc Farlane

Take care, everyone. Stay curious, be kind to the critters, and we’ll catch you at the next episode of Repticon Reptile Shows. Cheers all!