Reptile Rendezvous in Hickory NC July 19 & 20

Lisa McLisa

Hey everyone, welcome back to Repticon Reptile Shows! I’m Lisa, and I’m here with Jay and Michael, and today we’re gearing up for Repticon Hickory, North Carolina, coming up July 19th and 20th at the Hickory Metro Convention Center. If you’ve never been, this is one of those expos that’s got something for everyone—families, hardcore herpers, and the just-curious alike.

Jay Tacey

Yeah, and I mean, Hickory’s always had this really welcoming vibe. The show’s not just about buying reptiles—it’s about education, responsible pet ownership, and, honestly, just having a good time. I’ve seen kids walk in terrified of snakes and leave with a new favorite animal. That’s the magic of these events.

Michael Arnold

And the timing’s great, too. Doors open at 9 AM on Saturday, run through Sunday at 4 PM, so you’ve got plenty of time to check out the vendors, the animals, and all the little surprises. Plus, the venue’s easy to find—right off 13th Avenue Drive South East. Parking’s a breeze, too, which, trust me, is not always the case at these things.

Lisa McLisa

You know, I always say, “If you’re not dirt-stained, you’re not there yet,” but for this one, you can keep your boots clean and still get your hands on some amazing animals. Actually, this reminds me—Field Flashback time! My very first reptile expo, I was maybe twenty, and I’d just come back from a field trip in Madagascar. I thought I knew everything about geckos, right? But walking into that expo, seeing families, breeders, and even little kids asking questions about care and conservation—it totally changed my perspective. Suddenly, herpetology wasn’t just about fieldwork; it was about community. That’s what Repticon Hickory nails every year.

Jay Tacey

That’s a good point, Lisa. The mission here is really about connecting people—making sure everyone, from first-timers to seasoned keepers, walks away with more knowledge and respect for these animals. And, you know, maybe a new pet or two.

Michael Arnold

Or a dozen crickets. Or a new enclosure. Or, if you’re like me, a trunk full of stuff you didn’t know you needed until you saw it.

Lisa McLisa

Scale up your curiosity, folks! And speaking of curiosity, let’s talk about the vendors who make this show so special.

Lisa McLisa

Alright, so let’s spotlight a few of the stars you’ll meet at Hickory. First up, AHP Exotics. These folks have been in the game for over 20 years, offering everything from captive-bred reptiles to some really unique arachnids and amphibians. I mean, if you’re looking for something rare or just want to geek out over their weekly inventory, they’re the table to hit.

Jay Tacey

Yeah, and don’t sleep on Family Reptiles, either. They’re out of Lakeland, Florida, and what I love is their educational approach. They don’t just sell you enclosures and dry goods for your animals — they walk you through husbandry, answer your questions, and make sure you’re set up for success. I’ve seen them at a bunch of shows, and they’re always surrounded by families and first-timers. It’s that hands-on support that really sets them apart.

Michael Arnold

And, of course, Premium Crickets. I might be a little biased here, but if you need feeder insects—crickets, superworms, black soldier fly larvae, you name it—these guys have you covered. We’ve got live arrival guarantees, and we ship all over the country. It’s all about making sure your animals get the best nutrition, and, honestly, we take a lot of pride in that.

Jay Tacey

Actually, Michael, that brings up something I wanted to dig into—a little case study, if you will. So, temperature-controlled shipping, like what Reptiles Express does, has totally changed the game for moving live animals safely. Back in the day, shipping reptiles was, well, risky. You’d have to worry about heat, cold, delays—sometimes you’d lose animals, which was heartbreaking and, frankly, bad for the hobby. But now, with insulated packaging, heat packs, and real-time tracking, you can get a gecko from Florida to North Carolina in perfect shape. It’s not just about convenience; it’s about animal welfare and peace of mind for both breeders and buyers.

Michael Arnold

Yeah, and it’s not just reptiles—feeder insects, too. We’ve got to keep those crickets alive and kicking, or, well, chirping, until they reach your door. The logistics are wild, but it’s all about reliability. If you’re a breeder or a pet store, you can’t afford to have a shipment go bad. That’s why people keep coming back.

Lisa McLisa

And that’s what makes these expos so cool—you get to meet the people behind the brands, ask questions, and see firsthand how much care goes into every animal and every shipment. It’s not just a transaction; it’s a relationship. And sometimes, it’s a lifelong one.

Lisa McLisa

So, let’s talk about what’s new and a little unexpected at Hickory this year. I noticed there’s an NFT offering and a unique gift component rated a five—now, I’ll admit, I’m still wrapping my head around NFTs, but it’s cool to see expos experimenting with digital collectibles. Maybe it’s a way to remember your first show or support your favorite vendor in a new way?

Jay Tacey

Yeah, I mean, I’m not exactly a crypto guy, but I get the appeal. It’s another way to connect with the community, and, who knows, maybe in a few years, your Repticon NFT is the ticket to some exclusive event or a special meet-and-greet. The gift thing, too—sometimes it’s a little keepsake, sometimes it’s a raffle. It just adds to the experience, especially for families. Kids love walking away with something, even if it’s not a new pet.

Michael Arnold

And behind the scenes, let me tell you, running Premium Crickets and ReptilesExpress at these big expos is a circus. You’ve got boxes of crickets, heat packs, shipping labels flying everywhere, and then someone’s asking you about the difference between a hornworm and a dubia roach. I remember at one show, we had a line out the door for feeder insects—people were joking it was like the Black Friday of bugs. But that’s what makes it fun. You get to see the whole spectrum—seasoned breeders, families, total newbies—all coming together, sharing tips, swapping stories. It’s a real community.

Lisa McLisa

And that’s the heart of it, right? These expos aren’t just about the animals or the gear—they’re about connection. Whether you’re a breeder looking to network, a family hoping to learn, or just someone who wants to see a chameleon up close, there’s a place for you. As we’ve talked about in past episodes, every show has its own flavor, but the sense of community and discovery is what keeps people coming back.

Jay Tacey

Absolutely. And, you know, if you’re listening and you’ve never been to a Repticon, Hickory’s a great place to start. It’s friendly, it’s educational, and you might just find yourself leaving with a new passion—or at least a cool story to tell.

Michael Arnold

Or a box of crickets. Or a gecko. Or, if you’re like me, both. Anyway, thanks for tuning in, everyone. We’ll see you at the show—or at the next episode.

Lisa McLisa

That’s it for today! Remember, scale up your curiosity, and we’ll catch you next time on Repticon Reptile Shows. Jay, Michael, always a pleasure.

Jay Tacey

Always fun, Lisa. See you all in Hickory!

Michael Arnold

See you there, folks. Bye!