After Action Report:
Well, it was pretty cool. I got to meet people from Carolina Designer Dragons and TND Dragons (and a few others, but I can't remember their names). Sadly, Repticon seemed to be about 70% snakes, and a mixture of geckos, pet supplies, spiders, turtles, and beardies. The beardies were gorgeous, though not necessarily cheaper than I've seen elsewhere, though I know these were probably better-taken-care-of than ones at the average pet store. Carolina Designer Dragons had the tamest, calmest beardies I've ever seen, and put on a great presentation for those unfamiliar with what bearded dragons are and how to take care of them.
The biggest disappointment about Repticon was the lack of beardie merchandise. I saw a total of two bearded dragon t-shirt designs, and only Carolina Designer Dragons had sculptures and jewelry, but those were made by Jason Shanahan. One day, I WILL find a plush bearded dragon.
Also, I'd been hoping to buy a dubia roach kit, but there was only one feeder supplier there, and they were out of roaches by 11am on Saturday.
To anyone curious, the VIP admission got me a plastic bag of Zoo-Med swag, mostly small packets of hermit crab and cricket food, a sticker, and a product catalog. I'd say $12 for VIP entry was a pretty decent deal - any more and I would have felt a bit ripped-off.
Side notes:
- I've never seen that many snakes in my life, nor have I ever seen animals as expensive as some of the snake morphs.
- Why are dealers selling pygmy possums, hedgehogs, and spiders at a reptile convention?
- Why would anyone need a two-day pass when the dealers and exhibits are the same?
- More exhibits would have been nice.
- Met an awesome beardie owner who was wearing his dragon on his shirt during the con and gave me great advice on feeders and custom cages. The catch is that the enclosure company he mentioned (Cold Blooded Cages) seems to be out of business, or at least offline for years.
Anyway, worth the price of admission and an hour-long drive each way, but more bearded dragon breeders and dealers would be great.