Hampton Roads Reptile Expo June 17th Newport News

Like I said, it was good for a first time show. I hope they continue to do it and like others have said I'm sure it will grow over time. I walked out with a new cornsnake for my son so it's all good (he graduated from 5th grade so it was his graduation gift). I would just really like to see a vendor list next time so I can see who's going to be there, do research on the vendors and know roughly how much money to take.

I also heard Outback was suppose to be there... had they been there they may have had good sales. Noted that it could be a good show to vend for our first time since we do not anticipate any high dollar BPs to be hatching out.

Not sure if we would attend another one as a visitor. May just stick to Richmond and Manassas for small local shows.

We didnt have any issues with traffic, even stopped for breakfast in Hampton on our way and drove around to waste time since there was no traffic. Glad we didn't have to go very far to get there.

I think it's great that Tony and Cooper organized the show, and I'd say overall it was pretty good for a first time show. It was about the same size as the Route 10 last fall, a good amount of people walking around for a small show, and they had music and concessions. I think bringing in some more vendors, including door prizes, and working even more to promote the show may help the next one be even better. I think it was just too early in the season for most snake breeders, so hopefully the next one has an even better turnout.

I agree it was early in the season. If it was just a month later, I would have vended. A new show in a new area that has not had any shows is a good starting point.

Nfarrown wrote:

Not bad for a first show but nowhere near as many vendors as the guy told me, maybe 20 vendors at best. Pet Paradise was the largest vendor there, and they said Outback was supposed to be there, I was there for an hour and didn't see them. There were a few tables that were empy, like the vendors didn't show. There was a decent selection, and prices were pretty decent for the most part. Definitely would've been nice to have a vendor list available, kind of strange that there wasn't one.

The empty tables were even labeled, like someone was supposed to be there and never showed up. On their Facebook though, there were a few people who wanted to vend, but were never given designated vendor set up times, even after asking multiple times.

Also, it seemed like most of the vendors were locals who were getting out of breeding. Tons of great deals on tanks and rodent tubs. My roommate picked up a really gorgeous baby pastel female Boa and a 30 gal tank all for $70.

Also, Don, I totally agree with you. 64 was a freaking nightmare getting out there. What should've been a one hour long drive quickly turned into 2 1/2. We were on 64 for FOREVER!

here is Iris, the little snow I picked up!

I figure once they get a little more organized. and do this a few more times, It's gonna be a good show!

Nice looking baby - and nice ring too.

acl2790 wrote:

glad to hear some people liked it, maybe I was expecting too much after looking at pics of the Daytona Show before heading out.

There are no East coast shows that can compete with Daytona. I lived close to Chicago and that show (NARBC Tinley Park) is awesome, but still doesn't compare to Daytona. Daytona has hundreds of tables!

dsteamn wrote:

Nice looking baby - and nice ring too.

thank-ya Bunches. I love snows so much, they are a simple morph but sometimes simple is really great. :-)

b_rickard wrote:

acl2790 wrote:

glad to hear some people liked it, maybe I was expecting too much after looking at pics of the Daytona Show before heading out.

There are no East coast shows that can compete with Daytona. I lived close to Chicago and that show (NARBC Tinley Park) is awesome, but still doesn't compare to Daytona. Daytona has hundreds of tables!

I wish I had the money and time to go to Daytona. That's a ton of tables!!

Tinley is a good show. It didn't cost us a lot to travel and stay there. We got our hotel and car through priceline name your own price. Fuel wasnt TOO bad. We were in a Toyota Corolla from the rental place. It took a while to drive and the snakes were'nt expensive at the show unless you were looking for high $... Tinley is a great show to attend if you can.

I'm sure the next show is going to be bigger. The more people hear about it the more will show up. I'ts about Holiday time for the kids i believe and parents get ready to head out for vacations... If there is one in October there are going to be more vendors as well. Hatching season just started and most big breeders don't even have hatchlings yet..

I'll definitely be visiting the next one!