National Reptile Breeders Expo is coming to Daytona Beach: Here's what you need to know

Jim Abbott, Daytona Beach News-Journal
·2 min read
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Lizards, snakes and the people who love them will be in the spotlight again in August at the National Reptile Breeders Expo at the Ocean Center in Daytona Beach.

The event, slated to unfold Aug. 19 and 20, has become an annual summer tradition at the World’s Most Famous Beach. It’s open to the public, so if you’re curious about these exotic pets, here’s your chance to learn all about them.

Guests check out reptiles of all shapes and sizes at the 2020 National Reptile Breeders Expo at the Ocean Center in Daytona Beach. The event returns Aug. 19 and 20 to the Ocean Center.
Guests check out reptiles of all shapes and sizes at the 2020 National Reptile Breeders Expo at the Ocean Center in Daytona Beach. The event returns Aug. 19 and 20 to the Ocean Center.

Here’s what you need to know about the event:

Is the Daytona Beach show a big deal in the reptile world?

Oh, yes. The annual show Is touted by its organizers as the largest reptile meeting in the world.

This year’s event will feature 700 vendor tables, showcasing the reptiles and accessories offered by more than 250 vendors in a show that will occupy 140,000-square feet in two exhibit halls of the county-run convention center.

If you’re not cool with snakes, it will not be the place to be. Fortunately, the thousands of spectators expected at the event are totally into reptiles.

What are some of the things to see?

Did we mention the snakes? There will be an array of snakes, lizards, turtles and frogs available for sale, all bred in captivity and displayed in secure containers. Past events also have included reptile-themed art shows and other entertainment.

The National Reptile Breeders' Expo returns Aug. 19 and 20 at the Ocean Center in Daytona Beach.
The National Reptile Breeders' Expo returns Aug. 19 and 20 at the Ocean Center in Daytona Beach.

After the opening-day show concludes at the Ocean Center, there will be an evening Reptile Breeders Expo Auction from 8-10 p.m. Aug. 19 at the Hilton Daytona Beach Oceanfront Resort, the event’s host hotel. It’s traditionally one of the most anticipated parts of the reptile-centric weekend.

Ahead of the show, there will be a series of "Turtle Talks" by experts on Aug. 18 at the Hilton, across from the Ocean Center. Check the event's website for information about attending those.

I just want to go look around. What do I need to know?

Hours for the National Reptile Breeders Expo are 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Aug. 19 and 20 at the Ocean Center, 101 N. Atlantic Ave., in Daytona Beach.

Admission is $20 per person at the door and is CASH only, with free admission for age 6 and under.

New this year is a weekend VIP pass that offers all-day admission during pre-show vendor set up on Aug. 18 as well as admission to the show an hour ahead of the general public on Aug. 19 and 20. Cost is $100.

VIP passes may be purchased at early registration on Aug. 17 at the Hilton Oceanfront Resort and Aug. 18 at the Ocean Center registration area.

Other rules to keep in mind: No live mammals or birds are allowed inside the Expo. Only exhibitors are permitted to bring animals into the Expo.

Visit reptilebreedersexpo.com for more information. Or check out oceancenter.com.

This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: National Reptile Breeders Expo returns to Daytona Beach in August