Herp hobbyists are likely quite familiar with the NARBC (North American Reptile Breeders Conference) and have perhaps attended one or more of the regional shows in the past. These “conference + trade show” events offer a dizzying array of reptile and amphibian vendors, supported by all manner of related equipment manufacturers and ancillary offerings. These events can be quite fun for the whole family, even if you’re not there to shop (e.g., these photos of my daughter, enjoying herself at the October, 2019 Tinely Park NARBC event before the pandemic).
But now, NARBC has announced an expansion into a full-line Pet Expo to be held in Dallas, Texas, twice in 2025. The events are scheduled for March 29-30, and September 6-7, 2025. In addition to the routine experience that a NARBC offers, the full range of pets, most notably freshwater fish, marine/saltwater, and coral/reef aquarium offerings are invited to participate, not to ignore the tropical plants, birds, and other small animal offerings the show hopes to include.
How these expanded events will be received by vendors and attendees remains to be seen, but there is proven history for full-line pet shows in the past. Everyone at Aquatic Media Press is well aware that fish keepers and reef aquarists often have related interests in the other “glass-box” hobbies, whether breeding Ball Pythons or working with bioactive rainforest vivariums. You probably wouldn’t be surprised how many aquarists are also fascinated by plant life both above and below the water.
The success of the new NARBC Pet Expo events in Dallas could present new opportunities for cross-pollination between all the various pet hobbies. We’ll be watching with keen interest in 2025!
The official Facebook announcement can be found at https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=939658251525978&set=a.543642234460917
More info can be found at https://www.narbc.com/
