Long time no see, MMC!
My show is still going strong — this year I decided to try doing a monthly event at a single location.
The goal would be to hopefully establish the name a bit better with a more consistent setup.
Then I can try expanding in the next couple years if all goes well.
If you’re in the area, I’d love for you to come check it out or even vend with us!
We are still fairly light on the exotic animal people so there isn’t much competition between vendors.
Good on you for keeping up with it. I’m from the Louisville Area so I know all about the politics with one of the big shows in Ohio. There’s only one show in the area that I trust and they’ve had venue problems lately. But id definitely be interested in vending one of your shows in the future since you’re only about an hour away. I’ve never had major luck vending but maybe yours id have better luck with. 
Oh yeah, though so far it hasn’t caused me any big problems (I think anyways… there’s a handful of the local reptile people that are rather toxic individuals and I know they are talking smack about me at the other shows lmao. I do notice a lot of said locals are still avoiding vending at my show too, so… yeah.)
What I found funny was one of the local shows switched their most popular show to a monthly one… right after I did for mine. Could be a coincidence, but also seemed kinda suspicious timing imo 
I’d definitely welcome you if you can make it!
I’m hoping to expand locations again once the show is more established. I’d like to do shows in Missouri, Illinois, Indiana (of course), Kentucky, Tennessee… and maybe Ohio.
I did definitely hear about that show having trouble with the venue they were using, I used to attend it often years ago.
I’m actually going to be in Indiana on the 15th. I will do my best to make it in to see your show! Timing is a bit of a guessing game right now; my daughter and I are driving from MD and it looks like your show is about 2 hours from our planned destination. It would be nice to meet someone from our community for sure! Stopping by even if for only a bit would break up the monotony and give us a good distraction since we’ll probably be driving straight back home the same day.
@caron you live in IN too! Maybe you’re close by? I know it’s not a small state and I don’t remember if you’ve ever mentioned the area where you live.
Are talking about February 15th? I am in Franklin so I think if I hop onto 69 I can be there in a couple hours give or take? That would be wonderful if I could meet up with you!
I will text you about it as the time gets closer. Of course weather plays a big part since it is February! 
Your show sounds awesome! I love that it’s selling crafts and “oddities” as well. I know most reptile shows have those kinds of tables, but I feel like they’re usually not mentioned as prominently in the advertising.
Sadly I’m nowhere near you, but if you ever make it to SoCal, I’d totally go!
Man, if you’re ever near the nashville area, I’d love to vend at one of your shows! I want to do more of the vending side of the hobby, and I’d also love to be involved with more people here lol.
Yes, ma’am! February 15th! As long as my husband doesn’t come, and the weather doesn’t misbehave like it has been doing this month then we will be attempting this extra little “field trip” on top of our quick road trip 
It would be so great to meet you and Holly!
Husband would want to get to our destination and then drive right back home (he will have to work that Sunday morning). If I had to guess, I’d say he won’t come along though.
Our original planned drive is to Hanover, IN.
Look forward to hearing from you as we get closer to the date!
Sounds good Gina! 
It’s definitely more geared towards small businesses in general rather than just reptiles, I think it brings together more people from different backgrounds.
Generally we don’t get a ton of guests showing up, but the ones that do show up are buying stuff at least — unlike a lot of the smaller reptile shows I’ve been to where there’s high turnout but not many buyers.
I definitely want to go to Nashville with the show, just really trying to establish a good vendor base first. It’s still rather inconsistent at the moment, but I’m gonna keep pushing through.
Definitely looking forward to meeting some of you guys, and I’d love to see more vendors if you’re able!
Even recommending my show to others you think might be interested/able to attend would be great. Word of mouth seems to go a long way
So, I need some advice if anyone can give any.
How the heck do I get vendors to want to vend at my shows??
It seems like none of the local reptile people want to vend, and the last show honestly didn’t have a great turnout with vendors OR guests. 15/17 vendors showed up, and I had maybe 100-200 guests. Worst show turnout to date.
It’s upsetting and frustrating because I don’t want to quit, but if I can’t get vendors to even sign up then I can’t really keep hosting these shows.
EDIT: I decided it was best to pass on the torch to someone else — I think a lot of the problem has to do with me personally just because of the past conflicts with the other show host that controls the area I’m trying to do shows in.
So one of my vendors (who has been at nearly every show) is taking over for me with my guidance. There will likely be a rebrand, but I’ll still be attending the shows as much as I can.
