Cold-blooded creatures invade Tinley Park when the North American Reptile Breeders Conference and Trade Show returns to the Tinley Park Holiday Inn Select and Convention Center on Saturday, October 8th and Sunday, October 9th. The reptiles at this amazing exhibition and sale of pet-friendly “herps” are among the finest in the world. With prices ranging from $5 to $75,000 everything from the common gecko to two-headed snakes will be represented!
Open to the public, this high-quality, captive-bred-only reptile show produced by ECO Wear and Publishing and Chicago Reptile House, Inc. will feature over 100 dealers from across the country offering over 10,000 geckos, frogs, iguanas, snakes, lizards, and tortoises! In addition to the reptiles available at the show, guests will have the rare opportunity to meet the stars of The Discovery Channel’s new show the Swamp Brothers at the conference.
Swamp Brothers, Robbie and Stephen Keszey, an unlikely pair of brothers who run one of the most unique family businesses in the country – working with wild and dangerous animals deep in the swamps of Florida. Robbie’s a veteran of the ‘80s metal scene who’s passionate about all things scaly, and Stephen’s a former New York City bartender who’s more comfortable hailing a cab than handling a snake. Don’t miss this chance to meet and greet the Brothers at this year’s NARBC.
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From the swamps to South Africa and all the way to Chicago, Nigel Marven, star of “Webosaurs” and Animal Planet’s hit series “Prehistoric Park” and “Micro Safari: Journey to the Bugs” will meet and greet fans at this year’s NARBC in Tinley Park. This rare Midwest appearance gives fans a chance to talk to one of the industry’s most well-respected producer, author, and animal kingdom film-maker.
All the animals at the North American Reptile Breeders Conference & Trade Show are audited to ensure compliance with all federal and state laws as well as the guidelines of the Herpetological Society and the Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council (PIJAC). “The NARBC offers insight into the world of herps with educational lectures and demonstrations throughout the weekend,” notes Bob Ashley, a producer of the Conference. “By bringing together top breeders in the industry and some of the finest reptiles in the world, the show provides an opportunity to educate both the novice and the experienced reptile owner.”
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On Saturday evening at 6 p.m., the North American Reptile Breeders Conference will host a fundraiser for the Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council (PIJAC). A nonprofit organization, PIJAC promotes responsible pet ownership and animal welfare, fosters environmental stewardship, and ensures the availability of pets. Open to the public, admission to this event is free and includes a live auction, hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar. Proceeds from the live auction will be donated to this important industry organization. The Show is sponsored by Zoo Med, Timberline, Reptile Magazine, Gourmet Rodent and Kingsnake.com
The North American Reptile Breeders Conference and Trade Show is open Saturday, October 8th from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, October 9th from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Tinley Park Holiday Inn Select & Convention Center, (I-80 and Harlem Avenue) 18501 S. Harlem Avenue
Tinley Park, Illinois 60477 . Weekend passes to the Show are $15 for adults; children under 13 are $8, while children ages 5 and under are admitted free. Tickets are available for purchase online and at the door.
A special VIP badge, costing $50 allows show-goers entrance to the Show Preview on Friday, October 7th, at 5 p.m. along with complimentary snacks and beverages (sponsored by Reptile Magazine). The VIP badge also provides advance show entrance at 9 a.m. on Saturday. For more information on the Conference email info@narbc.com visit the websites at www.narbc.com or www.reptileconference.com, or call 708/ 932-8044.
