Massachusetts Reptile Expo
Vendor Rules and Regulations

Vendor Eligibility

Vendors may only sell products, services, or other items directly related to herpetological or herpetocultural interests. This includes, but is not limited to, reptiles, amphibians, insects, arachnids, supplies, enclosures, feeders, and related merchandise. Questions may be directed to kimberly@massreptileexpo.com or Nelson@neherp.com.

Setup & Check-In

Vendor setup begins at 7:30 AM and must be completed by 9:45 AM. Tables must be claimed no later than 9:45 AM. Any unclaimed tables may be released to other vendors without refund. If you are running late on show day, please contact kimberly@massreptileexpo.com or Nelson@neherp.com as soon as possible. Each table includes two vendor admissions, represented by vendor badges. Additional badges may be purchased at regular admission price.Vendor badges will be provided and must be worn at all times by vendor representatives.

Sales & Conduct

All animal sales must take place inside the venue only. Sales in the parking lot or surrounding areas are strictly prohibited. Animals may only be uncontained at vendor tables and must otherwise remain properly secured. No animal sales to minors are permitted unless a parent or legal guardian is present. Vendors may not re-sell, transfer, or give their table to another vendor prior to the show.

All vendors and booth staff are expected to conduct themselves in a professional and respectful manner throughout the event. Disruptive behavior, including arguments or misconduct, may result in removal from the expo. No alcohol is permitted inside the event. Smoking is not permitted inside the venue or directly outside the loading doors. Vendors who need to smoke must use the back parking lot.

Animal Restrictions & Legal Compliance

Vendors are solely responsible for ensuring that all animals offered for display or sale are legal to possess, transport, display, and sell in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

The following are not permitted:

• Any animals on the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Restricted Herptiles List
• Any native herptile species prohibited for sale under MGL Chapter 131, Section 22
• Any sales of venomous reptiles or amphibians
• Any turtles or tortoises under 4 inches in length
• Any animals that have been visibly dyed
  

Educational displays of endangered or otherwise restricted species must be accompanied by a valid Massachusetts permit listing the species being displayed. Permits issued by other states are not valid in Massachusetts. Native species may only be displayed by vendors who have been approved for a free educational table.

Venomous Animals

Any venomous animals approved for educational display must be kept in a locked, secure enclosure at all times. Free handling of venomous animals is strictly prohibited.

Animal Health, Housing & Labeling

All animals must be:

• Healthy
• Humanely housed
• Securely contained
• Presented in a clean and sanitary manner
  

Any animal deemed unhealthy, unsafe, or otherwise unsuitable by expo staff must be removed immediately upon request. All animals must be sold in secure, sanitary containers or bags. Loose animal sales are not permitted. All animals, especially insects and arachnids, must be clearly labeled with their Latin genus and species names.

Feeders & Invertebrates

No live rodents are permitted, with the exception of eyes-closed pinkies and fuzzies. Crickets and other feeder insects are permitted only in sealed, pre-counted containers.

Vendor Responsibilities

Vendors assume full responsibility for all animals they bring to the expo. Any injury, damage, or incident caused by a vendor’s animals, property, or actions is the sole responsibility of that vendor. Vendors must provide customers with a receipt that includes the vendor’s name and email address.

Vendors are responsible for keeping their tables, displays, and animals clean, orderly, and professional in appearance. Expo staff may inspect vendor tables and animals before and during the event.

Electrical Use

Vendors are responsible for bringing their own extension cords if electricity is needed. While electrical outlets may be available, power access is limited. Vendors are asked to keep electrical usage to a minimum.

Liability

Neither the event coordinators nor the venue are responsible for any lost, stolen, or damaged property, or for injuries that may occur during the expo.

Refund & Cancellation Policy

Cancellations made at least 30 days prior to the show will receive a full refund. Cancellations made with less than 30 days’ notice will only be refunded if the table is able to be re-sold.

Right to Refuse or Remove

Expo staff reserve the right to refuse entry to, or remove, any vendor who is not in compliance with expo rules and regulations. Vendors removed for noncompliance may be removed without refund.

Attendee Pets

Outside pets are not permitted inside the venue, except for registered service animals, such as trained service dogs. For the safety of all attendees and animals, emotional support animals and other non-service pets should not be brought to the expo.