What to Buy for a Reptile Show

A reptile show needs more than terrariums and animals. You need safe transport, reliable temperature and humidity checks, enough power equipment, and a clear visitor setup. Plan separate supplies for exhibitors, registration, refreshments and signage so one missing item does not delay opening. This shopping list covers the equipment and everyday supplies needed to prepare the venue, display reptiles safely and keep visitors moving through the event.

Organize this event for free with Lizzt

What to bring

Grouped the way you'd shop for it, with quantities.

Furniture

Tablesqty 10
Chairsqty 60
Registration desk
Folding chairs for exhibitorsqty 20
Queue postsqty 6

Equipment

Terrariumsqty 18
Transport boxesqty 12
Heat lampsqty 18
UVB lampsqty 12
Thermometersqty 18
Hygrometersqty 12
Power stripsqty 12
Extension cordsqty 10
Cable traysqty 20
Coolersqty 4
Mobile card machine

Kitchen

Kettlesqty 2
Coffee machinesqty 2
Thermos flasksqty 4
Cutting boardsqty 3
Bread knivesqty 2
Serving traysqty 6

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 100
Platesqty 80
Cutlery setsqty 80
Coffee cupsqty 50
Tea glassesqty 50

Decorations

Info boardsqty 24
Program postersqty 8
Directional signsqty 12
Tableclothsqty 12
Name badgesqty 40
Entry wristbandsqty 250
Arrow tapeqty 6

Animal supplies

Sheltersqty 24
Water tubsqty 24
Feed bowlsqty 18
Substrate traysqty 12
Towelsqty 30
Reptile netsqty 4
Disinfectable glovesqty 100
Handwash sinksqty 3
Disinfection matsqty 4

Safety

Crowd control barriersqty 12
Warning signsqty 12
Fire extinguishersqty 2
First aid kitsqty 2

Lighting

LED work lightsqty 6
Battery lanternsqty 6

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 8
Broom setsqty 3
Mop headsqty 3
Bucketsqty 4
Cleaning clothsqty 30
Hand soap dispensersqty 4
Paper towel dispensersqty 4

Catering

Groceries
- Coffee - 3 packs
- Tea - 4 boxes
- Sugar - 2 kilos
- Milk - 8 liters
- Oat milk - 4 liters
- Mineral water - 12 bottles
- Sparkling water - 8 bottles
- Cola - 6 bottles
- Cola Zero - 6 bottles
- Sinas - 4 bottles
- Apple juice - 4 packs
- Multivitamin juice - 4 packs
- Paprika chips - 4 bags
- Plain chips - 4 bags
- Tortilla chips - 4 bags
- Hummus - 6 tubs
- Cucumber - 8 pieces
- Carrots - 3 kilos
- Cherry tomatoes - 2 kilos
- Grapes - 3 kilos
- Apples - 40 pieces
- Bananas - 30 pieces
- Mini rolls - 100 pieces
- Cheese slices - 2 kilos
- Chicken breast slices - 1.5 kilos
- Hummus spread - 1 kilo
- Butter - 500 grams
- Mayonnaise - 2 bottles
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Mustard - 2 jars
- Mini currant buns - 60 pieces
- Cookies - 5 packs
- Gluten-free sandwiches - 12 pieces
- Gluten-free cookies - 2 packs
- Vegan sandwiches - 20 pieces
- Napkins - 500 pieces
- Paper cups - 150 pieces
- Aluminum foil - 2 rolls
- Cling film - 2 rolls
- Paper towels - 8 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Trash bags - 60 pieces
- Dish soap - 3 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 3 bottles
- Disinfectant - 4 bottles
- Hand soap - 6 bottles
- Paper towels - 12 packs
- Kitchen gloves - 4 boxes

Tips

Provide one suitable terrarium for each animal display, with a transport box available for every exhibitor who needs to move an animal safely. Check that heat lamps, UVB lamps, thermometers and hygrometers match the animals’ care requirements before setup day.
Count power strips and extension cords by table or display area, then add cable trays wherever visitors could cross a cable. Test every lamp and temperature monitor at least 24 hours before the show rather than discovering a fault during opening setup.
Plan refreshments by service point: one coffee machine or kettle per busy serving area, plus thermos flasks for keeping hot drinks available between refills. Buy or bring reusable cups, coffee cups, tea glasses, plates and cutlery for the expected number of guests, exhibitors and volunteers.
Keep registration supplies separate from the exhibitor area. A registration desk, mobile card machine, name badges and a clear queue route prevent visitors from blocking tables while staff process arrivals.
Print directional signs and program posters before the final setup day, and bring spare copies for entrances, registration and the main demonstration area. Info boards are easy to overlook but give visitors animal-care details without requiring an exhibitor to repeat the same explanation all day.

Frequently asked questions

What equipment do I need for a reptile show?: Plan terrariums, transport boxes, heat lamps, UVB lamps, thermometers and hygrometers for the animal displays. Add power strips, extension cords and cable trays, and test the complete setup at least 24 hours before visitors arrive.
How many terrariums do I need for a reptile exhibition?: Start with one suitable terrarium for each planned animal display, then add at least 1 spare if the show has more than 10 displays. Confirm the final count against the animal list and exhibitor information before shopping.
What should I buy for drinks at a reptile show?: For the first hour, allow roughly 2 to 3 drinks per person, then adjust for the expected event length. Provide coffee machines or kettles, thermos flasks, coolers, reusable cups, coffee cups, tea glasses, plates and cutlery, and chill drinks before opening.
What do people usually forget for a reptile show?: Cable trays, spare extension cords, hygrometers, transport boxes and directional signs are commonly missed. Check these items 24 hours before setup, along with the mobile card machine and printed program posters.

Start this plan in Lizzt

Every task and item on this page, ready in your own event. Invite people, split the work, and see who has done what.