Reptile and amphibian hobbyists, breeders, academics, researchers, and zookeepers from around the globe are converging on the Astor Crown Plaza in New Orleans, Louisiana, this week for the 36th International Herp Symposium.

Starting with an icebreaker Wednesday night, followed by three days of presentations on herpetology, herpetoculture, and reptile veterinary medicine, the event also includes swamp tours in an airboat, a banquet and keynbote by Australian herpetologist John Cann, a silent auction, and more. Additionally, all attendees are invited to free admission to the Audubon Zoo, the Aquarium of the Americas and the Audubon Butterfly Garden and Insectarium in New Orleans.

While the call of Bourbon Street may be tough to ignore, there will be dozens of cool reptile and amphibian presentations over the next few days to keep herpers out of the bars, at least during the day. Some of the world's leading herpetologists, herpetoculturists, veterinarians, and more are scheduled to present at this year's event, guaranteeing something for every herper's interests. For a schedule of the IHS presentations, check out the IHS website.

I will be giving a presentation on reptile and amphibian laws on Friday at 4:45pm. My 30 minute presentation, titled “Reptile Laws: The role of NRAAC and NGOs in the Reptile & Amphibian Regulatory Process,” will be a quick overview of the NRAAC organization, and other organizations, and how they are involved in the creation of laws and regulations at the federal, state, and international levels. It will also discuss the upcoming NRAAC Reptile & Amphibian Law Symposium in Washington D.C. in November.

For more information on the NRAAC Reptile & Amphibian Law Symposium please visit the NRAAC website.