In years past, I've gone to DSC or SCI. This year, I decided to "do the double" and go to both shows. Going to both shows in such close proximity leads me to the following observations:

1. Size: Bigger is not always better, but it is clear that SCI remains the bigger show. DSC is closing in on SCI, but the sheer size of the SCI show remains impressive. I do not know it SCI was twice as big as DSC, but it felt that much bigger. I visited with two AR posters that were at the show for the first time and their eyes were the size of dinner plates.

2. Variety: If you are interested in African hunting, North American hunting, and wingshooting, you can find most everything you want at DSC. If you are a real collector, looking for the most obscure hunting offerings, SCI is the place to go. SCI offered more European, Asian, South Pacific, and South American hunts where DSC only offered a few. DSC had plenty of deer, antelope, and elk outfitters, but was stretched pretty thin on the rest of the NA 29. There were also more offerings for the royal Afican antelopes (mtn nyala, ld eland, bongo, etc) as well as most all of the notable NZ outfitters at SCI.

3. Fine guns: SCI has all of the fine firearms you could ever want to see. In fact, there is a large gap between the offerings at DSC and SCI. If fine guns are your thing, go to SCI.

4. Cost: SCI costs way to much. A member's show should not cost the member $100+ to get in the door. Mrs. Safari Lawyer and I paid $400+ for two days on the floor. That's too much. By comparison, I spent $25 to go to DSC for two days. I view DSC as having an open door policy and SCI as a closed or private society. DSC is the clear winner here, but some outfitters do like that many "tire kickers" are elimminated by the SCI admission cost and membership requirements.

5. Food and Drink: Sucks at both venues and costs too much. Tie.

6. Things for the ladies: SCI wins. There are enough vendors of finery at SCI for the non-hunter ladies to spend a day or two looking at furs, home decor, clothing, and jewelery. I, too, am mezmorized by the Partick Mavros displays. Awesome stuff! DSC had some of this, but much less, and the quality was, on the whole, significantly less.

7. Did I mention food and drink suck and are overpriced?

8. Transportation: Busses at SCI are great. You can get to and from the show, ride back to your hotel for lunch, ride to any of the hotels to see friends, have dinner, etc. By comparison, DSC has no transportation that I am aware of.

9. Business: Much easier to get your business handled at DSC. If you want to sit and talk to an outfitter, you need to go to DSC. At SCI, you can hardly get a word in because the guys are so busy. DSC wins this one.

10. Registration: Both were very efficient. I did not wait in line at either place. I was helped by friendly folks at both places. Tie.

11. Attendance: Both were well attended IMHO. I've been to both before so I have a point of reference. Both appeared to be a success with reference to "bodies through the door".

12. Sales: At both shows, I think guys that had good product to sell are selling it. Elephants, lions, buff, and leopard are selling. Some guys are booked up for 2010, 11, and some of 12. I think the guys that are hurting are plains game operations, high fenced deer and elk operations, some European operators, and some of the NZ guys. Many of these booths were empty on Thurs and Friday. No interest, period.

13. Retail vendors: More of these at DSC. If you are looking to buy hunting gear, Dallas has more.

14. Art: The art at SCI is really amazing and expensive. Dallas is getting these guys more and more, but SCI has the edge here.

15. Industry Guys: Zeiss, S&B, Leica, Swaro, Leupold, Winchester, Remington, Ruger, Nosler, Barnes are at both shows. Tie.

16. Taxidermy: The Wildlife Gallery did more to raise the quality and quantity of the taxidermy at the Dallas show than could be asked or expected of any organization. Kudos to Dan and his staff. SCI, however, still wins the taxidermy contest. Animal Artistry, which is based in Reno, pulls out all of the stops. Add Conroe Tax. (Mike Simpson's outfit) and Ritz (from NY) and you have a sure-nuff taxidermy display. More leopards and lions than you can count, full mount buffs (including the world record pick up), dioramas, bears and lots more. SCI wins this one.

17. Logistics: It is impossible to get to Reno. Dallas is more accessible to the majority of the country via major air carriers. DSC wins.

18. AR get together: I was unable to get to the AR party in Dallas because I was there for just one night and had conflicting dinner plans. The AR meet in Reno is on the floor of the show. The Dallas guys might want to add an "in show" get together to the schedule since many folks go to dinners for hunters and outfitters each night after the show closes. No winner here, but maybe a good idea for 2011.

CONCLUSION: I came home from Dallas saying that I was ready to quit going to Reno and start going to Dallas instead. Now, after typing this, I must confess that Reno is an impressive show. All of the politics of SCI aside, the cost and the logistics are the only negatives of the SCI show (my opinion). I will continue going to both as they both have something to offer.

Just my $.02.

Will

PS: Did I mention the food and drink?

Thanks very much for the head to head review. Oh, I have heard the food and drinks suck?

Will, thanks for taking the time to do this. I've only been to DSC, so the SCI comparison is greatly appreciated.

Will, for a guy from 'Bama , that's a damn fine report. Thank you for doing it.

As I've posted before, the admission price at SCI for members is absolute, unadulterated B.S., although you make a good point about the outfitters probably appreciating the cutting out of the "whistling gophers". That still don't make it right. If you're going to work a tradeshow, tire kickers are just part of life.

On a side note, speaking of things for the ladies and the way you (and others) have described it, perhaps some plastic surgeons could do well exhibiting at the SCI soiree.

Great report.
I've not gone to DSC but I've done SCI numerous times.
This is a very helpful comparison.
Everything you say about Reno is right on, in my opinion also.

great analysis, and based on my experience, dead on.

19. Demographics: There is a noticable difference in the age of the DSC and SCI attendees. I bet the average age of the attendees at the SCI show is 50-plus and might be as high as 55 or 60. DSC, by comparison, might be as low as 40 to 42, 43. I'm 35 (36 in three months) and I feel like a child on the SCI floor. There have never been MANY 20 to 40 year olds at the SCI show, and there may never be. I was able to meet some younger AR guys this year, which is encouraging. Still, we are the minority.

It will be interesting to see how this affects SCI in the next 10 to 15 to 20 years. A good deal of their core group is getting really old. Several of the SCI figureheads have died in recent years or declined to the point where they cannot be active in SCI. Edge, DSC.

FWIW: The average age of the trophy wife is about the same in DSC and SCI. Tie.

20. Politics: DSC and SCI seem to have found common ground in their united (lack of) support for President Barack Obama. Tie.

I think that President Bush's appearance at the convention and his subsequent talk at the Saturday evening banquet electrified the SCI Show this year and really made it great. Also, it was to me, more laid back, not as hectic and a lot easier to get around than in years past.

SL: DSX provided really good shuttle service between the Hotel and the convention. The longest I had to wait was maybe ten minutes. The rest of your observation is spot on. jorge

Thanks for taking the time to post all that valuable information. It's a trip I must do someday...

Maybe next year..

L

Yeah - thats a really good analysis, thanks.

The point about the show admission helping outfitters is absolutely true - IMO. Without, it would be very difficult to do business and the show might suffer. You have to also remember that SCI is a much more 'international' show in so far as the attendees. There are visitors from all over the world, it is not just for US members, so if the show is overrun with members from the USA, it might be possible to do business with the visitors from O/S. I guess in the last 5 days I have spoken with visitors from more than 15 different countries.

With regard the age demographic the differences are absolutely true. I would say there is a 10 year ave age difference between SCI and DSC. This is just another effect of the high cost of entry and the people who are wanting to book hunts, right now, not what they like to do in the future. DSC is a better show for entry level international hunters and folks who will do more big hunts in the next 10-20 years, SCI is simply to overwhelming to first timers.

Personally I think SCI is doing a great job to promote hunting to youth, as is the Weatherby Foundation and DSC to a lesser extent. We need all these org's plus all the others (RMEF, Ducks Unlimited, etc, etc) to bring new hunters on...

SCI does have younger guys coming through the executive ranks and also exceutives and members at the chapter level. Perhaps SCI could supply full demographics??

Cheers all
Matt

Will,

Thanks for this detailed report. I have to say I agree with your comparisons. I will have a booth at Reno next year and will also try to bring even more taxidermy work to DSC. There was some very impressive taxidermy work in Reno for sure and lots of it...

As for my final comment, the DSC southern hospitality wins the prize for me. Being a guy raised with old fashion discipline and a military back ground I like the respect and kindness shared to everyone by Dallas, Texas. The DSC show has a small town feel with a lot of big town perks... my 2 cents - DAN

Spot on Will! Good to see you again...

I enjoyed both shows, but I really like the "vibe" of the dallas show as far as being laid back and you can visit with folks without feeling like you are wasting there time...

I got to the point in Reno that when I wanted to talk to an outfitter, I tried to go by, make an appointment for a later time, and then come back for a chat.

Will, Thank you as well. Although I didnt go to either this year I think your analysis is right on. I like both shows. Both have merits.

SL, having gone to both shows more than once, I find your report one of the best comparisons I have seen.

quote:

Originally posted by Cazador humilde:
Will, for a guy from 'Bama , that's a damn fine report. Thank you for doing it.

As I've posted before, the admission price at SCI for members is absolute, unadulterated B.S., although you make a good point about the outfitters probably appreciating the cutting out of the "whistling gophers". That still don't make it right. If you're going to work a tradeshow, tire kickers are just part of life.

On a side note, speaking of things for the ladies and the way you (and others) have described it, perhaps some plastic surgeons could do well exhibiting at the SCI soiree.

There was certainly an amazing amount of the end result of plastic surgery on display. i sat astounded( and pleased) in our booth for hours just watching the parade.

Will - It was great to meet you at SCI. However there are a few points I have to differ with you on your observations.

1) You say SCI costs "too much". This is just your opinion I guess. Seems like many thousands of folks didn't see it that way as all those thousands who came to the show "paid" their way in. Matt is right that SCI and it's entry fee level helps them by keeping the tire kickers to a reasonable level. To me the "entry fee" to "SCI is not really a cost, but I consider it one of "my" donations to help them keep up the good work.

2)You state it's "impossible" to get to Reno. Since I saw YOU there, that must not really be the case. As with the entry fees, 99.9% of attendees had to "get to Reno" to attend the Show. There are not too many "direct" flights to Reno, but that applies to a lot of US cities. Don't personally see the big deal of having to change planes to get to a destination??

3) I actually found several eating places this year with really good food and what I thought was a resonable price. Very large, tasty turkey breast sandwich with great coleslaw, chips and a drink for under $10.00. Seemed OK to me?

4) I always attend the Show for all four days and noticed that Wed and Thurs seemed a lot better attended that last year. Matt G. might chime in on this one, but at least a dozen or so exibitors I know really well voiced the same observation. Or better yet, maybe we should wait for the "official" count from SCI and compare it to last year.

5) As far as attendee hospitality goes Reno tops any other place I have attended a Convention. From the bell hops, bus drivers, Casino employees, airport staff welcome commitee, and all other people from Reno I had any dealings with, A+. Maybe those Southern drawls don't get to me as much as some?

My DSC visit was derailed by the fact they screwed up the booth arrangement for the one outfitter I really had to see, so SCI got the nod. I really enjoyed SCI, as usual, but would have like to attend DSC just for a comparison.

Larry Sellers
SCI Life Member

quote:

I visited with two AR posters that were at the show for the first time and their eyes were the size of dinner plates.

....Yeah that was me! Definitely overwhelming! It was a pleasure to meet with all the AR members. I would also like to say that the folks around Reno get an absolute A+! They were ALL extremely friendly and appreciative. It really showed.

Brett

PS. Will the Verney Carrons are nice for the money. I concur.

Safari Lawyer,

I could not have said it better myself. I went to the SCI last year for the first time and wished I had scheduled more time. It is overwhelming. If you want to shop guns, it is the place to go!
DSC is growing every year. In 5 -10 years it may be as big??
If you like to gamble and ski on the side then Reno is a +.

Last year just prior to SCI is when the airline ditched in river in NY. When we departed Reno there were canadian geese on the sides on the runway grazing. I was thinking,OH SHIT!!

EZ

Great Post Safari Lawyer! I didn't go to DSC but a couple of comments on SCI

Chairs/tables! After spending 8 hours on your feet it would be nice to actually sit down while your eating your $8 burger and drinking your $8.50 beer.

That being said, it was a great first experience SCI show for me. Met a lot of nice people.

Regards,

Chuck

Next time you are in Reno, look up the restaurant "Louis' Basque Corner". Don't eat that crappy convention food.

I spent two darn near full day's trying to see all of the convention while hitting up my "must see" boothes. It didn't happen. I pretty much saw everyone I wanted to, but I didn't see the whole show. I would reccomend 3 days for a first timer. You'll need it! Again I can't say enough about how friendly and appreciative the people of Reno were. Kudos to them!!! The wealth of rifles and perticularly doubles was stunning as was the taxidermy!!!

Brett

Will, good idea to have an on the floor meeting. If you get it put togeather I am sure many will attend. Please don't misunderstand this post Mike will still do his Friday thing and Frank, Joyce and I will still keep the Sat eve/ Sunday morn. thing going. The Sunday morn was a reference to the fellow poster I found in the party room Sunday morning sound asleep, I am sure HE had a great time Saterday eve but maybe not so good Sunday.

Will, spot on!
I've been to SCI and DSC two times apiece in the last four years and my conclusions are the same as you posted.

I am a member of both organizations and volunteer for DSC and the local SCI chapter. I make DSC every year (heck, I live in Dallas), but have yet to make SCI in Reno. I will make it one of these days just to see the monstrosity that it appears to be.

Will,
Great post and spot on with my experience. I will say on the demographics that SCI has older men and younger women. I think a lot of guys bring their "nieces". Like somebody else said, maybe between the jewelry and fur booths somebody should set up a plastic surgery booth

I must admit that for the first time ever - I did not see the whole DSC show in one day. I probably could have, but I volunteered as part of the DSC 100 volunteer group to help out at the convention; a rewarding experience, I would suggest you that are local members consider it, and I spent a lot of time visiting with friends and PH's that I have hunted with (something that is sometimes hard to do at Reno because of the crowds. The DSC was also in a new location, and booths were arranged a bit differently from previous years, and I believe there were more exhibitors. The DSC show continues to grow bigger and bigger.

So, listen,how were the refreshments at these two shows?

Regarding the trophy wives...WE NEED PICS.