Thought you might be interested the Convention Hotel Bureau opens June 17th for bookings at DSC this year. 404-842-0000.
Thought you might be interested that DSC has reserved the entire OMNI for Exhibitors, Suppliers, Speakers and VIP's, "no general public."
I made a request to stay at the Omni as convenience to my wife with 2 hip implants to attend functions in the Hotel. They wee kind enough to make a suite available at $795/night!! I politely declined!! Short safari price by end of that stay!! I wonder what Exhibitors, etc. will pay??
They advised that the best access to Convention center and show is via shuttle from outlying hotels to the front door od Convention Center, not through the OMNI!!
Hope to see you there!!
Cheers,

Yeah. It will be a scam like last year.....as a longtime exhibitor we couldn't get rooms.

.

With a little work, DSC can become just like SCI. Or heck, since it is about Safaris (allegedly), they can become just like some African governments. I have talked to a lot of donors and exhibiters who are very concerned and frustrated with the favoritism being shown by DSC for show space and now VIP Omni. We are life members and fly in from Florida every year for the past 10 years. Always go to banquets and sponsor a table at times. We have stayed at the Omni every year, even after the shit show that Connections Housing has mastered, we logged on and got a room. No special treatment required. Every year it becomes more about big money and favoritism and the "awards" are becoming nauseating.

DSC should get with AA and start a similar award/mileage/expenditure reward program and be open about it. In fact, organize the show with a coach, business, first class style floor plan giving special attention to "executive platinum and concierge key members". And all the flea market crap that gets more invasive every year, put that in an area that we can call the "Spirit/Southwest" area.


Until this year, we sponsored and hosted friends that were "undecided" about hunting as a conservation tool or thought hunting is a blood sport for the old, fat, rich guys. (Every one of them joined DSC afterwards) I challenged DSC and had conversations with leadership about this perception and they agreed that it must be changed. The only change we see is more effort to make the perception reality. Come on DSC, make DSC great again.

Whats the advantage of booking through DSC? I went straight to the Fairmont and booked rooms at a great rate. We have booked through DSC in the past but we rarely get the Omni and were kicked out of the Adolphus last year because they overbooked. With Expedia, and Kayak, etc. why not just line up rooms without the hassle...

That is what we did this year. We booked a room already at one of the local hotels less than a mile from the Omni/Convention center.

quote:

Originally posted by bwanamrm:
Whats the advantage of booking through DSC? I went straight to the Fairmont and booked rooms at a great rate. We have booked through DSC in the past but we rarely get the Omni and were kicked out of the Adolphus last year because they overbooked. With Expedia, and Kayak, etc. why not just line up rooms without the hassle...

Done. Hyatt Regency has always been my go-to. Thanks for reminding me.

SF- you might want to check with Cass at DSC headquarters. ...she might pull strings for you...at $795a night!!
She did not tell me how to book as an Exhibitor to get into Omni?? As an Exhibitor I would check in quickly!!....now and before 17th blocks opening.
I think the benefit of booking through DSC Convention Bureau is getting into the hotel block of rooms at hotels with shuttle to Convention Center doors. Cass says that is quickest way into Convention.
As a result of this decision on Omni and our late return from winter home, dictated by airlines, we may NOT GO TO DSC!!....we can drive to SCI- RENO!!
BTW- SCI room blocks opened last week, and you book directly at your desired hotel with promo code. You can access this info at www.showsci.org
Cheers,

470EDDY:

We are going more than anything to see friends. We know who we will book with in the upcoming years and we pretty much have more kit and guns than we need. Not that need has any weight when it comes to most gun and kit purchases.

We booked us a room directly with the hotel. I cannot see DSC beating the rate we got but I can see "Housing (dis)connections" turning it into a shit show as they have pretty much done that every year.

We still believe DSC is a great organization but I think they are forgetting who and what made them great.


Hope to see you there and safe travels.

Larry

What I am told (by those who know) was that the Omni had become a bit of a disaster for DSC. There were ridiculous demands being made by members. There was a steady stream of these demands. The easiest solution to the problems was to do what they did.

Personally, I never stayed at the Omni and never wanted to stay there. Too crowded. To each his own I suppose. When I heard of the solution, I predicted an uproar.

I'd like to weigh in on this...let me say that my post is mine, not DSC's, I'm not speaking for DSC...not my job any more.
Ever since day 1 when DSC moved to the Convention Center and chose the OMNI as host hotel this problem has existed. We as a board of directors sought a viable and equitable solution for years and many possible solutions were weighed and ultimately rejected. Every year some people are mad (and sometimes a lot of people are mad) because they couldn't get a room at the OMNI, believe me I fielded more than my share of mad phone calls. The problem is obvious, there aren't enough rooms to go around. Another problem involves time zones, our exhibitors in other parts of the world either couldn't call as soon as bookings opened or didn't take into account the time difference (I know, not DSC's fault, but still a problem). Another major problem, as evidenced last year, was insufficient staff on the part of our housing vendor which dropped calls in the middle of booking or overbooked hotels. That was pretty much the straw that broke the camel's back and staff came up with what was thought to be the most workable solution. A system was developed that took into account the loyalty shown by long time exhibitors to allow them a better chance to get a room at the OMNI, if they so desired.
I don't know that this solution is the best solution, but something had to be done.
I also know that our attendees are a vital part of the convention and I wish there was a way to satisfy everyone's desires, but there is not.

Larry - SFranger7GP, I promise you that DSC has not forgotten what made us great, and we strive to put on the best hunters convention in the world for "those that brung us" and I believe we do just that, if you need or want further info just PM me an email or phone number and I'll be in touch.
Same goes for any of you that needs info or has questions (or just wants to bitch, I don't mind )
As usual, I look forward to seeing many of my AR friends in January.

https://www.weatherbyfoundatio...therby-award-dinner/


Just an option for those wishing to stay at the Omni.



Weatherby Foundation International

Hunting and Conservation Award Dinner

Wednesday, 8 January 2020
Omni Dallas Hotel ~ Dallas, Texas
Cocktails/Silent Auction begin at 5:30 pm

Dinner/Live Auction begin at 6:30 pm



Our 2020 Weatherby Award Gala will once again be held at the beautiful Omni Dallas Hotel in DALLAS, TEXAS. We are honored to be part of the Dallas Safari Club Annual Convention & Sporting Expo, occurring 9-12 January 2020.

Dinner Reservations: To register for our 63rd annual gala and purchase dinner tickets, please click on the link below or call 866.934.3976 or 480.209.1561 on or after Monday, 17 June 2019 at 10.00 am ET. Our cocktail party and silent auction will begin at 5.30 pm and our dinner and live auction will begin at 6.30pm on the third floor of the Omni Dallas Hotel.

Gala Seating: For the BEST seats in the house you may choose to purchase a Premiere table or a Grande table for $10,000 or $5,000, respectively. Both are tables of 10. One additional seat may be added to each table for an additional $300. With the purchase of a Premiere table you receive front row seating, recognition in the program and from the podium, and on-screen and table recognition. With a Grande table the purchaser is entitled to preferred seating and recognition in the evening’s program. The number of Premiere and Grande tables are limited and are reserved on a first-come, first-served basis, so be sure to contact us as soon as possible!

You may also purchase a standard table of ten for $3,000 which will have preferred seating over individual dinner tickets ($300 each). Individual dinner tickets will be seated in the Open Seating area of the ballroom and you may choose any open seat available when you arrive that evening.

Hotel Reservations: Hotel rooms are available at several properties near the convention center. Our host hotel is the Omni Dallas. Room reservations for all hotels will open on Monday, 17 June 2019 at 10.00 am ET. It is Weatherby Foundation’s policy that our block of rooms are only reserved for those guests who are attending the Weatherby dinner on Wednesday evening; therefore, you must purchase your dinner tickets prior to reserving a hotel room at any of our hotel properties. Once you book your dinner tickets you will be given a link and a code which will allow you to book your hotel room(s). Only one hotel room reservation for every two dinner tickets is allowed. If more hotel rooms are reserved than is allowed by policy, we will contact you and let you know you must purchase additional dinner tickets or we will have to release your additional hotel rooms you have reserved.

Because the dinner tickets and the hotel rooms are connected through the reservations system, if you find it necessary to cancel your Weatherby dinner tickets for the Gala, your hotel room will be cancelled also.

Click Here for Dinner & Hotel Reservations!
Questions: If you have any questions or need additional assistance, please do not hesitate to contact us by email at info@weatherbyfoundation.com or by phone at 866.934.3976 or 480.209.1561.

Thank you to everyone for your support of Weatherby Foundation International and we look forward to seeing you in January!

Tough, no-win scenario for DSC. That said I will add my opinion.

In my view, this new process is sort of backwards. Members and non-members are ALL potential customers and we are there to BUY products, from as inexpensive as a ball cap to a six figure safari and Exhibitors are there to peddle their wares.

Accordingly, priority should be given to those that are going to SPEND money and buy their stuff. Of course there needs to be accommodations made for the "BIG SHOT" donors etc, but if Exhibitors are there to SELL, they'll find a way to come and stay and sell whatever goods or services they have to offer.

Another angle of course is the monies involved between exhibitors and DSC (donated hunts etc) to raise money and if that sum exceeds what us minions spend, then there's a possible answer as to why Exhibitors were given priority.

If that is the case, unless a system is crafted where DSC gets a % of all revenues sold by exhibitors, my guess is the monies donated by Exhibitors exceeds those spend by attendees.

Much like what SFC Ranger said, we go to see dear friends and have a good time, but we are not, nor never will be in the "Big Shot/Big Spender" crowd, so after twelve consecutive years of attending (and Life Membership), we are probably going to skip. jorge

Many years ago, a very wise man told me something that I try to not forget. He told me that one's position on any issue will vary depending on what chair they were sitting in. Truer words have never been spoken.

As attendees, I am sure it is difficult for us to comprehend the issues that DSC was facing. Let's try an cut them a little slack on this one.

Personally, we stay at a place that is a few blocks away. It is within easy walking distance. It is quieter and a hell of a lot less expensive. I would far rather be there than the Omni. To be clear, the issue is not the price.

quote:

Originally posted by jorge:
Tough, no-win scenario for DSC. That said I will add my opinion.

In my view, this new process is sort of backwards. Members and non-members are ALL potential customers and we are there to BUY products, from as inexpensive as a ball cap to a six figure safari and Exhibitors are there to peddle their wares.

Accordingly, priority should be given to those that are going to SPEND money and buy their stuff. Of course there needs to be accommodations made for the "BIG SHOT" donors etc, but if Exhibitors are there to SELL, they'll find a way to come and stay and sell whatever goods or services they have to offer.

Another angle of course is the monies involved between exhibitors and DSC (donated hunts etc) to raise money and if that sum exceeds what us minions spend, then there's a possible answer as to why Exhibitors were given priority.

If that is the case, unless a system is crafted where DSC gets a % of all revenues sold by exhibitors, my guess is the monies donated by Exhibitors exceeds those spend by attendees.

Much like what SFC Ranger said, we go to see dear friends and have a good time, but we are not, nor never will be in the "Big Shot/Big Spender" crowd, so after twelve consecutive years of attending (and Life Membership), we are probably going to skip. jorge

Jorge:

VIP's could mean a lot of things other than big spenders. For example , members of Congress, Head of USFWS, Secretary of the Interior, president of SCI, president of the NRA, etc.

I don't know what it means. I wouldn't automatically assume it means big spenders.

quote:

Jorge:

VIP's could mean a lot of things other than big spenders. For example , members of Congress, Head of USFWS, Secretary of the Interior, president of SCI, president of the NRA, etc.

Larry, a punctuation issue on my part. There should have been one between "Big Shots" & donors, just as you say. To expand on that, guest speakers, invited folks, etc.

quote:

Originally posted by larryshores:

quote:

Originally posted by jorge:
Tough, no-win scenario for DSC. That said I will add my opinion.

In my view, this new process is sort of backwards. Members and non-members are ALL potential customers and we are there to BUY products, from as inexpensive as a ball cap to a six figure safari and Exhibitors are there to peddle their wares.

Accordingly, priority should be given to those that are going to SPEND money and buy their stuff. Of course there needs to be accommodations made for the "BIG SHOT" donors etc, but if Exhibitors are there to SELL, they'll find a way to come and stay and sell whatever goods or services they have to offer.

Another angle of course is the monies involved between exhibitors and DSC (donated hunts etc) to raise money and if that sum exceeds what us minions spend, then there's a possible answer as to why Exhibitors were given priority.

If that is the case, unless a system is crafted where DSC gets a % of all revenues sold by exhibitors, my guess is the monies donated by Exhibitors exceeds those spend by attendees.

Much like what SFC Ranger said, we go to see dear friends and have a good time, but we are not, nor never will be in the "Big Shot/Big Spender" crowd, so after twelve consecutive years of attending (and Life Membership), we are probably going to skip. jorge

Jorge:

VIP's could mean a lot of things other than big spenders. For example , members of Congress, Head of USFWS, Secretary of the Interior, president of SCI, president of the NRA, etc.

I don't know what it means. I wouldn't automatically assume it means big spenders.

A Texas State Judge?

We have yet to stay at the Omni. I don't think we missed anything though as a result.

We have had fun rotating hotels around some. We have stayed at the Fairmont, Magnolia, ZaZa, Rosewood Mansion and others. Our favorites have been like Larry just a smaller hotel . We can walk up to the Omni, or take the hotel car, and then go out in Dallas for dinner or attend an event. Parking is better and we could get in and out versus the Omni.

There is way too many good things going at DSC, and lots of good hotels and places in Dallas, to get me wound even any at all about a couple of nights stay there.

quote:

like Larry just a smaller hotel

Which one? specifically closer to the Convention?

The Fairmont and the Adolphus are close and clean with good beds.

quote:

A Texas State Judge?

your point?

I've been keeping up with this with somewhat interest.
I haven't been to a conv. in several years now.
Being a volunteer on both the move in move out & security parts of the conv. I saw that DSC most definitely cared greatly about both their attendees & their exhibitors.
Any time there was a problem it was addressed hastily.
I personally can't see DSC not doing the best that it can to correct this issue.
Maybe, just maybe there is no way to resolve this in a way that makes everyone happy, but I bet they are trying.
Just my 2 cents worth.

quote:

Maybe, just maybe there is no way to resolve this in a way that makes everyone happy, but I bet they are trying.

my thoughts as well

I think you guys are correct.

I don't think there is an easy answer. The DSC convention has got so big, it is not a local convention anymore. The Omni is too small, not enough rooms. People being bussed in from all over town. Makes me think of Reno and SCI.

As some say, the issue is quite simple. The Omni is not big enough to house everyone. Some are going to have to stay elsewhere. It is that simple.

Is it really that much of a big deal?

DSC came up with a solution. Perhaps it could have been better. I don’t know. What I do know is they didn’t set out to shaft anyone. No matter what they did, someone was going to be unhappy.

Let’s try supporting those who are supporting us.

AMEN! I have never stayed at the Omni but at other hotels nearby within walking distance. No problem.

Thanks to those of you that see that DSC is in an unwinnable position on this one issue. There really isn't a simple solution, if there was it would have been put in place years ago, the "fix" instituted this year is not perfect but it is what we have to work with for now.

I always try and stay at the omni ,I volunteer for the morning coffee cart, security anything more needed ,I love it, I like the omni for easy access , if my dogs are tired I can go up for a few hours then hit it again ,like in years past I will stay where I can get a room that's close as possible like the aloft .

I just did a quick search. There are at least 10 decent hotels within a half mile of the convention center.

We always enjoyed our stays at the Magnolia as much as any other place.