Just wondering if I'll be the only AR member there... I decided two days ago that I would go on Friday - fly down in the morning and back at night. No banquets this time. I'm not sure that it will be worth it, but we'll see.

Yes, on Friday….

Its a bit slow for me. Decent traffic at times and at times slow.

I have heard Niassa operators are there trying to convince clients to come and/or trying to rebook cancelled safaris.

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I have heard Niassa operators are there trying to convince clients to come and/or trying to rebook cancelled safaris.

I’ve heard the same thing. Gotten photos from different exhibitors showing pretty empty aisles, surely traffic will pick up tomorrow.
I’m planning on going by tomorrow to visit with a couple of exhibitors.

Just got back. Can see it all in 2hrs.
Not much in the way of crowds. However, it is the heat of summer and the price to attend is a ticket $25 and parking of at least $25.

Fairly well organized. Much like a mini-DSC convention.
Very few Africa guys there - Saw Christia Weth with Uganada Safaris and a couple of others. Did not see any agents.

The Enkler's were there from Turkey - best both on the place. Need to book another hunt with them. They are top shelf.

Lots of NZ and South America stuff.

Overall, not that good, but felt like supporting DSC.

Has anyone heard about Angola reopening to hunting August 1, 2025?

I went today, specifically to visit with a couple of exhibitors. Not a lot of attendees in the hall, one outfitter from BC had sold no hunts bc and had talked to 2 prospects. One SA outfitter said had sold 2 PG hunts. Rigby had sold two rifles to guys they had been dealing with prior to the show. Travel agent (PWP) said he was steady but with established clients. Took less than 2 hours to look at everything. Last nights auction did fair, maybe tomorrow will be better for them.

I'm back at DFW airport waiting for my flight home. It got more crowded in the afternoon. I did get a chance to talk to Barrett Simpson of Conroe Taxidermy about my leopard mount and while there met Jerad Dabney who handled my import permit for the leopard. I also met Jerry Fisk!

Of the African outfitter booths, some had American reps; some had the owner - Mark Haldane of Zambeze Delta Safaris, Danene van der Westhuyzen of Aru Game Lodges, and Charl Van Rooyen of Infinito Safaris.

While you could certainly see it in two hours, you could also (like me) dawdle and stay most of the day.

The location is very convenient from the airport. My Uber rides totaled $40 both way, with tips.

I'd go again, even though it's small compared to the convention.

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Originally posted by Safari2:
Has anyone heard about Angola reopening to hunting August 1, 2025?

I missed the seminar at the expo, but the latest Conservation Force newsletter has the details.

Nope. DSC really screwed the pooch. When they get the full show back to Dallas, I'll consider going back and I'm a life member.

We went there today. It was quite slow. Yes, two hours even with stopping to talk to old friends.

We didn’t have a booth (I was with Dickie Miles Argentina) because the booth is in storage in Atlanta, but is scheduled to be picked up and returned to Dallas if that suggests anything. Dickie did donate a hunt for the silent auction, but that was messed up.

In my opinion, it was a failed attempt at saving face from the Atlanta debacle. I almost wish they had gone back to Market Hall, but that may just be because of proximity to me.

We are going back tomorrow and then the banquet. It will be interesting to get a post mortem report.

Move out was a disaster. Even the hotel folks were trying to help get it organized better on the move out.