I know in the past guys have done it and a few have been doing it for years now. Not sure how hard they crack down on this practice.

I think it is a ckickensh*t thing to do and anyone that considers booking with these leeches should think twice about the character and integrity of an outfitter who basically “steals” clients from outfitters who have paid for booth space and have been somewhat vetted by the club. It does happen every year and every year paying outfitters point out some of these guys, who are then asked to leave. I’ve personally escorted more than one out of the exhibit halls. I’m certain it will happen again in January.

quote:

Originally posted by K Evans:
I think it is a ckickensh*t thing to do and anyone that considers booking with these leeches should think twice about the character and integrity of an outfitter who basically “steals” clients from outfitters who have paid for booth space and have been somewhat vetted by the club. It does happen every year and every year paying outfitters point out some of these guys, who are then asked to leave. I’ve personally escorted more than one out of the exhibit halls. I’m certain it will happen again in January.

It is how I think most guys feel about it. I have seen on other forums were guys post about meeting up at the show to talk business or meet up but I think with the guys on here they will not be so brave.

Isn't it difficult to get a booth? Could that be the reason?

If you attend enough shows you will find this on a regular basis. Most shows have openings this year, from the largest to some of the smaller ones. We have watched it for years, most promoters try to stay on top of it the best they can.

Same as the jack-wagons who go to gunshows with a cart full of guns and stalk the aisles.

Should be booted instantly.

Pretty sketchy, IMO. Like selling watches out of an overcoat on a street corner.

All trade shows has this. It's a an ongoing problem. It's about honor and integrity with a business or a lack of it.

Sometimes referred to as "Fly by Night Briefcase Operators" though they might classify themselves as bona-fide Wandering Salesmen.

Well I hope they throw out the ones who try it this year. Funny how none of them post on this site there plans to do it.

When I represented Zambia for the Safari Operators in Zambia I was inundated with hunt inquiries and had to inform many that I was not there in an individual capacity but they were more than welcome to search me out on social media.

I did note that some were selling Zambia and had to be warned that unless they had a contract with a Zambian Outfitter their sales were deemed illegitimate.

quote:

Originally posted by K Evans:
I think it is a ckickensh*t thing to do and anyone that considers booking with these leeches should think twice about the character and integrity of an outfitter who basically “steals” clients from outfitters who have paid for booth space and have been somewhat vetted by the club. It does happen every year and every year paying outfitters point out some of these guys, who are then asked to leave. I’ve personally escorted more than one out of the exhibit halls. I’m certain it will happen again in January.

So if someone sees this happening, who is the best person to report it to?

There are volunteers wearing orange vests who are “security” and others wearing fluorescent yello/green vests who are floor managers, either will work, or the DPD officers can get the info to the right place.

They are called briefcase exhibitors. Yes, slightly shady, depending on the activity. There are exceptions that I understand and don’t look down on.

I used to have a booth at SCI. Hard to gauge if it was financially beneficial, but I finally gave it up in 2014 and decided to take that $6k I spent on it and do a hunt instead. Very good decision.

I flew to Vegas to meet a very hesitant, untrusting client to introduce him to one guy who he should hunt with. The entire trip was for him.

This kind of business is acceptable, in my mind, as the client was established already and it was a meeting we set up in advance. My presence wasn’t necessary, but it was important in his eyes to reassure him that this was a trustworthy operator. He booked it on the spot and I headed to the Beretta booth to buy their discounted jackets!