I liked the Vegas venue much better than Reno, but I like
Vegas trips & go pretty often anyhow.
I thought it was a good show & I had a great time there.

Was my first but I was not put-off by anything I saw. I liked the aisle width, although I would not have minded bumping into a few of the folks (girls)I saw there! Got in from Anchorage early and getting my badge was easy. I really enjoyed talking with the PH's I had targeted and a few I did not. Only spent 1 1/2 days, heading over to the Rocky Mountain Elk shindig seeing a bunch of folks from "home", so it turned out well for me.

There were lots and lots and lots of very happy exhibitors. People were spending money and booking hunts. I've heard more than ten people say the show was their best show ever. I was not crazy about the two level concept, but that was my only gripe. The amount and quality of taxidermy on display was worth the trip. Travel to Vegas was easy, dining options were diverse, and there were lots of things for wives and girlfriends to do rather than languish on the show floor for four days. Finally, travel from Vegas was easy this morning. We arrived at the airport, cleared security, and went to the gate with plenty of time to spare. I'll take Vegas every time!

I liked the show as well. I shopped for a hunt but put no money down. Did buy a knife. Was there for two days and the Friday night banquet. Loved it.

quote:

Originally posted by Bwana Moja:
Wildlife Gallery writes:

"I just hope things don't get to good to soon in regards to the economy where the general public thinks the current administration is responsible and re-elects HIM."

Dan that's an unpatriotic comment to make. Regardless of which side of the aisle we stand on, we should always root for America to improve and get better.

Dan's comment may be partisan, off-topic, and, dare I say it, even "polarizing", but it is NOT unpatriotic. He isn't failing to root for America to improve and get better. He's exercising his 1st amendment right to comment - even negatively about the President. It's called freedom.

My only complaint would be the multiple floors, and as stated before by Will the amount of taxidermy alone was amazing.
The main difference that I noticed with the DSC show was the amount of people that seemed intent on booking hunts. The booths always seemed full of clients. I would imagine that most exhibitors were much more successful at SCI. I do however prefer the DSC show! Probably a little biased though!

The show was awesome - far better than I expected, especially considering it was the forst convention at this venue) I only wish we didnt have to go back to Reno and they could have just kept it in Vegas, as originally planned. Majoor hassles with unions/freeman - I did not see. They have their own rules there and you have to follow them but I found if you were patient and courteous they responded in kind. Angry impatient exhibitors are never pretty... Load-in and load-out is a much different procedure there to Reno - and will take a little 'getting used to'.

There were some complaints on the first day from exhibitors upstairs that it was quiet... that soon changed on the following days and there were times when it was a bit quieter downstair and packed upstairs. Most exhibitors I talked to seemed happy, if not very happy, some ecstatic, by the end of the show.

I suspect that there was a very large group of members who attended this show who DO NOT come to the Reno conventions. I believe this was a more significant factor in increased sales than perceived improvement in the US and world economies.

Sucks a bit to go back to Reno now... I like Reno itself and dont like Vegas as a place ... but I like it a little more now!!!!!

I thought it was more expensive than Reno. It's just as easy for me to go to Reno as it is Vegas and in 2014 I'll stay at my buddies house in Henderson and rent a car. I'm not a party animal so nightlife doesn't matter to me. Vegas or Reno?, it's a toss up. Maybe I'll try Dallas next time, never been to Texas.

Just got back to New Mexico late Saturday evening and see lots of folka have posted on their experiences and thoughts on SCI Vegas. It's obvious that there are a lot of different opinions on a lot of subjects concerning the show.

I have mixed opinions, but overall a really good event. The two level idea worked out very well as it kept the crowd spread out leaving the wider aisles more open for easy travel and avoided the congestion that always seemed to happen at previous shows. I spent about equal time on both levels and the crowds were about the same on both. Vendors seemed to feel the same way and those up top didn't seem to have any complaints about their choice. Word from SCI is that the shows attendance was up by nearly 80% over last year, wow.

Taxidermy was great as usual, the eating and rest areas seemed to be a bit larger which helped when taking a break. The Show food prices were very high, always the case, but the fact they ran out of food on several days at around 2:30P was a real bummer. Also adult beverages sales were not always availbale for the entire length of the Show I heard. I too missed the popcorn and lemonade, a real staple that I have grown accustomed to in Reno. I don't buy $125.00 steak dinners in LV, Reno, Albuquerque or anywhere else, but the food prices in the hotels was way overboard to my thinking. Due to other activities in Mandalay Bay the crowds were overwhelming at times.

I find it somewhat hard to understand the comments on the ease of getting to LV as opposed to Reno being such an issue. Have we become so lazy and spoiled that a simple plane change as opposed to a "direct" flight is all that big a deal when making a decision on whether to attend an event or not? I cannot think of a single hunting or fishing trip I have taken lately that didn't require a multiple of plane changes.

I like the smalltown atmosphere in Reno, overall cost is a little lower with less obnoxious crowds to deal with, so give it a slight nod in the overall scheme of things. I will go to Reno next year, but will have to think long and hard about returning to Las Vegas. I am glad the vendors had a good Show and enjoyed meeting some of the AR members that were there. After this years' increased attendance figures and exhibitor participation it leaves no doubt that SCI is the biggest and best hunting show on the planet hands down.

Larry Sellers
SCI Life Member

My first time in Vegas. I liked it better than Reno. You had to organise your evenings as there was more spread and you did not just run into the same people every night in the same tow or three bars. Not a problem.

We had good food, a very out of the ordinary location for the show, which made it special (for a Brit at least).

I thought the layout made for comfortable walking and viewing.

Seemed to be busy enough to warrant the visit. i'd select Vegas over Reno if asked for my preference.

quote:

Originally posted by Bwana Moja:
Wildlife Gallery writes:

"I just hope things don't get to good to soon in regards to the economy where the general public thinks the current administration is responsible and re-elects HIM."

Dan that's an unpatriotic comment to make. Regardless of which side of the aisle we stand on, we should always root for America to improve and get better.

Bwana Mojo,

Sorry you feel this way but I have served and fought for my Country in the US Army and here at home as a full time profession police officer. I assure you that I stand with my hand over my heart at every playing of the national anthem and old glory fly's in my yard at home!

My comments were only to reflect my political views I guess, that I see our country becoming a socialist country with the current leadership. I hope and pray every day that we don't further ruin our great nation for the generations to come. My children will never repay the debt that this administration has piled up and if we don't stop the bleeding soon my grand children will never have a chance either... Just my personal feelings and I also respect yours, which is why the US is such a great place to live!!! We can express our feelings of Government officials rather they are good or bad... DAN

Dan, thank you.

Vegas is FAR better than Reno. More expensive ? Sure, but far more profitable in MHO.

quote:

Originally posted by Wildlife Gallery:

quote:

Originally posted by Bwana Moja:
Wildlife Gallery writes:

"I just hope things don't get to good to soon in regards to the economy where the general public thinks the current administration is responsible and re-elects HIM."

Dan that's an unpatriotic comment to make. Regardless of which side of the aisle we stand on, we should always root for America to improve and get better.

Bwana Mojo,

Sorry you feel this way but I have served and fought for my Country in the US Army and here at home as a full time profession police officer. I assure you that I stand with my hand over my heart at every playing of the national anthem and old glory fly's in my yard at home!

My comments were only to reflect my political views I guess, that I see our country becoming a socialist country with the current leadership. I hope and pray every day that we don't further ruin our great nation for the generations to come. My children will never repay the debt that this administration has piled up and if we don't stop the bleeding soon my grand children will never have a chance either... Just my personal feelings and I also respect yours, which is why the US is such a great place to live!!! We can express our feelings of Government officials rather they are good or bad... DAN

Dan,

I've always been of the opinion that Las vegas was a better location than Reno for SCI and this show confirmed that. It was more expensive to eat and drink but I think the show was better and we did very well as most I talked to did. I'd be perfectly happy to see the show stay in Vegas.

Mark

Here is how I see it from both sides.
Tuffpak booth was on Aisle One and some of that aisle was not occupied. The booth next to us had a sign saying the gun maker had moved to aisle four. We were at the very end of the aisle and across from the bar. We had no idea of how the booth would be and were actually facing the wall.
Well, we had one of the best Thurs. we have had in many years. All total for the show we sold over 100 Tuffpaks with some going to Sweden, Mexico, Indonesia, Africa of course and I can't recall where else. At one time we averaged four cases an hour. There were only three of us in the booth.
We had a good show at Dallas Safari Club Convention too but did not sell that many cases and never will as many of our customers at DSC live within a 100 mile radius and just come to my whse and pick them up during the course of the year.
From a traveler standpoint. I flew D/FW to Vegas in 2.5 hrs. on a full AA plane. Ticket was $235. Hotel bill at Excalibur was about the same. I was not overly happy about food and drink cost but again...that is Vegas. What I ate was all first class good.
I love the amt. of flights in and out of Vegas for D/FW or Love Field/Dallas. Beats Reno all to heck. The weather too.
Now from an exhibitor stancpoint. Booth cost are ever more, the union is a bigger pain but until we get the real figures from SCI...I think the crowd was much bigger than Reno and we sure as heck were most happy with sales. We seemed to have good traffic all four days.
I personally like the less flying time to get back home.
Thanks to all for the business and for coming by and saing Howdy.
Better tomorrows!

I thought the show was great.SCI pulled it off again. Vegas rates for drink,food were crazy and next time I will bring my own water,snacks.It was all good but the smoke in the casinos that you had to walk through..will attend Reno and etc...

The casino smoke in itself is unavoidable...but it was thicker due to the casino's high occupation rates because of the Super Bowl. I liked Vegas over Reno as well, but not Super Bowl weekend. I hope when we go back, it's the week before the Super Bowl like normally it is. There was also a pharmaceutical convention going on which contributed to the longer waits Mike was referring to early on in this thread. I get what his issues were. First time I ever waited 30 minutes for a Starbucks, but struck up good conversations with fellow SCI dudes in line.

Highlight for me was meeting Mike Jines! I do believe he missed his calling in the comedic world.

Vegas night life was non-stop. Saw three Cirque Du Soleil shows, leaving me breathless every time. Loved the athleticism of the performers. I've always wanted to twirl, dance and prance around like an acrobat but my window for that has come and gone. That might open me up for ribbing from some of you guys, but come on, admit it. I know some of you guys wear those tight fitting leggings at home. In fact I know Buzz does!

Personally I don't care for Vegas as far as the crowds, costs, etc. $4 for a soda, $8 for a beer and $15 for a hot dog? Jeez. I'm not too high of maintenance, simple food and a clean bed and I'm happy enough.

I've been to SCI twice now, and I'm not too impressed with Vegas. Not that Vegas was "bad", just that it was not really "better" than Reno. I went to Vegas expecting to be wowed. All the folks I know who go there "loved" it. To me, let's say different with both having some positives.

Last year at Reno I spent a total of $1000 just for transport, food and lodging. This year was $2100. Yes, I spent 1 more day there this year, but I thought I would do some "enjoyable" things. As it was, gambling is not my thing, although I'm doing all right on superbowl bets. The extra cash was hard to stomach. It was not twice as good an experience.

I couldn't figure out where the AR get together was (where the heck was the lounge?) and I really couldn't get away from the cigarette smoke. Since some nasal surgery I can't smell it, but it does do a number on my airways. Really sucks that the first thing you know about some human chimney being around is that your eyes are red and you start to wheeze like a ill tempered walrus... and its all over the way to the convention.

I didn't mind the 2 layer floor, but some of the folks I was talking to really felt their traffic was hurt by being on the 2nd floor, but as an attendee (as opposed to exhibitor) this didn't bother me a bit.

I did like the fact that you could pretty easily walk anywhere in Vegas. I would have thought a "fat guy" like me would have been crying about that, but I actually liked it. We are supposed to be hunters- what in the world are all the bloody scooter doing in the HUNTING convention? Cigarettes and scooters- no wonder we are going down the drain.

Quite honestly, I go to the convention to see hunting stuff, not some silly show. I suppose if there would have been a beach to sit on, I would have enjoyed that, but I doubt SCI or DSC are going to hold one of these in Cancun, but for the prices they charge, why not.

I didn't see the "attitude" of Vegas- just a bit of unconcern- ie they didn't care if it was me or some other conventioneer, although Reno seemed to be happy I was there.

To be honest, meeting my international hunting friends and my old PH's and outfits make this worthwhile to me and I will probably go wherever the convention is. I see some advantages to either site, but a plane change is easier for me to put up with than the crowds of non hunters around a hunting convention.

So, was the business improvement at the convention 2 times better than Reno? Dunno, but the extra wildebeest TF would have been better for me.

quote:

Originally posted by ledvm:

quote:

Originally posted by Wildlife Gallery:

quote:

Originally posted by Bwana Moja:
Wildlife Gallery writes:

"I just hope things don't get to good to soon in regards to the economy where the general public thinks the current administration is responsible and re-elects HIM."

Dan that's an unpatriotic comment to make. Regardless of which side of the aisle we stand on, we should always root for America to improve and get better.

Bwana Mojo,

Sorry you feel this way but I have served and fought for my Country in the US Army and here at home as a full time profession police officer. I assure you that I stand with my hand over my heart at every playing of the national anthem and old glory fly's in my yard at home!

My comments were only to reflect my political views I guess, that I see our country becoming a socialist country with the current leadership. I hope and pray every day that we don't further ruin our great nation for the generations to come. My children will never repay the debt that this administration has piled up and if we don't stop the bleeding soon my grand children will never have a chance either... Just my personal feelings and I also respect yours, which is why the US is such a great place to live!!! We can express our feelings of Government officials rather they are good or bad... DAN

Dan,

Dan, Double thumbs up.

" I think the Cambridge police officer acted stupidly"m

I liked Vegas much better than Reno. My wife and I went out Sunday and spent Monday and Tuesday beating around town and seeing the sights. We had a blast. Travel was much easier and cheaper for us flying into Vegas. There are so many more options if a flight is cancelled than in Reno. I think both shows are great but I would take Vegas anyday over Reno.

Doug

I thoroughly enjoyed the Vegas venue.

I've traveled to both Vegas and Reno many, many times in my life, so either is fine for me, although I prefer Reno in the winter just because the mountains are such a nice change from Florida. Vegas is Vegas and I'd never go there for the scenery.

All of the vendors I talked to seemed to be having a much, much better year than they had in Reno last year -- the why's are something of a mystery -- after all the Obamunists are still in office and it shows. Maybe just the normal day-to-day money flow in Vegas loosens the change in everyone's pockets on some subconscious level.

In any case, I enjoyed the show and will enjoy the next one in Reno as well. I attend the shows to enjoy myself and enjoy myself I will. I'm not bothered by the small inconveniences of life -- they are, after all, the essence of life.

I really enjoyed the show in Vegas and suppose that I will follow it no matter where it is held. I have too many friends that will attend and I won't want to miss the "Vacation".

I'm a Life member and been going to conventions since 1985 or so, not all but many. My wife and I preferred the more personal smaller ones in the past, be they in Reno or Las Vegas. I moved to Las Vegas in 2007, and also have no interest in where the convention is held. That said I did enjoy the wider aisles as that has been a gripe of mine for years at all sorts of shows. When one considers what it takes to gather that much fine art, firearms and quality people it's an astonishing feat.

I will never go to Reno and will always go to Las Vegas. Lots of options/times to get to Vegas and more than enough for anyone to do including my wife. The Vegas weather will almost always let you keep your schedule if the airlines will. Like others said, better food, lodging and entertainment and it is worth paying more to me. Loved the big aisles and really have nothing to complain about. I did enjoy DSC once too!