i have not been to SCI but i really like going to DSC because its just down the road from me. don't think i would have gone to africa if i didn't meet the outfitters there in person. the wife says the show has gotten so big that she gets to wore out walking all day at the show. i think this year she going to do a spa day and let me walk the show.

quote:

Originally posted by Grenadier:
It doesn't matter how much floor space a company wants to rent, they can't play if they don't pay the extras like "donations".
It is just short of extortion. The only way to change it would be a mass refusal by exhibitors to participate at some level
or by a mass refusal to exhibit at all. Short of mass refusal nothing will change and SCI knows it.

you suggest they form an Exhibitors Union, where they can do their own form of blackmail and extorting
like every union with any leverage does....

Costs at SCI are what the market will tolerate,, thats just free market capitalism
especially at the high end of the diposable income luxury market....no?

ITs no different to Westfield shopping centre rents, despite the high prices for the lease offerings
vendors are clambering to get into such lucrative retail space.

It was certainly more cost effective and logistically practical for me
to meet various of the premium gun makers from around the globe all under the one roof.
For my purpose to visit SCI, entry costs for those days offered great value.

quote:

Originally posted by Grumulkin:
I've been to conventions with DSC and SCI. If I lived in TX, that's the only one I'd go to. That said, the SCI convention, at least for me a potential buyer of a safari, is definitely bigger and better.

Grumulkin,

Have you been to the Dallas show lately? I go to both shows, and I like both shows. The difference in size is not nearly what it use to be. In the past, I went to Dallas because it was close to home, and I went to SCI to find/book hunts. Now I finding more and more PH's and outfitters that only go to Dallas. I'll still go to SCI, but not because of need.

Ten years ago, if I could only go to one show, it would have been SCI hands down. This year, if I could only go to one show, it would be DSC.

Trophic is still, apparently, ashamed of where he is from.

quote:

Originally posted by Trophic-Hunter:
The SCI convention is the greatest show on earth. Period.

The problem with the DSC is all those damned Texans. No thanks.

<> <> <>

...................................................................Ignore!

quote:

Originally posted by lavaca:
Trophic is still, apparently, ashamed of where he is from.

Probably from..... New York City!!!!

(remember the old Pace Picante ads)

Originally Posted By Texas Blue Devil:

quote:

Probably from..... New York City!!!!

Note, people from Texas aren't ashamed of it.

quote:

Originally posted by lavaca:
Trophic is still, apparently, ashamed of where he is from.

He is simply a of crap who came here to cause problems! Ignore!

Back to business! I have been a continuous member of SCI almost since it's beginning! Having said that, I have never been to an SCI convention and don't plan to go to one now!

In my opinion SCI has done some very good things over the years, but in the last few years it seems they have turned it into a board members private club.

................First for hunters?????

Good point Mac. Another addition to my ignore.

Well next year´s will hopefully be my first time going to a convention and I will hopefully get to go both, they both sound like a lot of fun

I dropped my membership in SCI several years ago. Yesterday I received a really nice invitation to the SCI show. Embossed cover, transparent first and last page, slick paper, etc. I don't deal in that kind of stuff, but I would guess it would cost somewhere upwards of a buck apiece to produce and mail.

The mailing touted the show itself - musical groups, entertainment, etc. But I don't recall seeing any mention that membership is required to attend the show - so it may be a loss leader scheme to increase membership.

Made me think - how much would it be worth to an organization to attempt to get ex-members to return - and what would be the break even number to offset the expense? What are the implications of such a high brow high cost effort? Are member numbers/revenues/donations/hunt sales dropping below some tipping point, or is it just a pass through expense from the show vendors?

I get mailings from all kinds of organizations all the time, but they obviously have reached the wrong demographic on this one. My beer budget doesn't support a champagne taste!

Acer

quote:

Originally posted by Larry Sellers:

SCI is a "members only" show, something I really like and most fellow goers all have the same mindset. I don't like attending a Convention where Mom and Dad load up all the urchins and show up at the door for something "to do" on the weekend to pass the time. This also inflates the "attendance" numbers if you are into that. An open to the public, rugrats and all, Show should have higher numbers than one that is "members only". Duh!!

With attitudes like that is it any wonder that the numbers of hunters continue to decline with fewer and fewer young hunters taking up the sport.

quote:

Originally posted by MJines:

quote:

Originally posted by Larry Sellers:

SCI is a "members only" show, something I really like and most fellow goers all have the same mindset. I don't like attending a Convention where Mom and Dad load up all the urchins and show up at the door for something "to do" on the weekend to pass the time. This also inflates the "attendance" numbers if you are into that. An open to the public, rugrats and all, Show should have higher numbers than one that is "members only". Duh!!

With attitudes like that is it any wonder that the numbers of hunters continue to decline with fewer and fewer young hunters taking up the sport.

Yup.

I took my sons as soon as they were old enough. I plan on taking my grandson. We need involvement of younger people.

I have been to DSC and SCI many times, with and without my oldest son.

There are very few young people at either convention. That's a fact. It is uncommon to see a teenager, let alone a young child.

I am a life member of SCI taken out a few years ago. In the current magazine I find off topic issues such a wine and dining.I wrote and complained and didn't even receive a reply. I love the convention because there is so much to see. BUT IT IS PROHIBITIVELY EXPENSIVE except for the rich! In that it is no doubt designed for the rich by the rich and if you are not rich too Bad. We can go on a hunt or fishing trip for the same money.

quote:

Originally posted by MJines:

quote:

Originally posted by Larry Sellers:

SCI is a "members only" show, something I really like and most fellow goers all have the same mindset. I don't like attending a Convention where Mom and Dad load up all the urchins and show up at the door for something "to do" on the weekend to pass the time. This also inflates the "attendance" numbers if you are into that. An open to the public, rugrats and all, Show should have higher numbers than one that is "members only". Duh!!

With attitudes like that is it any wonder that the numbers of hunters continue to decline with fewer and fewer young hunters taking up the sport.

Larry I agree with much of what you say in your post , but must agree with Mike on your attitude concerning introducing the children to hunting at these shows. God knows they are getting some very wrong information in the liberal schools today. In my opinion these shows are about the only place these kids will get the hunter’s side of the subject!

The kids are hunting’s future or demise depending on where they get the truth! They will certainly not get it in the TV media, or in their schools!

My biggest disagreement with the SCI show is the members only policy, and secondly the cost of attending! I retired after 31 years with American Airlines and so the cost of airfare was not an issue with me because I flew free, but I simply refuse to spend $1000 plus to make myself available to venders who want to sell me something!

It is , for the time being, a free country where folks can go where they choose in this country. That is the way democracy works!

.....................................................................

friends here in Idaho and I much prefer the SCI Convention. We drive the 750 miles to Vegas in a day, and a P/U with three or four guys that like to hunt, and shoot on a drive like that is a great time.

I see a lot of old friends there, and catch up on what is going on. I've been blessed to make three trips to Africa. SCI has been a big part of that.

It's a very simple thing, like most of life. Feel free to vote with your pocketbook...

As an exhibitor, I like DSC convention better and so do all my co-workers. Easier to setup with all the help from volunteers. All members of DSC helped us load and unload our booth: Ben Carter(GASP!), George Chamblee, Richard Cheatham, Karl Evans, and their wives to name a few that I know of. They make us feel welcome. Those Texans sure know how to throw a party!

I also love seeing young people at the show. They are our future.

I have gotten free youth passes from SCI for our grandkids and have taken them to the SCI convention with us. No cost at all. They love it!

quote:

Originally posted by MJines:

quote:

Originally posted by Larry Sellers:

SCI is a "members only" show, something I really like and most fellow goers all have the same mindset. I don't like attending a Convention where Mom and Dad load up all the urchins and show up at the door for something "to do" on the weekend to pass the time. This also inflates the "attendance" numbers if you are into that. An open to the public, rugrats and all, Show should have higher numbers than one that is "members only". Duh!!

With attitudes like that is it any wonder that the numbers of hunters continue to decline with fewer and fewer young hunters taking up the sport.

Agreed. Arrogance like that is why I told SCI to stick it up their azz several years ago.

quote:

Originally posted by JGRaider:

quote:

Originally posted by MJines:

quote:

Originally posted by Larry Sellers:

SCI is a "members only" show, something I really like and most fellow goers all have the same mindset. I don't like attending a Convention where Mom and Dad load up all the urchins and show up at the door for something "to do" on the weekend to pass the time. This also inflates the "attendance" numbers if you are into that. An open to the public, rugrats and all, Show should have higher numbers than one that is "members only". Duh!!

With attitudes like that is it any wonder that the numbers of hunters continue to decline with fewer and fewer young hunters taking up the sport.

Agreed. Arrogance like that is why I told SCI to stick it up their azz several years ago.

+1

I will help keep the rif-raf out of your SCI convention....and gladly stay away from the elite fleet

My type would greatly lower the rent class of such an event I'm sure

quote:

Originally posted by Larry Sellers:

1) SCI is a "members only" show, something I really like and most fellow goers all have the same mindset....
Larry Sellers
SCI(International)Life Member
R8 Blaser

Wow Larry, do you really believe that most of the attendees have that exclusive mindset?

Yeah, I believe it too. Why else would this organization be so self serving? Regrettably, our local chapter prez never responded to phone calls and 3 emails regarding SCI's response to disaster that is Cecil. Mr. Jines nailed it when pointed out the collective wisdom from Leadership was "whew, it didn't stink us up so bad". It shwed just how focused "leadership" is with preserving their own world, and not facing the real threats to the future of hunting. I can't support that mindset, so SCI is now short one member plus his family.

No big loss for us, I think. The model of the trade show marketing is going the way of the vinyl record. They used to be the most efficient clearing house of hunting information. Now that we are all using AlGores internet, information is at our fingertips. If I want to find out about some new farawy destination, some clicks and emails are the ticket. We can find out so much more than what's presented at a show.

I am sure a lot of good men and women accomplish good and great deeds at the show, But I bet even a larger number view it as a necessary evil and wish there was another option. Maybe if more people stopped supporting the show, it will die and make room for a new generation.

I have only attended DSC.

I think in 2016 I plan to attend both.

SCI has a $35 new member rate and $275 for the whole show. About 3 times the cost of DSC.

Vegas is easy flight and hotels are cheap.

Also given the total implosion in Macau and the casino stocks I think it may be a interesting time to do some due dil on the red headed step child Las Vegas.

I also heard Larry Shores has a open bar tab at the best bars

Mike

quote:

Originally posted by T.J.:

quote:

Originally posted by Trophic-Hunter:
I'm a citizen of the world, comfortable at any time in any place with any people ... except, of course, those who think they're special because they're from some place in particular. Hell ... it makes one think that that's all they've got to be proud of.

<> <> <>

Interesting. Are you a taxpayer?

The last time I heard the idiotic statement that "I am a citizen of the world " was from a drugged up hippie in San Francisco about 1970 What horseshit.

quote:

Originally posted by lavaca:
Originally Posted By Texas Blue Devil:

quote:

Probably from..... New York City!!!!

Note, people from Texas aren't ashamed of it.

Personally, I am happy Trophic-Hunter doesn't come to Texas.

I used to joke with my wife when we were at the SCI convention that we were the riff raff they were trying to keep out! If you were not diamond level inner circle, you just get to walk the floor. DSC lets their members feel like they are a part of the convention, by letting them work as volunteers. We now do volunteer work every year and it really adds to the enjoyment of being there. I don't like unruly kids myself, but if you don't expose the "little urchins" to hunting at an early age, they will only have a negative exposure to hunting.

Dude - quit digging...

quote:

Originally posted by Larry Sellers:

Think I'll head for my local WalMart now.

Larry Sellers
SCI(International)Life Member
R8 Blaser

Careful......Rif-Raf abound in such a place.....no membership required

quote:

Originally posted by MacD37:

quote:

Originally posted by MJines:

quote:

Originally posted by Larry Sellers:

SCI is a "members only" show, something I really like and most fellow goers all have the same mindset. I don't like attending a Convention where Mom and Dad load up all the urchins and show up at the door for something "to do" on the weekend to pass the time. This also inflates the "attendance" numbers if you are into that. An open to the public, rugrats and all, Show should have higher numbers than one that is "members only". Duh!!

With attitudes like that is it any wonder that the numbers of hunters continue to decline with fewer and fewer young hunters taking up the sport.

Larry I agree with much of what you say in your post , but must agree with Mike on your attitude concerning introducing the children to hunting at these shows. God knows they are getting some very wrong information in the liberal schools today. In my opinion these shows are about the only place these kids will get the hunter’s side of the subject!

The kids are hunting’s future or demise depending on where they get the truth! They will certainly not get it in the TV media, or in their schools!

My biggest disagreement with the SCI show is the members only policy, and secondly the cost of attending! I retired after 31 years with American Airlines and so the cost of airfare was not an issue with me because I flew free, but I simply refuse to spend $1000 plus to make myself available to venders who want to sell me something!

It is , for the time being, a free country where folks can go where they choose in this country. That is the way democracy works!

.....................................................................

Hey Mac,
This isn't an attack on you, however if you didn't live in the DFW area, it would cost you just about 1000 bucks to go visit anywhere, when you factor in flights, food, hotel, including Dallas.

Larry- I'm with you, having a show like the "Texas Trophy Hunters Show" which is wall to wall shoe-less baby stroller driving tank top wearing rednecks and 5$ a person to get in...would completely keep me from attending. Let's face it, our hobby is expensive, and if you want have access to 100k dollar guns, 20-150k hunts,fur coats, etc you had better make the environment suit the attendees/exhibitors.

There's a reason very few outfitters do the piss-ant shows across the USA, bc that's not their crowd. Outfitters don't need to spend a weekend talking to people who can't afford their services. I don't understand how/why people try to make themselves out to be "of the common man" while they spend 1000's of dollars on hunts across the world.

News Flash: If you're hunting outside your county or even state, you're far and wide above most people. If you move to out of the country, you're light years past the "common man"...we spend 1000's of dollars to travel and hunt animals, paying often months/years of some people's salaries in 10 days...It doesn't get more ELITE than that...

If you're bitching about 275$ for a 4 day convention...stay home, surf the internet, and Bitch on AR about how Snooty SCI people attendees act towards others. I'll be at the show with Larry, planning my next hunt and enjoying the great food/entertainment with my girlfriend!

SCI is a members only convention, got nothing to do with riff-raff. DSC has a different model and is open to the public - big deal, get over it, they are different, OK?

SCI convention has plenty of volunteers too...

quote:

Originally posted by Oryxhunter1983:

quote:

Originally posted by MacD37:

quote:

Originally posted by MJines:

quote:

Originally posted by Larry Sellers:

SCI is a "members only" show, something I really like and most fellow goers all have the same mindset. I don't like attending a Convention where Mom and Dad load up all the urchins and show up at the door for something "to do" on the weekend to pass the time. This also inflates the "attendance" numbers if you are into that. An open to the public, rugrats and all, Show should have higher numbers than one that is "members only". Duh!!

With attitudes like that is it any wonder that the numbers of hunters continue to decline with fewer and fewer young hunters taking up the sport.

Larry I agree with much of what you say in your post , but must agree with Mike on your attitude concerning introducing the children to hunting at these shows. God knows they are getting some very wrong information in the liberal schools today. In my opinion these shows are about the only place these kids will get the hunter’s side of the subject!

The kids are hunting’s future or demise depending on where they get the truth! They will certainly not get it in the TV media, or in their schools!

My biggest disagreement with the SCI show is the members only policy, and secondly the cost of attending! I retired after 31 years with American Airlines and so the cost of airfare was not an issue with me because I flew free, but I simply refuse to spend $1000 plus to make myself available to venders who want to sell me something!

It is , for the time being, a free country where folks can go where they choose in this country. That is the way democracy works!

.....................................................................

Hey Mac,
This isn't an attack on you, however if you didn't live in the DFW area, it would cost you just about 1000 bucks to go visit anywhere, when you factor in flights, food, hotel, including Dallas.

Larry- I'm with you, having a show like the "Texas Trophy Hunters Show" which is wall to wall shoe-less baby stroller driving tank top wearing rednecks and 5$ a person to get in...would completely keep me from attending. Let's face it, our hobby is expensive, and if you want have access to 100k dollar guns, 20-150k hunts,fur coats, etc you had better make the environment suit the attendees/exhibitors.

There's a reason very few outfitters do the piss-ant shows across the USA, bc that's not their crowd. Outfitters don't need to spend a weekend talking to people who can't afford their services. I don't understand how/why people try to make themselves out to be "of the common man" while they spend 1000's of dollars on hunts across the world.

News Flash: If you're hunting outside your county or even state, you're far and wide above most people. If you move to out of the country, you're light years past the "common man"...we spend 1000's of dollars to travel and hunt animals, paying often months/years of some people's salaries in 10 days...It doesn't get more ELITE than that...

If you're bitching about 275$ for a 4 day convention...stay home, surf the internet, and Bitch on AR about how Snooty SCI people attendees act towards others. I'll be at the show with Larry, planning my next hunt and enjoying the great food/entertainment with my girlfriend!

That is the sort of attitude which makes me strongly believe that absent some significant change in direction SCI will be a shadow if itself in the future. SCI and its approach have become an anachronism. Time has past them by and they have refused to evolve to face the current environment. An organization that really wants to be First for Hunters needs to (1) abandon the club-like elitist attitude, (2) find a way to embrace and include all hunters from the once a year rabbit hunter to the Marco Polo sheep hunter, (3) focus on what it takes to thrive in today's Information Age, and (4) become an advocate for and visible spokesperson for the rights of hunters. Candidly, I do not see SCI prepared to make the changes necessary to be that First for Hunters entity. I think their membership will continue to either erode or languish. I think (hope) other groups like the NRA will step into the breech. In the end, SCI will have no one to blame but itself. From my perspective, the sooner the better. The sooner we can align behind a group with a viable vision for the future of hunting the better.

FYI,

SCI just sent me a advertisement to get me to go to the convention in Vegas.

One of the entertainers is a serious anti Hunter, Huey Lewis. I know as a supporter of hunting, I cannot criticize big shot hunters with criminal wildlife violations on their records whether they attend the convention or post here, but I do not have to put up with this.

I am going to stay home and hunt mountain lions and maybe wolves rather than spend my money on travel and a stay in Vegas for the SCI convention.

quote:

Originally posted by Larry Sellers:
Ted - that's exactly why I am going. Have to get my laughs somewhere, huh?

Larry Sellers
SCI(International)Life Member
R8 Blaser

quote:

Originally posted by ted thorn:

quote:

Originally posted by Larry Sellers:

Think I'll head for my local WalMart now.

Larry Sellers
SCI(International)Life Member
R8 Blaser

Careful......Rif-Raf abound in such a place.....no membership required

Glad to be of some use to some......I'm usually good for amusement.....I use WM and fit in nicely there

I dropped into our local Walmart on my way home from work tonight to grab 2 sweet potatoes and a bag of frozen broccoli and cauliflower to go with our evening meal.

Dirty and tired from a laborious, hot day I like that they accept my payrate and work atire to come inside and trade with them.

quote:

Originally posted by Acer:
I dropped my membership in SCI several years ago. Yesterday I received a really nice invitation to the SCI show. Embossed cover, transparent first and last page, slick paper, etc. I don't deal in that kind of stuff, but I would guess it would cost somewhere upwards of a buck apiece to produce and mail.

The mailing touted the show itself - musical groups, entertainment, etc. But I don't recall seeing any mention that membership is required to attend the show - so it may be a loss leader scheme to increase membership.

Made me think - how much would it be worth to an organization to attempt to get ex-members to return - and what would be the break even number to offset the expense? What are the implications of such a high brow high cost effort? Are member numbers/revenues/donations/hunt sales dropping below some tipping point, or is it just a pass through expense from the show vendors?

I get mailings from all kinds of organizations all the time, but they obviously have reached the wrong demographic on this one. My beer budget doesn't support a champagne taste!

Acer

SCI are losing more members than they are signing new ones.

And the bloody bozos running it are totally oblivious to what members and hunters actually need, and want to happen.

I know it sounds very difficult, but each time they come with something, it is actually worse than what they had done before!

Unbelievable!

This thread reminds me of a Bible bash between two ministers. AR members have their unabashed opinions of both SCI and DSC, and they are not going to change them. You will either go to the SCI convention or you will not. I personally cannot see the wisdom of this thread, or any good coming out of anyone's attempts at getting people to dump the SCI Convention. Even DSC's own Karl Evans has duly noted that here. We have hashed and re-hashed the SCI issues to death on AR, and most of us know which individuals support SCI and DSC. This has gotten so old, people. If you are unhappy with SCI, then vote with your pocketbook and go to DSC. No one is forcing any of you to attend the SCI convention, absolutely no one. Move on.

quote:

Originally posted by Saeed:

quote:

Originally posted by Acer:
I dropped my membership in SCI several years ago. Yesterday I received a really nice invitation to the SCI show. Embossed cover, transparent first and last page, slick paper, etc. I don't deal in that kind of stuff, but I would guess it would cost somewhere upwards of a buck apiece to produce and mail.



The mailing touted the show itself - musical groups, entertainment, etc. But I don't recall seeing any mention that membership is required to attend the show - so it may be a loss leader scheme to increase membership.

Made me think - how much would it be worth to an organization to attempt to get ex-members to return - and what would be the break even number to offset the expense? What are the implications of such a high brow high cost effort? Are member numbers/revenues/donations/hunt sales dropping below some tipping point, or is it just a pass through expense from the show vendors?

I get mailings from all kinds of organizations all the time, but they obviously have reached the wrong demographic on this one. My beer budget doesn't support a champagne taste!

Acer

SCI are losing more members than they are signing new ones.

And the bloody bozos running it are totally oblivious to what members and hunters actually need, and want to happen.

I know it sounds very difficult, but each time they come with something, it is actually worse than what they had done before!

Unbelievable!

Saeed and all,
I agree. This organization is broken and needs to be overhauled. However, like the USA is learning with our endless missteps in world events, you cannot change things from the outside looking in. You can only change from the inside. For example, until the Iraqi or Russian or North Korean or American people say "enough is enough" , nothing will change. Until one person stands up like the young man did in Tyenomen Square in China, everything stays the same.

So, what do. We do? Sit on the sidelines and complain or somehow get inside and effect the changes needed? I joined recently with that in mind, but doubt I will have an impact without several hundred others of the same mind. The other option is to join Peter Flack in his proposal. Go to his website to see what he is up to.

In the meantime, we sit outside and complain or go inside and effect change.

quote:

Originally posted by dogcat:

Saeed and all,
I agree. This organization is broken and needs to be overhauled. However, like the USA is learning with our endless missteps in world events, you cannot change things from the outside looking in. You can only change from the inside. For example, until the Iraqi or Russian or North Korean or American people say "enough is enough" , nothing will change. Until one person stands up like the young man did in Tyenomen Square in China, everything stays the same.

So, what do. We do? Sit on the sidelines and complain or somehow get inside and effect the changes needed? I joined recently with that in mind, but doubt I will have an impact without several hundred others of the same mind. The other option is to join Peter Flack in his proposal. Go to his website to see what he is up to.

In the meantime, we sit outside and complain or go inside and effect change.

I agree.

I initially believed that the solution was to get involved with SCI and work to push them in a more constructive direction. I can say based on my efforts in that regard, I am convinced they will never get there . . . or if they get there it will too late to matter. There is simply too much institutional momentum in the organization for them to embrace the types of changes necessary to make them effective in the times we live in, e.g., drop the SCI moniker, drop the "safari" connection in all the publications, eliminate the awards programs, move the headquarters from Tucson to Washington, start trying to appeal to and embrace all hunters, significantly upgrade the lobbying, communications and social media capabilities of the organization, develop a more customer service focus in dealing with members . . . and first and foremost, restructure organizationally so that you have a strong, capable hand on the tiller and entrust that person to actually chart a course and steer it without the executive committee meddling and trying to drive the boat on a part time basis from umpteen locations all around the country. No, I really feel that other than some tweaking around the edges, you can assume that what you see is what you are likely to get in the future from SCI at least for the foreseeable future.

On the other hand there is an effort underway at the NRA called the Hunters Leadership Forum. When I look at the NRA I see an organization that is to the Second Amendment virtually everything SCI should be to hunters, e.g., the NRA embraces all firearms owners, headquartered in Washington, a robust lobbying, communications and social media capability, capable and determined leaders like LaPierre and Cox, etc. Are they committed to and can they become an organization that lives up to the phrase First for Hunters? I do not know. But at least for me my efforts I think are better directed at encouraging and urging the NRA to do so as opposed to transforming SCI into something it apparently has no desire or willpower to be.

Regardless, whether you think the solution is SCI, DSC, the NRA or something else, Ross is right, kibitzing from the bleachers is not going to change anything. Get involved.

If you price all in trip from orlando arriving one day before the convention starts and leaving one day later. Staying in same class of hotel. With SCI fees versus DSC - it cost nearly the same.

Vegas is a few hundred dollars cheaper than Dallas - Mandalay Bay versus W hotel.

Both all in run around $2K before food and drinks.

Is it cheap - probably no. But if you are going to the convention to book trips for $1k daily rate does it really matter?

Average disney day ticket is $105 per person.

Agree the shows are to sell people stuff so paying SCI or DSC cost to have someone sell you services may seem strange. But if it was free how do you control buyers from just gawkers.

I really like the DSC model where one does not need to be a member and $20-$30 bucks gets you in - for SCI it would be $155 for a day trip . I would have never gone to Africa if I had not stopped in DSC on a whim during a business and hunting trip thru Texas.

SCI convention is not set up for a stop by visit . Its in Vegas - not a really close stop by day trip city for anyone.

So if you want to spend $2K and a whole 4 days - I would say go to SCI. You can stay in the same hotel as show - DSC is already sold out. Vegas has more outside show stuff.

I plan to be at DSC and Houston and may go to Vegas.

Again I expect SCI to be trade show organization first second and third. Then self serving hunting trophies and finally the last 2-5 cents to hunting lobbying and conservation.

The only question is do you want to go to a hunting show - talk to outfitters, meet friends, make fun of Biebs, play with high end guns, see taxidermy and some very good wood furniture. Then is is worth $2K and how many trips you want to do - DSC, HSC and SCI.

Mike

One thing I like about the convention is being among people who enjoy hunting and having the opportunity to meet them.