Dallas Safari Club Convention Summary

[LimbNoMo]

I’ve had experiences similar to both what Safari Dave and 375 Fox have described at the shows. They both can be true.

I went to TTHA this year, but have been to DSC twice.

Most outfitters don’t engage show attendees. They’re PH’s, the lady that does the book-keeping, the wife. They’re not professional brand ambassadors or salespeople. They wait for you to talk to them. Quite a few this year are splitting their people between two shows and understaffed.

Once you’re talking to them, they have to qualify you as a potential client. Hunts take disposable income and nice clothing or like a gold Rolex helps do that. Their time at the show is finite and have to decide who gives the best ROI.

You mentioned Holland and Holland and I would assume that Guy from the Dallas showroom was with whom you spoke. My experience has been that he is the epitome of the professional salesperson.

You’re selling them on you becoming a client too.

 

[Jared640]

Georgia Governor Brian Kemp placed Ga under a State of Emergency from this past Thursday-this up coming Tuesday. This was a major factor.

 

[Daisy]

Again I find this very odd considering many outfitters are standing at their booths. There were also a number of AH sponsors with booths there. If you think you needed a Rolex. I think you created the situation in your mind. Your perception is very different than mine.

Seems like wearing a gold Rolex is a good way to get the price jacked up above normal.

 

[Flipper Dude]

Most outfitters don’t engage show attendees. They’re PH’s, the lady that does the book-keeping, the wife. They’re not professional brand ambassadors or salespeople. They wait for you to talk to them.

I’ve found this to be the case for me. Quite a few of the PHs that I hunt with are not comfortable in a sales situation. Not the type of personality you’d typically find manning a convention booth in a technical or service industry convention. A good number are quite shy, and are much more at home in the jess or in a safari camp. I try to cut them some slack regarding this, and often notice a look of relief as I introduce myself and engage them in conversation, essentially breaking the ice. Outfitters with an outgoing, never met a stranger attitude have a big advantage in this environment.

That said, I usually know who I’m gonna try to book a hunt with before I walk through the door.

 

[Hunting Hitman]

I’ve texted with a few PH friends of mine who confirmed bookings were way down at the show. They are pinning their hopes on Nashville. Based on a standard booking performance in Nashville I’m predicting some awesome deals after the show as they cannot make up for Atlantas poor performance. Up to you all but it might be worth the wait.

HH