First Convention: SCI or DSC?

[375Fox]

From what I can tell SCI kind of lucked into a home run with Nashville. Quite certain they did not forecast it being such a successful venue. They'd be wise IMO to never leave Nashville unless conditions deteriorated.

Outfitters are also very happy about not having to move their booths from city to city each year.

 

[PHOENIX PHIL]

IMO SCI is much bigger, more internationally focused and has a bigger African draw.

There was a time I'd definitely agree with you on that, but not now. DSC has grown over the last 10 years and is on par with SCI in regards to size from I've seen working both shows over those years.

 

[PHOENIX PHIL]

Outfitters are also very happy about not having to move their booths from city to city each year.

It's definitely nice to have consistency. I can tell you first hand on the subject of move in/out, DSC had them all beat with the KBH Conv Center. With the staging lot just outside the center and then LOTS of room to bring a vehicle in usually immediately or after only a few minutes wait, it was just so much easier. And the DSC volunteers are always so friendly, not to mention providing free BBQ while you wait, which as mentioned is never long.

Getting moved into SCI whether it was in Vegas or even now in Nashville is a damn mission. The staging lots are some distance from the convention halls and you'll wait forever to be told to head over to the center. Once there you'll wait yet some more to get into the convention center, and once in rushed to get out. And it's all staffed by people who aren't with SCI and really don't give a crap about the exhibitors with a few being just flat out rude.

 

[Fixfire]

I’m hoping it’s permanent! Absolutely brilliant move by SCI.

Agreed!! I was so impressed with the move to Nashville that I ended up buying an in-town condo!! Talk about enablers!!

 

[Philip Glass]

From what I can tell SCI kind of lucked into a home run with Nashville. Quite certain they did not forecast it being such a successful venue. They'd be wise IMO to never leave Nashville unless conditions deteriorated.

I don't think it was luck. I think everyone knew it would be good. Maybe no one knew it would be this good though.
What I can not figure out (still trying) is who in the hell thought it was a good idea to go to New Orleans and Indianapolis? Now that was plain stupid!

 

[Philip Glass]

It's definitely nice to have consistency. I can tell you first hand on the subject of move in/out, DSC had them all beat with the KBH Conv Center. With the staging lot just outside the center and then LOTS of room to bring a vehicle in usually immediately or after only a few minutes wait, it was just so much easier. And the DSC volunteers are always so friendly, not to mention providing free BBQ while you wait, which as mentioned is never long.

Getting moved into SCI whether it was in Vegas or even now in Nashville is a damn mission. The staging lots are some distance from the convention halls and you'll wait forever to be told to head over to the center. Once there you'll wait yet some more to get into the convention center, and once in rushed to get out. And it's all staffed by people who aren't with SCI and really don't give a crap about the exhibitors with a few being just flat out rude.

Phil,
I am here to change this.

 

[PHOENIX PHIL]

I don't think it was luck. I think everyone knew it would be good. Maybe no one knew it would be this good though.
What I can not figure out (still trying) is who in the hell thought it was a good idea to go to New Orleans and Indianapolis? Now that was plain stupid!

I'm with you on Indy. I can't imagine why anyone would think going there in winter would be a good idea. New Orleans I can sort of see, at least from before the hurricane. Plenty of entertainment and the best food in this country, better weather. But post Katrina, from what I gather the city has not recovered.

 

[PHOENIX PHIL]

Phil,
I am here to change this.

Best wishes. Not sure how you'll do that, but you have my support.

 

[Jared640]

DSC in Atlanta will be great and it will have a huge turn out. The east coast has a ton of international hunters. The area around the convention center is really nice and safe. Does Atlanta traffic suck? YES. Are parts of Atlanta very dangerous? YES. Unless you are communting down the interstate to go to the show or staying at a hotel in the ghetto none of this will effect anybody. There is a ton of night life and entertainment in the downtown area. I might take my wife to a show at the Fox theater while we are in town. I live in South Ga and everytime I go to Atl and get stuck in traffic I wish General Sherman would have burnt it better back during the war of northern aggression. But my road rage aside and contrary to what the news says Atlanta is a great city and has alot to offer. The show will do well. You know there are two things grown men dislike.... change and the way things are. SCI is also great and downtown Nashville is wonderful. If nightlife and dinner are your thing the bars in Nashville will be crazy busy and filled with Bachelorette party groups which can be super aggravating. You can't go wrong either way.

 

[Shako Badhan]

I’ll be going to SCI for the first time this coming January. Anything that’s a must see or days not to be missed? I went to Shot Show a number of times and some days were better than others.