Update from DSC annual meeting

[Texas Sharpshooter Fallacy]

As promised, here is a summary of the discussion last night. I attended in person and thought it was the best DSC meeting in quite a while. The candor was refreshing and there was a good crowd. A mix of old members and new members. You can dig into the details below, but overall I'm very positive on the direction of DSC. I know that even this exhaustive post will not convince all or change some minds that have already decided that DSC is doomed to failure. If anyone else was there and heard something different, I'd encourage them to reply with their thoughts.

The new CEO, Rob, stood at the front and shook everyone's hand as they entered and introduced himself. My guess is that there were 80-90 folks in attendance. Rob also kicked things off by addressing the a lot of the questions that everyone has had and DSC has been largely silent on.

His vision to take DSC forward:

1. Engage membership and key stakeholders (exhibitors, industry partners) - COVID put the breaks on in person get togethers for DSC and although they did restart, they failed to recapture the spirit, camaraderie, and shared ownership of the DSC of the past. That has to change. To address this, Rob has begun planning for better communication, better listening, and more coordination across like minded groups. As a demonstration of this, the ED of Outdoors Tomorrow Foundation (Sean McClelland) gave a speech on their program during the annual meeting. If you don't know, they are focused on providing curriculum as a PE replacement to schools across the country to teach outdoor skills, hunting, and the North American Conservation Model. They're in 48 states now and growing. A very worthy cause. One last point on communication and transparency - the tone that Rob set indicated both and is a major shift (improvement) from the past few years. Rob even offered anyone with concerns or questions to call him directly (972-980-9800)
2. Get the next generation involved. More hunters, yes but also more awareness broadly of the proven benefits of wildlife conservation through hunting. Everyone benefits from wild things and wild places even if they don't actively hunt. Clean water, biodiversity, healthy ecosystems chief among them. Humanity needs access to and experience in nature. That is not news to anyone here but growing urban populations are being reminded.
3. Promote unity amongst hunters and like minded organizations. OTF (above) is one example of that. He specifically mentioned the NRA as well, not a traditional conservation partner but certainly lots of shared interests. Historically, we (DSC and others) have been much better at fighting over perceived differences than building consensus on common goals. We have to change that. Not only to increase the impact of our efforts but also for our survival. Our successful survival means much more than just the organizations involved. It is the survival of the causes that we care about. As mentioned time and time again, we are a minority group and have many well funded enemies.

Atlanta convention:

1. The bad
   1. Communication was poor, people didn't understand why the move occurred. This includes members, attendees, and exhibitors.
   2. Marketing failed (related to the above) - too many people were not aware of the convention in Atlanta.
   3. It was always going to take time to reestablish the show in a new location but this could have been better.
   4. Weather sucked. Rob grew up in the north and snow was a part of life. People knew how to deal with it. As we all know, it is much different in the South. People don't experience it often, are generally less prepared, and don't have systems in place to deal it. That's why the GA governor issued a state of emergency for the big storm during the show. This is out of DSC's control and not the only reason for a poor show but it definitely impacted attendance
   5. Attendance was bad. Official numbers of unique attendees not including exhibitors were around 7k. Typical years are closer to 30k
2. Plan forward
   1. Rob has established a committee made up of 50 of the top exhibitors to get their feedback on how to improve. If the show doesn't work for exhibitors, they are not going to come and convention will fail. Since DSC's main revenue event is convention, this would be catastrophic. Overall feedback is that folks want to move back to Texas ASAP (more on that later). Rob says that feedback has been constructive and they're already incorporating it.
   2. DSC is locked into Atlanta -they've signed a five year contract. The buyout is millions of dollars, so not really a feasible option. Rob said we're definitely in Atlanta for the next two years but they're already exploring options beyond that (more later).
   3. DSC has adjusted the upcoming convention dates to be closer to the next major show - an exhibitor ask to ease their travel costs
   4. The hall space within the convention center is shifting to be closer to the Signia hotel (less walking and closer to nightly banquets)
   5. DSC is already planning for a smaller show next year anticipating that many exhibitors will not be back and are waiting for it to reestablish itself. Atlanta has compromised and offered DSC a better deal on the space (cost wise) with an option to easily expand back to the historical footprint.
   6. DSC listened to the exhibitors and is offering flexibility. Multi year contracts for booth space are not required and exhibitors choosing to sign a single year contract or no contract (i.e., wait for a few years) are not being penalized. However, those that do choose to continue to support DSC during this transition will be incentivized and rewarded.
   7. Returning to Texas
      1. DSC has revisited convention space in Texas (all major metros). Even got as creative as exploring hosting across multiple venues. None of those were economical or feasible in the near turn
      2. There is good news, however as it looks to be moving towards a footprint in Houston. Could be as soon as '28-'29. This is being coordinated with HSC to be additive and not competitive with their show
   8. Dallas convention center
      1. DSC made the shift initially when the convention center informed DSC that it was going to be torn down and rebuilt. That construction was supposed to have started by now but we all know that it has not.
      2. Big new piece of info on why that hasn't happened. Dallas was waiting and hoping to win the bid to host the upcoming FIFA World Cup. They did win that and the convention center is now going to be the HQ for the media center. That likely means no major construction will start until the World Cup is over next year. A lot of people have been accusing DSC of being dishonest with the move. It appears as though the dishonest party was the city of Dallas. The World Cup consideration was not discussed or mentioned to DSC previously. Some members in the room were angry and suggested that we sue Dallas for lost revenue. Rob said that was briefly considered but decided against as it would be costly, no guarantee of success, and would damage the relationship between DSC and Dallas
   9. Marketing - DSC has fired the firm responsible for marketing the '25 convention and replaced them with a global firm that is focused on representing non-profits. They represent 80+ organizations globally and all of the top 10. This sounds like a game changer.

Treasurer update:

1. Despite the bad convention, DSC is in a strong financial position and has refilled the financial reserve that was drained during covid
2. That doesn't mean that DSC can afford to have a repeat of last year but it does mean that it is not in immediate peril as some have suggested
3. DSC and DSCF combined granted out $1.5M last year: 45% of that went to conversation, 22% to education, and 37% to advocacy

President update:

1. He reiterated our commitment to DSC's mission: conservation, education, and advocacy (definitely a common theme across all speakers - the rumors of DSC abandoning conservation are unfounded)
2. Member voting response was the highest it's been recently and maybe ever. Well above the required quorum. This is a good indicator that folks still care about DSC and are willing to engage in their rights as members.

I also went to the president elect directly to hear his side of the allegation that he said that DSC was going to return to being a hunting club. He said it was false and not what he said. His desire and goal is maintain and grow the role that DSC has established on the world stage as a leader for conversation. Hunters have always played a key role in conservation. That will not change under his watch.

As I said at the top, this was all very encouraging to me. DSC has sorely lacked in communication in recent years. This created a vacuum of information and, as people naturally do, this vacuum was filled with conjecture, rumor, and half truths. The best way to hear about what DSC is and plans to do is from DSC. Sounds like they're committed to doing just that going forward and I plan to continue to support them as a member and volunteer as they do so. I'd encourage you all to do the same. We need organizations like DSC leading the charge to fight for our rights, conserve nature, and educate people.

 

[Hunt anything]

Thank you for the critique of the meeting. Hopefully the DSC leadership will convey all of this to the rank and file members like myself.

 

[wesheltonj]

"Returning to Texas

1. DSC has revisited convention space in Texas (all major metros). Even got as creative as exploring hosting across multiple venues. None of those were economical or feasible in the near turn
2. There is good news, however as it looks to be moving towards a footprint in Houston. Could be as soon as '28-'29. This is being coordinated with HSC to be additive and not competitive with their show."

That sounds great, however, unless its Reliant Center, George Brown will also be under-reconstruction.

George R. Brown Convention Center’s $2 Billion Transformation Project

The George R. Brown Convention Center (GRB) is set to undergo a major transformation that will reimagine downtown Houston into a pedestrian-friendly convention and entertainment district.

www.houston.org

 

[Texas Sharpshooter Fallacy]

I believe the intent is George R Brown. The article mentions that construction is planned for completion of the GRB Houston South by May 2028. That has 700k sq ft of convention space. Just a guess, but perhaps that is the reason for the range of '28-29 for DSC to host their convention there.

 

[K-man]

That sounds like good news. Glad to hear Dsc is keeping its conservation mission. However, these are the same people that have been telling us for the last 60 days they would reach out but haven’t. I still feel that information could have gone out in an e-mail two weeks ago to the general members. Just like you said, the lack of information creates a vacuum to be filled by other sources. Thanks for the information and your attendance.

 

[Ontario Hunter]

That sounds like good news. Glad to hear Dsc is keeping its conservation mission. However, these are the same people that have been telling us for the last 60 days they would reach out but haven’t. I still feel that information could have gone out in an e-mail two weeks ago to the general members. Just like you said, the lack of information creates a vacuum to be filled by other sources. Thanks for the information and your attendance.

Keep in mind SCI just hired a new PR outfit. Perhaps they needed to get their feet on the ground first?

 

[mdwest]

As I said at the top, this was all very encouraging to me. DSC has sorely lacked in communication in recent years. This created a vacuum of information and, as people naturally do, this vacuum was filled with conjecture, rumor, and half truths. The best way to hear about what DSC is and plans to do is from DSC. Sounds like they're committed to doing just that going forward and I plan to continue to support them as a member and volunteer as they do so. I'd encourage you all to do the same. We need organizations like DSC leading the charge to fight for our rights, conserve nature, and educate people.

All of what you posted is good news, assuming it is true (not implying in any way that what you have posted isn't true.. Im simply saying A LOT of information has come from A LOT of sources.. all other than DSC leadership.. and much of it conflicts)...

I sincerely appreciate you taking the time to attend the meeting, assemble notes, and post them here..

I think the problem Ive got (still) is.. once again the new CEO has said he is committed to improving communication.... and as others have already said... other than to a group of 80-90 last night, who has he communicated with?... everyone is still waiting on a response that was promised 6 weeks ago..

not keeping commitments leads to a lack of trust... and if he (and the organization) continues to prove themselves untrustworthy.. then no one will care to listen anymore at some point.. how are we supposed to trust the president elects comment to you about conservation when there has been multiple breaches of trust and when it is alleged that not one, but 4 people all heard him say exactly what has been conveyed prior?

Your statement above "the best way to hear about what DSC is and plans to do is from DSC".. I completely agree.. but the problem still remains that no one is hearing anything from DSC.. right now the only things being heard are being delivered by you.. there's been no email.. no video.. no press release.. etc..

Im not saying DSC cant recover.. I sincerely hope they find a way to do so.. but if what the general membership has to rely on is the conveyance of information from other members rather than leadership, then nothing has really changed at all has it? DSC leadership remains silent..

 

[K-man]

Keep in mind SCI just hired a new PR outfit. Perhaps they needed to get their feet on the ground first?

Remember DSC (not sci) has a director of communication. Already in place. And the information that went out to the 80 or 90 attendees should have gone out to the membership in bulk. Also they should have communicated that they have a vendor committee of 50 working on the show situation. I don’t know of a single vendor that has heard of this committee yet. I believe words are cheap until there are actions to follow. So far just words and darn few. I hope they follow through and soon.(edit. Thanks Dave - you said it well. )

 

[MontanaPat]

Thanks for that follow up to our discussion here and my request for info from anyone who went to the meeting, appreciate your detailed write up. At this point, I feel like it is a little let’s wait and see if they walk the talk. I hope they follow thru with what you heard and the rest of us hear directly from DSC leadership and see these words in action

 

[Texas Sharpshooter Fallacy]

@mdwest @K-man

I agree with you. Trust comes from consistently doing the things that you say you're going to do. We haven't gotten that update from Rob yet. My guess is that there was a lot more to do to get the info needed to provide that response. Rob did say that he had crafted a detailed plan to get started (his first day was convention week) and that he hasn't been able to get to that yet because he's been focused on the convention firedrill. He did allude to the fact that a lot of what he was sharing last night was hot off the press and some questions he answered by saying that he couldn't answer them yet.

Even if my assumptions are correct, an update to his first email stating "we're still working on it" would have been better than no response. We (members, exhibitors, partners) are owed an update and I expect that we'll see one soon.

 

[Ontario Hunter]

Remember DSC (not sci) has a director of communication. Already in place. And the information that went out to the 80 or 90 attendees should have gone out to the membership in bulk. Also they should have communicated that they have a vendor committee of 50 working on the show situation. I don’t know of a single vendor that has heard of this committee yet. I believe words are cheap until there are actions to follow. So far just words and darn few. I hope they follow through and soon.(edit. Thanks Dave - you said it well. )

Ha ha. Gawdam acronyms and a slippery old mind do not mix well.