Which convention to go to? SCI or DSC?

As a new member I would like some help with picking out which convention to go to. I'd like some good points and some bad on both the DSC in Dallas in Jan and SCI in Las Vegas in Feb. I've never been to either one and only have enough time to go to one.

I was a first time attendee at SCI in Vegas last year. Even though I was sick I enjoyed it. I'd like to go again. One thing I do realize though is that if you are going to look for a trip you need to time it so you have the funds and can commit to the hunt.

Shortride,

Essentially SCI is a larger version of DSC. There are some outfitters at SCI who won't be at DSC. But there are also outfitters at DSC that won't be at SCI. But overall you will see a significant amount more at SCI with many attending both shows.

The first and only time I was at SCI, I almost felt overwhelmed it is just so huge. And I believe it has grown since 2011 when I was there. If Las Vegas is somewhere you've been or think you'd like to go, there is certainly all of the entertainment of the strip available to you. All of this does come at a cost as membership in SCI is mandatory in order to attend the convention. This will with tickets run you about $250 or thereabouts.

As mentioned DSC is smaller. This doesn't mean it's small, it's just not quite so large. If time is an issue, I'd say you could cover DSC in two solid days. When I went to SCI, I was there only for two days and wish'd I had had one more day. DSC will cost you less at the door with a 4 day pass running $50 and no membership req't. Passes for lesser days can also be bought and of course are cheaper.

Outside of the costs, the size and obviously location, the biggest difference to me would be the "feel" of the two events. DSC being in Texas, it has a Texas feel to it - easy going, hospitable, not quite so commercialized. SCI just doesn't quite have this quality. It has a bit more of a black tie atmosphere. It's not that I think you'd dislike SCI, I think it's a great show too. But in the end the overall feel of SCI being more exclusive is present. That said, I will be going to SCI as well as DSC this year and I'm looking forward to both.

If you do decide on DSC, please give consideration to joining in on the fun of our 2nd annual AH banquet!

Shortride I think Phil pretty much summed it up as to the reason I go to the DSC myself, I'm not much of a Black Tie kind of guy and the cost I have found to be about half of what it cost in Vegas counting hotel rooms tickets and all and I can drive to Dallas in about 10 hrs for a couple hundred bucks for the wife and I vs a 1000+ to fly to vegas for the both of us that savings alone is enough for a deposit on a Safari. Just something to think about.

PhoenixPhil hit it right on the nose. Both shows are GREAT! Both associations do fantastic work! Each show has its own personality. Black Tie vs Boots and Stetsons. Your choice but remember that you can't really see either of them in 2 days even if on is smaller. It may only come down to cost your first time. We go to DSC almost every year but do SCI once in a while.

I've been going to SCI when its in Reno since 1989,skip sci in vegas until it goes back to Reno and save your money.Go to Dallas show .

Shortride,
Another option is the Houston Safari Club Show.Not near as large as either Vegas or DSC but very enjoyable. About 250 exhibitors. Most will be at either Vegas or Dallas or both. The atmosphere is very relaxed and the exhibitors tend to do very well there due to this fact. (easier to spend time with prospective clients) All three are very close in timing every year, usually DSC then HSC then SCI. Just an option.

Thanks to all who gave input and helped me make up my mind. Ordered my airline tickets for Dallas. Plus contacted Phoenix Phil and will be attending the Friday night get together. Again thanks to all and hope to meet everyone Friday night.

Looking to meet you in Dallas. You'll have a great time! I'll be at the dinner but if you come by Jamy Traut's booth I'll be there all weekend.

Dallas filled the whole convention hall. I will say lthe past Jan was my first DSC. Crap it was a lot of walking. I had thought after going to the DSC I would wait and go to SCI before booking a hunt. Well one thing led to another and I have booked my hunt. I will go to DSC again in Jan. but you know its part of the fun. I really think DSC will take at lest two days to see everything and talk to everyone.

Wife ask me the other day if I was going and I gave her the look, she said that must be a yes, then she ask if she could go too. Hope to see you there,

I'm getting excited just thinking about DSC coming up!

Son-of-a-B*&ch! I won't be able to attend either show this year. I was looking forward to meeting some of you and giving you all a hard time but maybe 2015. I am so disappointed. Such is life I suppose. Damn, I hope to live vicariously through all of you fine ladies and gents so please take lots of pics and take notes!!
Jane