SCI Convention First Timers Guide

[Schmidty]

I am planning to attend the 2026 SCI Convention in Nashville. This would be my first time attending and and curious if there is advice for a first timer? I do have a couple of questions also. I have only attend smaller sports shows and the small MN SCI Expo. I have been on the SCI website to gather as much information as possible. I have been to Nashville three times so I don't need any information about Nashville.

1. What does it cost to get in and just walk the floor to check out the exhibits and vendors?
2. I heard it takes a couple of days or more to get through it all and see everything, is this true?

 

[SETH RINGER]

1 CHEAP TO GET IN (EXPENSIVE TO GET OUT!)
2 DO 2 DAYS, FIRST TO GET THE "LAY OF THE LAND" AND SECOND TO HONE IN ON WHAT YOU ARE REALLY INTERESTED IN.

 

[375Fox]

I haven’t been to SCI, but I’ve gone to DSC a few times. This would be my advice. Look through the list of exhibitors. Make a list of those you want to speak with and their booth numbers. Stay focused the first day and visit the booths you wanted to visit. The second day revisit the booths you liked with a few more clarifying questions if you have them. Use the rest of day or next day to wander around and see the show and talk to a few more booths you didn’t plan. Booths will likely have other past clients or potential clients sitting and talking at them. Don’t walk by 10x waiting for an open opportunity. Walk up and introduce yourself and ask to take a seat while you wait for opening. Those other hunters usually finish faster when someone else is waiting, then you can talk and get on to your next booth. You need to go into show with a plan or it’s easy to get lost without a goal.

 

[Rare Breed]

Go to their website and register getting a minimum of a two day pass. Second get their vendor layout. Third go through the vendor names and save with a check mark on the app the ones you definitely want to see with their number and location. Last, I then just literally start on the first row and take my time walking each and every aisle. Just me

 

[Philip Glass]

I am planning to attend the 2026 SCI Convention in Nashville. This would be my first time attending and and curious if there is advice for a first timer? I do have a couple of questions also. I have only attend smaller sports shows and the small MN SCI Expo. I have been on the SCI website to gather as much information as possible. I have been to Nashville three times so I don't need any information about Nashville.

1. What does it cost to get in and just walk the floor to check out the exhibits and vendors?
2. I heard it takes a couple of days or more to get through it all and see everything, is this true?

I love Convention and Nashville has been THE best for SCI. There is so much to see and do you are correct to pose the question. I'll give a short list for you:

1. Register for the Convention and choose how many days you will attend and add in any banquets etc. You must be a member. I advise going to one banquet to get the full feel of SCI. Register here: https://convention.safariclub.org/attend/register-to-attend/

2. Get a hotel secured now! Many are already sold out. https://convention.safariclub.org/attend/hotels/

3. Get the SCI Convention App before going. THis will help you plan out your days with exhibitors, seminars, banquets, etc.

4. Feel free to ask questions. I am happy to help in any way I can.

Regards,
Philip

 

[Schmidty]

Awesome

I love Convention and Nashville has been THE best for SCI. There is so much to see and do you are correct to pose the question. I'll give a short list for you:

1. Register for the Convention and choose how many days you will attend and add in any banquets etc. You must be a member. I advise going to one banquet to get the full feel of SCI. Register here: https://convention.safariclub.org/attend/register-to-attend/

2. Get a hotel secured now! Many are already sold out. https://convention.safariclub.org/attend/hotels/

3. Get the SCI Convention App before going. THis will help you plan out your days with exhibitors, seminars, banquets, etc.

4. Feel free to ask questions. I am happy to help in any way I can.

Regards,
Philip

Thank you, this is great!

 

[AZDAVE]

Have attended SCI and DSC multiple times. You have to be a member to attend so go to SCI webpage and get a year long membership. I would also advise If you have time to go all 4 days. It can be a bit overwhelming and trying to see everything in 2 days will leave you feeling like you missed alot of the show!

 

[Winmdl71]

Look up the list of exhibitors and go thru and prioritize. I work my list first then see everyone else. Also if you really want to have a serious conversation with an exhibitor reach out to them ahead of time and see about scheduling a meeting with them. The show is amazing and overwhelming with its size.

 

[skydiver386]

I've gone the last 2 years, and what everyone has said so far is bang on. A few things I would add.

1. Best cheap parking is at the Library 2 blocks away from the Convention Center. It is currently closed due to a fire, but should be opened again before January.

2. Very limited food and drink inside the Convention Hall, but there are vendors selling BBQ, soft drinks as well as a bar just outside the front of the Hall. Most everyone goes for lunch to the Food Court/Assembly Food Hall just off Broadway. If you've never had Prince's Original Nashville Hot Chicken, you need to get some.

3. If you are planning to come Friday evening, you need to come meet everyone at the Africa Hunting.com get together at Jonathan's Grill, 717 3rd Ave N, Nashville, TN 37201. It will be upstairs. One guy gives away free Africa Hunting hats, so if you show up early you might score one.

 

[Andrew Short]

Great advice from everyone above. Just make sure you wear supportive and comfortable shoes!

 

[Russ16]

Good advice on choosing vendors to talk to ahead of time.

But also make sure you have some time to just wander. I love seeing hints that I had never thought of doing and talking to the outfitters about them. It really gets the imagination flowing.

 

[Andrew62]

Last year was the first time I attended. I live in MD so I rented a room at the Drury Hotel, 2 blocks away, I believe it is 219.00 a night this year, look on the SCI web page for other options. If I recall correctly it is 125 a day to get in. Last year it took me 1 1/2 days just to get through the show floor, if you attend any of the side rooms where they have seminars, etc, you’ll be glad you dedicated 2 days.

I’ve been hunting Africa 37 years, cannot believe last year was my first ever SCI show. It really is worth it to attend. I did not do any of the banquets but I’m sure they’re wonderful as well.

@Rare Breed is putting together an AH get together, last year it was a highlight of my time at the show!

Consider going, I wish I had gone many years ago.

 

[TheGrayRider]

The SCI Convention in Nashville is excellent. Premier venue and first class operation. Can’t go wrong…

Please attend a few of the seminars/classes if you get a chance. Also, please attend the Veterans Breakfast if you or a family member is a veteran of any service or any country. And also the Africa Hunting Forum get-together one evening!

Very smart of SCI to move the convention for the longer term to Nashville, Tennessee. So much to offer. On that note, has DSC worked through their “high school drama” with their board of directors and established a long-term plan?

Happy hunting and see you in Nashville, TheGrayRider a/k/a Tom.

 

[BeeMaa]

My wife and I want at least two days, but always book a third to see those things we may have missed.

I make a detailed list of the vendors and locations I want to visit. Use the app or print the floor plan and highlight what you want to see.

Book a hotel NOW!

Make sure to attend the AH dinner and put some faces to the names you know.

 

[Russ16]

As some have said look at hotels. I almost never stay in a hotel associated with the event. If you’re willing to walk even a little there are plenty in the area that are cheaper and more than suitable.

 

[Fixfire]

I do 4 half-days. I find I suffer from information overload if trying to do full days.