Last week, Safari Club International (SCI) hosted its 2024 Annual Convention and the Ultimate Sportsmen’s Market, celebrating 52 years of protecting the freedom to hunt. This monumental event, held for the second time at Music City Center in Nashville, Tennessee, boasted tens of thousands of visits from 114 countries. SCI was pleased to gather with fellow hunters and outdoorsmen and women to celebrate SCI’s ongoing efforts to advocate for and enact sustainable-use wildlife conservation around the globe. What’s more, SCI Convention attendees spent $9 million at restaurants, hotels, and other businesses in Nashville during one week, according to Governor Bill Lee.
More than 800 exhibitors set up booths in the convention hall, providing attendees with unparalleled options and opportunities to book hunting trips across the U.S. and worldwide. Some of the outdoor industry’s most recognizable companies showcased cutting-edge products, including firearms, accessories, optics, ammunition, archery, gear, and other tactical and hunting goods. Other notable vendors sold exquisite luxury goods like fur, furnishings, clothing, and jewelry.
Attendees who sought educational and informational sessions could attend presentations about hunting, fishing, shooting, and various additional outdoor activities. Seminars took place each day of the convention, including the USA Olympic Shooting Team Meet & Greet and Navigating USFWS & USDA Regulations for Importing Hunted Wildlife. Hunting celebrities like Jim Shockey and other influencer content ambassadors attended events and enjoyed the show floor. There was truly something for everyone!
Each evening, SCI held record-breaking dinners and live auctions that featured gourmet wild game meat meals, which sold out on Friday and Saturday nights, raising more than $20 million for SCI/F advocacy and conservation efforts. Convention attendees were able to listen to speakers, including Johnny Morris – Founder and CEO of Bass Pro Shops/Cabela’s – and NASCAR legend Richard Childress. Following these functions, entertainers including Foreigner, Big & Rich, 38 Special, and Jason Aldean performed for enthused audiences every night. Barstool Outdoors’ host Sydnie Wells also attended for the second year in a row and stressed the importance of introducing hunting to younger generations. Each day and night, the camaraderie was unmatched as like-minded hunters gathered from every corner of the globe at the greatest celebration of hunting.
What’s more, SCI leadership presented prestigious awards to distinguished international guests and legislators in Washington, D.C., who are at the forefront of fighting for hunters’ rights abroad and here in the U.S. Especially notable honorees included MP Blaine Calkins, a member of the Canadian House of Commons, who was given this year’s International Legislator of the Year award and U.S. Congressman Richard Hudson (R-NC-09), who received the prestigious Federal Legislator of the Year award. Additionally, Shane Black was awarded the CJ McElroy award, and SCI and Bass Pro Shops/Cabela’s honored Richard Childress with the Morris Family Legacy award.
“The entire SCI organization extends its sincere appreciation and gratitude to all who attended this year’s Convention and once again led to record-breaking success,” said SCI CEO W. Laird Hamberlin. “Your presence and support of SCI at our hallmark event contribute enormously to year-round advocacy efforts for hunting rights and wildlife conservation at every level of government. We can’t wait to see everyone again next year for another top-notch SCI Convention, and for ten more years here at Music City Center!”
SCI is excited to announce the 2025 Convention will again be held in Nashville, Tennessee, from January 22-25, 2025. You won’t want to miss out – see you there!
