dogcat1
AH enthusiast
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It is hard to believe it is already March 24 and that Q1 of 2025 is almost complete. I want to apologize for such a long gap from my last update on January 21 where I promised to have details on the future of the DSC Convention for the next 5 years by early February. The process has proven to be more complex and fluid than I would have ever imagined, but I’m pleased to now provide some context and details regarding our Convention plans. Since the Atlanta Convention, the entire DSC team has taken on the monumental task of changing what the next 5 years of DSC Convention will look like. We started this process by encouraging and facilitating input from various convention stakeholders including Exhibitor Partners, sponsors, DSC members, as well as from our DSC board. Listening is key to solution-management, and we have made it a point to be receptive and to consider the broad input from these important parties. Communication, engagement, and transparency were all the things I promised in my last email. The dynamic, ever-changing details regarding possible dates, venues, and associated items stymied my ability to provide updates that contained reliable substance. I was reluctant to share information that might be speculative and that lacked the degree of certainty that you all deserve, and that DSC deserves, but in retrospect, it’s apparent that those delays created its own frustrations for many, while also creating misinformation through the rumor mill, and for those things I offer my apologies. For additional context, it’s important to know that we formed an Exhibitor-Partner Committee comprised of approximately 50 of DSC’s longest-standing exhibitors to help guide us in making the best decisions possible in moving forward. From the meetings with these partners, the message was clear – “Get back to Texas ASAP.” Other central, keystone pieces of feedback we heard included requests on date changes, possible venue locations, and affiliated costs. In addition to contemplating the “buy-out” costs of our 5-year contract(s) in Atlanta, which is in the millions of dollars, we turned over virtually every stone regarding venue options (large and otherwise) in Texas and available dates during the first quarter of the next 5 years. All relevant features have been taken into consideration regarding what’s possible and what’s best for our partners, stakeholders, and for DSC. I am announcing today that DSC Convention will be in Atlanta for the next two years (2026 & 2027) and WILL RETURN TO TEXAS in 2028, 2029 and beyond. Here is what the next 5-year runway looks like regarding DSC Convention. 2026 Atlanta Show Dates: Friday to Sunday (2/6/2026 to 2/8/2026) 2027 Atlanta Show Dates: Thursday to Sunday (1/7/2027 to 1/10/2027) 2028 Houston Show Dates: Friday to Sunday (1/28/2028 to 1/30/2028) 2029 Houston Show Dates: Thursday to Sunday (2/15/2029 to 2/18/2029) 2030 Houston Show Dates: Thursday to Saturday (1/24/2030 to 1/26/2030) |
It was clear that Exhibitor Partners wanted more flexibility to decide which shows to attend. DSC will not penalize exhibitors who do not wish to sign a multi-year booth agreement, and those that opt out will not be penalized for future shows. However, we are developing a robust exhibitor-partner incentive program to reward those who remain loyal throughout the Atlanta show dates (Details to Follow). It’s also important to know that we feel we are in a much better position this year to understand how to apply our robust marketing budget for Atlanta to ensure that those dollars squarely hit our most fertile target markets. To elevate this marketing capacity and success, we have retained services of The Moore Group, a globally recognized firm that represents the 10 largest non-profits in the U.S. and 84 of the top 100. Having the reach and services of The Moore Group is a game-changer for creating high visibility for DSC convention, helping drive traffic to the event. We are pleased to also announce that The Moore Group is retained to assist with the promotions with this year’s July DSC Summer Gala being held at the Gaylord Texan Resort and Convention Center in Grapevine, TX, minutes from DFW Airport, which will allow those efforts to accrue momentum and create synergies as we approach our Atlanta convention. This unique “one-two” punch will benefit both events and will ultimately benefit our exhibitors and sponsors. DSC is also looking for ways engage with like-minded organizations across Texas and the country to strengthen and promote conservation initiatives and foster a spirit of cooperation. We will continue to look for common ground with organizations and partner with these groups where appropriate. We recently consummated a strategic partnership with the NRA, and while not traditional partners, both organizations share common interests. I feel the massive reach of NRA will help further DSC’s goals of Conservation, Education and Advocacy, and that these DSC conservation tenets will benefit NRA with their important work, creating beneficial synergies that are needed in the broad hunting/conservation space. I want to express my sincere appreciation for everyone involved with DSC for their valuable input and patience throughout this important process. Our DSC exhibitors, sponsors, members, and other supporters are the lifeblood of this great organization. With your continued support, the vibrant health of DSC will allow us to strongly deploy our global work for the benefit of hunters and conservation. Thank you for your loyalty and patience as we march forward. Sincerely, Rob McCanna CEO DSC and DSC Foundation |
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