NWTF Convention and Sport Show, Feb 11-13, 2027, Nashville: 90,000 sq ft of hunting gear, Grand National calling contests and 94,000+ outdoor buyers.
Dates
11 Feb 2027
City / country
Nashville, United States
Venue
Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center
Event overview
The NWTF Convention and Sport Show returns to the Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center in Nashville, Tennessee, February 11-13, 2027, for its 51st edition. One of the largest hunting and conservation consumer shows in the United States, it brings turkey callers, hunters, conservationists, outfitters and outdoor brands together under one roof.
The show floor covers about 90,000 square feet and has recently drawn more than 94,000 attendees and roughly 500 exhibitors. Visitors come for Grand National calling, callmaking and taxidermy competitions, hunting and conservation seminars, live auctions and hands-on gear shopping, while exhibitors use the weekend to launch products and meet a highly engaged spring-season buyer audience.
TL;DR
You can compare calls, firearms, optics, apparel and boots from hundreds of brands in one weekend, then watch the country's best callers compete on the Grand National stage. Seminars, auctions and conservation sessions give the trip a purpose beyond shopping.
The audience is concentrated, seasonal and ready to buy: turkey hunters planning their spring trips, plus the call makers, outfitters and conservation groups that influence them. A Nashville weekend in February puts your brand in front of more than 94,000 engaged outdoor consumers.
Attendees, exhibitors & solutions
Visitor profile
Typical attendee groups you can expect to meet.
Exhibitor profile
Main supplier and exhibitor segments present at the show.
Product categories
Key solution areas showcased across the event.
Location & Facilities
2800 Opryland Drive, Nashville, TN 37214, United States
Entrances & gates
Gaylord Opryland main entrance (Opryland Drive)
Main resort entrance; the convention centre is signposted from the lobby.
Food options
Old Hickory Steakhouse, Resort atrium dining
On-site diningParking: Self-parking and valet are available at the Gaylord Opryland resort. Use the main entrance off Opryland Drive; confirm the event parking rate and the rideshare drop-off point before arrival.
Gate: Badge collection and show-floor access points for 2027 were not published when this listing was prepared. Check the official convention hub before travel.
Attend
Ticket info
Badge collection
Bring a photo ID and your registration confirmation to the convention registration desk; allow extra time on Thursday morning.
Ticket notes
2027 admission pricing and daily show hours had not been posted when this listing was prepared; the official convention page says 2027 schedule information is coming soon. The 2026 sport-show floor required a purchased admission.
What's on
Grand National Calling Championships
Callers compete in eight divisions for more than $25,000 in cash and prizes.
Grand National Custom Callmaking Competition
Call makers are judged on craftsmanship, sound and artistic presentation.
sourceGrand National Taxidermy Competition
Wild turkey and white-tailed deer mounts are judged on anatomy, habitat and presentation.
Grand National Competition Sponsors
Primos
TETRA
Mossy Oak
Primos and TETRA sponsor the adult calling competitions; Mossy Oak sponsors the youth competitions.
How the last edition performed
Last edition
2026
Visitors: 94,426
Exhibitors: 500
Edition #: 50
This edition
2027
Visitors: 94,000
Exhibitors: 500
Floor area: 8,361 sqm
Next edition
Not announced yet
Edition recap
The 50th NWTF Convention and Sport Show, held in Nashville in February 2026, drew 94,426 attendees and set an all-time attendance record. About 500 exhibitors filled the show floor with hunting gear, apparel and outdoor innovation.
The weekend combined the Grand National Calling Championships, the Custom Callmaking Competition and the Taxidermy Competition with conservation and hunting seminars, live auctions and music. NWTF leadership described the event as a reunion spanning generations and a kickoff to the spring turkey season.
The 51st edition returns to Nashville and the Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center on February 11-13, 2027.
Photos
Impact
A record 94,426 attendees in 2026 make this the largest annual gathering in turkey hunting and one of Nashville's biggest winter consumer events. The show's pull extends beyond Tennessee: it is the national meeting point for NWTF chapters, call makers, outfitters and conservation agencies, and it sets the retail tone for the spring season.
Audience quality
The audience is unusually intent-driven. Most visitors already hunt turkey, travel specifically for the show and arrive ready to compare calls, optics and guided hunts before spring licences and trips are booked. Chapter volunteers and conservation staff add a second, influence-heavy layer that consumer shows rarely deliver.
Exhibitor outcomes
For call makers, outfitters and gear brands, the value is concentrated in three days of qualified spring-season buyers and media attention around the Grand National competitions. Success depends on pre-booked meetings and lead capture rather than footfall alone; exhibitors should staff for Thursday and Saturday peaks and follow up within 48 hours.
Intelligence
Key market insights, trends, news and related events to help you understand the bigger picture.
Why it matters
Nashville sits at the centre of the American turkey-hunting belt, and February is when hunters finalise calls, optics, licences and spring trips. The NWTF show turns that planning moment into a national marketplace, giving brands direct access to the most engaged slice of the outdoor consumer market while conservation groups and state agencies meet the same audience.
Key trends shaping this market and its wider industry.
Spring-season spending compresses into February
Hunters buy calls, optics, apparel and guided trips in the weeks before spring season opens. A February show captures that budget while attention is highest.
What it changes: Exhibitors get a short, high-intent buying window rather than a general summer browse.
Custom calls and premium gear hold their premium
Callmaking competitions and limited-run custom calls keep craftsmanship visible, even as mass-market hunting gear consolidates.
What it changes: Small makers can compete on story and craft, while larger brands use the show for launches and dealer meetings.
Conservation is part of the product story
Hunting heritage, habitat and access are now central to how outdoor brands talk to customers, and NWTF chapters are a trusted bridge.
What it changes: Partnerships with conservation groups can do more than a standard sponsorship logo.
Latest updates from across the market.
NWTF Celebrates 50th Convention and Sport Show with Record-Breaking Attendance
ReadThe NWTF weekend anchors a winter circuit that runs from the SHOT Show in January to the Great American Outdoor Show and the European hunting trade fairs in February and March.
SHOT Show 2027
Las Vegas, United States
Dates from circuit knowledge; confirm before booking. The industry launch event for firearms and outdoor trade buyers.
websiteGreat American Outdoor Show 2027
Harrisburg, United States
Dates from circuit knowledge; confirm before booking. A large consumer outdoor show in the same February window.
websiteIWA OutdoorClassics 2027
Nuremberg, Germany
Dates from circuit knowledge; confirm before booking. Relevant for brands with European distribution.
websiteWinter show run
A brand can use the January trade shows to set the story and the February consumer shows to sell it.
Circuit dates and positioning are editorial estimates except the NWTF dates, which come from the official convention page.
Plan your trip
Choose from the following airports, with convenient access to the event and venue.
Nashville International Airport
Closest major airport; rental cars, rideshare and hotel shuttles are available from the terminal.
About 8 miles
to venue
15-20 minutes
by car
Smyrna Airport
Smaller general-aviation and reliever airport southeast of Nashville; useful for private aircraft.
About 25 miles
to venue
35-45 minutes
by car
A range of accommodation options near the venue and across key areas.
USD 110–165 / night
Best value within a short drive of the Gaylord; book early because the resort block sells out.
USD 180–270 / night
Walkable or a very short ride to the venue; convenient for multi-day visitors.
USD 280–430 / night
Stay on site for the shortest commute; downtown options add nightlife and a 15-20 minute drive.
Get around the city with these convenient transport options.
Rideshare
Use the designated rideshare pickup at the terminal; surge pricing is common on Thursday and Saturday.
Public bus
Local bus service links downtown and Opry Mills; allow extra time and check the weekend timetable.
Hotel shuttle
Many airport hotels run scheduled shuttles; confirm whether the shuttle serves the Gaylord directly.
Plan your trip
Check the latest visa requirements and entry guidelines before travelling.
| Type | Who needs it | Fee | Processing | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| B-1 business visitor | Visitors who need a U.S. business visa and are not eligible for the Visa Waiver Program. | $185.00 | Weeks to months; apply early | |
| ESTA / Visa Waiver Program | Eligible passport holders from Visa Waiver Program countries. | — | Usually minutes to 72 hours |
U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents do not need a visa. Visa Waiver Program eligibility depends on nationality.
The United States accepts ATA Carnets for eligible temporary imports; confirm the code and customs procedures with your freight forwarder.
Official visa pageWeather
February is cool and changeable: average highs near 10°C (50°F) and lows near 0°C (32°F), with rain possible and occasional snow or ice. Pack layers and a waterproof jacket.
Plan for the climate
Check temperatures and pack accordingly
Venue connectivity
The Gaylord Opryland offers resort and meeting-space Wi-Fi; cellular coverage is strong across Nashville. Exhibitors should confirm dedicated internet and power with the venue.
Ride-hailing
Taxis
Public transit
Car rentals
Useful information to help you have a smooth and respectful visit.
Tipping
Restaurant servers expect 15-20 percent; bartenders and rideshare drivers are usually tipped a few dollars. Hotel housekeeping is typically tipped per night.
Local taxes and opening hours
Nashville combines state and local sales tax, so shelf prices can differ from the final bill. Many restaurants close earlier on Sundays; book dinner ahead during convention week.
Practical guides
Everything needed to arrive prepared, navigate the event, and make the visit productive.
Destination: BNA (Nashville International Airport)
Book 6-10 weeks ahead for February; Thursday arrivals and Sunday departures are busiest. The airport is about 15-20 minutes from the Gaylord Opryland.
Most international visitors need either a B-1 business visa or an approved ESTA under the Visa Waiver Program. Check your nationality and passport validity before booking.
Estimated cost: USD 185 for a B-1 visa; ESTA fee varies
Processing: Weeks to months for a visa; up to 72 hours for ESTA
Carry an invitation letter, hotel confirmation and return ticket. Admission is not guaranteed by a visa or ESTA.
OfficialGet to the venue and around the city with these options.
Airport → venue: Rideshare or taxi from BNA takes 15-20 minutes and costs about USD 30-45; some hotels run shuttles.
Hotel → venue: Opryland and Music Valley hotels are walkable or a short rideshare; downtown hotels are 15-20 minutes by car.
Ride-hail: Uber and Lyft operate across Nashville; use the airport rideshare pickup and expect surge pricing around peak show hours.
Public transit: WeGo bus route 34 connects downtown and Opry Mills; allow extra time on weekends.
Parking: On-site resort parking is available; confirm the event rate and the closest garage to the convention centre.
Plan and pack for the event climate.
Month: February
Temperature: 0-10°C (32-50°F)
Seasonality: Rain is possible and snow or ice cannot be ruled out; February is a transition month.
Packing: Bring layers, a waterproof jacket and comfortable shoes for the large resort campus.
Plan your trip
Best day to visit: Saturday, February 13
Saturday combines the fullest show floor with the championship finals and the evening auction, so a one-day visitor sees the most in a single pass. Thursday is better for quieter supplier meetings; Friday balances both.
Book flights and confirm the hotel cancellation policy — Compare the Gaylord block with Music Valley and airport hotels.
Buy show admission and register for any paid events — 2027 prices were not posted at research time; check the official convention page.
Build a shortlist of exhibitors and competition times — Use the show floor plan when it is published; sessions fill quickly.
Pack layers, comfortable shoes and a portable battery — February in Nashville can be cold, wet or icy.
Check travel alerts, badge collection and venue access — Allow extra time on Thursday morning for registration queues.
Badge collection and coffee
Convention registration deskSupplier and call-maker meetings
Show floor, turkey calls and accessories aislesLunch and informal networking
Resort atrium diningGrand National calling and seminar block
Competition stage and seminar roomsRecon the outfitters and book a spring hunt
Outfitters and travel sectionGrand Ole Opry
Music and Entertainment
About 10 minutes from the Gaylord
The iconic country music stage is next door to Opry Mills and pairs well with a Saturday evening.
Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
Museum
About 20 minutes to downtown Nashville
A compact introduction to Nashville music history for first-time visitors.
Opry Mills
Shopping
Walking distance from the Gaylord
Outlet shopping and dining for a non-show afternoon.
Gaylord Opryland atrium bars
Hotel lobby
Easy, low-noise meetings between sessions; the atriums are the social heart of convention week.
Show floor competition stage
Show floor
The Grand National stage draws a crowd; use it to meet call makers, competitors and media.
The NWTF audience is seasonal: most buying decisions are made before spring season opens. Fast follow-up while hunters are still planning trips converts far better than a generic newsletter weeks later.
Budget
Shell scheme
USD 650–950 / m²
Raw space
USD 320–540 / m²
Standard booth
9 m²
Planner estimates for a U.S. consumer outdoor show; no 2027 tariff was published. Confirm with the official exhibitor service kit.
sourceAdjust the inputs below to create a directional event budget.
This is a directional estimate. Please verify live rates before booking.
Official cost items and estimated ranges for exhibitors.
booth
exhibitor · shell scheme 9 sqm
USD 5850–8550 / per booth
booth
exhibitor · raw space 36 sqm
USD 11520–19440 / per booth
hotel
both · mid
USD 180–270 / per night
per_diem
both · standard
USD 60–90 / per day
visa
visitor · B-1
USD 185 / per person
| Item | For | Tier | Estimated range | Status | As of |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| booth | exhibitor | shell scheme 9 sqm | USD 5850–8550 / per booth | estimate | 2026-10-31 |
| booth | exhibitor | raw space 36 sqm | USD 11520–19440 / per booth | estimate | 2026-10-31 |
| hotel | both | mid | USD 180–270 / per night | estimate | 2026-10-31 |
| per_diem | both | standard | USD 60–90 / per day | estimate | 2026-10-31 |
| visa | visitor | B-1 | USD 185 / per person | estimate | 2026-10-31 |
Decision
Six quick questions to decide whether to visit, exhibit or skip the NWTF Convention and Sport Show.
QUESTION 1 OF 6
What is your primary objective?
Compare participation options side by side to choose the best fit for your objectives.
visit
You are a buyer or enthusiast and can commit at least one full day.
Best for
Hunters and outdoor families who want to compare gear, watch the Grand National contests and buy for spring.
Min. budget
$600.00
Timeline
Book 4-8 weeks out
Risks
February weather disruption
Show-floor fatigue at a large resort
exhibit
You have a product launch, dealer meetings or a lead-capture plan and can staff all three days.
Best for
Call makers, outdoor brands, outfitters and conservation groups selling to engaged spring-season hunters.
Min. budget
$8,000.00
Timeline
Decide 90 days out
Risks
Hotel block sells out
Freight and labour costs add up
skip
Your product, budget or calendar does not fit a consumer hunting show.
Best for
Buyers outside hunting and outdoor recreation, or teams with no spring-season relevance.
Timeline
Not applicable
Risks
Missing a category-specific audience
Book with
Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center
The host resort and convention centre on Opryland Drive, with the show floor, hotel rooms and dining under one roof.
Official venue website; not named as a commercial partner.
Nashville International Airport (BNA)
The main gateway airport, about 15-20 minutes from the venue.
Official airport authority website; useful travel resource, not a show sponsor.
Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce
Regional business body for Nashville and Middle Tennessee; a starting point for local market contacts.
Official chamber website; not a show partner.
National Wild Turkey Federation
The conservation organisation that owns and runs the convention and sport show.
Official organiser website.
Recommended providers
U.S. Department of State - Business Visitor Visa
Check B-1 and Visa Waiver Program eligibility before booking.
Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center
On-site host hotel; the NWTF room block and overflow options are announced on the convention page.
Nashville International Airport (BNA)
Compare flights into BNA; the airport is 15-20 minutes from the Gaylord Opryland.
Common U.S. expo contractor; confirm the assigned 2027 handler in the official service kit.
U.S. Travel Insurance Association
Use a licensed travel insurer and confirm cover for weather disruption and medical costs.
Book tickets ahead for a Saturday evening show; the venue is minutes from the Gaylord.
Badge scanning and CRM export; confirm the venue-approved provider before the show.
Gallery
FAQs & glossary
Frequently asked
Glossary
Also known as
Alternate names and search phrases for this event.
6 more alternate names hidden
Trust footer
4
References
2
Publishers
4
Date checked
National Wild Turkey Federation
Gaylord Opryland
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