SCI Convention 2027 brings hunting buyers to Nashville, Jan 20-23.
Dates
20–23 Jan 2027
City / country
Nashville, United States
Venue
Music City Center
Time
Exhibit floor 9:00 AM. – 5:00 PM · daily, January 20 – 23, 2027 · Registration 8:00 AM. – 5:00 PM · Wednesday-Friday and 8:00 AM. – 3:00 PM · Saturday · Tuesday, January 19, 10:00 AM. – 5:00 PM
Event overview
SCI Convention 2027 runs January 20-23 at Music City Center in Nashville, Tennessee, and is the annual members gathering of Safari Club International.
More than 900 exhibitors are expected to fill the exhibit halls with hunting outfitters, firearms, optics, outdoor gear and conservation organisations from around the world.
Members attend to book guided hunts, compare equipment, join seminars and take part in auctions and award events across the four days that fund SCI advocacy and international wildlife conservation worldwide.
TL;DR
Visitors can compare international outfitters, inspect firearms and optics, book guided hunts and attend conservation seminars in one hall. Evening auctions and award events add fundraising and networking, while the four-day format leaves time for repeat conversations before a deposit is paid.
Exhibitors reach an audited audience of active hunters who arrive ready to book trips and buy equipment, not general sightseers. The members-only rule keeps the floor qualified, and the four-day schedule gives time for demonstrations, auction donations and follow-up meetings with high-intent buyers.
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
Halls & areas
1201 Rep. John Lewis Way S, Nashville, TN 37203, USA
Food options
Music City Center concessions
On-site diningParking: Use the Music City Center garage on Rep. John Lewis Way S; arrive before 8:30 a.m. on show days because the convention fills nearby decks.
Gate: Badges are scanned at the hall entrances. Registration is on Level 2; allow 20 minutes on Wednesday morning.
Attend
Event days & opening times
One-day badge
Published 2027 rate through December 1, 2026; confirm at checkout.
Two-day badge
Published 2027 rate through December 1, 2026; confirm at checkout.
Three-day badge
Published 2027 rate through December 1, 2026; confirm at checkout.
Four-day Classic Registration
Published 2027 rate through December 1, 2026; confirm at checkout.
Ticket info
Badge collection
Collect badges at the Level 2 registration counter or scan the emailed barcode at a self-service kiosk from Monday, January 11, 2027. A lost badge costs $75 to replace.
Ticket notes
Members-only convention: each active SCI member may bring one paid non-member guest. Youth 0-17 are free with a paid adult; age 18+ pays the adult rate. Refund requests close January 4, 2027.
What's on
SCIF Conservation Leadership Award Gala
The 12th annual SCI Foundation gala, sponsored by Beretta, held the evening before the convention opens.
Omni Nashville Hotel, Broadway Ballroom; 6:00-10:30 p.m., January 19, 2027.
WebsiteGrand Slam Club/Ovis Dinner and Awards Banquet
A partner dinner and awards banquet closing the convention week.
Music City Center Grand Ballroom, Level 4; 6:30-9:00 p.m., January 24, 2027.
WebsiteSCIF Conservation Leadership Award
SCI Foundation honour presented at the gala on the eve of the convention.
Night of the Hunter Award
Award ceremony held at Music City Center on the Thursday evening of the convention.
Weatherby Foundation Hunting and Conservation Award
Award dinner at the Music City Center Grand Ballroom on the opening Wednesday.
How the last edition performed
Last edition
2026
Visitors: 18,000
Exhibitors: 900
Edition #: 54
This edition
2027
Visitors: 18,000
Exhibitors: 950
Next edition
Not announced yet
Growth over time
Edition recap
The 2026 SCI Convention drew more than 900 exhibitors to Nashville and posted a 14.4% increase in registered attendance over 2025, with Wednesday turnout up 17.7%. Thousands of hunters, conservation partners and outfitters attended four days of exhibits, seminars and auctions.
New this edition
Patriot Package
A 220-unit package at $3,599 pairing two four-day badges with VIP Wednesday and Thursday event tickets and general-admission Friday and Saturday tickets.
SourceImpact
A 900-plus exhibitor floor and members-only admission make this one of the highest-intent hunting audiences in North America. Outfitters can meet members who already hold SCI membership and are actively comparing guided trips, while equipment brands reach buyers in a four-day format that rewards repeat visits.
Audience quality
The audience is self-selected: active SCI members, chapter leaders, international outfitters and hunting families. The 2026 edition grew registered attendance 14.4% and first-day turnout 17.7%, which points to a buyer base that is travelling and spending. General sightseers are limited by the membership rule.
Exhibitor outcomes
ROI depends on booked hunts and qualified gear leads, not footfall alone. A 9 sqm booth in a four-day show can justify its cost with one or two mid-value safari bookings; gear brands should measure scanned leads and follow-up meetings. SCI does not publish audited exhibitor ROI.
Intelligence
Key market insights, trends, news and related events to help you understand the bigger picture.
Why it matters
Nashville is a drive-in market for much of the eastern United States and a direct-flight destination for international members. The Music City Center supports a 900-plus exhibitor floor, and the members-only rule concentrates buyers who are actively planning hunts rather than browsing a consumer outdoor show.
Key trends shaping this market and its wider industry.
Booked-hunt demand is consolidating around trusted operators
Hunters are shortening their shortlists and asking outfitters for references, recent success rates and clear trophy-fee terms before paying a deposit.
What it changes: Exhibitors that arrive with transparent packages and named guides can convert floor conversations into bookings faster.
Optics and suppression are premium upgrade categories
Rangefinding binoculars, thermal optics, suppressors and lightweight rifles keep pulling spend from hunters who already own basic gear.
What it changes: Gear brands should demonstrate field use and service support, not just display specifications.
Conservation and advocacy are part of the buying decision
Members increasingly want to know how an operator contributes to wildlife management and how auction money supports hunting access and anti-poaching work.
What it changes: Outfitters and brands that can explain their conservation role build credibility with this audience.
SCI anchors the January hunting calendar. Dallas Safari Club opens the season, SHOT Show covers the trade side, and Houston Safari Club adds a Gulf Coast consumer audience.
Dallas Safari Club Convention and Sporting Expo
Dallas, United States
Circuit calendar; confirm exact 2027 dates with the organiser.
websiteSHOT Show
Las Vegas, United States
Circuit calendar; confirm exact 2027 dates with the organiser.
websiteHouston Safari Club Worldwide Hunting Expo
Houston, United States
Circuit calendar; confirm exact 2027 dates with the organiser.
websiteEarly January
Texas consumer show before SCI.
Late January
Three overlapping buying moments; book travel and staff early.
Circuit dates are planning guidance from published show calendars, not organiser confirmations for every edition.
Plan your trip
Choose from the following airports, with convenient access to the event and venue.
Nashville International Airport
Closest airport; taxi or rideshare to downtown costs about $25-35.
8 miles (13 km)
to venue
15-20 minutes
by car
Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport
Backup option for international connections; rent a car or take a connecting flight.
175 miles (282 km)
to venue
2 hours 45 minutes
by car
A range of accommodation options near the venue and across key areas.
USD 120–190 / night
Book 8-10 weeks ahead; January rates rise when a large convention is in town.
USD 200–320 / night
Walkable to Music City Center; ask for a quiet upper floor away from Broadway.
USD 350–550 / night
Closest full-service options; suites and club floors sell out first.
Get around the city with these convenient transport options.
WeGo public bus
Exact change or a reloadable card; services run less frequently on Saturday.
Rideshare
Pickup is on the airport ground-transport level; allow extra time on Wednesday morning.
Plan your trip
Check the latest visa requirements and entry guidelines before travelling.
| Type | Who needs it | Fee | Processing | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| B-1 business visitor | Visitors whose nationality is not eligible for the Visa Waiver Program | $185.00 | Several weeks to several months | |
| ESTA under the Visa Waiver Program | Eligible Visa Waiver Program nationals | $21.00 | Usually minutes to 72 hours |
US citizens and lawful permanent residents do not need a visa for this event.
A carnet does not replace US firearms import or ATF requirements; exhibitors should use a licensed freight forwarder.
Official visa pageWeather
January is Nashville winter: average highs near 49F (9C) and lows near 33F (1C). Rain, sleet or light snow is possible, so pack a warm coat and waterproof shoes.
Plan for the climate
Check temperatures and pack accordingly
Venue connectivity
Music City Center offers Wi-Fi in public areas; exhibitors usually order dedicated internet through the venue. US mobile networks work throughout downtown.
Ride-hailing
Taxis
Public transit
Car rentals
Useful information to help you have a smooth and respectful visit.
Tipping
Restaurant servers expect 18-20%; bartenders $1-2 per drink. Taxi and rideshare tips are customary.
Downtown music district
Broadway honky-tonks are loud, busy and open late. Keep business meetings in the Omni or Music City Center lounges instead.
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 January; Wednesday arrivals are busiest because the floor opens that morning.
Book flightsMost visitors need either a B-1 business visa or an approved ESTA under the Visa Waiver Program; check your nationality before booking.
Estimated cost: USD 21-185
Processing: 72 hours to several months
Carry a convention registration confirmation and hotel address for the border interview.
OfficialGet to the venue and around the city with these options.
Airport → venue: Rideshare or taxi, 15-20 minutes, USD 25-35; no dedicated convention shuttle was published.
Hotel → venue: Most downtown hotels are a 5-15 minute walk; use the covered routes in cold or wet weather.
Ride-hail: Uber and Lyft serve BNA and downtown; use the designated pickup zone at the venue.
Public transit: WeGo bus routes serve downtown, with a USD 2 fare; Saturday service is reduced.
Parking: Music City Center garage and nearby surface lots; expect event pricing and early fill on Wednesday.
Plan and pack for the event climate.
Month: January
Temperature: 33-49F (1-9C)
Seasonality: Winter rain or light snow; January is one of the colder months.
Packing: Warm coat, layers, waterproof shoes and an umbrella; evening events call for cocktail or black-tie attire.
Plan your trip
Best day to visit: Friday, January 22, 2027
Most exhibitors and members are on the floor by Friday, seminar tracks are in full swing and evening events follow. Wednesday is busiest at registration; Saturday closes at 5 p.m. and some exhibitors begin packing.
Confirm active SCI membership and register for a four-day badge — Each member may bring one paid guest; have both membership numbers ready.
Book a downtown hotel and check the cancellation policy — SoBro hotels fill first; the Omni and Renaissance are walkable.
Book flights into BNA and plan the airport transfer — Arrive Tuesday to collect badges before the Wednesday opening.
Build a shortlist of eight to ten outfitters and two seminars — Use the exhibitor directory and note booth numbers before the floor opens.
Pack business cards, a charged phone and evening attire — Download the badge barcode and check the weather for ice or rain.
Collect badge at Level 2 registration and pick up event tickets
Music City Center, Level 2Work the outfitter aisles with a shortlist of target countries
Exhibit halls, Music City CenterLunch and informal follow-up with two outfitters
Music City Center concessions or Omni lobbyAttend a conservation or trophy-import seminar
Seminar rooms, Music City CenterRyman Auditorium
Music Heritage
0.6 miles, 12-minute walk from Music City Center
Historic Grand Ole Opry venue and a short downtown break between sessions.
Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
Museum
0.4 miles, 8-minute walk
Compact overview of Nashville music history, useful for a half-day break.
Omni Nashville lobby
Hotel lobby
Quiet enough for a follow-up coffee and steps from the venue.
Music City Center Level 2 registration lounge
Convention lounge
Good place to regroup between seminars and hall walks.
SCI buyers often compare several outfitters after the show and book within weeks. A fast, specific follow-up with written terms beats a generic brochure.
Budget
Shell scheme
USD 380–590 / m²
Raw space
USD 300–485 / m²
Standard booth
9 m²
Estimated from comparable US convention-centre rates; SCI does not publish a public 2027 exhibitor tariff.
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.
Shell booth
exhibitor · standard
USD 3420–5310 / 9 sqm
Hotel
both · mid
USD 200–320 / room night
Per diem
both · standard
USD 60–95 / person per day
Registration
visitor · four-day
USD 385 / badge
| Item | For | Tier | Estimated range | Status | As of |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shell booth | exhibitor | standard | USD 3420–5310 / 9 sqm | estimate | 2026-11-04 |
| Hotel | both | mid | USD 200–320 / room night | estimate | 2026-11-04 |
| Per diem | both | standard | USD 60–95 / person per day | estimate | 2026-11-04 |
| Registration | visitor | four-day | USD 385 / badge | actual | 2026-11-04 |
Decision
Six quick questions to decide whether to visit, exhibit or skip SCI Convention 2027.
QUESTION 1 OF 6
Which best describes your role?
Compare participation options side by side to choose the best fit for your objectives.
visit
You plan to book or compare a hunt in the next 12 months and can attend at least one full day.
Best for
SCI members and hunting parties comparing guided trips
Min. budget
$1,200.00
Timeline
6-8 weeks for flights and hotel
Risks
Badge and membership cost
Hunt deposits can exceed the travel budget
exhibit
You have a clear trip or product offer and can staff four days with follow-up capacity.
Best for
Outfitters, firearms, optics and gear brands selling to active hunters
Min. budget
$6,000.00
Timeline
3-4 months for stand, freight and staff
Risks
Sold-out floor and limited booth availability
Firearms and ammunition freight compliance
skip
Your product or trip does not target active hunters and you cannot act before January 2027.
Best for
Teams with no hunting audience, no US travel plan and no budget this cycle
Timeline
Not applicable
Risks
Missing relationship-building with SCI chapters
Deferring may mean waiting a full year
Book with
Music City Center
Downtown Nashville convention centre hosting the exhibit halls and evening events.
Venue operator; not a show sponsor.
Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp
Official Nashville visitor resource for hotels, transport and things to do.
Public destination body; useful planning resource.
Safari Club International
Membership organisation and organiser of the annual hunters convention.
Organiser; not a third-party partner.
Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency
State wildlife agency responsible for hunting licences and wildlife management in Tennessee.
Public agency resource; no partnership with the show was confirmed.
Recommended providers
Official visa and ESTA guidance.
Destination hotel search; book early for January.
Nashville International Airport (BNA)
Closest airport, 15-20 minutes from downtown.
Request the official freight and customs guide with your contract.
Compare travel and exhibitor liability cover.
Ryman Auditorium and Country Music Hall of Fame are walkable.
Badge-scanning and lead-capture option; confirm SCI scanner support.
FAQs & glossary
Frequently asked
Glossary
Also known as
Alternate names and search phrases for this event.
5 more alternate names hidden
Trust footer
5
References
3
Publishers
5
Date checked
Safari Club International
The Outdoor Wire
Hunting Consortium
Display a free company card at your booth, or share your professional card on the show floor.
