SCI Huntersf Convention Sets New Records
Reno, Nev., January 24, 2004 „Ÿ Record numbers of sportsmen from 50 countries have made the Safari Club International 32nd Annual Huntersf Convention in Reno a resounding success. The worldfs largest international hunting show brought more than 17,000 SCI member buyers and vendors together Jan. 21-24 to create the ultimate huntersf marketplace. In 2003, the SCI Convention brought 16,300 hunters together in Reno.
gReno is a great home for SCIfs single most important fundraising event,h said Gary F. Bogner, SCI President. gWe once again have set records for registration and auction income. This is important for the future of hunting, as the SCI Convention funds our year-round efforts to protect the freedom to hunt and to promote wildlife conservation worldwide.h
Home to the worldfs largest hunting auction, buyers at the SCI Convention responded day and night to auctioneers, spending millions on 1,100 dream hunts, custom firearms, wildlife art, jewelry and furs. All the auction items were generously donated by exhibitors interested in advancing SCI hunter advocacy and wildlife conservation programs.
gWe convinced several airlines to increase daily seat capacity into Reno so more hunters could have the opportunity to meet with the worldfs leading guides, outfitters, shooting sports manufacturers, taxidermists and wildlife artisans at the SCI Convention,h said SCI Treasurer and SCI Convention Chairman Ralph Cunningham. hThen, we aggressively promoted our show in a strengthening economy, and the result was pure magic. We are grateful to all the sportsmen and women who participated to brighten the future for hunting and wildlife.h
Registration income for the 2004 SCI Convention increased by more than 13 percent over the prior year. Income from evening event ticket sales at the 2004 Convention surpassed the prior year by more than 25 percent, and income from 2004 Convention auction sales are expected to surpass the prior year by 10 percent. The show was covered by 288 journalists, primarily serving the outdoor and shooting sports industries.
Uploaded: 1/26/2004