Every February, Nashville transforms into the epicenter of the hunting, outdoor lifestyle, and conservation world with the Safari Club International (SCI) Convention. From February 18 to 21, 2026, the Music City Center in Nashville, Tennessee will host thousands of outdoor enthusiasts, industry leaders, outfitters, conservation advocates, and global adventurers—for what many describe as the world’s greatest gathering of hunters and wildlife advocates.
Now in its annual run, the SCI Convention blends commerce, conservation, community, and entertainment under one roof. During the event, attendees have a chance to learn, explore, and connect across four unforgettable days.
What the SCI Convention Entails
At its core, the SCI Convention is both a trade show and cultural celebration for hunting and conservation. The exhibit floor at the Music City Center spans thousands of square feet and features hundreds of exhibitors from all facets of the outdoor lifestyle: from hunting gear and luxury travel lodges to rifles, optics, boots, wildlife art, and bespoke accessories. Attendees can expect:
- Show Floor Exhibits: With over 900 booths showcasing the latest products, technologies, and services related to hunting, outfitting, outdoor gear, and conservation.
- Educational Seminars & Workshops: Informative sessions on wildlife management, hunting ethics, advocacy, international regulations, and hands-on gear demonstrations.
- Auctions & Fundraisers: Daily live and silent auctions, including signature events like the Thursday night auction at the historic Ryman Auditorium and a Saturday evening gala, support SCI’s conservation and education programs.
- Networking & Social Events: Evening receptions, live music, advocacy committees, and special gatherings where members connect with industry leaders, legislators, and fellow sportsmen and women.
The event also serves a broader mission: defending the “freedom to hunt” and promoting sustainable wildlife conservation worldwide, an ongoing focus of Safari Club International’s advocacy efforts. Attendees range from seasoned hunters and outdoor professionals to newcomers exploring their first big adventure. Typical participants include:
- Professional hunters and outfitters showcasing expeditions across Africa, North America, and beyond.
- Gear manufacturers unveiling the latest in performance apparel, firearms, optics, packs, and accessories.
- Conservation leaders and policy advocates participating in panels and outreach.
- Artists and specialty exhibitors highlighting wildlife art, historical collectibles, and luxury branding.
- Outdoor lifestyle influencers and media personalities helping cover the show across digital and print media.
On Our List
For attendees navigating the show floor, here are a few of our favorite booths and brands worth getting to know, each with something unique to offer:
Clint Orms Engravers & Silversmiths
Why it’s worth your time: Heirloom craftsmanship, executed at the highest level.
Clint Orms represents one of the purest expressions of American craft on the SCI floor. Based in Texas, the company is globally respected for its hand-engraved sterling silver and gold belt buckles, trophy buckles, and accessories, each created one at a time with meticulous attention to detail. Wildlife, Western iconography, and field traditions are not motifs here, they’re language. It’s serious work, made to be worn, awarded, and handed down. The booth draws collectors, competitors, and hunters who understand that the finest gear doesn’t always live in the field; sometimes it lives on the belt.
Champion Ranch
Why it’s worth your time: A masterclass in upscale sporting hospitality.
Champion Ranch sets itself apart by blending world-class hunting with luxury-level accommodations without sacrificing authenticity. Located in Texas, the private ranch offers access to exotic species alongside refined lodging, elevated dining, and a full slate of outdoor experiences designed for individuals, families, and corporate groups alike. This is about curated experiences—the kind that balance time in the field with comfort, service, and atmosphere. If your idea of a perfect hunt includes both exceptional shooting and exceptional hospitality, this booth deserves a stop.
Banovich
Why it’s worth your time: When fine art and conservation speak the same language.
The brand behind John Banovich’s wildlife art draws enthusiasts who appreciate dramatic, large-scale portrayals of iconic wildlife. Banovich is not just an artist but also a conservation advocate whose work channels fine art, wildlife storytelling, and habitat protection. His pieces— from original paintings to limited-edition prints and accents—connect the passion for hunting with a broader conservation ethos. This booth attracts those who see hunting as part of a broader relationship with wildlife and habitat. From original paintings to limited-edition prints and design accents, the work resonates with collectors who want their walls to reflect their values.
Dream Ranch
Why it’s worth your time: Southern sporting tradition, done right.
Set on roughly 2,000 acres in Guntersville, Alabama, Dream Ranch is a standout destination for trophy whitetail deer, bobwhite quail, pheasant, and upland hunting. What sets it apart is balance: quality hunting paired with warm hospitality and approachable luxury that welcomes both seasoned sportsmen and first-time guests. On the SCI floor, Dream Ranch appeals to those looking for a classic Southern sporting experience rooted in tradition, comfort, and well-managed land. It’s the kind of place where the days are full, the meals are memorable, and the atmosphere feels unforced.
KUIU
Why it’s worth your time: Technical gear built for serious miles.
KUIU has become synonymous with high-performance, lightweight hunting systems designed for demanding terrain and extended time in the field. From apparel and packs to sleep systems and accessories, the brand focuses on efficiency, durability, and smart layering — essentials for hunters who prioritize movement and endurance. At SCI, KUIU’s booth is often busy, and for good reason. Materials, construction, and modular systems matter here, and the reps tend to speak fluently about real-world use rather than marketing copy.
Barrett Firearms Manufacturing
Why it’s worth your time: Precision, power, and American engineering — distilled.
If SCI is “where the world of hunting, conservation, and long-range culture meets,” Barrett is one of the brands that embodies that crossover. Based in Tennessee, Barrett Firearms Manufacturing is best known for its .50-caliber legacy—particularly the Model 82/M82 family, which became iconic enough that Tennessee designated the Barrett Model 82/M107 as the state’s official rifle. Even if you’re just browsing, it’s a high-impact stop for anyone who appreciates American manufacturing, precision, and the way certain brands become part of the broader sporting zeitgeist.
Rand's Custom Hats
Why it’s worth your time: True American custom craftsmanship.
There are plenty of hats at SCI, but Rand's Custom Hats is in a different lane: Montana-made, handcrafted, and genuinely custom: size, shape, and color guided by the customer. They’ve been making custom hats in Billings since 1973, starting small and growing into one of the most respected names in the category—a reputation built on fit and finish more than trend. The company frames the hat the old-fashioned way, as equipment, not just an accessory. In other words, in the early West, a cowboy’s hat was integral to daily life.
Boyt Harness Company
Why it’s worth your time: Quiet durability rooted in real utility.
Boyt Harness Company is a deep-rooted American heritage story: origins in an Iowa harness shop, evolving over more than a century into a sporting-goods name closely associated with gun cases, storage/transport, and rugged field equipment. Boyt itself points to a legacy dating back to 1901 and emphasizes durable materials designed to withstand demanding conditions—language that fits SCI’s crowd, where “nice” still has to mean “useful.”
Show Hours & Location at a Glance
- Dates: February 18 to 21, 2026
- Location: Music City Center, Nashville, TN
- Hours: February 18: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM; February 19–21: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
These four days also include night events, auctions, and special dinners that extend the energy well into the evenings.
