Best in Show: What to See and Where to Eat During SCI 2026
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Best in Show: What to See and Where to Eat During SCI 2026

  • Writer: Editorial Staff
    Editorial Staff
  • 7 hours ago
  • 7 min read

Music City’s premier hunting and conservation event blends commerce, conservation, and community 


Duck Hunting in the Delta. Photo by: Kyle DeVazier
Duck Hunting in the Delta. Photo by: Kyle DeVazier

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.



WHERE TO EAT:

Palomino County's SCI Bar & Restaurant Guide


The swanky bar at Harper's Steakhouse in Nashville.
The swanky bar at Harper's Steakhouse in Nashville.

Welcome to Nashville, where serious food culture lives well beyond Broadway! Whether you’re entertaining clients, networking over cocktails, or slipping out for authentic local flavor during the upcoming Safari Club International Convention, our Bar & Restaurant Guide highlights trusted favorites locals (and our editors!) actually recommend, from refined steakhouses to legendary barbecue and standout bars…and all within a stone’s throw of Music City Center.


Finch

Address: 111 Tenth Ave S / Unit 310, Nashville, TN 37203


Upscale American cooking with a seasonal lens. Locals rave about the roasted chicken and vegetable-forward plates, paired with thoughtfully crafted cocktails in an intimate, polished dining room. Ask for crowd favorite “Peaches Out in Georgia” made with Nashville’s own Southbound Tequila.


Harper’s Steakhouse

Address: 2 Lea Ave, Nashville, TN 37210


Modern steakhouse energy with prime cuts and serious martinis. Known for wagyu steaks, elevated sides, and a buzzy bar scene that feels celebratory without being stuffy. Editor’s Tip: Ask for the “Tennessee Smokebox” with either High West (think Yellowstone) or Sir Davis Whiskey (Beyonce’s latest creation).


Oak Steakhouse

Address: 807 Clark Pl, Nashville, TN 37203 (Westin Hotel)

Classic steakhouse comfort at the base of the Westin. Standouts include dry-aged steaks, East Coast oysters, and a strong bourbon list—ideal for business dinners or quiet power meals. Local’s tip: Check out the newly renovated rooftop bar, L27, for incredible Music City skyline views and a poolside cocktail.


The Patterson House

Address: 700 8th Ave South, Fifth Floor,  Nashville, TN 37203


Nashville’s original speakeasy and still the gold standard for cocktails. Locals swear by the Old Fashioned and seasonal house creations in a dim, refined setting.


The Iberian Pig

Address: 607 Overton Street, Nashville, TN 37203


A Gulch favorite for Spanish tapas and nightlife energy. Jamón ibérico, patatas bravas, and gin-tonics anchor a lively bar scene that stretches well into the evening. Local’s tip: Don’t skip the bacon-wrapped dates and save room for the Basque cheesecake.


Marsh House

Address: 401 11th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37203


Inside the Thompson Hotel, this relaxed Southern brasserie shines with oysters, shrimp and grits, and an excellent bar—perfect for casual meetings or an easygoing dinner. Head to the rooftop bar, L.A. Jackson, for some of the best views of the city and a nightcap.


BrickTop’s

Address: 313 Demonbreun St., Nashville, TN 37201

Website: bricktops.com


Dependable, polished American fare with a loyal local following. The prime burger, French dip, and deep wine list make it a go-to for unfussy but satisfying meals. Editor’s tip: During SCI, this is perfect for a quick power lunch before hitting the floor in the afternoon.


Martin’s Bar-B-Que Joint

Address: 410 4th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37201


A quintessential Nashville stop for whole-hog barbecue. The Redneck Taco and pulled pork sandwich are local legends, best enjoyed casually with sweet tea or beer.


Peg Leg Porker

Address: 903 Gleaves St, Nashville, TN 37203


Beloved for smoky West Tennessee–style ribs and chopped pork. Don’t miss the dry-rub ribs or the house bourbon slushie. This is pure Nashville comfort. Local’s tip: Pick up one of their “most craved” sauces on your way out, and enjoy some goodness once you’re home thanks to Goldbelly ordering capabilities.


12/30 Club

Address: 550 Broadway, Nashville, TN 37203

Website: 1230club.com


Live music without Broadway chaos. Multiple floors offer oysters, wagyu sliders, and craft cocktails—ideal for entertaining clients while still getting a true Nashville sound. Editor’s tip: The Supper Club (top floor) serves up nosh and swanky music starting at 4:30pm, and is far from the madding crowd.


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