Safari Club International Convention Draws Record Crowds in Nashville

Annual event celebrates hunting heritage and future with over 900 exhibitors and educational sessions.

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The 2026 Safari Club International (SCI) convention in Nashville, Tennessee exceeded attendance expectations, surpassing totals from the previous year's event. More than 900 exhibitors from around the world participated in the convention, which featured educational sessions, highly anticipated auctions, and celebrations highlighting the heritage and future of hunting.

Why it matters

The SCI convention is a major annual gathering for the hunting community, providing a platform to showcase products, share knowledge, and advocate for hunting rights and conservation efforts. The record attendance underscores the continued strength and passion of the hunting community, even as outdoor recreation faces increased scrutiny.

The details

Attendees at the 2026 SCI convention in Nashville were able to participate in educational sessions, bid on donations from respected outfitters and artists at auctions, and celebrate the hunting lifestyle. The event featured over 900 exhibitors from across the globe, a significant increase from the previous year's convention.

  • The 2026 Safari Club International convention took place in Nashville, Tennessee last month.
  • The 2025 Safari Club International convention also took place in Nashville.

The players

Safari Club International

An international organization dedicated to protecting the freedom to hunt and promoting wildlife conservation.

Gabriella Hoffman

A CFACT Policy Analyst and host of the District of Conservation podcast, who covered the 2026 SCI convention in Nashville.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“SCI is incredibly grateful for the SUCCESS of #SCINashville this year. We can't thank YOU enough! Because of your attendance at the 2026 Convention, SCI is able to continue defending YOUR freedom to hunt.”

— Safari Club International (cfact.org)

The takeaway

The record attendance at the 2026 Safari Club International convention in Nashville demonstrates the continued strength and passion of the hunting community, even as outdoor recreation faces increased scrutiny. The event provided a platform for exhibitors, educators, and advocates to celebrate the heritage and future of hunting and conservation efforts.