To Trade Show, or not to Trade Show...
The Turning Feral Devotional - Day 71
Day 71 - Trade shows. We in the outdoor industry are currently in the thick of it and attending these shows are equally as exhausting as they are rewarding. Thankfully, I get to show up to a few of these shows each year and reap the benefits. But, why does these shows matter to you, the hunt and self-sufficiency curious? Well, it matters because these shows are and amazing place to get your feet wet in all facets of living a more outdoor-focused life.
Between SHOT show, the SCI convention, the Great American Outdoor Show, and the Western Hunt Expo you can get exposure to nearly every single brand and influencer that makes up the $34B a year outdoor market. What’s great about these shows is that there is usually a representative from all corners of the industry… you have up and coming tent manufacturers, knife makers, fire starting companies, and everything in between. Plus you often have access to some of the brightest minds who, in my experience, are open to having hallway conversations about your interests and struggles.
On top of getting to rub elbows with some of the nicest people you’ll ever meet, there are also great seminars available on a variety of topics. Want to learn more about hunting Black Bear from an expert? Cool, you are probably covered! Want to learn about adult-onset hunting? Ya, there is probably a seminar about that. Want to learn how to write for the outdoor industry? Oh, Jim Shockey is doing that just down the hall.
So, if you are still learning about what it means to be a hunter, trapper, and conservationist… take the time to see what industry shows are going to be near your town this year or next and make a plan to go… you won’t regret it!
P.S. For anyone who will be at The Western Hunt Expo next week, I will be there Wednesday through Sunday in booth #2225!
Daily Prompt: Have you ever been to a trade show of any kind? If so, what was the experience like and what did you take away from it?:
Motivational Passage:
"The pessimist sees difficulty in every opportunity, the optimist sees opportunity in every difficulty."
-- Winston Churchill
Rewilding Action: As hokey as the show can be, I would suggest folks watch the History Channel show “Mountain Men.” Of course much of the content is scripted, but if you are a trapping and hunting curious individual, it does give the viewer a good idea of the overall lifestyle. They cover everything from set making, checking lines, to lure making! If nothing else, it makes for pretty good dramatic TV.