Sportsman Show

Well I made the trek down to the sportsman show today, anticipating that it will have turned around and once again be worth while! Well was I wrong! It seemed smaller than last year. There were no specials or deals of any interest to me. While I did buy a new knife from Ron Post and several Gobblestalker calls, I did once again leave dissapointed. There was next to nothing for kids, when will they learn that if kids show no interest in hunting / fishing etc the show will ultimately become a huge failure. They should bring back the retriever trials, RV's and make it a fun family day once again. I have fond memories of going yearly with my dad as a kid. This year while having a good day out with my dad, IMO the show failed to be as good as the past. This will be the last time I go until it once again is good. I'm glad I didn't take my kids out of school today as they would have been bored out of their minds.

Thanks for the review. Sad to see they are continuing their trend.

What?...you didn't get any fudge, beer nuts, sausage, or other CRAP that as nothing to do with hunting/fishing? Sign up for any FREE draws for a boat, holiday, or other reason to get on an emailing list? Buy any garbage that the retailer wasn't able to sell at their store?
*Im just being facetious, sorry!

I decided a few years ago to sop going altogether. Sick of paying for parking and entry, only to be disappointed yet AGAIN. It is not a 'show', and hasn't been for years. I took my son a while ago and he kept asking me when the show starts!

Last thing I bought at the 'show' was a beautiful Beretta 12g. It was NO cheaper there than it was at the store.

Just a rant, sorry..... But I won't be duped again.

Went to the show today.... Wow.... The absolute worst sportsman show yet.... I haven't been in a couple years and thought it would be an awesome time... Crap. Very little fishing vendors and deals, and if you are into Hunting, there is nothing there... I counted 3 gun manufacturers... Thats it 3!!!! So dissapointed. I mean I remember going when there was a whole section of rare dog breeds, cottage type stuff, a hell of a lot more gun and hunting stuff, and smaller tackle companies selling there product with some qty buy incentives.... Clearly the price of a booth has priced out the "soul" of this once great Canadian show. Man I hope people that run this take notice of and charge less or else this show will be done in 5 years or less, its clearly dying a slow death, and it sucks cause I want my son to have the same experience I had.... Rant over.

I gave up on it many years ago. The Hunting show at the International Center went down the drain pretty quickly too. Shame really.

I went today as well. The show itself has went downhill over the last few years. Seems like the booths and vendors are dwindeling but the catcalls to enter draws etc are plentyful.

On the plus side the best part of the day for me was sitting and listening to the Conservation Officers presentation on the basic rules and regs for hunting.

Doesn't surprise me...it's been an over sized flea market for years now!

I stopped going when they dropped the Golden Whistle competition. It hasn't been the same since.deb

I said the same thing on a previous thread how bad it was. Make the trip to BASS PRO Ohio it's well worth the drive.

Did anyone check out any seminar's ?

Going today, but only because I have got free tickets, no way I would spend 19 bucks each to get into nothing but a big store.

19 bucks? That's how much it is now? Goes to show how long it's been since I've gone, and I used to go every year.

Went with the wife and youngest daughter yesterday, nothing special to see or do. The show is getting smaller with more people selling pillows, pajamas etc. When I was a kid I remember going with my Dad and the show having a ton of hunting/outdoor related stuff to see and do, and not being able to get to it all in one day, don't think it will be that again the way it is going.

Had enough of those fishing seminars saying the same thing over and over. Have had enough of the same fishing & hunting show host's strutting around thinking they are fishing and hunting guru's.

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Originally Posted by mosquito

Plus another $15 (I think) for parking.

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There used to be an empty lot near Fort York and parking was free. I didn't even pay for parking back then.

You said you have fond memories of going with your Dad and then left your kids at home assuming they wouldn't like it. Possibly your kids would like it and have fond memories of being there with their Dad.

Cost to get in was $16 u can easily find a code that will give u the $3 off the $19 & parking was $14, U can park underground and walk straight up and in with out jackets and such, unfortunately probably the best part.

Theres some good stuff for kids, like the trout pond, and all the fish tanks and various animals live and stuffed (beaver, snapping turtle, birds of prey and dog track) and I'm sure my boy had a blast. But yeah the show needs a serious overhaul - whom ever organized this needs to be replaced with someone that can make this show as impressive as it once was and negotiate a lower price to rent this venue or tell the exhibition to stick it and go somewhere else. Build it and they will come.

If it was uptown at the International center I would likely go. I hate driving and parking downtown.

If they moved it out of Toronto,altogether,like to Lindsay or Peterborough,there would likely be a much higher attendance. Whose bright idea was it to move it to the center of liberal political correctness and anti-everything,anyway? Brain fart,whoever it was. LOL

I never looked at it that way. But even so there was very little for kids to do, I'll spend time and create memories with them in other ways.

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Originally Posted by Roper

You said you have fond memories of going with your Dad and then left your kids at home assuming they wouldn't like it. Possibly your kids would like it and have fond memories of being there with their Dad.

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Originally Posted by trimmer21

If they moved it out of Toronto,altogether,like to Lindsay or Peterborough,there would likely be a much higher attendance. Whose bright idea was it to move it to the center of liberal political correctness and anti-everything,anyway? Brain fart,whoever it was. LOL

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There are 3 million people who live in the GTA. one of every 10 Canadians lives there. Strictly a numbers thing. Besides like already said, there are more Salami and cheap flip flop booths than fishing or hunting ones. Citiots love flip flops. Having said that I would travel to Peterborough or London for a quality hunting/fishing show even if it's in a smaller venue.

Went today's and what a disappointment! It was eerily quiet and there must have been more exhibitors than visitors. Less manufacturers less stores, less seminars, less, less, less ...

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Originally Posted by terrym

There are 3 million people who live in the GTA. one of every 10 Canadians lives there. Strictly a numbers thing. Besides like already said, there are more Salami and cheap flip flop booths than fishing or hunting ones. Citiots love flip flops. Having said that I would travel to Peterborough or London for a quality hunting/fishing show even if it's in a smaller venue.

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That's exactly what I mean. Quality over quantity every time.

For years now threads on this site regarding the sportsman show have had the common theme about people going being disappointed, funny how some people still end up going year after year. Last time I went was 3 years ago and like everyone was, was disappointed. I used to go every year as well. Until they make it a hunting and fishing show again, then maybe most of us will return. Don't get me wrong, if I had FREE tickets and free only would I go to the snow now. Otherwise........fogetaboutit!!

Im going to check it out on Sunday for something to do with a couple friends from work. Part of why I am going is because I got two free tickets. I usually check out a seminar or two, pick up a few gobblestalker mouth calls and grab some jerky from Carmichaels

Did the show Friday afternoon. Certainly disappointing - thin everywhere, especially the hunting section, and not many people. $19 admission and about the same to park. Maybe they should get it out of downtown to cut the price and increase the attendance.

I go sometimes in Ottawa when I have absolutely nothing to do that day, but I get my tickets for free. Even then it just barely worth it.

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Originally Posted by bigpole

For years now threads on this site regarding the sportsman show have had the common theme about people going being disappointed, funny how some people still end up going year after year. Last time I went was 3 years ago and like everyone was, was disappointed. I used to go every year as well. Until they make it a hunting and fishing show again, then maybe most of us will return. Don't get me wrong, if I had FREE tickets and free only would I go to the snow now. Otherwise........fogetaboutit!!

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Originally Posted by greatwhite

I go sometimes in Ottawa when I have absolutely nothing to do that day, but I get my tickets for free. Even then it just barely worth it.

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Which one GW...we have some of the best Sportsman/Hunt/Gun shows in the province here. The only one I didn't like was the old Spring Boat show at Landsdown....mostly because it was boating and fishing which I have 0 interest in really. But even then we used to go as a group and had a few laughs.

What is great about most shows here, the parking is free and admission is only $6-8. I guy can't find a better way to spend 3-4 hrs than walking though a Hunt Show and talking with the vendors, meeting old acquaintances and having a smoked sausage and sauerkraut on a bun while looking for some trinket to know you can't live without ..LOL...

I can't believe guys don't find these show, in the least, a break from the mind numbing experience of shopping in those US Box store franchises.

The one that use to be hosted at the Lansdown Park my employer is a sponsor. I think they now have it someplace near Hunt Club. I think the last time I went was 4 years ago. I usually get tickets every year.

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Originally Posted by MikePal

Which one GW...we have some of the best Sportsman/Hunt/Gun shows in the province here. The only one I didn't like was the old Spring Boat show at Landsdown....mostly because it was boating and fishing which I have 0 interest in really. But even then we used to go as a group and had a few laughs.

What is great about most shows here, the parking is free and admission is only $6-8. I guy can't find a better way to spend 3-4 hrs than walking though a Hunt Show and talking with the vendors, meeting old acquaintances and having a smoked sausage and sauerkraut on a bun while looking for some trinket to know you can't live without ..LOL...

I can't believe guys don't find these show, in the least, a break from the mind numbing experience of shopping in those US Box store franchises.

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Yeah the one you didn't like nor do I. But if you want a set of tickets for it, I can see if we have any. :)

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Originally Posted by greatwhite

Yeah the one you didn't like nor do I. But if you want a set of tickets for it, I can see if we have any. :)

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I may take you up on that....or I could even meet you there and use one of your FREE tickets...could be fun !!

It's at the EY center 19-22 Feb...south end of the city which is nice, not far off Bank/Albion.

add: Look OOD will be there...maybe we can talk them into giving us a FREE hat for being "Members for Life" ..LOL...

http://www.ottawaboatandsportshow.ca/visitors/

Good thing I saw this. Was crossing my mind to go tomorrow... Guess I wont

The current Sportsman Show is a joke, has been for years. Unless you live close by, - and i mean around the corner walking distance because the show is so s.h.i.t.t.y it's not worth the parking costs - i would not go. Save your hard earned money and support local business.

HUGE disappointment - this one IS THE WORST EVER ! like many pointed out - it has become a flea market. I too remember when you could spend half your time in the hunting & firearms area and ACTUALLY see something worthwhile. The whole point of the show used to be to "showcase" new products - and you went there to collect information - brochures etc....good reading material ! Today there were only 3 ...that's right 3 firearms manufacturers - no ammo makers. There was one booth in the hunting hall selling medieval swords and helmets etc... REALLY???? what does this have to do with hunting ?????
This "show" is a "FARCE" ----- get with the program organizers !!!!

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Originally Posted by 6.5er

HUGE disappointment - this one IS THE WORST EVER ! like many pointed out - it has become a flea market. I too remember when you could spend half your time in the hunting & firearms area and ACTUALLY see something worthwhile. The whole point of the show used to be to "showcase" new products - and you went there to collect information - brochures etc....good reading material ! Today there were only 3 ...that's right 3 firearms manufacturers - no ammo makers. There was one booth in the hunting hall selling medieval swords and helmets etc... REALLY???? what does this have to do with hunting ?????
This "show" is a "FARCE" ----- get with the program organizers !!!!

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Seems this year there was an over-representation of para-military gear vendors - there must have been 3 or 4 booths like that. Again, what do these have to do with hunting?

The only hunting stores I saw there were the Bow Shop/Shooter's choice and Lebaron. Where were all the rest?

In the days of old all the major firearms, bow manufacturers an hunting stores were all there - what the heck happened?

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Originally Posted by Ahuntr300

Seems this year there was an over-representation of para-military gear vendors - there must have been 3 or 4 booths like that. Again, what do these have to do with hunting?

The only hunting stores I saw there were the Bow Shop/Shooter's choice and Lebaron. Where were all the rest?

In the days of old all the major firearms, bow manufacturers an hunting stores were all there - what the heck happened?

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Have you seen what organizers want from a price stand point to participate in that show???

Marketing money can be spent in so many different ways these days with social media and the internet. Many vendors just dont see the ROI in participating in the show.

Don’t think it is much of a surprise why the show is different than it was. Now we have the interweb and can see Elwood Epps used inventory, check out specials at BPS, etc. And there has been an explosion in large format hunting stores – SAIL, BPS, Cabelas, etc. – whereas the show used to be an aggregator of sorts. Why go to the show when the fishing section of BPS + Cabelas > the one at the show?

As for deals, why would a retailer take extra space (essentially what the show is) to sell products for less money? If they need to clear inventory they can do so more easily now than ever.

This is not unique to hunting and is happening for all trade shows. In my industry all the shows are getting smaller and changing in nature.

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Originally Posted by GRAARG

Don’t think it is much of a surprise why the show is different than it was. Now we have the interweb and can see Elwood Epps used inventory, check out specials at BPS, etc. And there has been an explosion in large format hunting stores – SAIL, BPS, Cabelas, etc. – whereas the show used to be an aggregator of sorts. Why go to the show when the fishing section of BPS + Cabelas > the one at the show?

As for deals, why would a retailer take extra space (essentially what the show is) to sell products for less money? If they need to clear inventory they can do so more easily now than ever.

This is not unique to hunting and is happening for all trade shows. In my industry all the shows are getting smaller and changing in nature.

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Agreed. We also do less trade shows in my industry and the ones we still do have a different focus. We do more hands on demo to end users but we don't actually sell to end users only to distributors and retailers. But the point that box stores have more assortment in a better merchandised setup for the same retail price sure makes driving downtown and paying parking and admittance seem counter productive. If you go to the Sportsman show to buy stuff you are wasting money. If you go to just kill an afternoon then maybe that makes sense.

Yep, Sportsmans Show is like going to the movies for me. A few hours of entertainment. If I want a deal I watch the flyers/emails/web sites. If I want to learn a new duck call or some other hunting tip I go to YouTube or the web (or these forums).

Every year the same people go and say the same thing... "It's horrible" if its been horrible two years in a row why go the following? I haven't gone to one in years and don't think I ever will again.

Well I went down with my son, a couple of brothers and their kids.... We got what we expected, a chance to get out of the house, spend some time together and go for a walk looking at boats, fishing stuff and some odds and ends...
We don't go down there to buy anything, we use the show as an excuse to get together and spend some time together... As an added bonus I got to meet someone I haven't seen in a couple of years working one of the booths...My son got a chance to ride the train, eat some overpriced junk food and buy some silly things that he will never use....
It may not be a good show for an outdoors person but its a good show for a dad to take a kid... :)

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Originally Posted by Mattones

Every year the same people go and say the same thing... "It's horrible" if its been horrible two years in a row why go the following? I haven't gone to one in years and don't think I ever will again.

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Fool me once, shame on you.
Fool me twice, shame on me.

I think GRAARG said it all-the times are changing. When I started hunting almost 20 y ago-there was barely any store around here(LeB in Missisauga ,Shooters Choice in Waterloo, Ellwood Epps-then Gagnons in Oshawa)the ones I knew at that time. Now-Sail in Cambridge,Sail,BPS in Vaughan,BPS in Niagar falls,Cabelas in Barrie,and all the other old and tried out ones mentioned above.Then the Internet purhcases from all the above plus Gander Mt-Sportsmans Warehouse-Sportsman Guide etc-etc.......

For Sunday getaway-Yes,for learning,buying and seeing something(especially new or cheap)-likely Nope
Yet- spent several great Sundays there in the past- would like to remember it as such.........

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Originally Posted by mattadam

Im going to check it out on Sunday for something to do with a couple friends from work. Part of why I am going is because I got two free tickets. I usually check out a seminar or two, pick up a few gobblestalker mouth calls and grab some jerky from Carmichaels

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Your welcome.. ;)

it's not only end-user shows that go down the drain. also the very few wholesaler, retailer, importer shows like IWA are not what the used to be. at least you can touch all the new products (if you get in). problem is when you have a question. you used to be able to talk to people who knew their stuff, now it's marketing boys fresh from university...

as mentioned before the reasons why all shows are not what the used to be is the internet, but we all seem to have still the desire to go once or twice a year somewhere; be it to see things in real life or just to be at a place where we think like minded people will go.

sales is not the driver it used to be. are there any events/shows already out there that take care of the more social aspect or what would a show need to have to be attractive; e.g. gun gallery, dog show, food, seminars, etc.?

I went down on sunday and did pretty much what I said I was going to do. I brought a friend of mine from work who I go fishing with, and two guys who I work with that just got into shooting and hunting. I bought a new gobblestalker diaphragm call, I bought two more books of OFAH lottery tickets, I got a package of pepperettes, a pack of jerky and a summer sausage from carmicheals.
I also had the immense pleasure of finally meeting the wonderful Amanda Lynn Mayhew :D who I thank for the tickets.

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Originally Posted by terrym

There are 3 million people who live in the GTA. one of every 10 Canadians lives there. Strictly a numbers thing. Besides like already said, there are more Salami and cheap flip flop booths than fishing or hunting ones. Citiots love flip flops. Having said that I would travel to Peterborough or London for a quality hunting/fishing show even if it's in a smaller venue.

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Well .... The Fur, Fowl and Feathers held in late August 2014 in Barrie, tried to give an alternative to those looking for a hunting show outside the GTA. Was it a small show ...yes, but it you are looking for an alternative to flip flops and fudge, keep an eye open this year to see if the organizers are going to repeat it!

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Originally Posted by Dakota Creek

Well .... The Fur, Fowl and Feathers held in late August 2014 in Barrie, tried to give an alternative to those looking for a hunting show outside the GTA. Was it a small show ...yes, but it you are looking for an alternative to flip flops and fudge, keep an eye open this year to see if the organizers are going to repeat it!

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I was away that weekend and couldn't make it but will definitely make a point of it this year.

Id like to see all the people who have such negative reviews about the show to not complain on a internet chat room but rather write into the show organizers themselves... Trust me guys and girls they don't read the forums cause they really don't care.. So instead of saying how its falling apart and too expensive and too many garbage vendors (fudge etc) write your thoughts to Saj from the show, or any of the other organizers..
Everyone complains about he fudge vendors but to be honest those guys are always full and seem to be the only ones who make money, so someone at that show likes fudge lol.
Don't get me wrong I have had a booth there myself for several years, we have all put up with the venue changing year after year, and we even put up with the venue hosting date change, but when the prices of the booths keeps going up and they decided to make the show shorter in length it just couldn't be justified anymore.
What this show needs is direct input from everyone that wants to keep our Great Canadian Show alive (is you)... I have been going to the show since I was a kid and would hate to see it go.
So please instead of the vendors always sending in complaints to the show organizers maybe they need to see some complaints from the attendees and show visitors... It gets tough seeing the same negative response every year and I hope this show stays around

End of my rant lol

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Originally Posted by Luke Scherders

I have been going to the show since I was a kid

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You mean in the days where we didn't have MEC, SAIL, BPS, Cabelas, online reviews, websites, and pinpoint display advertising?

The show could be a lot more. Like Luke said we also stopped going because at the price of the booth space there was no way to even come close to recouping our expenses. Unfortunately a lot of the smaller shows have a pricing structure that makes it prohibitive to even break even as well.

I assume that the show organizers watch these threads but it would not hurt to make you views known to the organizers. We as exhibitors have, maybe with more voices they will be heard.

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Originally Posted by muskokaguy

You mean in the days where we didn't have MEC, SAIL, BPS, Cabelas, online reviews, websites, and pinpoint display advertising?

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of course any regional show cant compare to the SHOT Show but there is something to be said to wander around for a day and talk to the various industry reps and hands on check out the new products out every year.

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Originally Posted by bardern

there is something to be said to wander around for a day and talk to the various industry reps and hands on check out the new products out every year.

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Sorry, I forgot to include YouTube.

My review of the Sportsman Show 2015.

My buddy, my boys and I attended on the Friday the 6th. Upon entering the building it did look like there was more room in the aisles and a few less vendor/displays. We made our way down to the hunting area to start our walk through the building in a aisle by aisle manner. With noticeably fewer people it made our touring fairly nice. We where able to look at and inspect many things for longer. We where able to talk to some of the vendors or people at various booths for longer. We where able to find out information that we wanted to know without feeling like we where being rushed.


We met up with an o'le buddy of mine Stewart and his wife Donna who own and operate Agich's Kaby Kabins out of Hornepayne Ont. Talked with them for quite a while. It was their first time doing the show and while it was slow they were still doing business. While talking with them I ran into another o'le buddy from up north that I hadn't seen in about 30yrs. More talk of the old days. Chatted with Jay/Caltek for a bit as well. Always good to see him and talk a bit. We met a few board members there also and had a good chat with Rod from KMG Canada. Talked with Amanda Lynn Mayhew for quite a bit and may have got her hooked on the home smoked goose jerky I brought with me. Had a coupla chats with Adrian as we always have a few things to talk about. Took in the Beasley's seminar and had some good jaw wagg'in with Keith and Kevin afterwards. By the time we reached the end of the building it was after 7:00pm. Apparently according to my buddy and my boys I talk way to much.


Now for the 1 hour dash to make a few purchases of items we deemed necessary. My youngest picked himself up a knife and a throwing tomahawk for $20.00. His cash to do with what he wanted and figured he had made a good deal. Then he picked up 2 -100ft chunks of para chord for $20.00. I picked up some seasonings for pepperettes and jerky. A few other items and we left shortly after closing time.

I brought a small cooler bag down with some of the goose jerky, goose summer sausage, goose pepperettes, venison pepperettes and bear pepperettes that I made and smoked from the fall seasons success. Shared with many of the people I knew and some new folks and seemed to get pretty good reviews on my efforts. Even left some for buddy from Carlo's meats as he wasn't there till Saturday. I usually pick up some bacon from him when I see him at the shows and mentioned that I would leave some goose summer sausage for him to try at our next meeting. Hoping his dad didn't eat it on him.

So yes!!! The show was smaller, less hunting gear, less people etc. Did we have a good time? YES! Did we Have a great father/son day out? YOU BET! Did we enjoy our seeing old friends and meeting new people? YES! Did we pick up a few items that we deemed as a good deal? YES! Mission accomplished and will be in attendance next year. 2 hour drive each way, family ticket for $45.00 ( a savings of $19.00), underground parking $14.00.I've said this before and will say it now again that I know people who didn't go because there are no deals. people I know won't go because of the $19.00 ticket and $14.00 parking but would go to " Horties" 4-5 times a day for their double/double. They smoke a pack or two per day and drink beer @ $3 or $4 bucks each at the bar, spend little to no time with their kids. Then how everything that goes on sucks. I know some vendors and outfitters that didn't go because of the booth costs and can surely understand this fact as from what I have been told it's very costly.

In my Sportsman Show review last year I mentioned that so many complain about the lack of a decent show anymore. I asked that these folks combine their efforts to organise and put on a better/really good show. Maybe an alternative venue? I don't know? I mentioned I would be the first to purchase tickets but have not as of yet seen the flyer advertising such an event. If you don't or didn't like the show contact the organising committee and voice your complaints with constructive criticism instead of bashing. Maybe, ya never know what could happen.

outback

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Originally Posted by outback

In my Sportsman Show review last year I mentioned that so many complain about the lack of a decent show anymore. I asked that these folks combine their efforts to organise and put on a better/really good show. Maybe an alternative venue? I don't know? I mentioned I would be the first to purchase tickets but have not as of yet seen the flyer advertising such an event. If you don't or didn't like the show contact the organising committee and voice your complaints with constructive criticism instead of bashing. Maybe, ya never know what could happen.

outback

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Nice review.
During the 80s, it was a giant fair. A complete carnival for the outdoorsman.
It lost that.
And now the magic is gone.
Unfortunately, you can't get that back in today's online world.

Also unfortunately, everything is brand recognition. The Sportsmans Show is a brand. When people hear the name or this show being advertised, they remember what it WAS compared to what it has become.

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Originally Posted by outback

We met up with an o'le buddy of mine Stewart and his wife Donna who own and operate Agich's Kaby Kabins out of Hornepayne Ont. Talked with them for quite a while. It was their first time doing the show and while it was slow they were still doing business. While talking with them I ran into another o'le buddy from up north that I hadn't seen in about 30yrs. More talk of the old days. Chatted with Jay/Caltek for a bit as well. Always good to see him and talk a bit. We met a few board members there also and had a good chat with Rod from KMG Canada. Talked with Amanda Lynn Mayhew for quite a bit and may have got her hooked on the home smoked goose jerky I brought with me. Had a coupla chats with Adrian as we always have a few things to talk about. Took in the Beasley's seminar and had some good jaw wagg'in with Keith and Kevin afterwards. By the time we reached the end of the building it was after 7:00pm. Apparently according to my buddy and my boys I talk way to much.

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My experiences as well..always enjoy myself ..good review !!

Outback...didn't you get interviewed for TV (?) at the show a few years back ?

I loved the show when I was a kid .all the boats atvs and tons of gun dealers .dogs doing all kinds of stuff .we could spend the day and have a great time with the family ,I have not been in at least 5 years .Dutch

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Originally Posted by MikePal

My experiences as well..always enjoy myself ..good review !!

Outback...didn't you get interviewed for TV (?) at the show a few years back ?

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Yuppers sure did. The Weather Network. Weather Network then search videos, type in "Duck Dynasty Wannabe". I didn't pick the title. It was kinda fun time doing that one. I asked if it would be on tv and they said yes the edited version.

outback

Here you go;

http://www.theweathernetwork.com/vid.../3168053574001

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Originally Posted by muskokaguy

Nice review.
During the 80s, it was a giant fair. A complete carnival for the outdoorsman.
It lost that.
And now the magic is gone.
Unfortunately, you can't get that back in today's online world.

Also unfortunately, everything is brand recognition. The Sportsmans Show is a brand. When people hear the name or this show being advertised, they remember what it WAS compared to what it has become.

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Gotta agree with your assessment. I was a kid attending in the early 70's with my dad, and there was nothing like it. Firstly, it was a chance to see everything related to hunting, fishing, and being outdoors. Secondly, it was a chance to experience the big city. The Sportsman's Show was the only time my family ventured into Toronto at that time that I can remember, and that was an adventure in itself. I remember stopping at a place to eat that I had only heard about, McDonalds.;)

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Originally Posted by mikepal

here you go;

http://www.theweathernetwork.com/vid.../3168053574001

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that's hilarious! He does deserve the royalty!

Outback, very nice review of the show, it was a pleasure meeting you ... only wish i knew you were such a celebrity and had seen the video prior to the show ... would have hit you up for the autograph at least :) Look forward to seeing you next year.

Many shows are going the same way south of the border. I pick Deer hunting expo's to go to. No fishing at the shows, all hunting.

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Originally Posted by Luke Scherders

... Trust me guys and girls they don't read the forums cause they really don't care..

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They should care. The show sucks. I'm not gonna write and beg them to make it better. They are selling a product. If they want my money they'll make it better.

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Originally Posted by smallgamer

They should care. The show sucks. I'm not gonna write and beg them to make it better. They are selling a product. If they want my money they'll make it better.

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Well said

I haven't been in a few years but I understand it's getting smaller every year. I talked to the owner of a retailer who have always had a big presence there and he said this was their last year, they're not going back next year.

Say good bye to your show then fellas if everyone just wants to internet bash on a forum lol

Believe me when they call you twice to see if you are coming (all buddy buddy on the phone) and you tell them there booth space pricing is absurd, then you don't hear the phone ring again.. that means they really don't care about there vendors and they just want your 2-10 grand so they can make there money.

I don't know what the price per square foot of floor space is now, but a several years ago I was told that the going price was $1000.oo per sq. ft., "ouch". That is a lot of money that you have to pay out then hopefully get back in sales of what ever you are promoting.

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Originally Posted by jaycee

I don't know what the price per square foot of floor space is now, but a several years ago I was told that the going price was $1000.oo per sq. ft., "ouch". That is a lot of money that you have to pay out then hopefully get back in sales of what ever you are promoting.

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Actually they have to sell a hell of alot. Don't forget they are using "profit dollars" to pay the booth expenses. Probably @ 50% only is profit and that wouldn't incluse other expenses like meals, parking, hotels etc. They need to move a fair bit of product to do better than just break even.

In 2009 the floor space for a minimum 10 x 10 booth was $1000.00 . That's $10.00 per square foot, not $1000.00 Plus you required proof of insurance. You were issued two passes for the booth and reduced parking rates.

We were told attendance was 20,000 plus for the show.

Dick

From their website....

Booth Space Rates: $14.27/square foot (minimum size 10’ x 10’)$8.06/square foot (minimum 500 square feet with minimumdepth of 20’)
Booth Space Includes: Forklift serviceUse of dollies for move in and move outOn-site storage
24 hour on-site security

http://www.torontosportshow.ca/multi...acts_tss15.pdf

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Originally Posted by BDH

In 2009 the floor space for a minimum 10 x 10 booth was $1000.00 . That's $10.00 per square foot, not $1000.00 Plus you required proof of insurance. You were issued two passes for the booth and reduced parking rates.

We were told attendance was 20,000 plus for the show.

Dick

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lets just say we have no way of selling enough calls and decoys to cover even a small percentage of our costs

Its the Ontario Sportsmen that is killing this show not the organisers at all. If the exhibitors/companies don't have the public support for them to justify their attendance, then they are not going to be there. The organisers of the show can not control the parking as its all City of Toronto and admission is controlled by the rental of the venue, in which needs the companies support. Big vicious circle here. Its all about numbers and the tradition of the Toronto Sportsman show is heading towards the finish line and will be a history conversation piece down the road.

I hate to say it because I have for years but Canada (Ontario) does not and will not support their own, its turned into a tare down attitude here and shows are a on going problem and always have been...

We had a booth there. Will we be back next year? Maybe. There are alot of other shows trying to draw exhibitors to their venues and as mentioned above we have to justify our show expenses. The sad part is that most of the other big venues are not in Ontario and for that reason alone i would hate to see the Show disappear for good.

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Originally Posted by Ontario Hunter

Its the Ontario Sportsmen that is killing this show not the organisers at all. If the exhibitors/companies don't have the public support for them to justify their attendance, then they are not going to be there. The organisers of the show can not control the parking as its all City of Toronto and admission is controlled by the rental of the venue, in which needs the companies support. Big vicious circle here. Its all about numbers and the tradition of the Toronto Sportsman show is heading towards the finish line and will be a history conversation piece down the road.

I hate to say it because I have for years but Canada (Ontario) does not and will not support their own, its turned into a tare down attitude here and shows are a on going problem and always have been...

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Really. So you are saying that if someone is selling an inferior product, it is up to the potential customers to purchase said product in hopes that the product will improve? Last time I checked, it is supposed to work the other way around. The supplier of the product is supposed to provided what the consumer wants/needs. Personally, I don't care if the "Sportsmen's" Show fails permanently, because the product is inferior and thus does not deserve the support of the consumer. If a newer better show rises from the ashes, great. If not, then not. If someone is really interested in making a profit while creating a show that hunters and anglers will gladly patronize, they will do it. The current show seems to exist simply to sell floor space and admission tickets without real consideration of the wishes of it's target audience. If that was not the case, we would not be having this discussion e v e r y y e a r .

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Originally Posted by Ontario Hunter

Its the Ontario Sportsmen that is killing this show not the organisers at all.

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Actually, it's greed.
Greed coming right down off the top.
Greed from the companies that hold the real estate space.
Greed from those that own the parking lots.
Greed from the manufacturers (remember all the freebies?)
etc. etc. etc.

This affects everything including the price of the booth and the price of admission, and what the day will cost (in total) for a family.

Families that are already stretched to the nines living in a world where EVERYBODY shops at Dollarama.

Give every vendor an extremely affordable booth, make parking $5, give away some swag, and you get your beloved show right back to what it once was.

But that will NEVER happen.

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Originally Posted by Ontario Hunter

Its the Ontario Sportsmen that is killing this show not the organisers at all. If the exhibitors/companies don't have the public support for them to justify their attendance, then they are not going to be there. The organisers of the show can not control the parking as its all City of Toronto and admission is controlled by the rental of the venue, in which needs the companies support. Big vicious circle here. Its all about numbers and the tradition of the Toronto Sportsman show is heading towards the finish line and will be a history conversation piece down the road.

I hate to say it because I have for years but Canada (Ontario) does not and will not support their own, its turned into a tare down attitude here and shows are a on going problem and always have been...

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Could not disagree with you more... It's about value the proposition! If your services, productsor goods do not represent value to the end user why should they be held accountable? If the hunting community does not see value in the show why should they attend?

The show needs to re-invent itself, think outside the box and differentiate itself between the retailers and on line specials. Give the end user anexperience they cannot get anywhere else. That's how you drive attendance.

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Originally Posted by muskokaguy

But that will NEVER happen.

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well not never....the Valley Sportsman Show here in Ottawa (Carp) is a going success....lots of activities for the kids, some good seminars etc etc...lots of tables rented by locals selling stuff as well as booths by small business....really rather good...and the cost of admission is $8 and parking is FREE.

http://valleysportsmanshow.com/VFOS

Let me rephrase...

But that will NEVER happen in Toronto.

What ever became of the show they had up in Orangeville ?

They should look at moving the venue up the 400 near the BPS....if guys can make it there to shop, they should be able to make it there for a show.

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Originally Posted by MikePal

well not never....the Valley Sportsman Show here in Ottawa (Carp) is a going success....lots of activities for the kids, some good seminars etc etc...lots of tables rented by locals selling stuff as well as booths by small business....really rather good...and the cost of admission is $8 and parking is FREE.

http://valleysportsmanshow.com/VFOS

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Does that quantify a good show? free parking and cheap admission?

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Originally Posted by Bandwagon

Does that quantify a good show? free parking and cheap admission?

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No, it's a bonus and makes it affordable for a young family to come out and enjoy....should be the goal of all shows !!

I can't believe its the price of the show or parking that is keeping people away..... ($45 for a family of 4.... $14 for underground parking isn't bad at all) its got to be the venue itself that is keeping people away....

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Originally Posted by fratri

I can't believe its the price of the show or parking that is keeping people away..... ($45 for a family of 4.... $14 for underground parking isn't bad at all) its got to be the venue itself that is keeping people away....

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Your right, but..if the show sucks as well, then your not going to go back next year due to the cost...so year after year you'd see a steady decline in admission....Remember, that $45+$15 + lunch is a $100 outing...burned once twice shy :)

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Originally Posted by MikePal

What ever became of the show they had up in Orangeville ?

They should look at moving the venue up the 400 near the BPS....if guys can make it there to shop, they should be able to make it there for a show.

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Those who really shop for outdoor gear, do not go to the sportsmans show to buy stuff because they know better. I think that they are trying to attract people who spend a week at a rental cottage and then want to think they are the next survivor man.

I have been to the Ottawa show twice I would say they jacked up prices when I was there a few vendors with extremely over priced products as well to pay a fee to view a large advertisement. The only reason I went in the past was because I was given free tickets.

I guess it's a good way to kill an afternoon in Feb.

Tried to geta few free tickets this year but I guess the company didn't keep any for themselves.

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Originally Posted by fratri

I can't believe its the price of the show or parking that is keeping people away..... ($45 for a family of 4.... $14 for underground parking isn't bad at all) its got to be the venue itself that is keeping people away....

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Never thought of that and I actually agree with you.

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Originally Posted by fishermccann

Those who really shop for outdoor gear, do not go to the sportsmans show to buy stuff because they know better. I think theyhey are trying to attract people who spend a week at a rental cottage and want to think they are the next survivor man.

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Originally Posted by greatwhite

I have been to the Ottawa show twice I would say they jacked up prices when I was there a few vendors with extremely over priced products as well to pay a fee to view a large advertisement. The only reason I went in the past was because I was given free tickets.

I guess it's a good way to kill an afternoon in Feb.

Tried to geta few free tickets this year but I guess the company didn't keep any for themselves.

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GW, your talking about the Outdoors Show...it's mostly a boat show...huge prices and VERY little actual sports stuff at that show. Different client base goes to that show compared to the Carp Sportsman Show.....

Next year - come to the Harrisburg Pa. sports show - you haven't seen a sports show until you attend this one - it is put on by the NRA - you have questions about silencers, scopes, guns, fishing tackle, boats, places to go hunting and fishing, Rvs - anything remotely connected with the outdoors - they have it there - it's the biggest show in North America - a lot of Canadian outfitters and lodges have booths there - its a 3 hours drive from the border at route 81 - you go down 81 -

I think I will pass on that show really not interested in a silencer. The only silencer I will be letting off is the ones I let go in the bush. lol

I have two free VIP tickets our trailer park had a bunch and offered them up. They even paid to mail them to us....

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Originally Posted by MikePal

I may take you up on that....or I could even meet you there and use one of your FREE tickets...could be fun !!

It's at the EY center 19-22 Feb...south end of the city which is nice, not far off Bank/Albion.

add: Look OOD will be there...maybe we can talk them into giving us a FREE hat for being "Members for Life" ..LOL...

http://www.ottawaboatandsportshow.ca/visitors/

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