To Our Valued Partners,
As some of you may know, the Dallas Safari Club Convention week in Atlanta was my first official full week on the job as the new CEO for DSC. Convention was a steep learning curve for me, meeting people, learning about the mechanics of the event, and taking in as much information as possible. This past week has allowed me, our DSC staff, and our volunteer leadership to have a short time to debrief, while also continuing to take in and process data and valuable feedback, so that DSC can collectively understand how to best move forward.
As we ended our first convention in Atlanta 9 days ago, we had a “CEO roundtable” with a representative group of about 50 exhibitor partners to receive real-time feedback on everything that could be improved for future shows regarding thoughts and concerns about everything Atlanta. Between the information that was openly shared during the roundtable, combined with the continuous flow of information over the past week via event surveys, formal letters, social media posts, and direct conversations with our valued exhibitor partners, sponsors, and members, our DSC team has quickly gained important context on the broad sentiments regarding the outcome of the convention, as well as expressed concerns regarding possible future plans.
Though the feedback we have received spans the spectrum from negative to positive, the two most common themes that are reflective of the feedback include this: there is a broad concern from our convention stakeholders regarding our ability to enjoy the degree of success for all stakeholders that we have become accustomed to over the years should our convention remain in Atlanta; and two, there is an expressed strong commitment from our convention partners to continue to support DSC but with a request for improved communication.
This update letter today is to start that process for better communication and let you all know that DSC is hearing your concerns. We understand that without the support from our exhibitor partners, sponsors, donors, members, and others, DSC will not be able to continue to deploy our mission as successfully as in the past and to continue to be looked at as a world leader in supporting conservation and being a strong voice for our important hunting heritage.
Listening and communication are a good start but putting an actionable plan together that addresses the concerns is what matters the most. The DSC team is currently working around the clock to put that plan in place as quickly as possible so you can see how serious we are taking the current situation.
I ask for your continued patience and support as we work through this important process. My goal and commitment to all of you is to have more details by the end of January or early February that will allow you to better plan for upcoming events based on our path forward that we are charting now.
Thank you all, again, for your candor and continued support of DSC.
Rob McCanna
CEO DSC and DSC Foundation
January 21, 2025