Western Hunting & Conservation Expo’s Connection to Consumer Valued by Exhibitors and Speakers
Mule Deer Foundation 02.28.14
Exhibitors and seminar speakers at the Western Hunting & Conservation Expo praised the event as a “must attend” event after the show wrapped up a week ago. With more than 30,000 attendees walking the Salt Palace Convention Center, the companies recognize that the Expo provides excellent direct contact with some of the most avid hunters in the West. The WHCE, sponsored by MidwayUSA and presented by the Mule Deer Foundation and SFW ran from February 13 – 16 in Salt Lake City, Utah.
“We have been a sponsor and exhibitor at the Western Hunting & Conservation Expo since the show began and are always happy that we can support the Mule Deer Foundation and Sportsmen for Fish and Wildlife in their conservation efforts,” said Jared Wire, conservation donations advocacy specialist with Cabela’s. “This year show has been fantastic as we’ve been able to talk to a lot of our loyal supporters about what is important to them when they’re out hunting and fishing.”
“Our headquarters is located in the east so we love coming out West to the WHCE because there is a great crowd and the people that attend are serious hunters,” noted Trent Marsh, brand development and communications manager at Hawke Sport Optics. “The show gives us a chance to talk to our clients in the West and get a great insight into what western hunters look for and expect in product, and to get any feedback on successes they are having with our optics.”
“We come to the WHCE because we get good bookings and there are always great crowds,” said Go Africa Adventure’s Neil Gagiano. “The show is well organized and we constantly hear from participants that it keeps improving. We’ll continue to come because we’ve done well over the years and it always warrants us attending.”
In addition to the companies that are able to connect with their consumers, the WHCE brings celebrities and experts within the hunting and shooting community to the participants at the show.
“This is our eighth year participating in this show and it’s always one of our favorite conservation shows because of the great staff and volunteers and tremendous enthusiasm we see here,” commented USA Shooting Executive Director Buddy DuVall. “We commend MDF and SFW for supporting our athletes and giving us the opportunity to interact with so many youth during the Youth Wildlife Conservation Experience. We’re able to tell these kids the story of our competitive shooters and to let them know that shooting in the Olympics can be in their sights.”
“The WHCE is the highlight of the year for me as a mule deer hunter and a conservationist – it’s not just a consumer show, there’s so much more to offer,” said Marc Smith, a member of the Hoyt Archery pro staff and a seminar speaker at the show. “Being here reminds me that I’m part of something bigger than just myself and being surrounded by such great people in the outdoor industry and conservation groups encourages me to do something more for mule deer.”
“This was our first year at the show and it absolutely blew us away how classy and professional the show presentation is and yet it’s still such a relaxed atmosphere. It was an honor to see it and be a part of it and we can certainly say that it’s a first-rate show for folks to see and come to,” according to Ralph and Vicki Cianciarulo of Archer’s Choice Media.
For more information or to become an exhibitor please visit www.huntexpo.com.
The Mule Deer Foundation (MDF) and its corps of volunteers work hard to ensure the conservation of mule deer and black-tailed deer and their habitat. MDF is a non-profit 501(c) 3 wildlife conservation organization headquartered in Salt Lake City, Utah.
Formed in July 1988, MDF now has over 14,000 members and almost 100 chapters nationwide who support its grassroots efforts. Through chapter fundraising events, MDF volunteers raise thousands of dollars to help fund habitat and conservation projects throughout the West.
