The 59th Annual Sioux Empire Sportsmen’s Boat, Camping & Vacation Show opened Thursday in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, launching a four-day event that runs through March 15 at the Sioux Falls Arena and Convention Center. Recognized as South Dakota’s largest sport and consumer show, the gathering draws thousands of attendees from across the Midwest and Northern Plains who come to explore the latest in boats, campers, and outdoor adventure destinations, according to show organizers.
The show centers on three primary components that reflect the core interests of regional outdoor travelers: boats, campers, and outdoor adventure trips. Attendees can browse massive displays featuring the newest fishing boats, pontoons, docks, campers, and trailers, with many local dealers offering show-exclusive pricing unavailable at other times of the year. Representatives from hunting and fishing resorts and lodges across the Midwest and Canada are on hand to help visitors plan their next getaway, while the newest fishing and hunting gear and electronics are available for purchase directly from exhibitors.
Beyond the consumer experience, outdoor hospitality operators find regional consumer shows like this one represent one of the most effective face-to-face marketing channels available. Unlike digital advertising, these events allow campground owners, RV park managers, and glamping resort operators to engage directly with highly qualified prospects who have already demonstrated interest in outdoor recreation by attending. The concentrated audience provides an ideal opportunity to secure advance bookings while building brand awareness among travelers actively planning their outdoor adventures for the upcoming season.
Operators who exhibit at such events can maximize their return on investment through several proven strategies. Pre-show marketing through email campaigns and social media helps drive booth traffic from existing contacts. Interactive booth displays featuring virtual property tours or photo opportunities create memorable experiences that differentiate properties from competitors. Show-exclusive booking incentives such as discounted rates or waived reservation fees encourage attendees to commit on-site. Digital lead capture systems using tablets or QR codes streamline follow-up marketing efforts, while staff training ensures team members can articulate unique selling points effectively. Many successful operators also use these events to gather market intelligence by observing competitor offerings and speaking directly with consumers about their camping preferences.
Educational programming runs throughout the four-day event, with world-class hunting and fishing seminar speakers covering both the latest techniques and fundamentals. Digital content creator and angler Nick Lindner headlines the seminar schedule with his presentation titled “Dropshot Like a Pro” on Friday, March 13. Expert sessions on hunting basics and fishing techniques provide attendees with practical knowledge they can apply during their next outdoor excursion.
The prominence of fishing content at the show reflects sustained consumer demand for water-based recreation across the region. For outdoor hospitality operators, this trend carries significant business implications. Properties positioned near fishable waters or offering water-based amenities consistently attract a dedicated segment of outdoor travelers who tend to book longer stays and return seasonally. Campground and RV park operators can enhance their appeal to this market by investing in fish cleaning stations with running water, adequate lighting, and proper waste disposal. Boat launch access or partnerships with nearby marinas significantly increases a property’s attractiveness to boating enthusiasts, while secure boat and trailer parking with appropriately sized pull-through sites accommodates guests traveling with watercraft.
Additional amenities that appeal to anglers include on-site tackle shops or bait availability, even at a small scale, which adds convenience that differentiates properties from competitors. Fishing reports and local knowledge sharing through staff recommendations or posted information boards enhance the guest experience considerably. Digital guest engagement platforms now allow properties to share real-time fishing conditions, lake levels, and species activity with guests before and during their stays, improving satisfaction and encouraging repeat visits.
Family-friendly entertainment ensures the show appeals to multiple generations of outdoor enthusiasts. A live trout fishing pond gives attendees hands-on experience, while a dedicated Kids’ Fishing Workshop introduces younger visitors to the sport. Live animal displays including the Extreme Raptor Show provide educational entertainment throughout the weekend. Past shows have featured live deer displays, live bears, and the crowd-favorite Twiggy the water skiing squirrel, with new attractions planned for 2026.
The family-oriented programming at shows like this reflects the multigenerational nature of camping travel. Outdoor hospitality operators would be wise to consider this dynamic when developing their own property programming and marketing strategies, recognizing that families often make travel decisions based on activities and entertainment options available for all age groups.
The show operates with varying hours across its four-day run: Thursday from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., Friday from noon to 9 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $12 for adults and $4 for children ages 6 through 12, while children 5 and under enter free. A four-day wristband is available for $20, offering value for those planning to attend multiple days. Parking at the Sioux Falls Arena and Convention Center is free for all attendees.
Hundreds of exhibitors moved into the venue ahead of opening day, transforming the convention center into a comprehensive marketplace for outdoor recreation. The show contributes to the local economy, with thousands of attendees spending on tickets, food, and other services. The show reaches potential attendees through advertising across radio, television, newspaper, street signs, and social media platforms.
For outdoor hospitality professionals throughout the Midwest and Northern Plains, the concentrated audience at regional shows like the Sioux Empire Sportsmen’s Show provides an unmatched opportunity to connect with their target demographic. Whether exhibiting directly or monitoring trends from afar, campground owners, RV park operators, and glamping resort managers can gain valuable insights into consumer preferences while positioning their properties to capture bookings from engaged outdoor enthusiasts planning their adventures for the camping season ahead.