Give it a SHOT
Once the leaves start turning from green to brown and the air chills, excitement builds towards SHOT Show - the must attend North American global trade show.
The show is large. Only recently it was announced that the exhibition is now the eighth largest in America. A staggering achievement when you think of the many events and huge industries operating across the US.
“The SHOT Show was the only trade show in America to grow by 20-plus percent in 2022, which was quite the feat after having to cancel the 2021 event,” said Chris Dolnack, NSSF Senior Vice President and Chief Customer Officer.
Due to the shows’ size it is imperative that you plan your visit like a military operation in order to get the best from the exhibition. If it’s your first time at SHOT it’s easy to be overawed by the events’ size and status but with preplanning you can enjoy a successful visit.
Gun Trade World Top Tip 1
If you’re visiting SHOT over a number of days, try to assign halls to each day and book your meetings accordingly. You certainly won’t want to be, after a few late evenings, walking from one end of the exhibition to the other, numerous times during the day. These events are huge and you can end up hiking over 30km a day, all due to a poorly planned meeting schedule.
Gun Trade World Top Tip 2
Book your meetings pre-show. Don’t expect to rock up to a booth and be able to speak to who you want to when you want to. Shows like SHOT and IWA are very busy and it’s likely the person you’ll want to speak to will have a full schedule. If they ask you to come back later this can have a knock-on effect and, if you’re not careful, can snowball your day out of control.
Gun Trade World Top Tip 3
SHOT is the place to be to facilitate the growth for your business. However, a verbal agreement at a trade show can quickly fizzle out if not acted upon. Try to follow up as quickly as possible, “strike while the iron is hot”, or better still, attain written confirmation at the show.
Gun Trade World Tip 4
Pace yourself. If you’re not lucky enough to have a booth and are walking the halls for four days you’ll soon become tired. This can affect the quality of your meetings (and your knees). Take regular breaks, wear sensible footwear and use a rucksack rather than a single shoulder bag. Trust us, your back will thank you.
WHAT: Shot Show
WHERE: Las Vegas, Nevada, USA.
WHEN: January 23-26, 2024
LEARN MORE: www.shotshow.org
Future Show Dates
2024: Jan 23–26, 2024
2025: Jan 21–24, 2025
NEW ARCHERY AREA
NSSF and Grand View Outdoors partner to create new archery area at SHOT Show.
Tuesday–Friday
8:30 AM–5:30 PM
Caesars Forum Academy Ballroom
For the first time, the 2024 SHOT Show will feature a new archery area, branded the Archery Business Pavilion. The show area will be designed to provide a comprehensive look at the industry, from traditional archery equipment to cutting-edge technology in compound bows, trail cams and other gear.
Who Exhibits
The Archery Business Pavilion will feature exhibits from leading manufacturers and suppliers in the archery industry, along with hunting and outdoor products used in the pursuit of bowhunting, offering attendees the opportunity to see and experience the latest in archery technology and products.
LAW ENFORCEMENT & ARMED FORCES
The SHOT Show connects law enforcement agencies with the industry's top manufacturers, distributors, and experts.
This is your agency’s opportunity to view the latest equipment, share knowledge and find solutions that will help keep your officers and communities safe. Whether you're looking to upgrade your firearms, improve your defensive tactics, or enhance your training programs, the SHOT Show has everything you need to succeed.
Nearly one-third of the SHOT Show’s exhibit halls are dedicated to protection equipment and tactical accessories needed by law enforcement, SWAT teams, private security and the armed forces.
INTERNATIONAL COMMERCE
The SHOT Show welcomes international buyers and sellers from more than 100 countries.
With more than 2,500 exhibits, the SHOT Show is your best opportunity to view manufacturers from around the world. Talk to suppliers about your business, your customers and your needs. Walk away with the knowledge to drive sales for your business.
Establish connections with the world's leading manufacturers of cutlery, firearms, ammunition, outdoor apparel, optics, safety equipment and tactical gear. Meet with industry professionals from around the world.
International Trade Center Access
Amenities to include complimentary WiFi access, conference rooms for private meetings and hostesses to assist with scheduling and translation.
Education Programs
Learn more about important industry challenges and better management practices. SHOT University caters to retailer and range businesses. The Law Enforcement Education Program (LEEP) focuses on protection measures and tactical execution. You can select and pay for individual events based on your attendance category assigned during the application process.
NETWORKING
Tuesday, Jan 23
All Star Jam Concert
Great Outdoors Plaza
Some of the most well-known names in rock and country music will take the stage for an unforgettable night out on the Great Outdoors Plaza.
Wednesday, Jan 24
Industry Networking Reception
Great Outdoors Plaza
Relax after the SHOT Show floor closes and connect with the industry on the Great Outdoors Plaza. Open to all 2024 SHOT Show badge holders.
Thursday, Jan 25
Industry Happy Hour
Great Outdoors Plaza
The conversations continue as the SHOT Show closes and everyone moves out to the Great Outdoors Plaza for a productive happy hour. Open to all 2024 SHOT Show badge holders.
SHOW SCHEDULE
Sunday, Jan 21
8:00 AM–4:30 PM
NSSF/HAVA Golf Classic
(Charity golf event to raise funds for disabled combat veterans)
Monday, Jan 22
8:30 AM–5:30 PM
SHOT WeekTM Supplier Showcase
5:30–7:00 PM
Law Enforcement and Armed Forces Kickoff Meet & Greet
(Separate fees apply. Must be registered for Law Enforcement Education Program.)
Tuesday, Jan 23
8:00 AM–5:30 PM
New Product Center, Protected by USCCA, Open
8:15 AM–4:00 PM
SHOT University and Law Enforcement Education Program
(Separate fees apply)
8:30 AM–5:30 PM
Exhibit Floor/Product Viewing Open
SHOT Week Supplier Showcase
5:30 PM-TBD
All Star Jam Concert
Presented by Outdoor Sportsman
Supported by Glock and Remington
Wednesday, Jan 24
8:00 AM–5:30 PM
New Product Center, Protected by USCCA, Open
8:15 AM–4:00 PM
SHOT UniversityTM, Law Enforcement Education Program and Export Training Sessions
(Separate fees apply)
8:30 AM–5:30 PM
Exhibit Floor/Product Viewing Open
5:30 PM-6:30 PM
Industry Networking Reception, Great Outdoors Plaza
Thursday, Jan 25
8:00 AM–5:30 PM
New Product Center, Protected by USCCA, Open
8:15 AM–4:00 PM
SHOT UniversityTM, Law Enforcement Education Program
(Separate fees apply)
8:30 AM–5:30 PM
Exhibit Floor/Product Viewing Open
5:30 PM–6:30 PM
Industry Happy Hour, Great Outdoors Plaza
Friday, Jan 26
8:30 AM–4:00 PM
New Product Center, Protected by USCCA, Open
8:30 AM–4:00 PM
Exhibit Floor/Product Viewing Open
SHOT SHOW IN NUMBERS
100,000
Products
2,500+
Exhibits
52,000 +
Professional attendees
2,200 +
Media representatives
115+
Countries
96%
Net buying influence
81%
Attendees coming to the SHOT Show with buying plans
$247K
Average anticipated value of sales at the SHOT Show
21.3 HOURS
Average number of hours each attendee spends on exhibit floor
$1M
Average planned attendee expenditure
800,000
Size of SHOT in net square feet
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