Events – Page 3 – SHOT Show Blog

Getting Social—Social Media, That Is—#SHOTShow

The mantra “If you build it, they will come” just isn’t enough these days. The good news is that the mileage potential on your marketing effort has grown exponentially in recent years, and you can now reach hundreds, thousands, millions of customers with little effort. No one knows this better than renowned trade show industry consultant and thought leader Traci Browne, author of “The Social Trade Show,” who offered these valuable tips for 2015 SHOT Show.

I’ll be giving away free copies of Traci’s book to the first two people who share this blog post on Twitter. Be sure to include #SHOTShow! Ready. Set. Go!

How To Find Potential Customers On Social Media

Before you can decide which tools you are going to use in your social media strategy, you have to find out where your customers are and what tools they are using. Where are they going to be receptive to your messages? And by messages, we don’t just mean advertising and product pitches. Your customers are looking for support and helpful information.

Facebook – The SHOT Show has a very active Facebook page where they post, not just news about the show, but valuable industry information. This is a great place to meet members of your community and see what they are interested in. Just remember, you want to participate in the conversation…not force your marketing messages on the community.

LinkedIn – If Facebook is a casual party, LinkedIn is all about business. The SHOT Show has its own LinkedIn group, but do a group search on LinkedIn for “sport shooting” and you’ll see there are more than a few groups. Some have just a few members and others have thousands.

Start by observing what members are discussing and jump in when you can offer information people are looking for. This is a great place to bounce around new ideas for products and services off enthusiasts.

Twitter – Do you think Twitter is just a place for Justin Bieber fans? Think again. The SHOT Show (@nssfshotshow) has more than 41,000 followers and the official Twitter account of USA Shooting (@USAShooting) has more than 31,000. Start connecting to their followers and share valuable information with them, as well as the companies you do business with or with which you want to begin a relationship.

Remember, on Twitter you want to practice the 80/20 rule. Spend 80 percent of your time talking about others and 20 percent talking about yourself. In no time, word will get around and you’ll develop a good following of your own. Also be sure to stay up-to-date with show information by following the SHOT Show hashtag #SHOTshow. Twitter is great during the show, because it’s quick and easy to use when you are on the move.

What’s in it for you?

It’s important to remember that it’s not only potential customers that are part of your community. The media is spending a lot of time in these online communities as well, and they are on the lookout for a good story and/or experts to interview.

Social media gives a voice to many who would never have been heard from before. Someone in your company could be the next industry thought leader just by participating in these social media communities and putting people in touch with valuable educational information.

When the SHOT Show rolls around attendees will know you as more than just a brand, but a provider of valuable information.

Don’t forget to share this blog post for a chance to receive a copy of “The Social Trade Show” by Traci Browne. Good luck!

Traci Browne  Author of “The Social Trade Show – Leveraging Social Media and Virtual Events to Connect With Your Customers”;  TheSocialTradeShow.com.

Chris Dolnack is Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer for the National Shooting Sports Foundation. Follow him on Twitter at @ChrisDolnack.

Show Your Commitment to Responsible Firearm Ownership – Help NSSF’s Project ChildSafe Reach 1,000 Company and Organizational Supporters at SHOT Show

As the industry’s signature program on firearm safety and responsibility, NSSF’s Project ChildSafe will once again have a visible presence at this year’s SHOT Show in Las Vegas.

Even as you arrive in town, you’ll notice some important messages advertised in McCarran International Airport. These ads urge all firearm owners to “Own It? Respect It. Secure It” and are part of an industry initiative we launched last year to help prevent accidents and unauthorized access, and to further demonstrate that we are the nation’s leading voice on firearm safety and responsibility.

The “Own It? Respect It. Secure It” initiative is a large part of our broader Project ChildSafe program, which since 1999 has distributed more than 36 million free firearm safety kits to more than 15,000 communities across the country. Last year alone, the program reached new heights, recruiting a record number of new sponsors, partnering with even more local law enforcement agencies, developing new and improved educational resources and further spreading the message of gun safety with celebrity supporters and media.

To amplify on that success and emphasize that our industry for decades has made available meaningful, effective firearm safety programs and resources, we recently started asking companies and organizations like yours to sign on as Project ChildSafe supporters. We’ve already recruited several hundred supporters to help carry the Project ChildSafe message in their communities—our goal is to reach 1,000 supporters by the end of this year’s SHOT Show!

There’s no cost involved, simply stop by the Project ChildSafe booth (L350), located on Level 3 of the Venetian (near the Press Room and Radio Row) while at the convention and sign up. While there you can also learn more about the program, take some educational materials to distribute in your communities and make a donation to this important cause—every $2 we receive puts another free firearm safety kit in someone’s hands.

More than 80 percent of Americans have a favorable opinion of Project ChildSafe, regardless of gender, party affiliation or even whether they own firearms. By joining as supporter, you can become a powerful voice in your community to show our industry’s commitment to responsible firearm ownership and to help prevent firearm accidents.

Want to become a supporter today or just learn more about the program? Visit our website, ProjectChildSafe.org.

Project ChildSafe, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt nonprofit organization and the outgrowth of Project ChildSafe’s commitment to firearms safety and education. All donations to the organization are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law.

Chris Dolnack is Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer for the National Shooting Sports Foundation. Follow him on Twitter at @ChrisDolnack.

Phil Robertson’s ‘Old and New’ Signature Mossbergs up for Bid in SHOT Show Auction

Phil R w Mossberg cropped lo res Fully demonstrating that its products are modern, innovative and, indeed, even hip, Mossberg has joined forces with Duck Dynasty star and famed call maker and hunting guide Phil Robertson to offer not one, but a pair of Model 930 shotguns to go to the highest bidder in the 2015 SHOT Show Auction.

Why a pair? According to a press release from the Hunting Heritage Trust, which administers the SHOT Show auction for NSSF, one of the pair is a Duck Commander Signature Series Model 930 that Phil Robertson himself carried to duck hunt every single day of the 2013-’14 Louisiana Waterfowl season—and if you know only one thing about Phil Robertson, it’s that he shoots a lot of ducks. Robertson will sign the gun, which will also include an engraved, personalized Kick’s choke tube and a certificate of authenticity. To complement this well-used shotgun, Mossberg has paired it with a Duck Commander Pro Series Model 930, just introduced to the company’s extensive lineup of shotguns and designed in conjunction with legendary pro shooter Jerry Miculek. Together, the pair is called the “Old & New Duck Commander Signature Package.”

“This Duck Commander Signature Series 930 has proven to be a good and loyal duck hunting companion and I’m happy to donate it back to my friends at Mossberg so it can be auctioned to help raise funds in support of our hunting and shooting sports heritage,” Robertson said in the press release from Hunting Heritage Trust. “Although I’ve been known to be generous at times, I’m also inclined to be practical and I wasn’t about to let go of my Model 930 until the guys at Mossberg promised to fix me up with a new 2015 DC Pro Series. As much as I liked my old 930, I look forward to field testing the new model.”

The Old & New Duck Commander Signature Package will be offered exclusively through GunBroker.com at this link. These shotguns join a one-of-a-kind custom Hornady rifle, created by gunmaker Bill Wiseman & Company, up for bid at this link (the rifle will also be on display at the GunBroker.com booth #15147), while bidding for a custom Ross Tyser bowie knife takes place here. Bidding for all items closes at 5:00 p.m. EST on Jan. 23, the final day of the 2015 SHOT Show. Good bidding and good luck!

Chris Dolnack is Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer for the National Shooting Sports Foundation. Follow him on Twitter at @ChrisDolnack.

New This Year for Media and Buyers: SHOT Showcase Theater

Do not miss the inaugural SHOT Showcase Theater, a collection of exclusive exhibitor presentations, backed with spectacular video support across multiple high-definition big-screen displays, high-definition audio and special lighting. RSVP today.

WHAT: SHOT Showcase Theater

WHEN: Tuesday, January 20

WHERE: Sands Showroom at The Venetian

The 2015 SHOT Show is just days away now and we know that all attending are finalizing their meeting and event schedules to maximize their time at the show. We want to make sure that you include the presentations being offered at the SHOT Show’s newest event, the SHOT Showcase Theater.

Modeled after the success of the New York International Auto Show press conference format, the SHOT Showcase Theater features a special 742-seat presentation center that allows media and VIP buyers a chance to experience the SHOT Show’s hottest new products in a dynamic, multi-media environment.

SHOT Showcase Theater schedule:


FNH USA	10:30 – 10:45 a.m.

Nikon	11:15 – 11:30 a.m.
The Greatest Family in Hunting: Nikon’s family of hunters has grown dramatically over the years through its dedication of providing hunting optics and technologies that are not only useful and relevant — but that help assure hunting success. Like our extended family of hunters, Nikon’s product families continue to grow with over 30 new products being introduced during SHOT Show 2015.
XS Sight Systems	11:45 – Noon

Faxon Firearms	1:00 – 1:15 p.m.
Manufacturing Strategic Solutions for Tactical Problems
Leupold & Stevens	1:30 – 1:45 p.m.
Special Delivery
Outdoor Channel	2:00 – 3:30 p.m.
Safe Haven is a documentary that looks at the history of Gun Free Zones in the United States. By utilizing original interviews with law enforcement, research experts, public school officials and survivors of attacks, Safe Haven explores how effective, or ineffective, these gun free measures have been and what possible solutions would better protect schools, businesses and the public at large.

Mark your calendars to attend now and RSVP today. We look forward to seeing you there.

2015 ‘SHOT on a Dime’ Restaurant Guide

grilled beef with tomato While you are attending SHOT Show in January, we know you will also want to experience the sights and flavors of Las Vegas. Check out our ‘SHOT on a Dime’ restaurant guide aimed to help you find quality meals in Las Vegas for $50 or less. If you are dining on a budget, you can even choose from dining options of $25 or less. No matter your cuisine preference or desired location, you’ll find all sorts of selections. Whether you are staying in the Venetian/Palazzo, or along the strip, you’ll be able to locate something close to home without having to bite the bullet on a hefty dinner bill.

We’ve also included some free Las Vegas attractions. Yes, even in Las Vegas, you can find one-of-a-kind entertainment and beauty for free. Enjoy art, history, shows and the culture of Las Vegas without digging into your pockets.

Chris Dolnack is Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer for the National Shooting Sports Foundation. Follow him on Twitter at @ChrisDolnack.

Trade Show Checklist for Professionals

A polished professional image is helpful and important when developing new client relationships and representing yourself among colleagues. Here are some of the top items on my checklist for maintaining professionalism at the SHOT Show.

Business Cards – First impressions mean a lot when you are meeting potential clients and colleagues. A great way to initialize your professional image is by presenting a business card for them to see what you do. Business cards also assist in remembering names.
Sanitizer – Like an interview, a good handshake is another important asset to a good introduction. The SHOT Show brings a lot of business opportunities, but it can also bring unwanted illness.
Pen/Pad – Taking notes shows that you really care and are paying attention.
Mouthwash – Bad breath can be a big negative. Not only is it unpleasant, but it is distracting. It also helps you clear your teeth of unwanted debris (i.e., spinach, chocolate, etc.).
Phone – Your phone can be your lifeline at the show. Access the SHOT Show Blog, SHOT Mobile App, social media and clients’ websites.
Business Formal/Casual Dress – It is important to dress appropriately both in and out of the show. You never know if you will meet a potential client in a casual setting outside of the show.
Comfortable Shoes – Sore feet are uncomfortable and distracting. The SHOT Show has approximately 12.5 miles of aisles, so it is important to wear comfortable shoes.
Deodorant – The SHOT Show should smell like guns and roses…
Water – Stay hydrated. Being dehydrated can lead to head aches and loss of focus.
Food – A convenient snack like a granola bar, candy bar or apple can help you stay focused on the show, rather than on your grumbling stomach. Meetings can build up quickly along with your appetite if you forget to pack a snack.

I never go to a professional conference or trade event without these items. Being prepared is a huge aspect of professionalism, and this list can give you a head start. These items can enhance your professional appearance, but remember, a professional image relies heavily on professional behavior, as well.

Diedra Cauley is the director of exhibitions and conferences for the National Shooting Sports Foundation. Follow her on Twitter at @dcauley.

Less Than 30 Days Until the 2015 SHOT Show! Are You Prepared?

The real countdown has begun—there are less than 30 days remaining until the doors open on the 2015 SHOT Show. Are you prepared? Take a look at the tips we have for exhibitors, buyers and retailers and media, as well as some important items that will help everyone attending SHOT Show (be sure to read through to the end!).

Exhibitors

Check the list of December 26 deadlines for catering, sign hanging, electrical, Internet and much, much more.
Do you have all your exhibitor badges (based on your allocation) finalized for your booth personnel?
Did you schedule a press conference? Now’s the time to get your press materials in order, send out invites to the media members and buyers you want to attend, and get working on your PowerPoint presentations.
There are still a handful of slots available for the all-new SHOT Showcase Theater. This is a unique opportunity to have your newest products and lines in front of media members and buyers in a high-intensity, multi-media forum. Contact Chris Tatulli, NSSF Director, Exhibit and Sponsorship Sales, ctatulli@nssf.org.
Get your press kits in order—jump drives, CDs, catalogs and press contact business cards. There will be more than 2,500 members of the media in attendance, and they need these materials. Also, remember to take advantage of the press bins in the Pressroom that are made available to members of the media; exhibitors may reserve up to two bins here. Media members tell us this is one of the first places they turn to for press kits, especially when the floor is busy and finding someone to talk to in a booth gets more difficult.
Are you holding a press conference in your booth? Let us know so that we can add your conference to our calendar of events. The press conference application provides an option for you to tell us that your booth will be the conference location, so please utilize that function.

Buyers/Retailers

Make the SHOT Show Planner your new home page and use the floor plan tab to set meetings and see all you need to see without zig-zagging the entire show floor and wasting time.
While you’re planning appointments, make sure to utilize the Show Special tab under the SHOT Show Planner. There are nearly 100 brands offering show-only specials, with more added every week.
SHOT Show University—This year’s lineup of topics and speakers is better than ever. Literally something for everyone from new store owner to veteran entrepreneur, this year’s University will also be open to exhibitors to encourage better communication and understanding of the manufacturer-to-consumer production chain. See the full course and speaker listing here and apply today—seating is limited!
The 2015 New Product Center should be on every buyer’s must-see list. Greatly expanded in size this year, you’ll find booth and company contact information for each product so that you may go directly to the floor for additional information.
This year NSSF will host more than a dozen Retail Seminars throughout the week with topics ranging from understanding key profit centers to compliance, as well as a special session on straw purchase prevention. Sessions are just $20 each, but worth their weight in gold. See the full schedule here.

Media

Press Room—As always, this is the place to be. Remember that the press room has a number of amenities press members need, such as free Wi-fi, electronic device charging stations, multiple PC and Mac work stations with printers, coat check and more. You can also find hot coffee and bottled water there throughout the day.
Press conferences will be held in Room 3401, Level 3, San Polo Ballroom of the Venetian, near the press room. A finalized list of available conferences will be posted here before the show begins.
NSSF Media Members have access to the Member’s Lounge during the show. The Member’s Lounge provides a quiet place to have a meeting, catch up on emails or just take a breather in between booth visits. A free lunch is also provided each day of the show.
Keep up with NSSF’s Twitter board during the show. Follow @NSSFSHOTShow now for announcements and of course search for and use #SHOTshow to follow the excitement of the show.
A full list of room numbers, phone numbers and websites important to our media members is available here.

EVERYONE!

The SHOT Show Mobile App is available now for Apple, Android and Blackberry smartphones and tablets. Simply go to shotmobile.com to link directly to the appropriate stores from your mobile device, or click here if opening from a web browser for more information or visit the app store for your mobile device and search for “2015 SHOT Show.”
Business cards—double what you think you need. It’s not worth running out mid-show.
Need to know where to go after show hours? Visit SHOT on a Dime to find dozens of restaurants on and near the strip that offer dining below $50, plus a list of local attractions.
Did you know SHOT Show has a concierge service? Traveler can help you with show tickets, tours, restaurant reservations and more.

This will be the last SHOT Blog post before the Christmas celebration. On behalf of everyone at NSSF, may all of you and yours have a safe and wonderful holiday. We look forward to seeing everyone in Las Vegas.

Diedra Cauley is the Director of Exhibitions and Conferences for the National Shooting Sports Foundation. Follow her on Twitter at @dcauley.

Retailer Seminars—Focus on Compliance

Though there’s a wealth of knowledge to be gained by attending SHOT Show University, we understand that not everybody can commit to a full day of classes before the show begins. That’s why NSSF also offers a variety of seminars throughout the show week.

Without a doubt, issues regarding FFL compliance and NICS are top points of discussion with our retailers. We have several seminars on this topic:

NICS E-Check 2.0 and the NEW NICS—In this session, conducted by veteran FBI Agent Kim Brown, who’s been with the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) since the program’s inception in 1988, you’ll learn about the vastly improved NICS E-Check 2.0 that let’s retailers access the NICS system via any computer or browser. There will be a live demonstration of the upgraded system and a review of other changes coming to NICS. This seminar takes place Jan. 20, 9-10 a.m., in Lando Ballroom Room 4302, located on Level 4 of the Venetian.
NSSF FFL Compliance Consultant Panel—Moderated by former ATF Deputy Assistant Directors Wally Nelson and Harry McCabe, who have nearly 70 years of combined experience in their field, this session allows retailers interact face-to-face with two of NSSF’s retailer compliance consultants. You’ll learn about the benefits this team provides NSSF members, such as compliance assessment onsite visits, ATF inspection preparation and other topics crucial to staying compliant. This session takes place Jan. 20 from 3-4:00 p.m. in Lando Ballroom Room 4302, located on Level 4 of the Venetian.
NFA Compliance and Best Practices—Geared for use by FFL Class III license holders, attorneys and law enforcement personnel who engage in issues and transactions pertinent to the National Firearms Act and Gun Control Act, this seminar will be moderated by former ATF Deputy Assistant Director Wally Nelson and attorney Chris Renzulli. This two-hour session will focus on compliance, with an in-depth review of the NFS process, plus a special discussion on how to deal with trusts involving NFA firearms. This seminar takes place Jan. 21 from 9-11:00 a.m. in the Lando Ballroom Room 4302, located on Level 4 of the Venetian.
Federal Prohibitors FBI/NICS—Also moderated by FBI Agent Kim Brown, attendees of this seminar will learn about the top 10 FBI/NICS items that will prohibit an FFL from transferring a firearm to a potential purchaser. Sample transactions using actual background check research will be demonstrated, and you’ll also learn why some customers are delayed or denied, as well as the steps your customers can take to overturn a denial they feel is incorrect. This seminar takes place Jan. 22 from 2:30-3:30 p.m. in Lando Ballroom Room 4302, located on Level 4 of the Venetian

The 2015 SHOT Show Retail Seminars above are just $20 to attend. There are many more sessions available to firearms industry members looking for new ways to improve their business processes and compliance efforts. For a full schedule of Retail Seminars, click here and then click the dropdown for the Retailer Sessions class schedule. Classes can be added at any time after you’ve completed your application to attend the 2015 SHOT Show by going to shotshow.org and logging back in with your registration ID and password. Don’t know your password? Email the 2015 SHOT Show management at regmgr@shot.convexx.com your request and the password will be emailed to the company contact listed when you applied to attend and completed your registration.

2015 SHOT Show University—Don’t Miss Out!

With the holidays almost upon us and SHOT Show just weeks away, I wanted to take a moment to round up the stream of information available for the 2015 SHOT Show University and encourage all retailers and range owners to attend. I firmly believe that this year’s lineup of speakers and sponsors brings more to the table than ever before, with ideas and discussion that will help everyone on the front lines of the firearms industry improve their businesses and meet the challenges of the year ahead.

We’ll start the day with a keynote address by the talented Dr. Linda Talley, who’s discussion on leadership development skills will help store owners and managers get the most out of their employees and create a productive, profitable environment for all staff members.

After the opening address by Dr. Talley, attendees will participate in one of four learning tracks. Track 1, ATF Compliance, is geared toward newer retail owners and certainly a solid refresher for anyone. Choose Track 2, Drive Your Sales, and you’ll get lessons from experts Larry Messereau, Doug VanderWoude, Miles Hall and Gene Marks on how to profit from digital marketing, enhance your Internet presence, differentiate your business from the competition, increase cash flow and improve your promotions for better returns. In Track 3, Retailing 101, industry retail professionals Tom Shay, Karl Stearns and Bill Napier will discuss honing the basics of retailing firearms, with topics such as advertising planning, and merchandising practices that increase turns. Finally those attending Track 4, Veteran Retailer, will glean knowledge from some of our industry’s most successful and long-time entrepreneurs, such as Janey and Meaghan Hall, Tom Shay, Bill Napier, Karl Stearns and NSSF’s own Deb Kenney, with panels on human resources, ecommerce planning, security strategies, and store layout enhancements.

The 2015 SHOT Show University will conclude with a closing address from business consultant giant Afterburner, Inc.—and I promise, you do not want to miss this dynamic presentation.

This year’s University is represented by an unprecedented lineup of talent and expertise. But none of that would be possible without the industry support of our sponsors. These include Smith & Wesson, Celerant Technology, the National Association of Sporting Goods Wholesalers, Winchester, and our two newest sponsors, iTech Digital and Joseph Chiarello and Co., Inc. Their contributions to making the 2015 SHOT Show University live up to and surpass the success of past Universities amply demonstrates the industry’s commitment to helping today’s firearms retailers succeed. Be sure to visit with them during SHOT Show and thank them for their partnership in this year’s event—together, this is how we all continue to promote, protect and preserve hunting and the shooting sports for the generations to come.

SHOT Show University is the premier event for firearms retailers. Seats are limited and this event will sell out, so retailers are urged to sign up now. Remember, NSSF Premium Retailer members are offered a complimentary ticket to SHOT Show University. Additional tickets for both Premium Retailer members and all other NSSF members who wish to attend is $250; non-members may attend for $500. To learn more about SHOT Show University and its many sessions, click here. To upgrade your membership to the Premium Retailer level or to join NSSF at the level that best serves your business needs, visit nssf.org/join or e-mail membership@nssf.org.

Comedian Bill Engvall to Perform at SHOT Show State of the Industry Dinner

He’s a hunter. He’s a target shooter. He’s one of the top comedians in America today — and among the busiest. He’ll also be our 2015 SHOT Show State of the Industry featured entertainer.

The National Shooting Sports Foundation is pleased to announce that comedian Bill Engvall will perform at the SHOT Show’s annual State of the Industry Dinner, set for Jan. 20, the first evening of the show in Las Vegas.

Bill has starred in numerous television shows, including solo specials, and appeared in several feature films. He is perhaps best known as part of the enormously successful Blue Collar Comedy concert films, which have sold more than 9 million units and are some of the most watched movies and special in Comedy Central history. The soundtrack for Blue Collar Comedy Tour — One For The Road (Warner Bros./Jack Records) was also nominated for a Grammy Award. This fall, he appeared on the top TV hit, “Dancing with the Stars.”

Bill has been at the SHOT Show before and proudly supports America’s hunting and recreational shooting traditions, so he knows that a full house will warmly welcome him.

We look forward to seeing everyone in Las Vegas next month at our biggest and best State of the Industry Dinner to date.

Learn more and order tickets here.

Chris Dolnack is Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer for the National Shooting Sports Foundation. Follow him on Twitter at @ChrisDolnack.