Back in July, we first announced that NSSF would begin to repurpose the SHOT Show exhibit floor. This means that going forward only companies that are involved in our core business — shooting, hunting, outdoor and tactical — will be able to exhibit at the show.
This change clears the way for many companies in our industry that have been on the waitlist to begin exhibiting at the SHOT Show.
As part of that repurposing, we first removed nearly 100 out of 400 waitlist companies that do not meet the criteria of our core business. These companies will be receiving a letter explaining our position. We then sent invitations and applications to exhibit at the 2012 SHOT Show to 128 firearms, ammunition, optics and accessory companies. Just 60 of those companies submitted their application and payment.
This week, we are inviting another 50 companies to join us at the Sands Expo this January. It appears we will be able to accommodate more than 100 new exhibiting companies at the 2012 SHOT Show and have all the remaining 122 companies that meet the criteria of our core business off our waitlist and exhibiting at the 2013 SHOT Show.
We’re glad to be able to make so much progress so quickly, although we realize it wasn’t quick enough for some. I’ll update you on the waitlist situation later this month. Thanks for your patience and understanding. We really are listening.
I think this is great that more companies can exhibit, but I have tried for years to get a new booth size and finally succeeded the last two years. Now in 2012 I have been put back in a 10×10 inline. Not good. Can’t seem to get an answer back on my request to get the 10×15 corner back again or at least a 10×15. If floor plan is updated frequently, there is several 10x15s available.
Everyone wants to see more product at SHOT, however, there is no need to see the exact same product at a number of booths. If SHOT would be limited to manufacturers and exclude distributors, SHOT would be able to accomodate more vendors and let dealers see more product.
Chris,
Seems to me that NSSF and NRA are in the same business and have same interests at heart….both need each other.
Have you folks ever considered making it mandatory for exhibitors to be a member of NRA as well as NSSF? I know from personal experience there are some pretty healthy niumbers of ancillary manufacturers that not only don’t belong to NRA but actually are anti…think soft goods.
If the mandatory idea is too severe (not politically correct) maybe preferential treatment be given to NRA member companies..
Smart idea to thin the crowd of junk exhibitors.
Regards,
John J Carroll, Ret .
G B Stumpp & Assoc
Chris, I can’t thank you enough for “thinning the herd!” As you know so well, I have long been very critical of having non-industry exhibitors “all over the Show.” I believe your action will strengthen SHOT for the benefit of all of us.
Please continue to “screen” the attendees . . . . . we don’t need “bag ladies (and gentlemen) taking catalogs, samples, and taking vendor time for their personal entertainment.
I support John Carroll’s suggestion about NRA membership . . . . right on, John. We are all in this together.
Sgt. Jim Hagearty
Master Firearms Instructor
Rangemaster
Marksmanship Training Unit
State of Illinois
That is good news. Will this mean anything for current exhibitors trying to increase the size of our booth or change the location?
I agree wgoleheartedly with Sgt. Hagearty’s comment about screening attendees. Last year there was a well-dressed man with no credential, only a badge holder he bought at Home depot. A friend at Beretta said of the first day’s show, “Mainly consumers.” Please clamp down on who gets in. Make security really check badges. Let’s eliminate the tire kickers.
John M. Taylor
Sports Afield
MSG, US Army (Retired)
I agree John. It has almost come to the point we are debating whether or not we should include dealer pricing in our literature at the show.