It was obvious that a vocal minority of SHOT Show® customers weren’t happy with the space assignment process. The vast majority of exhibitors who responded to our online survey expressed appreciation for not having to come in a day early for space draw, especially now that there is chance of their location changing. So, rather than return to the laborious, chaotic and pointless (see my last blog post on space assignment for my explanation why it’s pointless) on-site space selection, we will give customers an opportunity to confirm their 2013 booth space on site and secure that space with a deposit. Exhibitors will be notified by Reed Exhibitions in advance of the time and place of their appointment to confirm their space for the 2013 SHOT Show.
Those exhibitors that choose not to renew their space by signing a 2013 SHOT Show contract and making the required deposit on site will forfeit their booth and any accrued Priority Points. That will allow us to offer the forfeited space to existing exhibitors in order of Priority Points and to accommodate more companies off the wait list. That process will begin in early February 2012 and be completed by the end of April. So our existing customers will get more transparency as requested and be able to plead their case in person, and those on our wait list will get word much sooner on whether we can welcome them into the 2013 SHOT Show.
It’s a good news, although it’s a little late.
We were a ‘victim’ for the 2012 shot show.
For we were not satisfied with the assigned booth, and we needed a change badly.
(We were told we would have the same booth location as 2011, but it changed a lot.)
By getting contact with Reed, and viewing the ‘pending’ booth, we expressed our requirement and suggestion about the booth, but there was no room for manoeuvre.
At last, both our 500 sq.ft booth and the point were forfeited.
Now, we are on the waiting list, hope there will be any good news.
SHOT show is turning into a fiasco! I’ve tried to get in as a new vendor for a couple years but they seem content on having some of the same old stale vendors selling products that are anything but innovative. Last year while attending, I found the ANME (Army Navy Military Expo) expo which happens at the same time at a different casino and they are much better to work with. I’ll be exhibiting there. ANME seem to be growing a ton and I hope that they’ll eventually make SHOT wake-up and do something about their crappy vendor policies, point systems and other complaints that the “vocal minority” is concerned with.
Retailer dealer are the true customers at SHOT. They want to see new products and look at existing products that may fit within their sales efforts. SHOT does not have the space to fit new vendors, some with innovative new products. Why not make room by eliminating the wholesale distributors from SHOT. Wholesalers only show the same products that are already at the manufacturers display and many have their own shows. Open SHOT to more products. I attended ANME last year and I would much prefer to see everything in one place. Thanks.