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.