Tag: exhibitors

SHOT Show University Adds Seats, Encourages Exhibitors to Attend

Thanks to an outstanding lineup of topics and speakers, we’ve received numerous calls from exhibitor representatives asking to attend the 2015 SHOT Show University. Though SHOT Show University is generally geared toward firearms retailers, with the number of seat requests we received, we took a look at the panels and realized that there was indeed value in many of them for exhibitors at the show. We recently sent an invitation to the full list of exhibitors announcing the expanded seating, and I just want to take a moment here to emphasize the breadth of information they’ll receive by attending SHOT Show University.

For those exhibitors unfamiliar with the forum, SHOT Show University is a one-day educational event that takes place on Monday, Jan. 19, the day before the official start of the SHOT Show. Sessions are geared toward the unique needs of professionals in the firearms business and cover such varied topics as working with the Federal form 4473 and other important compliance issues, as well as business development forums such as digital and content marketing, cash flow practices, store security, loss prevention, advertising planning, store layout maximization and more.

The day starts with an opening address by Dr. Linda Talley, one of the country’s most respected business-development leaders. After that, University attendees will break into one of four educational tracks—ATF Compliance, Drive Your Sales, Retailing 101 and Veteran Retailer—learning about developments in our industry through leading experts such as Gene Marks, Tom Shay, Larry Mersereau, Karl Stearns, Bill Napier and NSSF’s own ATF Compliance Consultants Wally Nelson and Harry McCabe. This year’s University will end with a dynamic closing address by former Marine pilot Patrick “Lips” Houlahan, a team leader with business consultant company Afterburner, Inc.

“After seeing the number of requests to attend SHOT Show University that were coming from exhibitors, we realized that they had a genuine and valid interest in knowing the business through their retailers’ eyes,” said Randy Clark, NSSF Senior Director, Business Development. “There is tremendous knowledge to be had by learning about what’s important to others in the chain of people who move product from maker to consumer within our industry. Thus it makes perfect sense to open the doors wider to the unique forum that is SHOT Show University.”

Though NSSF has added additional seats to accommodate the many exhibitors wishing to attend SHOT Show University, seating is limited and this event will sell out. We encourage everyone to register for this event now. Exhibitors interested in attending can email me at pshay@nssf.org for assistance with registration. Remember, NSSF Premium Retailers 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 are $250 per ticket; non-members may attend for $500 per ticket. 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 at NSSF at the level that best serves your business needs, visit nssf.org/join or e-mail membership@nssf.org.

December Deadlines—Part III

As we told you earlier this month, December has a long list of deadlines important to SHOT Show exhibitors. The biggest date ahead for all our exhibitors is Dec. 26. Deadlines for more than two-dozen booth setup items fall on this date, and with the hubbub of the holiday week and the actual Christmas day just the day before, this is a date that could easily slip by you. Note that many of these entries are for the last date exhibitors can access certain items at the reduced advanced rate. Starting Dec. 27, those advanced rates end, so be sure to get your orders in now.

The full list of exhibitor deadlines is as follows:

  1. Audio/Visual (Advance Rate) – Freeman AV
  2. Booth Security Guard Service (Advance Rate) – Century
  3. Carpet (Advance Rate) – Freeman
  4. Catering Request – Sands/Venetian
  5. Cleaning – Booth Order– SES
  6. Column Drape – Freeman
  7. Computer Equipment (Advance Rate) – NMR
  8. Credit Card Authorization – SES
  9. Credit Card Authorization – Freeman
  10. Electrical Order – SES
  11. Exhibit Accessories (Advance Rate) – Freeman
  12. Exhibit Furnishings (Advance Rate) – Freeman
  13. Firearms Onsite Inventory & Security Program
  14. Hanging & Rigging Order – SES
  15. Hanging Truss, Chain Hoist, Lighting and Stagehand Labor (Advance Rate)
  16. Freeman Internet & Telecommunications Order – SES
  17. Labor – Installation, Dismantle, Forklift – Freeman
  18. Labor – Rigging 200lbs and over – SES
  19. Material Handling – Freeman
  20. Payment Authorization – Freeman
  21. Payment Authorization – SES
  22. Rental Exhibit Order (Advance Rate) – Freeman
  23. Special Signs and Graphics (Advance Rate) – Freeman
  24. Target Date Changes – Freeman
  25. Utilities – Air, Drain, Sprinklers, Water – SES
  26. Vehicle/Motorized Units Spotting Fee – Freeman

Questions about an item in the list above? Important contacts at ConvExx and Freeman can be found here and here, respectively. You’ll also find our Frequently Asked Questions page helpful.

 

Dave Jeannette is Senior Director, Sales for the National Shooting Sports Foundation. Follow him on Twitter at @DaveJeannette.

December Exhibitor Deadlines, Part II

We are now down to just a little more than five weeks before the opening of the 2015 SHOT Show. With that comes multiple exhibitor deadlines in the month of December.

In this post, I’ll focus on the deadlines for December 19. I’ll follow that with another post reviewing the numerous December 26 deadlines.

December 19 Exhibitor Deadlines:

  1. Exhibitors utilizing third-party labor for duties outside those that must be handled by official show contractors (e.g., SES—Specialized Event Services—or Freeman) must submit their Exhibitor–Appointed Contractor (EAC) applications to ConvExx by this date. EAC’s include exhibit installers/dismantlers, decorators, booth hostesses, videographers and photographers, florists and others. Click here for the online applications. Information and a sample of exhibitor insurance can be found here, while rules and regulations for EACs, including show activity dates and times
  2. are located here.
  3. All U.S. exhibitors wishing to receive their badges by U.S. mail must have completed their credential submission by this date. Complete information regarding required credentials and booth badge allotments can be found here. Note: Online registration closes Thursday January 16. After January 23, everyone must register onsite.
  4. December 19 is the final date that exhibitors renting the automated, computerized Lead Retrieval systems from CompuSystems may receive the discounted advanced rates. CompuSystems offers 2015 SHOT Show exhibitors a variety of handheld, smart device and desktop products that collect full contact information from every scanned badge, thereby eliminating the problems associated with handwritten notes and lost business cards while providing additional functionality such as lead qualifiers and note taking. CompuSystems also provides in-booth setup and training for its devices. Click here for CompuSystem’s rental application, including a full listing of the advanced rate discount.
  5. This is the last date that exhibitors can receive the advanced rate from CSS (Convention Staffing Solutions) for temporary booth personnel such as greeters, business card collectors and product presenters. Click here for the application.
  6. The last deadline for December 19 is for exhibitors to finalize food and beverage sampling for booth catering. The online order form for samples can be found here. For more information, contact Tricia Hanisko at thanisko@convexx.com or call 702-216-5865.

For the full list of show deadlines, click here. Remember, the Exhibitor Resource Center at shotshow.org/erc can provide the answers to many questions exhibitors have regarding deadlines, contractors, booth services, media and more. Need to contact someone with a specific questions? See the list of all 2015 SHOT Show contacts here.

 

Dave Jeannette is Senior Director, Sales for the National Shooting Sports Foundation. Follow him on Twitter at @DaveJeannette.

Exhibitor Badges—Frequently Asked Questions

With the December 19 deadline for exhibitors to complete submission of booth badge credentials just days away, we’ve been fielding some common questions about booth personnel and badge requests. To help our exhibitors and their staff with this process, we’ve compiled this list of frequently asked questions.

 

Q: I’ve already registered myself, but I didn’t get a password and I need to register the members of my staff who will be working the booth. What should I do?

A: Email your request to the 2015 SHOT Show management at regmgr@shot.convexx.com and the password will be emailed to the company’s contact person.

 

Q: I do not know how many registrations my company has already used. Where can I go to find out?

A: When you sign into shotshow.org/apply and enter the Exhibitor’s Dashboard, it will tell you how many registrations your company has used and paid for.

 

Q: Is there a limit to how many badges my company can purchase?

A: No, but we believe your booth allotment should cover all your booth personnel. If you need additional badges, the cost is $50. Booth badge allotments are as follows:

  • Booth size 100-150 sq. ft. = four badges
  • Booth size 200-250 sq. ft. = six badges
  • Booth size 300-350 sq. ft. = eight badges
  • Booth size 400-550 sq. ft. = 15 badges
  • Booth size 600-850 sq. ft. = 20 badges
  • Booth size 900-1,150 sq. ft. = 25 badges
  • Booth size 1,200 sq. ft. = 30 badges
  • Booth size > 1,200 sq. ft. = 30 badges plus one badge for each 100 square feet of booth space beyond 1,200.

 

Q: A couple of my employees have relatives who have offered to volunteer to help in the booth greeting people and stocking. Can I get booth badges for them?

A: No. Booth personnel badges are reserved only for verified company employees and authorized personnel. If you need to hire additional booth help for the show, you must complete the Exhibitor-Appointed Contractor (EAC) form. Those approved EACs must apply for their own wristbands each day of the show in the Level 1 Lobby of the Sands Expo Center near the entrance to Hall G. Schedules and regulations for EACs can be found here. Temporary staffing can also be hired through our partner vendor Convention Staffing Solutions (CSS) by clicking here.

 

Q: I’ve had some staff changes since I submitted the credentials for my staff booth badges? How do I change the badges?

A: Changes to personnel can be made online at shotshow.org/apply until the badges are mailed (in late December—remember, the deadline for submitting credentials for exhibitor employee booth badges is December 19). Once mailed, changes must be made on-site.

 

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

Are You an NSSF Member? If so, Save Big on SHOT Show Registration Fees

NSSF is urging all members of the firearms industry to complete their registration to attend the 2015 SHOT Show now and to take advantage of the significant savings offered to NSSF members during registration.

Due to multiple trade shows taking place at the same time, hotel rooms across Las Vegas are in exceptional demand during this year’s SHOT Show and we want to make sure everyone who wants to attend can and has a place to stay. It is critical that everyone who plans to attend the show complete the registration process as soon as possible.

As an incentive, remember that this year qualified NSSF buyer members receive a complimentary ticket to attend the show, and we’ve reduced the price of NSSF retailer and range member registration for SHOT Show by 50 percent over the non-member pricing. Join NSSF now as a retailer or range member (some other buyer categories also apply) and the fee to attend SHOT Show is just $35, half that of the $70 non-member fee.

NSSF also discounts the non-buyer member rate. NSSF members who are not buyers can register to attend the show for just $175 versus $350 for non-NSSF members. Media, as always, may attend the show for free, but still must register if they did not receive the emailed invitation to register.

If there’s only one trade show you can attend, this is the one you don’t want to miss. Register now. Join NSSF here.

 

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

Exhibitor’s SHOT Show Webinar Streaming Live Thursday, Nov. 20

A brief reminder that NSSF’s first 2015 SHOT Show Exhibitor’s Webinar will broadcast Thursday, Nov. 20.

“On Target Marketing for the 2015 SHOT Show,” NSSF’s first webinar of the year provided specifically to enhance exhibitor’s experience at the 2015 SHOT Show, will provide insight and tips for attracting the buyers you want to see at your booth. The webinar will examine ways to market your company and products both before the show and on-site, and will provide answers to many questions exhibitors have such as how to attract buyers to your booth, how long will a buyer stay at the show and other valuable information about buyers and their show habits. The webinar will also help exhibitors identify their objectives for the show and work to map out a path to achievement.

The webinar begins at 2 p.m. EST. All exhibitors, both NSSF members and non-members, may stream the webinar for free.

Register for NSSF’s first 2015 SHOT Show Exhibitor Webinar here.

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

International Trade Center Open to All 2015 SHOT Show International Buyers and U.S. Exhibitors

For the second consecutive year, SHOT Show is participating in the U.S. Department of Commerce’s International Buyer Program (IBP). The IBP is a joint effort between the U.S. government and industry to bring thousands of international buyers to the United States for business-to-business matchmaking with U.S. firms exhibiting at major industry trade shows.

There are three components to the IBP taking place at the 2015 SHOT Show. These include the Showtime Program, where U.S.-based show exhibitors can meet one-on-one with USDOC industry specialists from our overseas embassies, and the B2B Matchmaking Program that works to promote U.S. firearms businesses and products to foreign delegates throughout the show.

The third component to the IBP is the International Trade Center. Here, breakfast, lunch and an afternoon reception are held each official show day. Private conference rooms are available for meetings; hostesses are available to assist with scheduling. Complimentary WiFi Internet access and computer access with printer capabilities and multi-language translators are available in the center.

This center offers something to “both sides of the coin.” For international buyers, experts in U.S.-based firearms manufacturers and distributors are on hand to help identify the exhibitors and products that best match those buyers’ needs and arrange introductions. For the exhibitor, trade specialists from the U.S. Department of Commerce help our U.S.-based businesses identify potential new markets and arrange in-person meetings with the buyers attending those markets.

“The International Trade Center provides a place away from the crowd and distractions of the show floor so that exhibitors working to expand their businesses can meet face-to-face with those who can provide access to new markets,” explained Chris Dolnack, NSSF Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer. “We urge all our exhibitors searching for fresh selling avenues and business growth opportunities to utilize this meeting space to discover the potential that can be had in international sales and distribution.”

The International Trade Center Location is located in The Venetian Hotel, Level 2, Bassano Ballroom, attached to the Sands Hotel and Convention Center. For more information on the center during show hours, call 702-691-8705.

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

Exhibitors, Advertisers—SHOT Show Directory Deadline is Friday!

There are dozens of ways for exhibitors to get noticed at SHOT Show, but the one every attendee—media, buyers, range owners, retailers, and more—will see is the SHOT Show Directory. This is the book every show attendee uses to find you on the show floor and make contact with you throughout the year after the show is over.

It is crucial that all exhibitors must have their company update information submitted for listing in the Directory by the close of business this Friday, November 7. This is also the deadline for exhibitors and companies who wish to reserve advertising space in the directory.

“If there’s only one place you can afford to be seen this year, make sure it’s the 2015 SHOT Show Directory,” said Chris Tatulli, NSSF Director, Exhibit & Sponsorship Sales. “With more than 1,600 exhibitors, this is the single resource every one of the more than 62,000 attendees at the show will have in their hands, and the one resource each of those people will use every day, every week and every month throughout the year to contact you. Additionally, all exhibitors and advertisers displaying in the Directory will automatically find their listing on shotshow.org (a PDF of the full and final exhibitor listing will be uploaded there in the weeks before the show opens), and the Directory ties directly to the SHOT Show Mobile App so that attendees can instantly locate your booth and set appointments. Do not let the deadline pass to have your company information accurately updated or reserve the additional advertising space you need in the Directory.”

For more information on having your company exhibitor information displayed in the 2015 SHOT Show Directory, contact exhibitorhelp@shot.convexx.com. Those needing to reserve advertising space should contact Chris Tatulli, ctatulli@nssf.org. You can also click here to access your Exhibitor Dashboard and update your company information for the printed directory, online Show planner, and mobile app. You will need your exhibitor ID to log in. If you do not have your exhibitor ID, contact Show Management at 855-355-7468 or email regmgr@shot.convexx.com.

Dave Jeannette is Senior Director, Sales for the National Shooting Sports Foundation. Follow him on Twitter at @DaveJeannette.

2015 SHOT Show Exhibitor Upcoming November Deadlines

November is a busy time for everyone with the upcoming holidays, but there’s no rest for the weary when it comes to organizing the 2015 SHOT Show. With the Show less than three months away, there are several deadlines crucial to exhibitors and advertisers.

The first two deadlines fall on Nov. 7. On that date, SHOT Show Directory advertising space reservations need to be completed and all Directory listings need to have any updates finalized. Contact Chris Tatulli, ctatulli@nssf.org with advertising questions and exhibitorhelp@shot.convexx.com for directory listing information.

Nov. 21 has four deadlines. On this Friday before the holiday week of Thanksgiving, advertising space reservations and listing descriptions are due for the much-anticipated New Product Guide. With the expanded floor space granted the New Product Center this year and the additional exposure exhibitors in this special center will receive through the online product photo gallery to be launched this year, ensuring your company and product information are accurately listed in the New Product Guide is paramount. Again, contact ctatulli@nssf.org for advertising questions and exhibitorhelp@shot.convexx.com for listing information.

The third deadline for Nov. 21 is for SHOT Show Directory & Buyer Guide artwork submissions (following the space reservation deadline of Nov. 7), while the fourth deadline for this date is for permitting exhibitor mobile units and motorized vehicles.

This final Nov. 21 deadline refers to ATVs, watercraft, trucks, cars and other motorized equipment to be included in booth displays. Exhibitors planning to display such equipment at the 2015 SHOT Show must obtain a Liquid or Gas-Fueled Vehicles or Equipment in Assembly Area Permit from Nevada’s Clark County Fire Department. Full information regarding this permit and restrictions on displaying motorized vehicles or equipment can be found here. This permit is required before exhibitors pay the spotting fee (deadline Dec. 26) and provide notice to Show organizer Freeman regarding the type of equipment to be displayed in your booth—weight, length, height, width and type—as well a requests for forklifts and cranes if necessary to properly position such equipment in the allotted booth spaces. Click here for the Freeman motorized vehicles booth reservation form. For questions about mobile units and motorized vehicles to be displayed in SHOT Show booths, contact Brian Nilson, Freeman Material Handling Supervisor, at 702-579-1784 or by email at brian.nilson@freemanco.com.

The final deadline for this month occurs on Nov. 24, and it’s one exhibitors interested in saving money will want to pay attention to. This is the deadline to receive the early-bird discounts on selected CompuLEAD applications and services from show provider CompuSystems. CompuLEAD provides a suite of lead management products that ensure each exhibitor capitalizes on every visitor to their booth. Products include the handheld CompuLEAD Mobile and Mobile Elite devices, the smartphone downloadable app CompuLEAD Smart, and the CompuLEAD Desktop unit. All offer a variety of lead generating tools, such as attendee badge scanning and contact editing, note taking and survey generating functionalities, custom lead qualifier creation, electronic literature sending capabilities and more. Early bird ordering offers substantial savings, so exhibitors are urged to reserve their devices and download applications now. Click here to access the CompuLEAD order form.

Dave Jeannette is Senior Director, Sales for the National Shooting Sports Foundation. Follow him on Twitter at @DaveJeannette.

New SHOT Showcase Theater Enhances Product Introduction to VIP Buyers, Media

venetian-showroomOne of the hottest features to debut at the 2015 SHOT Show is the all-new SHOT Showcase Theater. Modeled after the success of the press conference format held at the New York Auto Show, this special 742-seat theater will allow media and VIP buyers a chance to experience SHOT Show’s best new products in a dynamic, multi-media environment. This new Showcase Theater will be located in the Venetian near the show entrance.

Ongoing during the first day of the show from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., exhibitors will provide 15-minute presentations of the products SHOT Show attendees need to know about, backed with spectacular video support across multiple high-definition big-screen displays, high-definition audio, and special lighting. Exhibitors will present in categories, allowing buyers and media to attend the sessions they most need.

Prior to the opening of the 2015 SHOT Show, all Showcase Theater presenters will be sent a pre-press list so that you may contact media members individually. NSSF will also be reminding the 2,500 press members and 2,500 buyers to attend this very special event through its own press channels. For the Showcase itself, all audio and visual mechanics will be met by NSSF—all you need to do is provide the content and we’ll produce the event. After the show, you’ll also be provided a full list of Showcase attendees to enhance your post-show marketing delivery.

Exhibitor presentation slots are limited for these special sessions, so be sure to secure your spot now. Contact me at ctatulli@nssf.org or 203-426-1320 ext.214.