2015 SHOT Show University, Retail Seminars Set Record Attendance

SSU1The 2015 SHOT Show University and NSSF’s numerous Retailer Seminars earned compliments across the board from their hundreds of attendees as being the best ever SHOT Show events dedicated to educating retailers in the firearms industry.

Designed to provide the latest information on compliance, marketing, inventory management and dozens of other topics important to firearms retailers, SHOT Show University provided a variety of educational tracks for retailers ranging from those new to the business to those veteran entrepreneurs who have been in business for decades.

It’s an annual must-attend event for hundreds of retailers, such as retailer Matt French, who echoed similar statements from many others in post-University reviews, when he said, “This was simply the best SHOT Show University I’ve attended. The day started out strong with Dr. Linda Talley’s presentation. Everyone loved the breakout sessions, and the Afterburner keynote address was one of the best I’ve ever seen.”

Retailers Robert Kenger and Susan Galloway were also impressed by the breadth of information at SHOT Show University. “I have been to all the SHOT Show Universities NSSF has held since their beginning in 2002, and this was the best ever,” said Kenger, while Galloway commented, “This was awesome and I was very impressed. I learned so much about maturing and growing my business.”

The dozens of Retailer Seminars were also a noted success. Not only did the 13 sessions have record overall attendance of more than 2,600 retailers, several sessions such as the discussion in NFA (National Firearms Act) sales and legalities and the seminar on how retailers can profit through improved used firearms marketing, were at standing room-only capacity.

“We’re extremely pleased that so many attending this year’s SHOT Show University got so much out of the event,” said Patrick Shay, NSSF Director, Retail Development. “To receive the tremendous amount of positive feedback we did from both University attendees and those sitting in on the many Retailer Seminars we offered throughout the week of the 2015 SHOT Show tells us we’re providing the right information at the right time to the key people who introduce our industry’s goods to the consumers. Combined with the huge industry support we received for this year’s SHOT Show University event from sponsors Smith & Wesson, Celerant Technology Corp., Howard Leight by Honeywell, iTech Digital, Camillus, Joseph Chiarello & Co. Inc. and the National Association of Sporting Goods Wholesalers, the favorable response from our retailers tells us that NSSF’s work to improve how our industry works together from manufacturer to retailer is succeeding. That certainly gives us the motivation to make next year’s event even better.”

 

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:

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.

SHOT Show University: The only event of its kind for firearms retailers

Firearms retailers that attend the SHOT Show each year know that one event you absolutely can’t miss is SHOT Show University.

It’s the only event of its kind, where firearms retailers can get up to speed on everything they need to know to ensure their businesses remain successful.

A Look Back at Last Year's SHOT Show University

NSSF will again be bringing the firearms retailing community a very impressive lineup of speakers and topics for the 2011 SHOT Show University, planned for Monday, Jan. 17.

Delivering this year’s keynote address will be former ATF senior executive Wally Nelson, who will speak on the basics of ATF compliance, A&D books and the top 10 violations during the inspection process.

Nelson’s career spanned 33 years with ATF. He was a member of the Senior Executive Service beginning in 1998, and, in 2004, the rank of Meritorious Executive was conferred on him by President George W. Bush for sustained superior management accomplishments.

Check out the complete lineup for the 2011 SHOT Show University and get registered today.