Tag: sponsors

Generous Industry Sponsor Support Key to Successful 2015 SHOT Show

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The success of the 2015 SHOT Show was due in great part to the many dedicated industry sponsors that contributed generously in support of the firearm industry’s largest trade show. For many of our sponsors, this was not the first time they have stepped up to the plate.

Outdoor Channel made a remarkable fifth consecutive appearance as one of the show’s top sponsors, demonstrating unwavering commitment to the industry, as did Ram Trucks, returning for the third straight year as another top sponsor, its hunt-worthy vehicles on display garnering tremendous attention from the show’s 62,000 attendees.

Daniel Defense came back with strong support for the third year in a row. Not only did everyone staying in the Palazzo and Venetian have a room key sponsored by Daniel Defense, the company was the sole sponsor of the SHOT Show Mobile app and contributed to many other aspects of the show.

GunBroker.com continued to be an extraordinary partner of NSSF and the SHOT Show, again sponsoring the NSSF Member Lounge and Business Center. Nissan also returned, sponsoring the 2015 SHOT Show Press Room for the second year in the row. Both are great examples of companies making the extra effort to help our industry thrive.

Other important sponsors returning to support the 2015 SHOT Show included Brownell’s, Gamo Outdoor USA, the Georgia Department of Economic Development, Mossy Oak, Trijicon, Smith & Wesson and the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority, among others, and NSSF offers many thanks to each and every one of them. Their support is invaluable to ensuring the continued success of the SHOT Show and NSSF’s mission of promoting, protecting and preserving hunting and the shooting sports.

Chris Dolnack is Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer for the National Shooting Sports Foundation. Follow him on Twitter at @ChrisDolnack.

2015 SHOT Show Posts Second Highest Attendance Total Ever

The Shooting, Hunting and Outdoor Trade Show (SHOT Show) rang up its second highest attendance ever at the Sands Expo Center Jan. 20-23, giving the industry a very good indicator that a strong sales year lies ahead.

Long a bellwether for the industry’s prospects, the SHOT Show brings together buyers and sellers from the United States and more than 100 countries. Total attendance for the 2015 SHOT Show was nearly 64,000, second only to last year’s record-setting event, where nearly 67,000 came through the turnstiles. Lower attendance reflected strengthened pre-screening of attendees to enhance the overall experience of both exhibitors and buyers.

“We know from long experience that attendance at the SHOT Show is a reflection of the state of our industry,” said Chris Dolnack, NSSF Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer. “This second highest attendance is in keeping with what we saw in the past year — that our industry is in good health and that manufacturers, wholesalers and retailers have a positive outlook for this year.”

NSSF®, the trade association for the firearms, ammunition, hunting and shooting sports industry, owns and sponsors the SHOT Show.

From the opening bell, the show floor hummed with traffic. Cindy Daniel, Executive Vice President of Daniel Defense, a major sponsor of the SHOT Show, said, “It’s been a very busy show. We’re optimistic that with the good vibe we’re seeing on the floor sales will pick up again and we’ll have a solid year.”

Said Kort Nielson with Silencer Co., “We’ve been pretty busy, and there hasn’t been much down time. Increasing our booth size and design and its new position in this hall has been good for traffic, but we’re also focusing on education.” Silencer Co. put on two seminars this week for retailers on how to educate customers about suppressors, a fast growing sales area.

The $8 billion industry has seen rapid growth in the last several years, powered by newcomers to the shooting sports. More than 20 percent of firearms owners are in this category, in that they have purchased their first firearm within the last five years.

Women continue to be an undeniable market force. During the show at a packed press conference, NSSF released a new report on “Women Gun Owners: Purchasing, Perceptions and Participation.” Women, whose participation in target shooting and hunting as well as interest in owning a firearm for personal and home protection continues to grow rapidly, now purchase about 25 percent of industry products. “This report will help NSSF members better understand the products and features women want and to continue to serve women of all skill levels,” said Jim Curcuruto, NSSF Director of Industry Research and Analysis.

More than 1,600 exhibiting companies filled the convention center and rooms in the adjoining Venetian Hotel. Total show exhibition space was more than 640,000 net square feet, or 13 acres of product display, with more than 150 new companies exhibiting.

Manufacturers of firearms, ammunition, optics, cutlery, apparel, accessories and law enforcement equipment introduced new products and services that retailers will offer consumers during the course of the year.

On the first evening of the show, more than 2,400 people attended NSSF’s State of the Industry Dinner, where Steve Sanetti, NSSF President and CEO, delivered a well-received speech on the industry’s determination to counter its detractors with facts on firearm safety and deter efforts to burden law-abiding gun owners with unnecessary legislation. “Much of the public and the media are woefully misinformed about who we are and all that we do about genuine gun safety,” said Sanetti, who pointed out to such notable NSSF programs as Project ChildSafe, Fix NICS and Don’t Like for the Other Guy programs.

“Some pundits state that the shooting sports are ‘in retreat,’” said Sanetti. “Well, look at the facts. Last year’s SHOT Show, one of the fastest growing trade shows in the nation, had its highest attendance and satisfaction levels ever; the number of federally licensed firearms dealers is growing; firearm sales experienced the second highest year ever and ammunition sales continue at near record levels; firearms permit and safety classes report long waiting lists; and the number of apprentice hunting licenses increased to well over 1 million. If this is a ‘retreat,’ as those who see no appeal in what we do have alleged, I truly wonder what an advance would look like.”

At the dinner, Richard Lipsey, owner of Lipsey’s, one of the nation’s largest sporting goods distributors, received the prestigious NSSF Ken Sedlecky Award for longterm commitment to the success of the industry and supporting NSSF’s mission to promote, protect and preserve hunting and the shooting sports. Mark Keefe, editor-in-chief of American Rifleman magazine, was awarded the POMA-NSSF Grits Gresham Shooting Sports Communicator Award.

Media was out in force again at the show, totaling 2,500, including international press. Some of the country’s most well-known radio personalities, including Mike Gallagher, Lars Larson and Dana Loesch, broadcasted live from the show’s popular “Radio Row.”

Prior to the show, NSSF hosted a fundraising golf tournament to benefit Honored American Veterans Afield (HAVA), an industry developed and supported effort to help the healing and reintegration of disabled combat veterans back into normal American life though participation in outdoor events.

The SHOT Show is not just about selling and buying products. The show provides educational opportunities for firearms retailers at SHOT Show University, which was sold out, and at other seminars, and for law enforcement professionals at the Law Enforcement Education Program.

The SHOT Show is managed by Las Vegas-based ConvExx. Major sponsors of the 2015 SHOT Show in addition to Daniel Defense were Outdoor Channel, GunBroker.com, Brownell’s, Gamo Outdoor USA, Georgia Department of Economic Development, Mossy Oak, Trijicon, Smith & Wesson and Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority, among others. Ram Truck Brand was the official truck of the SHOT Show. Nissan was sponsor of the show’s press room.

The SHOT Show, the fifth largest trade show in Las Vegas, pumps nearly $90 million in non-gaming revenue into the Las Vegas economy. Next year’s SHOT Show is scheduled for Jan. 19-22 at the Sands Expo.

2014 SHOT Show Was a Hit

Records were broken at the Las Vegas trade show

Let the record show that the 2014 SHOT Show was the most successful in its 36-year history. And with an extended contract that it be housed at the Sands Expo and Convention Center in Las Vegas, the SHOT Show’s future promises continued success and satisfaction. The 2014 SHOT Show was another one for the record books—record attendance, record sales, and record industry unity. The show also registered record satisfaction with attendees and exhibitors alike, with 75 percent of exhibitors completely or very satisfied, and 96 percent of exhibitors extremely or very likely to exhibit in 2015, according to our post–SHOT Show survey. Exhibitor satisfaction is confirmed by the record 96 percent of exhibit space renewals put under deposit onsite, and the 98 percent renewal rate we have reached within a month of the show’s conclusion.

Ditto for attendees, with 82 percent completely or very satisfied and 86 percent extremely or very likely to attend the 2015 SHOT Show. Total attendance increased 8 percent, to more than 67,000, in a year where we re-qualified attendees in the redbadge- buyer category, requiring documentation to verify purchasing authority.

All in all, the 2014 SHOT Show was a testament to the passion and enthusiasm that retailers, exhibitors, and industry associates share for our industry and the SHOT Show. It’s rewarding to know that all of our time and effort paid off, and you can rest assured that we’re working on making the 2015 SHOT Show even better.

The 2014 SHOT Show was very fortunate to have so many dedicated sponsors contribute to this record-setting year. For many of our sponsors, this is not the first time they have stepped up. Outdoor Channel marked its fourth consecutive year as the show’s Pinnacle Sponsor, the highest sponsorship level associated with the show.

Outdoor Channel’s unprecedented support of the 2014 SHOT Show demonstrates the company’s unwavering commitment to the outdoors industry and all that the industry’s premier trade show stands for.

Daniel Defense returned this year with some creative elements, including Venetian and Palazzo room key cards and pub-style tables near food vendors to facilitate quick meals and short meetings—not to mention the Daniel Defense–branded staircase in the main entry area to the Sands Expo.

Thanks, too, to Caracal for providing the shuttle service between the neighboring hotels and the show, saving many the time and money associated with taxi lines. GunBroker.com continued to be an extraordinary partner of the National Shooting Sports Foundation and the SHOT Show, sponsoring the NSSF Member Lounge and Business Center.

GunBroker .com is a great example of an NSSF member that makes the extra effort to help grow hunting and the shooting sports.

Also returning was ArmaLite as the title sponsor of the SHOT Show mobile app. This show-navigation technology enriches the SHOT Show experience for buyers and attendees, and we greatly appreciate ArmaLite’s support in this effort.

Ram Trucks returned as the official truck of SHOT Show for the third year running.

Smith & Wesson provided generous support as the Platinum Level Education Sponsor for the industry’s largest professional development opportunity for firearms retailers—SHOT Show University.

NSSF, owner and sponsor of the SHOT Show, extends its sincere thanks to all of our sponsors that contribute to its enduring success. We anticipate continued industry support in 2015.

With the Sands being an ever-improving venue, NSSF has contracted to stage the show there through 2018, adding another year to its agreement. The Sands recently completed a $37 million renovation that significantly upgraded its facilities, including redesigning and remodeling the lobby and adding escalators, new carpeting, Wi-Fi hotspots, food outlets, digital signage, and other amenities that have enhanced the trade-show experience for exhibitors and attendees. The 2014 SHOT Show is the fifth largest trade show in Las Vegas and the largest trade show of its kind in the world.

The show generates more than $73 million for the Las Vegas economy, and, more relevant to NSSF and its members, the SHOT Show provides your industry’s trade association with 80 percent of the revenue it directs during the year to promote, protect, and preserve that very industry.

Next year’s show will be held Jan. 20–23. See you there.

Chris Dolnack is Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer for the National Shooting Sports Foundation. Follow him on Twitter at @ChrisDolnack.

Thanks to the 2014 SHOT Show Sponsors for Their Steadfast Support

The 2014 SHOT Show was very fortunate to have so many dedicated sponsors contribute to this record-setting year. For many of our sponsors, this is not the first time they have stepped up.

Outdoor Channel marked its fourth consecutive year as the show’s Pinnacle Sponsor, the highest sponsorship level associated with the show. Outdoor Channel’s unprecedented support of the 2014 SHOT Show demonstrates the company’s unwavering commitment to the outdoor industry and all that the industry’s premier trade show stands for.

Daniel Defense returned this year with some creative elements including Venetian and Palazzo room key cards and pub-style tables near food vendors to facilitate quick meals and short meetings — not to mention the Daniel Defense-branded staircase in the main entry area to the Sands Expo.

Thanks, too, to Caracal for providing the shuttle service between the neighboring hotels and the show, saving many the time and money associated with taxi lines.

GunBroker.com continued to be an extraordinary partner of NSSF and the SHOT Show, sponsoring the NSSF Member Lounge and Business Center. GunBroker.com is a great example of an NSSF member that makes the extra effort to help grow hunting and the shooting sports.

Also returning was ArmaLite as the title sponsor of the SHOT Show mobile app. This show-navigation technology enriches the SHOT Show experience for buyers and attendees and we greatly appreciate ArmaLite’s support in this effort.

Ram Trucks returned as the official truck of SHOT Show for the third year running.

Smith & Wesson provided generous support as the Platinum Level Education Sponsor for the industry’s largest professional development opportunity for firearms retailers — SHOT Show University.

Sincere thanks to all of our sponsors that contribute to all of the elements that ensure the continued success of the SHOT Show, your industry’s premier trade show.

Chris Dolnack is Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer for the National Shooting Sports Foundation. Follow him on Twitter at @ChrisDolnack. 

12 Tips to Get the Most Out of the 2014 SHOT Show

Are you ready? The SHOT Show is almost here! Here’s a list of the top 12 items you can check off. Introduce yourself to the offerings by watching this brief video, first.

1. It’s your last chance to book your travel plans with onPeak, the official housing partner of the SHOT Show. Its hotel rate-guarantee deadline closes tomorrow, Wednesday, Dec. 11. SHOT Show provides two sources for special hotel room opportunities; one is direct with the Venetian/Palazzo, and the other is through onPeak, the official housing partner of the SHOT Show and the service provider directly linked to the SHOT Show website for all hotels besides the Venetian/Palazzo. To view or book available hotel/travel deals through onPeak, click here or call 800-388-8104. To view or book available hotel rooms at the Venetian/Palazzo, you may do so by clicking here or calling 866-580-1198.

2. Tell us if you are hosting celebrities in January. Log in to the Exhibitor Listing Dashboard and let us know about celebrity appearances or other special events you are planning at your booth. Follow the provided screenshots to inform us of celebrity appearances.

3. Register for SHOT Show University on Monday, Jan. 13. A limited amount of seats are available. Offered each year on the day before the SHOT Show opens, SHOT Show University, with a theme of Aiming for Excellence, is a day of seminars specifically tailored to the needs of those in the firearm retail business.  Check out our speaker spotlights from Chip Bell and Dan Mann.

4. Find the retail seminars you need to attend. Retailers, Patrick Shay gives you an inside look at these scheduled sessions. Stay tuned for the follow-up and get the run-down of what should be on your schedule! We are offering a dozen courses (at cost) during the SHOT Show, all designed to increase your retailing expertise, make your operations more profitable and keep our industry strong. You can view the full schedule of speakers and topics here. Seating is limited, and classes are filling up fast. Don’t miss out!

5. Reserve the ultimate dining experience. Check out our “SHOT on a Dime” restaurant guide aimed to help you find quality meals in Las Vegas for $50 or less. If you are dining on a budget, you can even choose from dining options of $25 or less. No matter your cuisine preference or desired location, you’ll find all sorts of selections.

6. Work smarter, not harder! First, download the mobile app, sponsored by ArmaLite. Then, use the My Show Planner online aid to navigate the show floor, keep track of appointments and find new products and services, among other conveniences. You can review the entire SHOT Show layout, search for exhibitors, find specials, search for brands and much more. You can even map out your own planned schedule and route!

7.  Learn about the scheduled Law Enforcement Education Seminars (LEEP). NSSF has partnered with Law Officer magazine to present a quality education program for law enforcement professionals at the 2014 SHOT Show®. These are free for our LEEP sponsors.

8. Catch up on all three segments of the SHOT Show Exhibitor Webinar series, available online in the Exhibitor Resource Center under Exhibitor Education and News.

9. Get to know this year’s pinnacle sponsor, Outdoor Channel.

10. Meet the  new management team. You can read all of the bios, here. The firearms, exhibition and event industries, as well as the Las Vegas business community, continue to respond positively to the selection of Las Vegas-based ConvExx as our new SHOT Show management company.

11. Become an NSSF member. As the owner of the industry’s largest trade show, NSSF rolls out the red carpet for its members at the SHOT Show. Members receive discounted booth space, five extra booth-priority points when exhibiting, early notification on registration and hotel accommodations, access to the NSSF Member Lounge and Member Business Center and more. NSSF is currently offering a SHOT Show special for range and retailer memberships, starting as low as $50.

12. Get social. Follow us and subscribe to get the latest SHOT Show updates. Like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter (@nssfshotshow) and join the official SHOT Show group on LinkedIn. Also, be sure utilize the #SHOTShow hashtag to ensure your social media communications are being seen by all who follow the show online. Another way to keep up-to-date is to subscribe to NSSF’s Bullet Points e-newsletter, which delivers a weekly roundup of industry happenings.

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

SHOT Show Thanks Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority for its ‘Silver’ Support

We at NSSF are extremely thankful for the support of the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA) , which is a Silver Endorsement Sponsor for the 2013 SHOT Show.

We are thrilled to have the LVCVA as one of our core sponsors at this year’s show. Each year, Las Vegas provides a warm welcome and outstanding hospitality for our industry and the SHOT Show. We are very pleased to have their support.

With its sponsorship, LVCVA joins Outdoor Channel (a Pinnacle-level sponsor), GunBroker.com, ArmaLite and the Ram Truck brand as major supporters of the SHOT Show.

Ram Truck Brand Returns as Official Truck of SHOT Show

We are thrilled to have Ram Truck brand return as the official truck of SHOT Show. The Ram Truck brand is synonymous with the rugged, outdoor lifestyle that SHOT Show-exhibiting companies celebrate. Their products and gear are right at home in a Ram truck.

At the 2013 SHOT Show, four Ram 1500 truck models will be on display in two prime exhibit locations, taking full advantage of the promotional opportunities offered by the newly remodeled Sands Expo lobby. In addition, as the official truck of the SHOT Show, Ram will be promoted through the show’s social media outlets.

With its sponsorship, the Ram Truck brand joins Pinnacle-level sponsor Outdoor Channel, ArmaLite and GunBroker.com as major supporters of the SHOT Show.

Read NSSF’s press release.

ArmaLite Returns as Title Sponsor of SHOT Mobile App

ArmaLiteArmaLite Inc., the internationally known manufacturer of AR-10, M-15, AR-30 and AR-50 rifles, has again signed on as the title sponsor of SHOT Mobile for the 2013 SHOT Show®.

SHOT Show attendees will find the SHOT Mobile app an invaluable tool for searching exhibitors, navigating the show floor via interactive maps, finding new products, learning about show specials, viewing the show’s education schedule such as for SHOT Show® UniversitySM, setting up appointments with exhibitors, requesting callbacks and finding show services.

We’re excited to have ArmaLite return as our partner for SHOT Mobile. It’s fitting that a company that prides itself in product technology innovation is sponsoring the navigation technology that will enhance the SHOT Show experience for our buyers and attendees. With its renewed sponsorship, ArmaLite joins pinnacle sponsor Outdoor Channel as major industry supporters of the SHOT Show.

“The 2012 SHOT Mobile app was successful beyond all our expectations. The traffic it drove to ArmaLite’s booth, and the resulting sales, proved the app’s efficacy. From what we’ve already seen, the 2013 SHOT Mobile app will be even better,” said ArmaLite president Mark Westrom.

Learn more about the mobile app by going to the SHOT Mobile website and while you are there, sign up to be notified when the 2013 SHOT Mobile app is ready to download to your smartphone.

Ram Truck Brand Named Official Truck of 2012 SHOT Show

Two weeks ago I tweeted a teaser about Ram Trucks joining us as a sponsor, and today I’m thrilled to officially announce that Ram Trucks is now the official truck of the 2012 SHOT Show®.

The new Ram Outdoorsman will be on display in the Sands Expo lobby when the 2012 SHOT Show opens on Jan. 17 and the Ram Truck booth, located on Level 2 of the convention center, will also showcase a custom Ram truck.

With its sponsorship, the Ram Truck Brand joins Outdoor Channel, Budweiser, ArmaLite and GunBroker.com as major supporters of the SHOT Show. These sponsors help to make the SHOT Show the best possible experience for our participants so be sure to stop by and thank them for their support of our industry and our show.