30th Annual Shot Show Feb. 2-5
From February 2-5, the Las Vegas Convention Center hosts the 30th Annual Shooting, Hunting, Outdoor Trade Show and Conference (SHOT Show). The Shot Show is the largest and most comprehensive trade show for the shooting sports and hunting industries. It is the world’s premier exposition of combined firearms, ammunition, archery, cutlery, outdoor apparel, optics, camping and related products and services. The SHOT Show attracts buyers from all 50 states and more than 75 countries. The SHOT Show is owned and sponsored by the National Shooting Sports Foundation. While the SHOT Show is not for the general public, if you have contacts with a manufacturer, it’s not that difficult to wrangle an invitation.
2008 Shot Show Schedule
Las Vegas Convention Center
Saturday, February 2, 2008 8:30 am – 5:30 pm
Sunday, February 3, 2008 8:30 am – 5:30 pm
Monday, February 4, 2008 8:30 am – 5:30 pm
Tuesday, February 5, 2008 8:30 am – 4:00 pm
Make Those Reservations Now
If you plan to attend, but haven’t booked your transport or hotel yet, don’t delay. Many of the major hotels have already sold out. The NFL Super Bowl is on Feb. 3, and many fans will be in Las Vegas from the 2nd through the 4th. There are also many other major trade shows scheduled for the same weekend.
Tips for First-Time SHOT Show Attendees
SHOT Show is huge. To see it all, you will be on your feet for hours on end. Bring comfortable shoes, and it’s a good idea to have a small, portable, rolling cart to hold brochures and samples. Definitely bring a cell phone, as the displays are so numerous and crowds so thick that you can be 30 feet from a friend or associate and not see them. On the show floor, cameras are restricted to Press, but bring a small, digital camera anyway for use after hours.
EXHIBITOR LIST with BOOTH Assignments
Before you even hit the floor you need an action plan. Get the show brochure with sitemaps and immediately identify the key booths you want to visit (EXHIBITOR LIST). Hit those first and try to set up appointments in the morning. Schedules get pushed back late in the day. It’s a good idea to bring your own box lunch in a backpack or shoulder bag. Concession stand food is expensive and not very tasty.
