NSSF Terminates Reed Exhibition's SHOT Show Management Contract

May 8, 2013

The National Shooting Sports Foundation, owner of the SHOT (Shooting, Hunting and Outdoor Trade) Show, has terminated its contract with Reed Exhibitions to produce and manage the event, effective immediately.

An NSSF statement read: “Reed Exhibitions provided excellent service to NSSF and the customers of the SHOT Show for more than three decades, however, the company's decision to restrict the sale of certain types of firearms this year at its consumer hunting and fishing show - an event unrelated to NSSF and the SHOT Show - was in conflict with NSSF's mission to serve the shooting sports industry. As a result, both organizations decided it was in the best interest of the SHOT Show to end their relationship.”

In January, Reed decided to ban assault weapons and high-capacity magazines at its Eastern Sports and Outdoor Show and there was an ensuing outcry not only from exhibitors and the National Rifle Association, but also NSSF.

Chet Burchett, Reed Exhibitions president for the Americas, said at the time, “Our original decision not to include certain products in the Eastern Sports and Outdoor Show this year was made in order to preserve the event’s historical focus on the hunting and fishing traditions enjoyed by American families.”

The Eastern Sports and Outdoor Show was scheduled to run Feb. 2-10 at the Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex & Expo Center in Harrisburg, Penn., but was canceled.

Burchett added at the time, “It has become very clear to us after speaking with our customers that the event could not be held because the atmosphere of this year’s show would not be conducive to an event that is designed to provide family enjoyment.”

The National Shooting Sports Foundation also released a statement about Reed’s ban decision, indicating they had been in “frank discussions with Reed Exhibitions management in an effort to reverse this unacceptable decision” regarding the ban, adding “these discussions reached an impasse.”
 

In addition, NSSF officials said the organization was not affiliated with the Eastern Sports and Outdoor Show.

“Reed Exhibitions does, however, manage the NSSF-owned SHOT Show (though Reed manages the SHOT Show, all SHOT Show decisions, policies and actions are made at NSSF’s direction).” NSSF officials added at the time, “Because of Reed’s recent actions, NSSF is considering all options regarding the management of future SHOT Shows.”

Several months later, NSSF and Reed have decided to part ways, and the National Rifle Association now will be producing a show in the time slot previously held by the Eastern Sports and Outdoor Show.

“NSSF is actively engaged in the process of identifying a new show management company to manage and produce the SHOT Show beginning with the 2014 SHOT Show,” according to NSSF officials.

SHOT Show ranked No. 24 on the 2012 TSNN Top 250 trade show ranking and was held this year at the Sands Expo & Convention Center in Las Vegas, drawing a record 62,371 attendees.

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Less than six months ago, Lisa Messina joined the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA) as the first-ever chief sales officer after leading the sales team at Caesars Entertainment. A 12-year Las Vegas resident, Messina is a graduate of Cornell University’s School of Hotel Administration and serves on MPI International’s board of directors. TSNN had a chance to catch up with this dynamic leader and talk to her about her vision for the new role, current shifts in the trade show industry, creating more diversity and equity within the organization, and advice to future female leaders. Lisa Messina, Chief Sales Officer, LVCVA With Las Vegas becoming The Greatest Arena on EarthTM, what are some of the things you’re most excited about in your role? 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Scheduled to debut in Q4, Fontainebleau Las Vegas will offer 3,700 hotel rooms and 550,000 square feet of meeting and convention space next to LVCC.  What are some of the plans for advancing DEI (diversity, equity and inclusion) within your organization? We’re currently partnering with instead of working with a leading consulting firm, to lay the foundation and create a solid DEI plan and be the leader when it comes to DEI initiatives. The heart of that journey with the consulting firm is also talking to our customers about their strategic approaches to DEI and driving innovation in this space.  What are your favorite ways to recharge? My husband and I have an RV and we’re outdoorsy people. So, while we have over 150,000 world-class hotel rooms and renowned restaurants right outside our doorstep, one of my favorite things to do is get out to Red Rock Canyon, the Valley of Fire, and Lake Mead. Five of the top national parks are within a three-hour drive from Las Vegas, so there’s a lot you can do. We love balancing the energy of Las Vegas with nature, and we’re noticing that a lot of attendees add activities off the Strip when they come here.  Valley of Fire What advice would you give to women following leadership paths in destination marketing? I think it’s about being laser-focused on what you want to accomplish; building a team around you that lifts you and helps you achieve your goals; and being humble and realizing that you do it as a group. No one gets this done alone. Thankfully, there are a lot of women in leadership in this organization, in our customers’ organizations, and in this city that we can be really proud of. We’re a formidable force that is making things happen.   This interview has been edited and condensed. This article is exclusively sponsored by the Las Vegas Convention & Visitors Authority. For more information, visit HERE.