SHOT Show Scores Record Attendance Again at Sands Expo in Las Vegas
January 20, 2013
The Shooting, Hunting and Outdoor Trade Show broke attendance records once again this year at the Sands Expo & Convention Center in Las Vegas.
The SHOT Show, owned and sponsored by the National Shooting Sports Foundation, attracted a record overall attendance of 62,371, including a new high for buyers and more than 2,000 media representatives.
There also were 1,600-plus exhibitors who filled booth space that covered 630,000 net square feet. The show, which is a trade-only event, attracted industry professionals from all 50 states and 100 countries.
With the show taking place during a time of heightened national attention about firearms ownership and potential legislation, NSSF President and CEO Steve Sanetti addressed more than 1,800 industry leaders at the State of the Industry Dinner.
“I don’t think many of those who disagree with what we do appreciate the many things we’ve done to advocate personal responsibility with firearms,” Sanetti said.
He added, “Ours is a responsible industry that makes and sells lawful products to law-abiding citizens. They in turn exercise their constitutional right to own, use and enjoy firearms safely and responsibly for all lawful purposes.”
The busy showfloor reflected the $4.1 billion firearms and ammunition industry, which “supports many small businesses and helps preserve the more than 200,000 jobs associated with the shooting sports,” according to NSSF officials.
In addition, the organization added significantly to its membership ranks at the show, pushing its overall total of supporters to more than 8,300, they added.
The show, produced by Reed Exhibitions, received high marks from attendees and exhibitors alike.
“The SHOT Show is the springboard for every new product that we introduce each year,” said Exhibitor Frank Devlin of Otis Technology.
He added, “It gives industry the opportunity to see our new products and allows us to get feedback from them to know that we are heading in the right direction.”
Retired NSSF President Doug Painter was honored with the Professional Outdoor Media Association-NSSF Grits Gresham Shooting Sports Communicator Award for “extraordinary achievements in communications in support of hunting’s heritage and firearms freedoms.”
In conjunction with the SHOT Show, NSSF sponsored the PGA Charities’ Birdies for the Brave golf tournament that raised $100,000 for groups that provide support for injured armed service veterans.
The SHOT Show will return Jan. 14-17 to the Sands.
Partner Voices
Dallas already boasts 35,000 hotel rooms, award-winning global cuisine, and a walkable downtown. But we are just getting started.
Visit Dallas is thrilled to announce that the city of Dallas is doubling down with a massive new convention center and entertainment district. Featuring 800,000 square feet of exhibit area, 260,000 square feet of meeting rooms, and 170,000 square feet of ballroom. The center will connect business travelers with dining and shopping options in the popular Cedars District means more places to get down to business, and even more ways to unwind.
“Dallas is already a great meetings and conventions destination, with the accessibility of two major airports, affordable labor, and an outstanding hotel product,” said D. Bradley Kent, Visit Dallas senior vice president and chief sales officer. “The new center and Convention Center District will enhance Dallas’ competitive position and are exactly what our customers’ need and have been asking for."
What’s New – AT&T Discovery District
Located in the heart of Downtown Dallas, this new district on the AT&T corporate campus is tailor-made for groups of all sizes. It boasts a multi-sensory experience, including outdoor event space, the AT&T Theater, and multiple dining outlets including JAXON Beer Garden and The Exchange, a bustling food hall.
Hotels Coming Soon
Names like the JW Marriott (Downtown), lnterContinental Dallas (Uptown), and Hotel Swexan (Uptown) are adding luxury amenities and bountiful event spaces. The projects will debut in 2023 and beyond.
JW Marriott
This new, 15-story, 283-room hotel will open in the heart of the city’s downtown Arts District this year. The property features a 25,000-square-foot grand ballroom, as well as a spa, restaurant, lobby bar, fitness center, and a rooftop pool deck and bar.
InterContinental Dallas
Located in Cityplace Tower in Uptown, InterContinental Dallas will feature sweeping panoramic views of the Dallas skyline. Guests will enjoy spacious, high-end rooms and amenities, including more than 21,000 square feet of event space.
Hotel Swexan
Hotel Swexan, a new, 22-story luxury property, is rising in Uptown’s Harwood District and will make its mark on the Dallas skyline. Opening this year, it is a sculptural building with cantilevered upper floors, as well as a 75-foot rooftop infinity-edge swimming pool and a hidden underground lounge.
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