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
Overview:
The award-winning Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) goes the extra mile to make every day extraordinary by offering customer service excellence and industry-leading partnerships. From their dedicated in-house Rigging team to their robust Exhibitor Services, The Center of Hospitality brings your imagination to life by helping you host unforgettable meetings and events. With more than 2 million square feet of exhibit space, world-class services and a dream destination, we are committed to making even the most ambitious conventions a reality.
In October 2023, the Orange County Board of County Commissioners voted to approve allocating Tourist Development Tax funding for the $560 million Phase 5A completion of the OCCC. The Convention Way Grand Concourse project will include enhancements to the North-South Building, featuring an additional 60,000 square feet of meeting space, an 80,000- square-foot ballroom and new entry to the North-South Building along Convention Way.
“We are thrilled to begin work on completing our North-South Building which will allow us to meet the growing needs of our clients,” said OCCC Executive Director Mark Tester. “As an economic driver for the community, this project will provide the Center with connectivity and meeting space to host more events and continue to infuse the local economy with new money and expanding business opportunities.”
Amenities:
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OCCC Events:
This fiscal year, the OCCC is projected to host 168 events, 1.7 million attendees, and $2.9 billion in economic impact.
The Center’s top five events during their 2022-2023 fiscal year included:
AAU Jr. National Volleyball Championships 2023
200,000 Attendees
$257 Million in Economic Impact
MEGACON 2023
160,000 Attendees
$205 Million in Economic Impact
Open Championship Series 2023
69,500 Attendees
$89 Million in Economic Impact
Sunshine Classic 2023
42,000 Attendees
$54 Million in Economic Impact
Premiere Orlando 2023
42,000 Attendees
$108 Million in Economic Impact
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