Skipping the SHOT Show...?

[mohavesam]

Well we've officially decided to skip the SHOT show this year.
Talking amongst friends, I've heard several long-time attendees are also saying no to the marketing and huge price increases. One big store nearby is skipping it for the first time in 23 years!

NSSF made a 40% jump for buyers and they want $175 for non-purchasing people. Plus most hotels are not offering any significant discounts for NSSF attendees... WTH? This gets pretty expensive if you have more than one or two attendees, especially when any buyer can do most of the show online anyway.
These factors plus the new rules prevent any sales of show stock like in the past - during and even after the show. As a result lots of displays will be pared down to avoid the costs of trucking everything back home, especially the heavy items.

Anyone else staying away?

 

[contender]

Nope, still going.

 

[Bear Paw Jack]

I've missed the last two or three years, was planning on going this year but life has too much going on. Maybe next year. Hopefully they will decide if they want to put on a large show or a smaller one. I suspect the numbers will be down, but it will still be crowded.

 

[Ale-8(1)]

I've heard they will no longer admit anyone to the show who is not an exhibitor and has "purchased booth space".

Any truth to that?

 

[Jim Puke]

I've heard they will no longer admit anyone to the show who is not an exhibitor and has "purchased booth space".

Any truth to that?

I have heard the same.

 

[Bear Paw Jack]

That would be new. In the past you have to be involved in the industry to get in. Working for a manufacturer or being an FFL, purchasing agent, maybe government, military, police, or even someone like Walmart, Cabelas, etc. Something along that line.

 

[Pat-inCO]

I'm not sure if my LGS guys are going or not. Last year they ordered over
a million (no, not a misspelling) dollars of product, and almost half of it
still has not been delivered. You can do at least that good online.

I think the glimmer has gone from that gathering. :roll:

 

[contender]

You do not have to have a booth. You do have to be associated with the industry. There are rules as to what is & isn't allowed.

 

[H-marlin]

I'm a member of NSSF and it cost me $35 to register and my wife is free as a spouse.

If the glimmer is gone from that show, why are they setting attendance records every year?

 

[frustrated middle child]

here are the fees for registration. it is very much dependant upon your position - Qualified buyer, Media, industry professional.

http://shotshow.org/new-registration-fees-2015/

 

[Ale-8(1)]

Thanks, FMC.

'Twould appear there is no "booth requirement" in place.