Oops. I must have overslept and missed my deplaning at Vegas. This looks like Paris.
As you read this I’m wandering the aisles of the Sands Expo and Convention Center in beautiful Las Vegas. Although Las Vegas is what many consider to be a great playground getaway, I’d much rather be exploring the deserts surrounding this entertainment metropolis scouting for new coyote or deer hunting haunts. Nevertheless, SHOT Show is a necessary event to cement my income for the year while meeting and planning with my peers in the industry. It is also unfortunately, off limits to most of you, at least if you fall into the category of the “general public.”
What is SHOT Show? It is the world’s, yes a global giant, premier showcase of firearms, ammunition, archery, cutlery, outdoor apparel, optics, camping, tactical and any related product to the outdoors. In short, it’s where many companies reveal the latest and greatest for the coming year. Sporting goods stores and other buyers visit the show to see the new products and place their order for the year. The show attracts buyers from all 50 states and more than 75 countries, and is owned and sponsored by the National Shooting Sports Foundation.
If you think a Cabela’s is like dying and going to heaven, you’d better meet with your doctor for an anxiety-relieving prescription. SHOT Show is like a Cabela’s store on mega steroids.
Nearly 50,000 visitors and more than 1,700 exhibitors all cram into a 707,000 square-foot facility. You literally can hike for miles each day up and down the floor if you don’t have a planned map of your meetings. In addition, more than 1,400 media cover the event including yours truly. I learned several years back to leave my cowboy boots at home to avoid sore feet from all the hoofing.
Yes, SHOT Show is a literally an outdoorsman’s Disney World. Plus, Vegas has more options for entertainment than lobbyists offer our congressional delegates. Regardless, I always appreciate the drive home down my gravel road after a visit to Sin City.
Mark Kayser
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Have a safe and fun trip. Hope you will find some cool new innovations to pass on from your visit.