Guns and Hunting

Over 50,000 Americans Descend on Vegas for This Giant Gun Show

National Shooting Sports Foundation Hosts Annual Trade Show In Las Vegas
2018 Getty Images / Getty Images News via Getty Images

The SHOT show in Las Vegas is the world’s premier event for shooting, hunting, and outdoor industries. It’s a huge deal, drawing tens of thousands of attendees from all over the world. We’ll cover what exactly happens at the SHOT show and why it’s so popular below.

We scrounged through the SHOT show’s website and read reviews from professionals who go every year to bring you a look into what this giant event is really about. 

Let’s get started:

Why We’re Covering This

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This trade show drives several industries.

SHOT show is an event. It’s massive and draws in thousands of attendees each year. It’s a driving force in the gun and outdoor industry, which has a significant economy impact. Several states have multi-billion dollar gun economies, and this trade show only drives that further. 

What is the SHOT Show?

Las Vegas, Nevada | Aerial view of Las Vegas strip in Nevada
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The SHOT Show is always in Las Vegas.

The SHOT Show is the largest trade show in the world for the shooting, hunting, and outdoor industries, held annually in Las Vegas. “SHOT” stands for “Shooting, hunting, and outdoor trade show.”

Who Goes to the Shot Show?

National Shooting Sports Foundation Hosts Annual Trade Show In Las Vegas
2018 Getty Images / Getty Images News via Getty Images
This trade show is popular with law enforcement and the military.

The SHOT Show isn’t a gun show. It’s a trade show for industry professionals, including law enforcement and military personnel.

Exhibitor Presence

National Shooting Sports Foundation Hosts Annual Trade Show In Las Vegas
2018 Getty Images / Getty Images News via Getty Images
This trade show is easily one of the largest for these industries.

There are over 2,000 exhibitors showcasing their latest products, which range from firearms to outdoor gear. 

Spotlight on Innovation

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Law enforcement professionals often look at the newest firearms and tactical gear at the SHOT Show.

The SHOT Show is a hub for product launches, with many companies unveiling their newest technology and designs at this show. 

Networking Opportunities

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This trade show allows professionals to meet with each other.

Attendees can connect with key players in their industry, allowing them to form new partnerships and expand their professional network. 

Educational Seminars

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Educational classes are another thing the SHOT Show offers.

The event also offers education sessions, which cover everything from industry trends to business strategies. 

Law Enforcement Focus

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Many companies focus on law enforcement and military professionals at this show.

A significant portion of the show is dedicated to law enforcement and tactical gear. Many companies cater to the needs of police, military, and security professionals. 

Media Coverage

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Even if you can’t attend, there is often media at the trade show to provide some coverage.

The SHOT Show also garners extensive media coverage, with journalists and content creators from around the world coming to cover the latest industry developments. 

Exclusive Access

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You must be an industry expert to attend the SHOT show.

You can’t just walk into the SHOT Show. You must be invited and considered an industry professional to go. 

Economic Impact

Money
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This trade show has a significant impact on the economy.

As you might guess, so many people in the same place at the same time have a huge economic impact on Las Vegas. Plus, there is also a wider impact within the outdoor and dun industries. 

Safety

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Because so many firearms are around, there are serious safety steps everyone is required to take.

The SHOT Show has strict regulations and compliance measures to keep everyone who is attending safe. With so many guns around, this is especially important. 

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