Redlg155
Member
Ok..The shot show not being open to the public I understand to a certain extent. Still..it seems like the promoters are making a killing on renting out space at the shot show.
$5000 a day..for 3 Days!!
Good Shooting
Red
SHOT Show Attendance?
- Thread starter Higgins
- Start date
- Status
Ok..The shot show not being open to the public I understand to a certain extent. Still..it seems like the promoters are making a killing on renting out space at the shot show.
$5000 a day..for 3 Days!!
Good Shooting
Red
Gila Jorge
Member
I used to have an FFL and did a lot of custom work with shotguns for skeet and trap shooters. I would go to the SHOT show and would be treated like crap and was given a ration of it when entering. I did a lot of big numbers but not volume. Engraving and fitting and custom choking work primarily. That did NOT satisfy many. Its a nice show for anyone in the indsutry but alas many "Oregon" type attitudes were prevalent.
The truth story has gotta be told........ My friend and I were registered as "Sales Reps" for a small, popular rifle manufacturer (who shall remain nameless) Since we each "owned" one of his expensive rifles and we did "tell" everyone to buy one and we let "anyone" who wanted, to fire a round or two of .50 at the range, sales reps we is! With the special Shot Show badges in hand off we went for our big day. You can't possibly see the whole show in a day, but we did it. (Even though dave had about 15 shots of tequilla the night before while gambling all his money away.) As far as wasting the companies time I don't agree. First thing they do is look at your badge and see who you are and what you do, and trust me, having "SALES REP" on your badge doesn't get you the time of day! If a company didn't look busy we'd hang and ask questions but we didn't bother or harass any of you serious business people doing serious business stuff. We did look at and fondle the display guns like kimbers and rugers and colts. We did see some old friends. We did make some new friends. We had a great time.
stellarpod
Member
Thank you Spark for a polite, insightful explanation - far from what we were treated to by one of the earlier posters.
I show at several Oil/Gas tradeshows during the year (I'm a marketing manager for an oi/gas valve manufacturer). These shows are intended to allow distribution and end-users to see the latest technology and strike deals when possible. I can only imagine what the shows would be like if the general public was allowed in every day.
BUT, several of these shows DO allow the general public (school children and all...) in on the last day. WHY? Because they understand that it's important to try to cultivate an understanding of our business in the general public - especially in these days when oil, and related companies, are portrayed in the media as the evil, rich, polluting bad guys (sound familiar?). I will grant you that it is somewhat of a pain to deal with that last day, and none of us really expect to do a heck of a lot of business then. But I respect the intent and try to accommodate as many "unlearned" questions as I can.
Now, I promise you that we pay AT LEAST as much money per square foot as the SHOT show charges. And contrary to what the general perception might be, not EVERYONE who's connected with the oil/gas business is rolling in dough. The company I represent at these shows is a small, family owned business. We live or die amongst the mega-corporate manufacturers based upon very slim margins and a level of service that they've long since forgotten. But, we bite the bullet, pay our way and do our part at these shows because we understand that the "non-player" who's "stupid" question we answer today just might be our customer tomorrow.
Perhaps SHOT could do a similar thing - even reducing the lease rate on the last "open-to-the-public" day. Of course, that would require that the organizers understand that it's important to foster goodwill with the general public. But, of course we all know that the gun business has no image problem, right?
stellarpod
I show at several Oil/Gas tradeshows during the year (I'm a marketing manager for an oi/gas valve manufacturer). These shows are intended to allow distribution and end-users to see the latest technology and strike deals when possible. I can only imagine what the shows would be like if the general public was allowed in every day.
BUT, several of these shows DO allow the general public (school children and all...) in on the last day. WHY? Because they understand that it's important to try to cultivate an understanding of our business in the general public - especially in these days when oil, and related companies, are portrayed in the media as the evil, rich, polluting bad guys (sound familiar?). I will grant you that it is somewhat of a pain to deal with that last day, and none of us really expect to do a heck of a lot of business then. But I respect the intent and try to accommodate as many "unlearned" questions as I can.
Now, I promise you that we pay AT LEAST as much money per square foot as the SHOT show charges. And contrary to what the general perception might be, not EVERYONE who's connected with the oil/gas business is rolling in dough. The company I represent at these shows is a small, family owned business. We live or die amongst the mega-corporate manufacturers based upon very slim margins and a level of service that they've long since forgotten. But, we bite the bullet, pay our way and do our part at these shows because we understand that the "non-player" who's "stupid" question we answer today just might be our customer tomorrow.
Perhaps SHOT could do a similar thing - even reducing the lease rate on the last "open-to-the-public" day. Of course, that would require that the organizers understand that it's important to foster goodwill with the general public. But, of course we all know that the gun business has no image problem, right?
stellarpod
NewShooter78
Member
It should probably be renamed to the SHOT Convention. After my last job as a buyer for a music instrument retailer, I know the values of a closed-to-the-public convention, but as a die hard musician I also love to go to merchandise shows as well. It is hard to get time with manufacturers/distributors (but a lot easier when you are a buyer!) at a convention without trying to wade through the general public, and I think it would be bad in a way because dealers/manuf. would probably end up ignoring much of the "visitors" so they could talk with the people who will be making purchases that day or soon there after.
It would be nice if there was a last day that was open to the public, but then that would probably mean it would end up being a 4 day affair instead of 3, and as we all know that would mean more money for the people with displays. And I also know that local gun shows don't hold a candle to a true industry show, so maybe something else is needed besides the already established alternatives?
I know to some it sounds elitist, especially the way some have posted, but there is a need for a closed door show like this. Don't forget that retailers rely on you to stay in business, and I know that they aren't lost on this either.
It would be nice if there was a last day that was open to the public, but then that would probably mean it would end up being a 4 day affair instead of 3, and as we all know that would mean more money for the people with displays. And I also know that local gun shows don't hold a candle to a true industry show, so maybe something else is needed besides the already established alternatives?
I know to some it sounds elitist, especially the way some have posted, but there is a need for a closed door show like this. Don't forget that retailers rely on you to stay in business, and I know that they aren't lost on this either.
VaughnT
Member
I always wanted to go to the SHOT show, but the costs are great and I don't like to take time off work. As a consumer, the variety of stuff to see would definitely make money leave my wallet.
However, after reading some lucid comments from professionals in the business, I can understand your position and will refrain from attending SHOT in the future. I'm a consumer, not a reseller, and you're right. I would get in the way.
Maybe this NRA convention would be nice, but take a vacation? Spend all that Money? I just don't know.
However, after reading some lucid comments from professionals in the business, I can understand your position and will refrain from attending SHOT in the future. I'm a consumer, not a reseller, and you're right. I would get in the way.
Maybe this NRA convention would be nice, but take a vacation? Spend all that Money? I just don't know.
Not my deal, but if I was one of the SHOT Show honchos, I'd run the numbers on getting the facility committed for another 2 days, talk the vendors into staffing their booths for another 2 days at no extra charge, and open the facility up to the public for a follow-on HIT Show. The admission would be $25-$50 at the door each day. The vendors could do whatever they wanted as far as handing out literature, etc., and the attendees could see what the SHOT Show was all about.
It would help the vendors because they could get feedback from all us hairpins about what we want on a new turbo plinker, and all that stuff. Instead of assigning their top level staff that handled the SHOT Show, they could give the upcoming Curly, Larry, and Moe the opportunity to mess with their base market.
Make it over a weekend so the host city would be amenable to getting all the tourist bucks, because if you think the gun nuts are going to go without taking their families, then you're the gun nut of the family not the spouse, etc., and THEY are going to say "Okay, but if you think you're going without us, you're really nuts."
Then I'd run the numbers on keeping the facility for another day for what would be called the MISSED Show. Admission would be free, but any attendee would have to agree to work to clean the place up, uhh I mean help the vendors disassemble their booths, pack their stuff, and boogie. Just think! Attendees would get to move and handle the boxes and crates the stuff goes into! They'd be rewarded with an attractive embossed pin that says
SHOT
HIT
MISSED
groupie
And the pins themselves would become valuable collector's items as well as a treasured momento of the rewarding time spent interfacing DIRECTLY with those who make the toys we all want.
Seriously....
It would help the vendors because they could get feedback from all us hairpins about what we want on a new turbo plinker, and all that stuff. Instead of assigning their top level staff that handled the SHOT Show, they could give the upcoming Curly, Larry, and Moe the opportunity to mess with their base market.
Make it over a weekend so the host city would be amenable to getting all the tourist bucks, because if you think the gun nuts are going to go without taking their families, then you're the gun nut of the family not the spouse, etc., and THEY are going to say "Okay, but if you think you're going without us, you're really nuts."
Then I'd run the numbers on keeping the facility for another day for what would be called the MISSED Show. Admission would be free, but any attendee would have to agree to work to clean the place up, uhh I mean help the vendors disassemble their booths, pack their stuff, and boogie. Just think! Attendees would get to move and handle the boxes and crates the stuff goes into! They'd be rewarded with an attractive embossed pin that says
SHOT
HIT
MISSED
groupie
And the pins themselves would become valuable collector's items as well as a treasured momento of the rewarding time spent interfacing DIRECTLY with those who make the toys we all want.
Seriously....
It's not always THAT busy!
I've been a few times, there are at least a few vendors who will almost try to pull you in to their booth, as they are looking and feeling like the Maytag repairman. The gun biz ain't exactly BOOMING every year ya know! Sure, there are "looky lou" types who undoubtedly get in the way, but some companies' reps. treat virtually everybody not personally known to them rudely; that sort of thing is an eye-opener. From what I've observed, about 20-25% of the outfits there need to send their staff over to Mike Dillon's booth for a "seminar" in how to do business with their fellow human beings. I do occasionally wonder if all the money that is spent at these things--in addition to the obvious there's a bunch of "incidentals" like the open bar parties some companies throw, as well as trips to expensive restaurants and gentlemen's clubs for their "big" customers. And other "entertainment" venues I won't bother discussing here! Sometimes wonder how much cheaper a gun might be if there were no SHOT Show, the makers just stuck to buying ad space. But that wouldn't really be in the freewheeling spirit of American business would it? Besides the manufacturers need to get outta town and party just like anybody else, it's no coincidence the show is almost always held in a warm weather venue with lots to do at night!
I've been a few times, there are at least a few vendors who will almost try to pull you in to their booth, as they are looking and feeling like the Maytag repairman. The gun biz ain't exactly BOOMING every year ya know! Sure, there are "looky lou" types who undoubtedly get in the way, but some companies' reps. treat virtually everybody not personally known to them rudely; that sort of thing is an eye-opener. From what I've observed, about 20-25% of the outfits there need to send their staff over to Mike Dillon's booth for a "seminar" in how to do business with their fellow human beings. I do occasionally wonder if all the money that is spent at these things--in addition to the obvious there's a bunch of "incidentals" like the open bar parties some companies throw, as well as trips to expensive restaurants and gentlemen's clubs for their "big" customers. And other "entertainment" venues I won't bother discussing here! Sometimes wonder how much cheaper a gun might be if there were no SHOT Show, the makers just stuck to buying ad space. But that wouldn't really be in the freewheeling spirit of American business would it? Besides the manufacturers need to get outta town and party just like anybody else, it's no coincidence the show is almost always held in a warm weather venue with lots to do at night!
Trade shows (or conventions) are big business. The costs incured and the summs they generate are big enough to warp national politics. A good example of this is the last New Orleans SHOT, which literally compelled the Governer of LA of interfer in legislation and a federal lawsuit so that the managing company would not abandon it's intention of holding the show.
The Columbine shootings in Denver, which caused (among other things) the cancellation of the NRA Annual Meetings, cost the firearms industry tens of millions of dollars in unrecoverable fees. The loss of revenue from the convention also hurt Denver and Colorado.
A large part of my career has been trade show management and logistics for small business's. I have worked with hundreds of shows. Last years count was 18 in 7 countries.
The costs to a company (attendee) not only include such things as floor space rental, but also equiptment rentals, shipping and drayage fees, and fees for electrical use, carpeting, trash pick up, booth cleaning, hired help, employee wages and cost associated with their attendance, business entertainment, and gratuities paid to make sure everything happens in a timely manner.
The conventions are dominated by the local unions, and extortion runs high. I won't get into horror stories; anyone who has worked a show has experienced them.
There is a very strict timeline for any show facility. Most major facilities are booked years in advance. You want to know where the SHOT Show is going to be held for the next three years, and the dates. I can guarentee that the show management already knows this.
Why? Because the show is limited to the facilities it can use. It has outgrown all but 3 of the convention centers in the USA. (Folks complaining that it never comes to their state need to take close look at where they think it could be held.) On top of which, due to the amount of shipping involved it must be near a major air and ground hub.
It takes 3 days to set up the SHOT. It takes 2 days to tear it down. It takes one day to clear the facility, and then the next show starts setting up. To extend the show, even one day, would almost double the exhibiting cost. The longer the show, the more expensive it is. Also the higher the attendance the more costs rise. And when the show is limited by size to certain facilities costs can also be expected to be high. Expenses for the SHOT are about average. They are certainly less than those incured at TREXPO (electronics industry) or SEMICON (semiconductor industry). Overseas shows are substantially higher in fees.
Hidden costs (which a manufacturer needs to factor into the cost of the product) for these shows include the cost of the actual booth, the graphics displayed, storage of all the materials when not in use, maintenance of the materials, and costs incured by the company in planning the event. 200 man hours of planning is about average for a small manufacturer per show.
Additionally a large portion of those personnel staffing the booths are sales representatives. In many cases these are not employees of the company, but are in fact self employed. They are there to take advantage of the enviroment which brings them, company executives, and their clients into close proximity, and to write the orders on which they live. They attend the shows by paying their own way, hoping to do enough business to justify the expenses.
I find it amusing to note that attending the NRA show, which is held in the same location as this years SHOT show, which is free to the public to attend, and which will feature all of the same major manufacturers and many of the smaller ones in the industry, is considered to be a vacation, and not worthy of attendance by many of those who would attend the SHOT without a second thought.
FOLKS, LISTEN UP!
The industry every year works with it's major public organization (the NRA) to provide each and every one of you this oppurtunity. It is a horrendous cost to all of those who display, but gladly expended to provide you the opportunity to meet the companies representatives and see their products. This is your extended SHOT show, and every company that is physically able to attend does so, incuring the costs to provide the public wth what you keep saying you want. (And tragically attendance is so poor that it may be that this too will be lost to you).
If you have ever entertained the idea of going to the SHOT but not to the NRA, and you are not immediately involved in the firearms industry, you're lying to yourself. You are a wanna be, and a status seeker, hoping to be able to someday show off that you were a player. And worse than that, you did neither accepted or appreciated what the industry offered you. To top it off you couldn't even be bothered to help the major organization dedicated to helping to preserve your rights to own a firearm.
The Columbine shootings in Denver, which caused (among other things) the cancellation of the NRA Annual Meetings, cost the firearms industry tens of millions of dollars in unrecoverable fees. The loss of revenue from the convention also hurt Denver and Colorado.
A large part of my career has been trade show management and logistics for small business's. I have worked with hundreds of shows. Last years count was 18 in 7 countries.
The costs to a company (attendee) not only include such things as floor space rental, but also equiptment rentals, shipping and drayage fees, and fees for electrical use, carpeting, trash pick up, booth cleaning, hired help, employee wages and cost associated with their attendance, business entertainment, and gratuities paid to make sure everything happens in a timely manner.
The conventions are dominated by the local unions, and extortion runs high. I won't get into horror stories; anyone who has worked a show has experienced them.
There is a very strict timeline for any show facility. Most major facilities are booked years in advance. You want to know where the SHOT Show is going to be held for the next three years, and the dates. I can guarentee that the show management already knows this.
Why? Because the show is limited to the facilities it can use. It has outgrown all but 3 of the convention centers in the USA. (Folks complaining that it never comes to their state need to take close look at where they think it could be held.) On top of which, due to the amount of shipping involved it must be near a major air and ground hub.
It takes 3 days to set up the SHOT. It takes 2 days to tear it down. It takes one day to clear the facility, and then the next show starts setting up. To extend the show, even one day, would almost double the exhibiting cost. The longer the show, the more expensive it is. Also the higher the attendance the more costs rise. And when the show is limited by size to certain facilities costs can also be expected to be high. Expenses for the SHOT are about average. They are certainly less than those incured at TREXPO (electronics industry) or SEMICON (semiconductor industry). Overseas shows are substantially higher in fees.
Hidden costs (which a manufacturer needs to factor into the cost of the product) for these shows include the cost of the actual booth, the graphics displayed, storage of all the materials when not in use, maintenance of the materials, and costs incured by the company in planning the event. 200 man hours of planning is about average for a small manufacturer per show.
Additionally a large portion of those personnel staffing the booths are sales representatives. In many cases these are not employees of the company, but are in fact self employed. They are there to take advantage of the enviroment which brings them, company executives, and their clients into close proximity, and to write the orders on which they live. They attend the shows by paying their own way, hoping to do enough business to justify the expenses.
I find it amusing to note that attending the NRA show, which is held in the same location as this years SHOT show, which is free to the public to attend, and which will feature all of the same major manufacturers and many of the smaller ones in the industry, is considered to be a vacation, and not worthy of attendance by many of those who would attend the SHOT without a second thought.
FOLKS, LISTEN UP!
The industry every year works with it's major public organization (the NRA) to provide each and every one of you this oppurtunity. It is a horrendous cost to all of those who display, but gladly expended to provide you the opportunity to meet the companies representatives and see their products. This is your extended SHOT show, and every company that is physically able to attend does so, incuring the costs to provide the public wth what you keep saying you want. (And tragically attendance is so poor that it may be that this too will be lost to you).
If you have ever entertained the idea of going to the SHOT but not to the NRA, and you are not immediately involved in the firearms industry, you're lying to yourself. You are a wanna be, and a status seeker, hoping to be able to someday show off that you were a player. And worse than that, you did neither accepted or appreciated what the industry offered you. To top it off you couldn't even be bothered to help the major organization dedicated to helping to preserve your rights to own a firearm.
I went to the SHOT Show last year as a "Guest of the Show". Not part of the industry, just a lowlife customer.
Some of the attitudes exhibited remind me of the old loser's lament: "This job would be great if it weren't for the customers". With an attitude like that, they won't have to worry about being bothered by customers for long.
If you go as a "civilian", you have to remember that trade shows are expensive for companies to attend and what the primary goal of the company exhibiting would be. I'm VP of Marketing for a high tech company and trade shows are a huge expense. I justify their existence as a line in my budget by measurable results. In the SHOT Show's case, that is for manufacturers to talk to dealers and distributors first, customers second. Measurable results: number of new dealers who will carry product, number of new disits who will warehouse, etc. As long as we customers keep this in mind and allow companies to achieve their primary goal, there is no reason whatsoever why we shouldn't attend. We are, after all, the ones who pay their mortgages.
With only a couple exceptions last year (Tasco, because they were Tasco, and that's why the operative word is "were"; and Wilson Combat), everyone was THRILLED to talk to a real live customer. For example, Rob Letham seemingly wouldn't let me leave because he wanted my opinion on just about everything (which is why I bought that lemon TRP, but that's another story). Hmmm, I did ask if they were planning on the XD in 45ACP...
Remember, most of the factory people, Latham being a notable exception, don't get to talk to customers in the wild on a regular basis. This is a common problem among many product manufacturing companies: people who actually design and make the products only get filtered info. Also remember that many of the factory people are shooters: if you're a shooter, would you rather get your info from another shooter, or a sales person who considers your avocation nothing more than a commodity?
I'm signed up to go this year as well, but other travel has forced a change in plans. Regular life permitting, the SHOT Show will be very high on my annual list. Anyone know where 2004 will be held?
Some of the attitudes exhibited remind me of the old loser's lament: "This job would be great if it weren't for the customers". With an attitude like that, they won't have to worry about being bothered by customers for long.
If you go as a "civilian", you have to remember that trade shows are expensive for companies to attend and what the primary goal of the company exhibiting would be. I'm VP of Marketing for a high tech company and trade shows are a huge expense. I justify their existence as a line in my budget by measurable results. In the SHOT Show's case, that is for manufacturers to talk to dealers and distributors first, customers second. Measurable results: number of new dealers who will carry product, number of new disits who will warehouse, etc. As long as we customers keep this in mind and allow companies to achieve their primary goal, there is no reason whatsoever why we shouldn't attend. We are, after all, the ones who pay their mortgages.
With only a couple exceptions last year (Tasco, because they were Tasco, and that's why the operative word is "were"; and Wilson Combat), everyone was THRILLED to talk to a real live customer. For example, Rob Letham seemingly wouldn't let me leave because he wanted my opinion on just about everything (which is why I bought that lemon TRP, but that's another story). Hmmm, I did ask if they were planning on the XD in 45ACP...
Remember, most of the factory people, Latham being a notable exception, don't get to talk to customers in the wild on a regular basis. This is a common problem among many product manufacturing companies: people who actually design and make the products only get filtered info. Also remember that many of the factory people are shooters: if you're a shooter, would you rather get your info from another shooter, or a sales person who considers your avocation nothing more than a commodity?
I'm signed up to go this year as well, but other travel has forced a change in plans. Regular life permitting, the SHOT Show will be very high on my annual list. Anyone know where 2004 will be held?
Don Gwinn
Moderator Emeritus
BLADE East is a lot of fun. If you ever enjoyed so much as a pocketknife, take the first chance you get to attend. I only got to go once, and I find it hard to get there now, but I intend to make it part of the Master Plan after Phase III ("Pick up the family and move to Tennessee")
Good post traveler!
Right up until the last paragraph, where I think you got out the "broad brush" and went to paintin' a bit too vigorously. I have been to both events, and it was my experience that the exhibitors at SHOT took input from attendees much more seriously. And a better cross-section of indusry folk were present than at the NRA Show. At SHOT, you may well get a chance to speak to a CEO, a designer, or an engineer rather than only customer service reps (salesmen/women). Not knocking the Cust Serv. types, it's just if you want to know technical stuff it may be better to chat with a BUILDER of the product. As far as chatting with the CEO's and such, a mentor of mine used to say:" If you don't like the music, talk to the organ grinder, not the monkey!" Again, for the most part the booths aren't usually totally swamped for three days solid, business isn't THAT good is it? And since the CEOs and such are there in the booth, and don't normally "demean" themselves to the tasks of writing up orders and such, what the heck are they standing in the booth for if NOT to talk to the attendees? Window dressing? Making sure the employees don't take too many potty breaks? Counting their money?Or maybe using the Show as an excuse to go to Vegas or Florida or some similar warm place? However naive this may be, I believe the honchos are ultimately there to talk to customers--and like it or not, that includes distributors, store owners, other manufacturers they do business with, and even us lowly end-users.
Right up until the last paragraph, where I think you got out the "broad brush" and went to paintin' a bit too vigorously. I have been to both events, and it was my experience that the exhibitors at SHOT took input from attendees much more seriously. And a better cross-section of indusry folk were present than at the NRA Show. At SHOT, you may well get a chance to speak to a CEO, a designer, or an engineer rather than only customer service reps (salesmen/women). Not knocking the Cust Serv. types, it's just if you want to know technical stuff it may be better to chat with a BUILDER of the product. As far as chatting with the CEO's and such, a mentor of mine used to say:" If you don't like the music, talk to the organ grinder, not the monkey!" Again, for the most part the booths aren't usually totally swamped for three days solid, business isn't THAT good is it? And since the CEOs and such are there in the booth, and don't normally "demean" themselves to the tasks of writing up orders and such, what the heck are they standing in the booth for if NOT to talk to the attendees? Window dressing? Making sure the employees don't take too many potty breaks? Counting their money?Or maybe using the Show as an excuse to go to Vegas or Florida or some similar warm place? However naive this may be, I believe the honchos are ultimately there to talk to customers--and like it or not, that includes distributors, store owners, other manufacturers they do business with, and even us lowly end-users.
Interesting stuff. I must confess that I had always withheld my judgement on this issue, because I felt that I didn't know enough about it. Still, I've always felt a bit put off by the seeming exclusivity of the whole SHOT show thing.
While I disagree with the way some here have put their posts, I have to admit that I can now see why the show is closed to non-industry people. Spark, I thank you for your well-stated viewpoint; it did in fact open my eyes on this issue.
While I disagree with the way some here have put their posts, I have to admit that I can now see why the show is closed to non-industry people. Spark, I thank you for your well-stated viewpoint; it did in fact open my eyes on this issue.
Tamara
Senior Member
Ideas:
1) Make friends with an FFL.
2) Make friends with someone in a "related business".
3) Business cards from "industry-related businesses" will work, as a last resort. Draw your own conclusions from that.
PS: It ain't all that exciting, it's not like you can buy anything there. (Although my former boss did buy Barrett's nickeled display M-82 at the last SHOT in Atlanta. And, buddy, did they see him coming! )
1) Make friends with an FFL.
2) Make friends with someone in a "related business".
3) Business cards from "industry-related businesses" will work, as a last resort. Draw your own conclusions from that.
PS: It ain't all that exciting, it's not like you can buy anything there. (Although my former boss did buy Barrett's nickeled display M-82 at the last SHOT in Atlanta. And, buddy, did they see him coming!
)NeverAgain26
Member
I went to SHOT last year and I am going this year. I do not have an FFL. I am a manufacturer's rep and I manufacture out of China. I walked in, showed them my business card, paid my $50.00 and got in. I am not in the industry but I wanted to get into the industry. I picked up some customers and am now making Accessories for the industry.
This year I pre-registered on the internet and it only cost me $15.00 admission.
If you want to go, don't let the website fool you. Any legitimate businessman/woman can get in. You do have to have a business (or work for a business and have a business card). The business also has to at least seem somewhat connected. I manufacture and I am looking for new clients there. If I had a restaurant, I doubt I could get in.
But if you work for a computer company, accounting firm, trucking company, etc, go for it. If you are unsure, call the 800 number off the website, speak to a human and tell them you want to register. It's easy. And it's a great show.
I think RobertofOregon was being sarcastic and not intending to come off sounding like members of the public had no business being there. There seemed to me to be a lot of people just looking and talking, handling stuff and asking questions. If the Big Guys are around, they get seen in private rooms.
Go and have fun!
NA26
This year I pre-registered on the internet and it only cost me $15.00 admission.
If you want to go, don't let the website fool you. Any legitimate businessman/woman can get in. You do have to have a business (or work for a business and have a business card). The business also has to at least seem somewhat connected. I manufacture and I am looking for new clients there. If I had a restaurant, I doubt I could get in.
But if you work for a computer company, accounting firm, trucking company, etc, go for it. If you are unsure, call the 800 number off the website, speak to a human and tell them you want to register. It's easy. And it's a great show.
I think RobertofOregon was being sarcastic and not intending to come off sounding like members of the public had no business being there. There seemed to me to be a lot of people just looking and talking, handling stuff and asking questions. If the Big Guys are around, they get seen in private rooms.
Go and have fun!
NA26
Jeff OTMG
Member
True, non-industry people can get into the show. Nobody under 16 allowed period. I take my son with me, now 24, and sometimes a girlfriend. Their badges are clearly marked 'GUEST' so the people working the booth do not waste time with them if it is busy.
I use the show to generate business for myself and try to sell ideas to others. I take my mechanical engineer with me and sometimes my gunsmith depending on what I am trying to accomplish. The big thing to remember that will give you away as a bozo is to see some new gun, pass it to your buddies and say that you have to get one of these. That is not what you or the manufacturer is there for. If you wish to provide market research info to the company, they do appreciate it, but do it in a businesslike and professional manner. If you don't know how then go to college and take some courses.
If you go to the show, you should have something to offer, take something of value with you, . How do you think that I am able to see the Kahr 45, micro CZ40, and find out about the stuff still on the drawing board? I have ideas that I can offer, I have been around enough that some of those guys actually listen to what I have to say. Take copies of your FFL's FFL so that if you see something you want you can order it as a sample for the shop. You can't buy anything there, it isn't a gun show, but you are more than welcome to place orders. All I do on the last day of the show is go around and place orders.
To give you an idea what the show costs in addition to booth space, they want $30 a night to vacuum the booth. If you want a fishbowl for people to drop in their business cards that will be $100 rental for the run of the show. Even the chairs in your booth cost money.
I use the show to generate business for myself and try to sell ideas to others. I take my mechanical engineer with me and sometimes my gunsmith depending on what I am trying to accomplish. The big thing to remember that will give you away as a bozo is to see some new gun, pass it to your buddies and say that you have to get one of these. That is not what you or the manufacturer is there for. If you wish to provide market research info to the company, they do appreciate it, but do it in a businesslike and professional manner. If you don't know how then go to college and take some courses.
If you go to the show, you should have something to offer, take something of value with you, . How do you think that I am able to see the Kahr 45, micro CZ40, and find out about the stuff still on the drawing board? I have ideas that I can offer, I have been around enough that some of those guys actually listen to what I have to say. Take copies of your FFL's FFL so that if you see something you want you can order it as a sample for the shop. You can't buy anything there, it isn't a gun show, but you are more than welcome to place orders. All I do on the last day of the show is go around and place orders.
To give you an idea what the show costs in addition to booth space, they want $30 a night to vacuum the booth. If you want a fishbowl for people to drop in their business cards that will be $100 rental for the run of the show. Even the chairs in your booth cost money.
Kobun
Member
It was not my intention (if anyone thought so) to say that I don't think the public should be allowed into the SHOT (and other shows/conventions).
I think it would be a good idea to have one or two public days. But that is up to others than me.
As a shooter, I love to go to big gun shows. But I have been to shows that has both public and business days, and there is a BIG differense in the way you are treated.
K.
I think it would be a good idea to have one or two public days. But that is up to others than me.
As a shooter, I love to go to big gun shows. But I have been to shows that has both public and business days, and there is a BIG differense in the way you are treated.
K.
Sven
Senior Member
I presented at an industry (non-gun) tradeshow in Chicago late last year. The quote from the floor manager was "don't lift a f*****g finger without asking us. if you have a lightbulb that needs changing, we'll do that".
I was told that the tradeshows are tightly controlled by the unions.
Jeff OTMG
Member
Sven, unions do play a big part, but NSSF follows guidelines when they pick where a show is to be held. You will not see a SHOT Show held in an anti-gun state like Ca., NJ, NY, Il. You will not see one held where the weather can get really bad in Jan or Feb. You will also not see it held were the unions are so strong that you cannot plug in a lamp at your own booth as happens in NYC. The show has grown from 50,000 sq ft at the first show in the late 70's to this years 500,000 sq ft.
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