As someone who's navigated the massive halls of the Venetian Expo and Caesars Forum during the last 15 years of SHOT Show, I can tell you, this isn't your average trade show. We're talking about the largest shooting, hunting, and outdoor trade show in the world, spanning over 800,000 net square feet! |
Did you know that SHOT Show hosts more than 2,500 exhibitors and draws over 50,000 industry professionals? That's more people than many small towns! And if you've ever tried to walk every aisle (which would cover more than 13.9 miles), you know why strategic planning is crucial. |
Pre-Show Planning: Your Tactical Advantage |
Map Your Mission |
- Study the floor plan like it's a tactical operation - SHOT Show spans multiple venues including the Venetian Expo and Caesars Forum and several floors. Know where everything is including the bathrooms
- Be Brutal - know whom you will see and whom you will not see at SHOT Show, you cannot do it all. If you have a team of folks, divide and conquer, it’s the only way. Utilize tools like the SHOT Show Planner.
- Download the SHOT Show mobile app - it's your best friend for real-time updates and navigation and it is easy to find a booth number for just about anyone. Bring a book and have the booth numbers written in it for every meeting.
- Avoid line-ups - get to the trade show early and pick up your name badge as early as possible. SHOT Show has a booth in the airport you can get your badge before you catch an uber
- Make appointments early - the good meeting spots at Caesar's Forum get claimed faster than ammo during a shortage and sometimes the best meetings are sitting on the floor in a corner out of the way of the crowds.
- Plug into Social Media. Use the power of social media to find out who is going to the event. Follow and use hashtags and like and comment on peers posts
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Gear Up Right |
- Comfortable shoes or boots are non-negotiable - you'll be covering more ground than a hunting expedition
- Dress professionally - especially if you are looking to grow your career
- Pack business cards like magazines - you'll go through them faster than you think
- Bring a portable charger - your phone will drain faster than usual with all the networking and utilizing the app.
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Show Time Tactics |
Navigation Strategy |
- Hit the New Product Center first - it's where you'll find the year's innovations
- Use the morning shuttle services from partner hotels - they're free and save you the Vegas parking hassle
- Take advantage of the SHOT Show University sessions - they're packed with industry insights and these rooms are a great place to network while you learn.
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Networking Ninja Moves |
- Think ahead - The NEXT Pavilion is perfect for discovering emerging brands and making new connections and the Supplier Showcase is worth attending
- Book tickets at the Gundies - the event is a gold mine for networking
- Don't skip the State of the Industry event - it's where major announcements happen
- Evening events are gold mines for networking - the industry's biggest deals often start at hotel bars and industry parties.
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Pro Tips for SHOT Show Success |
Time Management |
- The show runs Tuesday through Friday - pace yourself, it's a marathon, not a sprint
- Plan ahead - Use the Pop-Up Preview on Monday to get an early look at new exhibitors
- Lunch is a Time Suck - Bring Power bars, nuts, jerky, drinks and fruit in your bag and eat on the go if you can manage it.
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After Hours |
- Las Vegas restaurants book up fast during SHOT week - Make dinner reservations ASAP.
- Keep evening meetings near your hotel - Vegas traffic during SHOT Show can be brutal.
- Use the free shuttles between venues - Save your energy for walking the show floor.
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Post-Show Action Items |
Follow Through |
- Organize your contacts immediately - You'll collect more business cards than brass at a range day.
- Connect on LinkedIn while faces are fresh - Mention where you met at the show.
- Schedule your follow-up calls before leaving Vegas - Calendars fill up fast post-show.
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Remember, SHOT Show isn't just a trade show — it's the annual gathering of the entire shooting sports industry. With proper planning and these insider tips, you'll be ready to make the most of this incredible event. See you on the show floor!
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