SHOT Show 2024 is nearly upon us. The largest firearms-related trade show in the entire world. I was a little surprised that Mag Life asked me to write this article since this is only my second go-round at SHOT. But it occurred to me that maybe I am the right guy, because my first year’s memories are still fresh, and I wish I’d had something like this to guide me then. So, let’s dive into what you should expect at SHOT Show 2024, and how to prepare.
SHOT Show is Unbelievably Huge
Like most people, I’d been to conventions that had some good-sized exhibit halls. And some gun shows are pretty big too. Despite knowing that SHOT was in two different venues, the Venetian and Caesar’s, I think I pictured it as being equal to a couple of big gun shows. I’m here to tell you that I was wrong. Ten big gun shows rolled into one might approach Shot Show’s gargantuan size. Maybe. Probably more like a dozen. Or more
But they would not rival SHOT Show’s scope. Gun shows have dealers. SHOT Show has the manufacturers themselves. I knew that going in, of course, but the sheer number of firearms, gear, optic, ammunition, accessory, and who knows what other manufacturers was truly mind-boggling. I walked onto the main Venetian floor and just gasped. I then sat down with my handy dandy SHOT Show 2023 app and oriented myself to the first couple of vendors I wanted to visit, and the layout as a whole. That took a good 30 minutes.
I won’t bore you with the details, but I will say that I wasted a good bit of time the first couple of days because I simply wasn’t ready to face SHOT Show’s enormity. So, that takes me to the first point.
Have a Plan
I’m a media guy, so my tasks and priorities may differ from yours, but the principle is the same. The National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) provides maps and a phone app to help you get around. Use them. Use them ahead of time. Know who and what you want to see and where they are. Hit places that are near one another in the same morning or afternoon, if possible. The app helps you organize that.
Also, I found that it helps to make appointments, assuming you have a contact person with whom to make an appointment. I only set up a few last year, but I’ll be doing as many as possible this year. Appointments can save you numerous trips to the same booth or standing in line to talk with someone.
Know the name or title of the person with whom you need to speak, if possible. That makes certain you don’t waste time. Either way, know what you want to talk about and how you’ll present it to your contact. They’ll appreciate your getting to the point. They are busy too and don’t have any more time to waste than you do. That was something I didn’t figure out until after a couple of days last year. Fortunately, I spent a morning paired with my friend and colleague Sara Liberte, who showed me the right way. I was far more confident and productive after that.
Have a Plan, Part Deux
SHOT Show is more than the exhibits. There’s something going on most evenings, and lots of like-minded folks with whom to hang out. Plus, you’re in Vegas. You don’t need to be sitting in your hotel room. Treat yourself to at least one nice meal. If you’re media, like me, you’ll also have stuff to write, video to edit, photos to manipulate, or whatever else you might do. You gotta make time for that stuff. You can sleep it off in February.
Use the SHOT Show Map
Whether you prefer a printed map or the app, use it. I have a very developed sense of direction and often eschew maps once I think I have my bearings. I got by with dead reckoning a few times last year, but I also found myself backtracking more than I should have. Lay aside your pride and use the map. You don’t have time to wander around. Unless you do. But I don’t, so I’ll have my map out. Also, pay attention to the aisle numbers and landmarks like the big manufacturers’ booths that reach to the ceiling. It helps.
The map will also yield some vendors that you may not have thought of or seen otherwise, allowing you to swing by and check them out. Don’t think you’ll just walk the aisles and see everything on your own. Trust me, you won’t. Not if you’re there to work, anyway. It’s that big.
Take a Small Bag or Pack
Fortunately, I didn’t learn this the hard way. I need certain materials to do my job, so I brought along a small messenger bag that was just the thing. Yes, it looks like a man-purse, though I prefer “European Shoulder Bag.” I’m plenty secure in my manhood and it’s easier to access than a pack. I’m taking it again this year. Whatever you call it, I needed it. Not only to carry my work stuff, but vendors give out gobs of free stuff. And who doesn’t love free stuff? You’ll need something in which to pack your day’s loot.
You’ll probably need business cards, too. I was a last-minute attendee last year, so I didn’t have any. I made do as best I could. I have some snazzy-looking cards for this year. Makes me look all official and stuff.
Wear Good Shoes
Seriously, I can’t stress this enough. I’ve already emphasized how big SHOT Show is. My dogs were barking after day one, and I had three more to go. You’ll be walking a lot, even with the best planning. So, be prepared. Your feet will thank you.
If You’re Going to Monday’s Media Range Day…
Equip yourself like a normal range trip, minus the guns. Maybe that’s basic stuff, but it’s true. You can get cheap ear pro and eye pro there, but I was glad I brought my own since it’s a little better than basic. If you want gloves, then bring gloves. I wore a small pack with my stuff. There’s also some free stuff at the range, so the pack covers you there, too.
Eat breakfast. There will be some food trucks, but I’m not going there to eat. I’ll probably grub out anyhow, though. Be prepared to stand in line, especially for the latest and greatest or the expensive stuff. I fired a Laugo Alien last year. It was very cool. I stood in line to do so. But since I’ll never own a Laugo Alien of my own…you get the idea. There were also some full-auto opportunities. Take advantage of chances to experience new things you wouldn’t otherwise see. I even fired a couple of bullpups without totally losing my man card.
It’s SHOT Show, Have Fun!
You’ll be at the biggest guns and ammo expo on the planet. Not to mention all the stuff that goes with the guns and ammo. Take it in. Enjoy it. Talk to people. You’ll find that many of them are very nice, and they’ll literally be all around you.
Ask questions. That’s why the vendors are there. If you want to handle and talk about Smith & Wesson revolvers, well, here’s your chance to interact directly with Smith & Wesson. Or any other company you like. Some of the booths are like mini showrooms. A few of them are bigger than some local gun stores. It’s tons of fun.
My first SHOT Show was a great experience even if I didn’t really know what I was doing. I saw old friends and made new ones. I hope and expect that will happen again. The guns, gear, and atmosphere at SHOT are awesome. But even more awesome were the people I shared it with. That’s what I’m most looking forward to this year. If this will be your first year, make the most of it and learn all you can. It will serve you well on subsequent trips. But don’t neglect the people you’ll meet. They’re the ones who ultimately make you want to go back.
