SHOT Show 2026 – Important Facts For Every Exhibitor
The SHOT Show (Shooting, Hunting, Outdoor Trade Show) is the flagship show for the firearms, hunting, law enforcement, and outdoor industries. Every year, it hosts tens of thousands of professionals, along with thousands of exhibitors, all in one single venue. Planning is essential for companies that will be exhibiting at the SHOT Show 2026, which can pave the way for success or make it groundbreaking.
SHOT Show 2026 – Important Facts For Every Exhibitor
- Dates: January 20 to 23, 2026
- Location: Venetian Expo and Caesars Forum, Las Vegas, Nevada
- Exhibit Space: In excess of 800,000 sqft
- Number of Exhibitors: Over 2,800
- Participants: More than 54,000 industry people
Organizer: National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF)
With huge display halls located in not one but two major event spaces and a chock-full schedule of networking activities, product launches, and business opportunities, SHOT Show is more than a trade show—it is the industry hub that happens every year.
Why Exhibiting at SHOT Show Matters
SHOT Show represents much more than the presentation of products themselves. It is an incredible business platform that helps the exhibition participants establish direct contact with the most influential decision-makers in the following categories:
- Retail buyers and distributors
- Media representatives and journalists
- Influencers and Content Providers in the Industry
- Institutional and government buyers
Attending SHOT Show gives manufacturers a chance to:
- Develop new business ventures/transactions
- Win new partnerships
- Product launching & Display of Innovations
- Enhance Brand Authority and Market Visibility
- Enhance long-term partnerships with leaders in the industries
Usually, the SHOT Show affects the sales pipelines for the year for many businesses.
Industry Day at the Range: A Guide for Exhibitors
Before the actual floor opens, the SHOT Show kicks off with its Industry Day at the Range. This is indeed an eagerly awaited event where live firing of products takes place, and the first hands-on experience is provided.
- Date: 19/01/2026
- Location: Boulder Rifle and Pistol Club, Boulder City, Nevada
Industry Day at the Range gives members of the media, buying teams, and influencers a pre-show opportunity to evaluate new products. The advantages of this program include:
- Coverage by traditional media and product reviews
- Enhanced brand awareness prior to the trade show events
- More booth traffic at SHOT Show
- Direct feedback from industry experts
The number of registration and shooting positions is restricted; therefore, early planning is critical for all participants.
Smart Exhibitor Tips to Maximize ROI at SHOT Show 2026
SHOT Show requires exhibition excellence, and this is made possible through planning and execution of these tips and techniques that have proven to be very successful for exhibitors in the past.
Start Booth Design Planning Early
- Obtain secure display space as soon as possible
- Create a booth design that allows for the demonstration of the product and the ability to have a conversation.
- Design modular booth concepts to ensure versatility and aesthetically appealing designs. This will help the
Train Your Booth Staff
- Provide staff with the ability to clearly communicate product and value proposition concepts
- Train teams to qualify leads quickly
- Prepare quick talking points for high-traffic times
Use Technology to Stand Out
Technology has become a
- Add digital signage and LED screens
- Interactive touch screens for product educations
- Increase engagement and dwell time with visual storytelling
Use Technology to Stand Out
Technology has become a
- Add digital signage and LED screens
- Interactive touch screens for product educations
- Increase engagement and dwell time with visual storytelling
Promote Before the Show
- Announce booth locations through email campaigns
- Increase attendance through social media sites
- Using the official SHOT Show app to schedule appointments
- Booking appointments with key buyers in advance
Follow Up Quickly After the Show
Follow Up Quickly After the Show
Now that you
- Contact leads in days of event
- Personalized follow-up messages on e-mail
- Send catalogs, price information, and follow-up details
- Leads tracking to analyze SHOT Show effectiveness
SHOT Show Resources for Exhibitors That Count
The SHOT Show provides some tools to aid vendors in their goals:
- “Exhibitor Dashboard: managing company profiles, products, and badges”
- Exhibitor Academy delivering learning sessions on the topic of trade show success
- Special exhibition areas and supplier exhibits for targeted industry exposure
The use of all these tools will greatly aid in the aspect of organization, visibility, and the performance of the entire show
Conclusion
Attending the SHOT Show in 2026 will be an expensive proposition, but it is the greatest means of accessing key decision-makers in both the firearms business and the outdoor business. If proper planning is made, along with effective follow-up, the SHOT Show can be incorporated into your annual business plan.
The time to lock in exhibit space, build your team, and get your brand ready for success at the 2026 SHOT Show is now.
