SHOT Show Scores Record Attendance Again at Sands Expo in Las Vegas
January 20, 2013
The Shooting, Hunting and Outdoor Trade Show broke attendance records once again this year at the Sands Expo & Convention Center in Las Vegas.
The SHOT Show, owned and sponsored by the National Shooting Sports Foundation, attracted a record overall attendance of 62,371, including a new high for buyers and more than 2,000 media representatives.
There also were 1,600-plus exhibitors who filled booth space that covered 630,000 net square feet. The show, which is a trade-only event, attracted industry professionals from all 50 states and 100 countries.
With the show taking place during a time of heightened national attention about firearms ownership and potential legislation, NSSF President and CEO Steve Sanetti addressed more than 1,800 industry leaders at the State of the Industry Dinner.
“I don’t think many of those who disagree with what we do appreciate the many things we’ve done to advocate personal responsibility with firearms,” Sanetti said.
He added, “Ours is a responsible industry that makes and sells lawful products to law-abiding citizens. They in turn exercise their constitutional right to own, use and enjoy firearms safely and responsibly for all lawful purposes.”
The busy showfloor reflected the $4.1 billion firearms and ammunition industry, which “supports many small businesses and helps preserve the more than 200,000 jobs associated with the shooting sports,” according to NSSF officials.
In addition, the organization added significantly to its membership ranks at the show, pushing its overall total of supporters to more than 8,300, they added.
The show, produced by Reed Exhibitions, received high marks from attendees and exhibitors alike.
“The SHOT Show is the springboard for every new product that we introduce each year,” said Exhibitor Frank Devlin of Otis Technology.
He added, “It gives industry the opportunity to see our new products and allows us to get feedback from them to know that we are heading in the right direction.”
Retired NSSF President Doug Painter was honored with the Professional Outdoor Media Association-NSSF Grits Gresham Shooting Sports Communicator Award for “extraordinary achievements in communications in support of hunting’s heritage and firearms freedoms.”
In conjunction with the SHOT Show, NSSF sponsored the PGA Charities’ Birdies for the Brave golf tournament that raised $100,000 for groups that provide support for injured armed service veterans.
The SHOT Show will return Jan. 14-17 to the Sands.
Partner Voices
MGM Resorts is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse culture, not just among employees and guests but also within its supply chain. The company prioritizes procuring goods and services from businesses owned by minorities, women, veterans, people with disabilities, LGBTQ individuals and those facing economic disadvantages. This commitment is integral to MGM Resorts' global procurement strategy.
Through its voluntary supplier diversity program, MGM Resorts actively identifies and connects certified diverse-owned suppliers to opportunities within its supply chain. The company is on track to spend at least 15% of its biddable procurement with diverse-owned businesses by 2025, demonstrating that supplier diversity is not only a social responsibility but also a strategic business imperative.
Supplier diversity isn’t just the right thing to do – it’s good for business. A diverse supply chain allows access to a broader range of perspectives and experience, helping to drive innovation, entrepreneurship and resilience, while strengthening communities. At MGM Resorts, engaging diverse suppliers ensures best-in-class experiences for guests and clients. Supplier diversity ensures a more resilient supply chain while supporting economic development in the communities in which it operates.
The impact of MGM Resorts' supplier diversity initiatives is significant. In 2023, these efforts supported over 3,500 jobs across more than 30 states, contributed over $214 million in income for diverse-owned businesses and generated more than $62 million in tax revenue. The story extends beyond the numbers – it reflects the tangible benefits brought to small and diverse-owned businesses, fostering economic empowerment in their communities.
MGM Resorts also supports the development and business skills of diverse-owned businesses through investment, mentorship and education. Through the MGM Resorts Supplier Diversity Mentorship Program, the company identifies, mentors and develops diverse-owned businesses to fill its future pipeline, while providing businesses with tools and resources to empower and uplift. Since 2017, the program has successfully graduated 105 diverse-owned businesses and is on track to achieve its goal of 150 graduates by 2025.
MGM Resorts’ commitment to supplier diversity not only enhances its business operations but also plays a crucial role in uplifting communities and fostering economic development. This approach reinforces the idea that diversity is a powerful driver of innovation and resilience, benefiting both the company and the wider community.
Add new comment