Admission at the SHOT Show is open to businesses and government entities in the shooting, hunting and outdoor trade as well as commercial buyers and sellers of military, law enforcement and tactical products and services ONLY. No one under the age of 16 is permitted to attend (including infants).
Acceptable Documentation Demonstrating Trade or Market Affiliation
In order to attend the SHOT Show, you must qualify on two levels.
- Show management must be able to verify that your company is directly in the shooting, hunting, outdoor, tactical or defense markets.
- Show management must be able to verify that each person that attends is the direct employee or owner of the qualified company.
NSSF membership provides discounted registration rates but does not affect qualification or review. Company and owner/employee documentation is still required for categorization and employment verification.
After reviewing the qualification requirements, if you cannot provide the required documentation, we recommend not registering. There are NO REFUNDS once registration is submitted and payment is completed.
Show Management does not pre-qualify attendees. This means we do not review company or qualification information before or during registration, select a registration category, confirm that a category is correct, or advise an individual or company on how to qualify.
If your company manufactures an industry product, owns an industry brand or patent, or acts as an exclusive representative of a manufacturer or brand, please refer to the Non-Exhibiting Manufacturer (NEM) category.
If your company supplies products, parts, tools, equipment, or services to businesses within the industry, please refer to the Material/Equipment/Service Supplier to Industry (MES) category.
Companies that meet the NEM or MES definition are not permitted to register under another category. Incorrect registrations will be recategorized, and any applicable fee difference will be due.
Elected officials, mayors, city council members, chamber of commerce representatives and similar government or civic roles do not qualify for attendance in that capacity. Individuals must qualify through their own eligible industry employer or business and may not attend on behalf of an organization that does not directly employ them.
Show Management reserves the right to approve or deny admission, accept or reject submitted documentation, request additional information at any time and recategorize registrations based on admissions requirements. Denial, inability to qualify or recategorization does not provide an exception to the NO REFUNDS policy.
For questions, please email regmgr@shotshow.org.
For pricing, see the Attendee FAQs.
Retailer/Distributor/Training
Active Armed Forces Purchaser
Active-duty enlisted or commissioned military personnel, sworn law enforcement officers, correctional officers and federal law enforcement agents.
Company and Owner/Employee Qualification Options:
- Proof of employment as active duty officer/agent
Reserve, veterans, or volunteers may be eligible if directly employed by the department of agency and has a purchasing or procurement role. Please see a purchase category under retailer or Civilian Law Enforcement/Military.
Active LE Agency Department Purchaser
Sworn, reserve or civilian law enforcement personnel with direct authority to purchase industry products from exhibitors on behalf of their agency or division.
Company and Owner/Employee Qualification Options (all required):
- Must furnish a dated signed written statement, on letterhead, from their commanding officer verifying direct purchasing authority with SHOT Show exhibitors. Signature can be wet signed or e-signed with a timestamp.
- Proof of employment with LE department
Those without direct purchase authority, who qualify, should see qualifications for Active Law Enforcement/Military or Civilian Law Enforcement/Military under non retailer.
Commercial/Sporting Goods Retailer
Company Qualification Options (Choose one):
- Two external business invoices dated within the last 9 months for industry relevant purchases.
- Business license that includes your company name and business address that sufficiently demonstrates your company’s industry affiliation
- Resale certificate that includes your company name and business address that sufficiently demonstrates your company’s industry affiliation
- Accessible and useable company website identifying your company name, current business address and that sufficiently demonstrates your company’s industry affiliation
Owner/Employee Qualification Options (Choose one):
- Most recent company paycheck stub
- Insurance card with employee name and company name on it
- Business license or formation document with employee name and company name on it
- External business invoice, dated within 9 months, with employee name on it
- Business email at website that meets company qualification
- Name of employee on website that meets company qualification
Firearms Retailer
Company Qualification Options (Choose one):
- Signed copy of FFL (Federal Firearms License) – Type 1 or 2
- Two external business invoices dated within the last 9 months for industry relevant purchases
- Business license that includes your company name and business address that sufficiently demonstrates your company’s industry affiliation
- Resale certificate that includes your company name and business address that sufficiently demonstrates your company’s industry affiliation
- Accessible and useable company website identifying your company name, current business address and that sufficiently demonstrates your company’s industry affiliation
Owner/Employee Qualification Options (Choose one):
- Signed copy of FFL (Federal Firearms License) – Type 1, 2 or 7 (this only qualifies the responsible party on the FFL)
- Most recent company paycheck stub
- Insurance card with employee name and company name on it
- Business license or formation document with employee name and company name on it
- External business invoice, dated within 9 months, with employee name on it
- Business email at website that meets company qualification
- Name of employee on website that meets company qualification
Government Agency Buyer
Employees of an industry-relevant, non-military federal government organization with direct authority to purchase products from exhibitors or who serve in a procurement or sourcing role. Includes firefighters with industry-relevant purchasing authority.
Company & Owner/Employee Qualifications Options (all required):
- Must furnish a signed written statement, on letterhead, from their commanding officer verifying direct purchasing authority with SHOT Show exhibitors.
- Proof of procurement/purchasing role in organization
Those without direct purchase authority should see qualifications for Active Law Enforcement/Military or Civilian Law Enforcement/Military under non retailer.
Gunsmith
Skilled trade professional that makes, modifies, and repairs small firearms. Does not produce a brand for resale.
Company Qualification Options (Choose one):
- Signed copy of FFL (Federal Firearms License) – Type 1
- Two external business invoices dated within the last 9 months for industry relevant purchases.
- Business license that includes your company name and business address that sufficiently demonstrates your company’s industry affiliation
- Accessible and useable company website identifying your company name, current business address and that sufficiently demonstrates your company’s industry affiliation
- Signed copy of FFL (Federal Firearms License) – Type 7 which also requires additional qualification provided showing company’s primary function as a gunsmith
Owner/Employee Qualification Options (Choose one):
- Signed copy of FFL (Federal Firearms License) – Type 1 or 7 (this only qualifies responsible party on the FFL)
- Most recent company paycheck stub
- Insurance card with employee name and company name on it
- Business license or formation document with employee name and company name on it
- External business invoice, dated within 9 months, with employee name on it
- Business email at website that meets company qualification
- Name of employee on website that meets company qualification
Internet Retailer
Company Qualification Options (Choose one):
- Two external business invoices dated within the last 9 months for industry relevant purchases
- Business license that includes your company name and business address that sufficiently demonstrates your company’s industry affiliation
- Resale certificate that includes your company name and business address that sufficiently demonstrates your company’s industry affiliation
- Accessible and useable company website identifying your company name, current business address and that sufficiently demonstrates your company’s industry affiliation
Owner/Employee Qualification Options (Choose one):
- Most recent company paycheck stub
- Insurance card with employee name and company name on it
- Business license or formation document with employee name and company name on it
- External business invoice, dated within 9 months, with employee name on it
- Business email at website that meets company qualification
- Name of employee on website that meets company qualification
LE Equipment Retailer/Distributor
A company whose product offerings cater primarily to law enforcement or military sector
Company Qualification Options (Choose one):
- Two external business invoices dated within the last 9 months for industry relevant purchases
- Business license that includes your company name and business address that sufficiently demonstrates your company’s industry affiliation
- Accessible and useable company website identifying your company name, current business address and that sufficiently demonstrates your company’s industry affiliation
Owner/Employee Qualification Options (Choose one):
- Most recent company paycheck stub
- Insurance card with employee name and company name on it
- Business license or formation document with employee name and company name on it
- External business invoice, dated within 9 months, with employee name on it
- Business email at website that meets company qualification
- Name of employee on website that meets company qualification
Mass Merchant/Big Box/Chain Store
Company Qualification Options (Choose one):
- Two external business invoices dated within the last 9 months for industry relevant purchases
- Business license that includes your company name and business address that sufficiently demonstrates your company’s industry affiliation
- Resale certificate that includes your company name and business address that sufficiently demonstrates your company’s industry affiliation
- Accessible and useable company website identifying your company name, current business address and that sufficiently demonstrates your company’s industry affiliation
Owner/Employee Qualification Options (Choose one):
- Most recent company paycheck stub
- Insurance card with employee name and company name on it
- Business license or formation document with employee name and company name on it
- External business invoice, dated within 9 months, with employee name on it
- Business email at website that meets company qualification
- Name of employee on website that meets company qualification
Outfitter
A company comprised of experienced outdoorsmen and women who guide clients on industry relevant excursions
Company Qualification Options (Choose one):
- Two external business invoices dated within the last 9 months for industry relevant purchases
- Business license that includes your company name and business address that sufficiently demonstrates your company’s industry affiliation
- Accessible and useable company website identifying your company name, current business address and that sufficiently demonstrates your company’s industry affiliation
Owner/Employee Qualification Options (Choose one):
- Most recent company paycheck stub
- Insurance card with employee name and company name on it
- Business license or formation document with employee name and company name on it
- External business invoice, dated within 9 months, with employee name on it
- Business email at website that meets company qualification
- Name of employee on website that meets company qualification
Pawn Shop
Company Qualification Options (Choose one):
- Signed copy of FFL (Federal Firearms License) – Type 2
- Two external business invoices dated within the last 9 months for industry relevant purchases
- Business license that includes your company name and business address that sufficiently demonstrates your company’s industry affiliation
- Resale certificate that includes your company name and business address that sufficiently demonstrates your company’s industry affiliation
- Accessible and useable company website identifying your company name, current business address and that sufficiently demonstrates your company’s industry affiliation
Owner/Employee Qualification Options (Choose one):
- Signed copy of FFL (Federal Firearms License) – Type 2 (this only qualifies the responsible party on the FFL)
- Most recent company paycheck stub
- Insurance card with employee name and company name on it
- Business license or formation document with employee name and company name on it
- External business invoice, dated within 9 months, with employee name on it
- Business email at website that meets company qualification
- Name of employee on website that meets company qualification
Private Security Company Purchaser
A licensed business that provides security services to clients—such as individuals, businesses, or government agencies—on a contractual basis
Company Qualification Options (Choose one):
- Two external business invoices dated within the last 9 months for industry relevant purchases
- Business license that includes your company name and business address that sufficiently demonstrates your company’s industry affiliation
- Accessible and useable company website identifying your company name, current business address and that sufficiently demonstrates your company’s industry affiliation
Owner/Employee Qualification Options (Choose one):
- Most recent company paycheck stub
- Insurance card with employee name and company name on it
- Business license or formation document with employee name and company name on it
- External business invoice, dated within 9 months, with employee name on it
- Business email at website that meets company qualification
- Name of employee on website that meets company qualification
Range/Shooting Facility/Hunting Preserve
Company Qualification Options (Choose one):
- Two external business invoices dated within the last 9 months for industry relevant purchases
- Business license that includes your company name and business address that sufficiently demonstrates your company’s industry affiliation
- Commercial lease identifying your company name and current business address and that sufficiently demonstrates your company’s industry affiliation
- Accessible and useable company website identifying your company name, current business address and that sufficiently demonstrates your company’s industry affiliation
Owner/Employee Qualification Options (Choose one):
- Most recent company paycheck stub
- Insurance card with employee name and company name on it
- Business license or formation document with employee name and company name on it
- External business invoice, dated within 9 months, with employee name on it
- Business email at website that meets company qualification
- Name of employee on website that meets company qualification
Training Instruction & Facilities
Company Qualification Options (Choose one):
- Two external business invoices dated within the last 9 months for industry relevant purchases
- Business license that includes your company name and business address that sufficiently demonstrates your company’s industry affiliation
- Accessible and useable company website identifying your company name, current business address and that sufficiently demonstrates your company’s industry affiliation
Owner/Employee Qualification Options (Choose one):
- Most recent company paycheck stub
- Insurance card with employee name and company name on it
- Business license or formation document with employee name and company name on it
- External business invoice, dated within 9 months, with employee name on it
- Business email at website that meets company qualification
- Name of employee on website that meets company qualification
Training & Safety Equipment
Company Qualification Options (Choose one):
- Two external business invoices dated within the last 9 months for industry relevant purchases
- Business license that includes your company name and business address that sufficiently demonstrates your company’s industry affiliation
- Resale certificate that includes your company name and business address that sufficiently demonstrates your company’s industry affiliation
- Accessible and useable company website identifying your company name, current business address and that sufficiently demonstrates your company’s industry affiliation
Owner/Employee Qualification Options (Choose one):
- Most recent company paycheck stub
- Insurance card with employee name and company name on it
- Business license or formation document with employee name and company name on it
- External business invoice, dated within 9 months, with employee name on it
- Business email at website that meets company qualification
- Name of employee on website that meets company qualification
Wholesaler/Distributor
A company that buys products, from multiple manufacturers, in large quantities then resells to retailers or other businesses
Company Qualification Options (Choose one):
- Two external business invoices dated within the last 9 months for industry relevant purchases
- Business license that includes your company name and business address that sufficiently demonstrates your company’s industry affiliation
- Resale certificate that includes your company name and business address that sufficiently demonstrates your company’s industry affiliation
- Accessible and useable company website identifying your company name, current business address and that sufficiently demonstrates your company’s industry affiliation
Owner/Employee Qualification Options (Choose one):
- Most recent company paycheck stub
- Insurance card with employee name and company name on it
- Business license or formation document with employee name and company name on it
- External business invoice, dated within 9 months, with employee name on it
- Business email at website that meets company qualification
- Name of employee on website that meets company qualification
Non-Retailer
Active Law Enforcement/Military
Active-duty enlisted or commissioned military personnel, sworn law enforcement officers, correctional officers and federal law enforcement agents.
Company and Owner/Employee Qualification Options:
- Proof of employment as active duty officer/agent
Reserve, veterans, or volunteers may be eligible if directly employed by the department of agency and has a purchasing or procurement role. Please see a purchase category under retailer or Civilian Law Enforcement/Military.
Civilian Law Enforcement/Military
A civilian employee of a law enforcement or military organization who is not sworn, enlisted or commissioned and plays a key role in the evaluation, selection or procurement of industry products on behalf of their organization.
Company and Owner/Employee Qualification Options (all required):
- Proof of procurement role in organization
- Proof of employment with LE/Military department
Consulting Firm
An industry-focused business that provides professional advice, expertise or strategic guidance on shooting, hunting, outdoor or tactical industry matters to clients within the industry. May not manufacture, produce, own or operate industry brands, products or services.
Company Qualification Options (Choose one):
- Business license that includes your company name and business address that sufficiently demonstrates your company’s industry affiliation
- Accessible and useable company website identifying your company name, current business address and that sufficiently demonstrates your company’s industry affiliation
Owner/Employee Qualification Options (Choose one):
- Most recent company paycheck stub
- Insurance card with employee name and company name on it
- Business license or formation document with employee name and company name on it
- External business invoice, dated within 9 months, with employee name on it
- Business email at website that meets company qualification
- Name of employee on website that meets company qualification
Emergency Services
Industry business providing emergency services to persons or businesses requiring medical aid, firefighting services or other emergency assistance. Community-based or volunteer-only groups do not meet eligibility requirements.
Company Qualification Options (Choose one):
- Two external business invoices dated within the last 9 months for industry relevant purchases.
- Accessible and useable company website identifying your company name, current business address and that sufficiently demonstrates your company’s industry affiliation
Owner/Employee Qualification Options (Choose one):
- Most recent company paycheck stub
- Insurance card with employee name and company name on it
- Business license or formation document with employee name and company name on it
- External business invoice, dated within 9 months, with employee name on it
- Business email at website that meets company qualification
- Name of employee on website that meets company qualification
Independent Representative of Exhibitors
A contracted individual or company that sells a manufacturer’s products to wholesale and retail customers for commission. Cannot be directly employed by a manufacturer and must be contracted with a current SHOT Show Exhibitor
Company Qualification Options (Choose one):
- Company website with clients listed
- Line card with clients and contact information
- Current brokerage agreement with SHOT Show exhibitor
Owner/Employee Qualification Options (Choose one):
- Most recent company paycheck stub
- External business invoice, dated within 9 months, with employee name on it
- Business email at website that meets company qualification
- Name of employee on website that meets company qualification
Industry Relevant Government Organization
A federal, state, local or tribal government agency or department whose official responsibilities directly involve the shooting, hunting, outdoor or tactical/defense industries.
Company Qualification Options (Choose one):
- Two external business invoices dated within the last 9 months for industry relevant purchases.
- Accessible and useable company website identifying your company name, current business address and that sufficiently demonstrates your company’s industry affiliation
Owner/Employee Qualification Options (Choose one):
- Most recent company paycheck stub
- Insurance card with employee name and company name on it
- Business license or formation document with employee name and company name on it
- External business invoice, dated within 9 months, with employee name on it
- Business email at website that meets company qualification
- Name of employee on website that meets company qualification
If you are employed by a law enforcement agency or are a member of the armed forces, please see those categories for qualification.
Industry Relevant Government/Military Contractor
A business whose government and/or military contract establishes its relevance to the shooting, hunting, outdoor or tactical industry. Eligible companies may provide contracted services such as procurement, training or other industry-related support.
Company Qualification Options (Choose one):
- Current contract for relevant industry purposes that includes company information of all parties as well as contract terms
Owner/Employee Qualification Options (Choose one):
- Most recent company paycheck stub
- Insurance card with employee name and company name on it
- Business license or formation document with employee name and company name on it
- External business invoice, dated within 9 months, with employee name on it
- Business email at website that meets company qualification
- Name of employee on website that meets company qualification
Non-Profit/Industry Association
A not-for-profit industry organization or association whose primary goal is to advance a specific social cause or mission in the shooting, hunting, outdoor or tactical markets. If your organization is solely volunteer based, AND cannot meet the employee qualifications, eligibility is limited to the organization’s executive officers: President, Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer.
Company Qualification Options (Choose one):
- Two external business invoices dated within the last 9 months for industry relevant purchases
- Business license that includes your company name and business address that sufficiently demonstrates your company’s industry affiliation
- Accessible and useable company website identifying your company name, current business address and that sufficiently demonstrates your company’s industry affiliation
Owner/Employee Qualification Options (Choose one):
- Most recent company paycheck stub
- Insurance card with employee name and company name on it
- Business license or formation document with employee name and company name on it
- External business invoice, dated within 9 months, with employee name on it
- Business email at website that meets company qualification
- Name of employee on website that meets company qualification
Non-Exhibiting Manufacturer
A company with the potential to exhibit that manufactures, owns the brand of, or exclusively distributes a finished industry product.
Company Qualification Options (Choose one):
- Signed copy of FFL (Federal Firearms License) – Type 6 or 7
- Business license that includes your company name and business address that sufficiently demonstrates your company’s industry affiliation
- Two external business invoices dated within the last 9 months for industry relevant purchases.
- Accessible and useable company website identifying your company name, current business address and that sufficiently demonstrates your company’s industry affiliation
- Official documentation outlining the company’s role or activities in the SHOT industries (e.g. charter, brochure, publications, public records, etc.)
Owner/Employee Qualification Options (Choose one):
- Signed copy of FFL (Federal Firearms License) – Type 6 or 7 (this only qualifies the responsible party on the FFL)
- Most recent company paycheck stub
- Insurance card with employee name and company name on it
- Business license or formation document with employee name and company name on it
- External business invoice, dated within 9 months, with employee name on it
- Business email at website that meets company qualification
- Name of employee on website that meets company qualification
Material/Equipment/Service Supplier to Industry
A company that supplies products, parts, tools & equipment or services to the industry. Services may include but are not limited to financial, payment processing, legal, logistics, research, and marketing/ branding.
Company Qualification Options (Choose one):
- Signed copy of FFL (Federal Firearms License) – Type 7 or 8
- Two external business invoices dated within the last 9 months for industry relevant purchases
- Business license that includes your company name and business address that sufficiently demonstrates your company’s industry affiliation
- Accessible and useable company website identifying your company name, current business address and that sufficiently demonstrates your company’s industry affiliation
- Official documentation outlining the company’s role or activities in the SHOT industries (e.g. charter, brochure, publications, public records, etc.)
Owner/Employee Qualification Options (Choose one):
- Signed copy of FFL (Federal Firearms License) – Type 7 or 8 (this only qualifies the responsible party on the FFL)
- Most recent company paycheck stub
- Insurance card with employee name and company name on it
- Business license or formation document with employee name and company name on it
- External business invoice, dated within 9 months, with employee name on it
- Business email at website that meets company qualification
- Name of employee on website that meets company qualification
International Companies
See below for guidance on registration for companies in the shooting, hunting, outdoor, or tactical/defense market that are based outside of the United States and would like to attend the SHOT Show.
- Register under the principle business category that best describes your company
- Supply one company and one owner/employee qualification from the listed options
- If you would like to discuss alternative qualification options that are not listed, please email international@shotshow.org
Startup Companies
See below for guidance on registration for companies in the shooting, hunting, outdoor, or tactical/defense market that are a new business entity within the last 24 months and would like to attend the SHOT Show.
Company and Employee Qualifications (all required):
- Provide proof of formation within the last 24 months
- Register under the principle business category that best describes what your company will be in the industry
- Provide a letter of intent from an attorney or bank, on official letterhead and signed (wet or e-signed with timestamp), stating your intent to start an industry business. The letter must include the company’s name, company’s industry function and owner(s) name(s)
- Only company owner (s) may attend. Employees are not permitted for a startup company
The letter of intent takes the place of standard show qualifications and may only be used once. Company and owners will receive a 1-year approval. Standard qualifications will be required for future show attendance.