NSSF – The Firearm Industry Trade Association, welcomes professional media to the SHOT Show®.
With more than 2,000 members of the media from the United States and around the world expected to cover the 2026 SHOT Show, there is a limit for the number of journalists that can be reasonably and fairly accommodated. Specialized media routinely covering the shooting, hunting, outdoor and law enforcement trade may be assigned credentials until the limit is reached. A deadline for applying and assigning media credentials may be put into effect at any time at the discretion of the NSSF Communications team.
Media registration for the 2026 SHOT Show will open in early October. Our advice to media wishing to attend the SHOT Show is to apply for credentials early to avoid the cutoff date. Be sure to read the application requirements and restrictions below. Media must PRE-REGISTER for credentials; there will be NO ONSITE REGISTRATION of media.
Media credentials for the SHOT Show will be provided solely at the discretion of the NSSF Communications team and will be based on the following criteria:
- Previous media credentialing at one or more recent SHOT Shows, or invitation to receive 2026 credentials (both subject to re-qualification review).
- Demonstrated record of print, broadcast, cable or web-based coverage of shooting, hunting, law enforcement and related activities.
- Because the SHOT Show is run for the benefit of the shooting, hunting, outdoor and law enforcement industry, a demonstrated record of reasonable objectivity, fairness and balance in past coverage of the industry will be considered.
Due to limited staffing for media support, no general media and no media from foreign countries other than those working for outlets regularly covering hunting, shooting, firearms and firearms-related products will be credentialed for SHOT Show.
NSSF does not recognize Facebook, X, Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn, Snapchat and certain other social media platforms as qualifying news outlets for media credentials.
Show badges are not transferable. We do not permit substitutions.
If you have questions related to SHOT Show media registration, see these Frequently Asked Questions or email Peter Reingold at media@shotshow.org.
Media Badge Types and Requirements for Credentials
Media must meet specific eligibility requirements to receive credentials to cover the show. Approval of media credentials is at the sole discretion of NSSF.
Badge Types (Non-transferable):
- Media-Editorial Badge — For all media covering the show except those affiliated with TV, video and radio shows or those with a media company exhibiting at the SHOT Show. Allows access to the show floor with permission to use photo and video equipment. Show policy requires that you ask permission before photographing or videotaping close-ups of products or individuals.
- Media-Broadcast Badge — For media covering the show for a TV, radio or Web-based video/audio show. Allows access to the show floor with permission to use video or sound-recording equipment. This badge also allows still photography. Show policy requires that you ask permission before photographing or videotaping close-ups of products or individuals.
- Exhibitor Media Badge — By Special Request Only — For media professionals or agencies hired full-time with companies exhibiting at the SHOT Show who require media privileges in order to cover the show (note – Exhibitors are permitted to take photo/video of their own booth with just an Exhibitor badge; you do not need the Media upgrade/change for your own booth).
Requirements for Media Credentials (Proof of Eligibility)
The criteria listed below allow NSSF to evaluate media's eligibility for attending the SHOT Show and help address concerns of SHOT Show exhibitors about maintaining a professional business-to-business environment at the show. Media who are requested to provide credentials during the registration process must do so; failure to provide the necessary credentials will cause a delay or outright denial of your application. Documents, such as a press card or letter of assignment, should be emailed as a link or digital file. If you do not have digital versions, fax a copy by following the instructions emailed to you after submitting your application for credentials.
Media-Editorial Badge Requirement:
- Current individual membership card issued by a bona fide outdoor communicators association, or a
- Press identification card issued by a bona fide, industry-related news organization (we do not accept NSSF Media Membership card), or
- Your name listed in an editorial position on a recently published industry-related publication masthead, or a
- Recent published bylined stories that indicate you are a staff writer, reporter or regular contributor to an industry-related publication (multiple recent examples required), or a
- Letter of Assignment from an editor or publisher of a recognized industry-related news publication that states you are on assignment to cover the show and must be on official company letterhead, signed, with e-mail and phone number, or
- Provide a link to a website or blog dealing with industry-related subjects and include your real name (no aliases, no exceptions). Your full name and role must be listed on the website. NSSF will approve or deny credentials to digital media based on the frequency and quality of posts. Note – if you want to use YouTube as your platform for us to review, we need to see your full name and your specific role/function in the ‘Description/About’ section of your YouTube channel.
- We DO NOT recognize Facebook, X, Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn, Snapchat or certain other social media platforms as qualifying news outlets.
- We DO NOT accept company-issued or state-issued Media/Press ID. If you want to submit a Press ID, we will consider those from a bona fide industry-related outdoor media association (i.e., POMA or OWAA). Otherwise, please choose another form of qualifying credentials from our list.
Broadcast Badge Requirement:
- Current individual membership card issued by a bona fide outdoor communicators association, or a
- Press identification card issued by a bona fide, industry-related news organization (we do not accept NSSF Media Membership card), or a
- Letter of Assignment from a recognized industry-related news TV, radio or Web-based video/audio show that should list the names of all individuals on assignment and describe the nature of the assignment, and must be on official company letterhead, signed, with e-mail and phone number, or a
- Letter of Assignment from a SHOT Show exhibitor. The letter, on the exhibiting company’s letterhead, must grant permission to you to shoot video of that company's product exhibits or to conduct interviews, and must be signed, with e-mail and phone number. Permission must be obtained from each exhibitor you wish to cover. The exhibitor must be registered for a Show badge.
- For digital media, provide a link to the website of your show dealing with industry-related subjects and include the host's real name (no aliases, no exceptions). Your full name and role must be listed on the website. NSSF will approve or deny credentials to digital media based on the frequency and quality of content posted. Note – if you want to use YouTube as your platform for us to review, we need to see your full name and your specific role/function in the ‘Description/About’ section of your YouTube channel.
- We DO NOT recognize Facebook, X, Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn, Snapchat or certain other social media platforms as qualifying news outlets.
- We DO NOT accept company-issued or state-issued Media/Press ID. If you want to submit a Press ID, we will consider those from a bona fide industry-related outdoor media association (i.e., POMA or OWAA). Otherwise, please choose another form of qualifying credentials from our list.
Social Creator/Influencer Definition and Requirements:
To qualify as a digital content creator the content must be directly related to the firearms, hunting and archery industry, topics covered at SHOT Show, and/or NSSF itself. Be aware that some submissions may contain irrelevant material to gain free admission. If necessary, we may require published content about SHOT Show from the previous year. It is important to note that a business card does not suffice as sufficient evidence to qualify as media.
NSSF will approve or deny credentials to digital media based on the frequency and quality of posts. Note – regardless of the social media platform, you need to clearly display your full name, hyperlink and your specific role/function for us to review.
Creator must:
(1) have active accounts and submit an official sponsorship letter by a SHOT Show exhibitor. The letter, on the exhibiting company’s letterhead, must grant permission to you to shoot video of that company's product exhibits or to conduct interviews, and must be signed, with e-mail and phone number. Permission must be obtained from each exhibitor you wish to cover. The exhibitor must be registered for a Show badge.
AND
(2) meet at least 2 of the 3 following qualifications:
Qualification 1:
- 50,000 or more monthly views on YouTube; OR
- 50,000 or more monthly TikTok views; OR
- 50,000 or more Facebook page followers; OR
- 50,000 or more Instagram video views; OR
- 20,000 Instagram followers; OR
- 20,000 or more X or Truth Social followers; OR
- 10,000 or more LinkedIn followers; OR
- 10,000 or more monthly podcast downloads
Qualification 2:
All content must be industry-related (S.H.O.T. – Shooting, Hunting, Outdoor Trade)
Qualification 3:
Current individual membership/press identification card issued by a bona fide, industry-related news organization (we do not accept NSSF Media Membership card).
IMPORTANT: Unauthorized filming of exhibits or close-ups of individuals will result in the revocation of all media credentials and may jeopardize admission into future SHOT Shows.
NOTE: Some video crews may be escorted by Press Room staff to and from their interview locations on the show floor.
Media applications from media not related to the industry will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Because the SHOT Show is run for the benefit of the shooting, hunting, outdoor and law enforcement industry, a demonstrated record of reasonable objectivity, fairness and balance in past coverage of the industry will be considered.
NSSF DOES NOT recognize Facebook, X, Instagram, Tik Tok, LinkedIn, Snapchat and certain other social media platforms as qualifying news outlets for media credentials.
Show badges ARE NOT transferable. We DO NOT permit substitutions.