Happy New Year, and welcome to 2026. We all know this means move-in starts in just one week, so everyone is making last-minute preparations for SHOT Week. This issue is just a few quick tips and reminders as we close in on what will be a great celebration for the industry.
Don’t Forget Your New Product Center Display
If you’ve purchased a spot in the New Product Center — one of the most-visited attractions at SHOT Show — be sure to bring your qualifying display product with you to the show. First-time exhibitors automatically receive a New Product Center placement as part of the New Exhibitor Package, so don’t miss this built-in opportunity to showcase your innovative product to buyers and media. — Chris Tatulli, NSSF
Need to Add Booth Staff at the Last Minute?
If you still need to register additional booth staff, please note that extra exhibitor badges over your allotment are $200 each. All details on badge allotments, eligibility, and registration can be found here. — Casie Stock, ConvExx
“Know Before You Go” Email Coming This Week
All your registered staff will receive their “Know Before You Go” email this Thursday, Jan. 8. The email includes their unique QR code that will be used to pick up their badge at Express Registration (remember, everyone must pick up their own badge) along with important last-minute details to help prepare for arrival in Las Vegas. — Melissa Schilling, NSSF
Keep an eye out for Booth Renewal Notification
Emails with a link to renew your booth for the 2027 SHOT Show will be sent out in the coming days. All exhibitors have the opportunity to renew their 2026 SHOT Show booth for the 2027 SHOT Show if they submit their rental agreement and pay the 25% deposit by the end of the 2026 Show (Jan. 23). You can only renew your current booth at this time. If you would like a booth change, you can make a request on the rental agreement. Change requests will be addressed during the spring and space will be offered by membership status and priority points. All members get to choose before non-members, so if you are not a member consider joining NSSF today. — Chris Tatulli, NSSF
Pro Tip: Track Your Freight with AirTags
A simple but often overlooked tip — place AirTags or tracking devices in your freight and luggage. This can be especially helpful once your shipments arrive onsite, making it easier to locate specific crates or items that may be buried among other freight during move-in. A little prep can save valuable time on the show floor. — Jennifer Carr, ConvExx
Intellectual Property Rights Policy
As a reminder to all exhibitors, Show Management does not provide intellectual property rights (IPR) protection services, and it is each exhibitor’s responsibility to take any actions necessary to protect its own intellectual property rights. While Show Management does not generally intervene in third-party IPR disputes, we will respect all lawful court orders and injunctions, and exhibitors who are found to be violating third-party IPR may be removed from the Show at NSSF’s sole discretion. Exhibitors are further reminded that the service of legal papers on the Show floor is prohibited, and they should contact Show Management to facilitate any such actions. — Tim Lachance, NSSF
Reminder: No Over-the-Counter Retail Sales
SHOT Show is a strictly business-to-business event, and retail or over-the-counter sales from exhibit booths are not permitted. Exhibitors may take orders for future delivery only — no onsite product exchanges or sample sales are allowed. Thank you for helping maintain the trade-only environment of the show. — Regina Clark, ConvExx
Buyer Shares Three Things Attendees Can Only Get At The Show
Jimmy Hyman of Green Top Sporting Goods (Ashland, Va.) highlights three things that SHOT Show attendees can get only by attending the Show: meeting face-to-face with the top leaders in the industry, exploring hundreds of new products all in one place and taking specialized SHOT University courses. — Jade Moldae, NSSF
Download the SHOT Show Mobile App
Be sure to download the SHOT Show mobile app from your app store or visit shotmobile.com to stay informed and organized onsite. If you’ve used the app before, remember to select and download the 2026 SHOT Show within the app so you’re fully prepared with the latest schedules, maps and tools for the show. — Jeff Pressman, ConvExx
Plan Ahead for a Secure Move-Out
While move-out may feel far off, it’s important to schedule your team to begin booth teardown as soon as the show closes, especially if product remains in your booth. Booths left standing are more vulnerable to theft during move-out when hundreds of people are on the floor and access is harder to control. Please note all smaller linear booths must be fully dismantled by noon, Saturday, Jan. 24, and larger booths must have teardown underway by that time. — Jennifer Carr, ConvExx
