June-July 2009	Vol. 5 Ed. 4

In This Edition: Free Exhibitor Workshop | SHOT Show University | Media Day at the Range | Travel Assistance | Registration Discount

Attend Free Reed Exhibitions Exhibitor University

Short New program teaches how to maximize your return on investment

No doubt about it: participating in the SHOT Show has its cost in dollars and man (and woman) power, but it also has the potential to be the best investment an exhibiting company can make to jumpstart its business year.

To help exhibitors maximize the returns on their investment, Reed Exhibitions, the producer and manager of the SHOT Show as well as many other giant trade and consumer shows, is holding an all-new Exhibitor University at the TS2 in McCormick Place in Chicago on July 22. Participation is free to current, past and prospective Reed-produced trade show exhibitors.

At TS2--the trade show for trade show participants--the offer actually includes free admission to the TS2 exhibit hall (value $100), free admission to the TS2 educational session of your choice, free admission and drinks at the TS2 Block Party on Tuesday, July 21, at 6 p.m. (value $50) and free access to the completely updated Exhibitions Exhibitor University Live workshop.

Follow these four steps to register:

1. Go to www.ts2show.com/register. Select "Click here to register online," which will take you directly to the online registration system, which can also be accessed directly at: https://www.xpressreg.net/register/TS2X079/login.asp.
2. Select "first time registering." Fill out contact information including Priority Code: REED when prompted to the bottom of the first page. You will then answer 15 demographic questions. The following screen will offer TSEA membership, which you can skip by selecting "continue."
3. Package Selection will offer you the unlimited conference package entirely FREE of charge.
4. The next screen will allow you to select any add-ons, including Reed Exhibitor University.

Keep the Date Open for SHOT Show University

Short Monday, Jan. 18, promises to offer a dynamic line-up of sessions and speakers

The always-popular SHOT Show University will once again be holding classes the day before the official beginning of the SHOT Show, and a great line-up of topics and speakers is already planned.

Among the featured speakers at the Monday, Jan. 18, 2010, university at the Sands Expo and Convention Center, will be George Whalin, retail guru, who will be delivering the keynote address on strategies for a changing retail world.  Whalin has a huge following, and his Web site, whalinonretail.com, offers extensive background and a video sampling of the man's teaching talents.

"SHOT Show University will have the format and subject matter that retailers have asked for in the post-university survey process," said Randy Clark, NSSF managing director, business development.  "The one-day schedule will cover the topics of marketing and promotions, seven keys to retail growth, E-commerce, store financials, ATF compliance, Whalin's strategies for a changing world, and more.

Other speakers already committed to participate are Curt Jazwiecki, co-owner of Outdoor Business Network, the outdoor industry's leading web solutions provider; Wally Nelson, retired ATF senior executive;  retail specialist Chris DeCenso; and author, speaker and retailer Tom Shay.

Registration is scheduled to officially begin on Sept. 1, and the rates for the full-day session are $50 for NSSF members and $100 for all others.

Look for SHOT Show University information, including registration details, at shotshow.org.

Media Day at the Range

Short A tradition continues on the day before the show begins

In recent years, the day prior to the official start of the SHOT Show has become a "must attend" for many, especially for retailers attending SHOT Show University and media attending one or more of the hands-on shooting events held at local ranges.  These media shooting events are coordinated not by the National Shooting Sports Foundation, the owner and sponsor of the SHOT Show, but by companies within the industry.

Capitalizing on the fact that the SHOT Show brings together the world's largest gathering of outdoor media, manufacturers and others have been joining forces to attract many of those communicators to special events that feature their products. NSSF invites such program organizers to enter the details of their events on the form accessible at the SHOT Show Web site if they would like promotional assistance.

"Each year we receive calls asking us about special events being held in conjunction with SHOT Show," said Diedra Cauley, NSSF director, exhibitions and conferences.  "This year we've decided to provide exhibitors the opportunity to share this information, and we can assist in promoting it to the attendees if they wish.  We're interested in any media day, demonstration day or celebrity appearances in their booth.

"We plan to make this information accessible on the SHOT Show Web site," Cauley added, "just like we post press conference information."

The first organized shoot we've learned about, the fifth annual "Media Day at the Range," held with the support of Bass Pro Shops, will take place at the Boulder City Pistol & Rifle Range, in Boulder City, Nev., from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 18, 2010.

"This event will give media members the opportunity to handle and shoot new products being introduced at SHOT Show from many of the industry's leading manufacturers," said Cathy Williams, who is organizing the event.

"We're expecting more than 60 manufacturers to register for Media Day, and since we will take reservations until Dec. 1, the list will continue to grow.  What better way to get a jump on next year's new product line-up all in one place?" Williams added.

Opportunities not only to handle new products but also to shoot will present themselves, and so will the chance to interview company representatives about their latest items.  Lunch and refreshments will also be included, and transportation will be provided to and from the range as well as from other shooting events taking place that day.

Writers interested in attending may register online. Click on the Writer Registration tab, which will direct you to a short form to complete.  For more information, visit http://www.media-day.com/, e-mail Cathy Williams or call her at 703-587-7142.

Still in the planning stages is the 2010 SHOT Show New Product Seminar, coordinated by Howard Communications.  It, too, will be held on Monday, Jan. 17, at a location to be determined.

Kevin Howard, president of the public relations firm, reports that at 7:30 a.m. participants will be picked up by buses, on which video seminars will be presented.  A welcome and announcements will precede the 9-11:30 a.m. shooting opportunities and product displays, at which company representatives will be present.  Lunch will run from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., when buses will depart for other events and the original pick-up point.

Sponsors include Browning, Bushnell Outdoor Products, Winchester Repeating Arms, Mossy Oak, Winchester Ammunition and others to be announced.

"Invitations will be sent out, but if a media member doesn't get one, he or she can contact us," Howard said. "This invitation is to all media members."

Howard is available, in addition to e-mail, by phone at 573-898-3422.

Use the SHOT Show Travel Desk

Short Official travel service looks for best deals for lodging, flights, car rentals and more

The SHOT Show Travel Desk can make your air travel, lodging and car-rental arrangements at the lowest price available.  Access the SHOT Show Travel Desk online or contact it by e-mail, by telephone—800-388-8104 U.S. toll free or its local number, 312-527-7300—or by fax—312-329-9972

Visit the SHOT Show Travel Desk to lock up your show plans now. It's open for reservations 8 a.m.-5 p.m., CST, Monday-Friday.

Register for Pre-show Discount

Short Attendees can save money, avoid pay-at-the-door registration lines

If you know you are going to the SHOT Show, then save yourself money and time by registering online beginning mid-July.

Registration online costs $20, and if you register early enough, you will have the option of receiving your badge in the mail or printing it onsite at an express badge kiosk.

Registration at the door will cost $50.