SHOT Show 2026 Prep Guide: smarter travel, sharper networking, and a plan that actually pays off
SHOT Show isn’t a one-and-done sales event. It’s tee box number 1 for your entire year. Whether you’re a first-timer or a veteran with scar tissue on both heels, this guide turns hallway chaos into a repeatable playbook you can actually execute.
Why go, even if you’re small
Density of opportunity: Nowhere else lets you learn more in 4 days by listening, asking, and observing.
Network velocity: Deals rarely close on the floor. They start here, then mature across NRA and regional events.
Discovery: The “basement and upstairs” zones surface emerging brands that larger buyers often miss.
Where to stay and how to move
Sleep where the action is. If budget allows, stay at the Venetian. You trade a higher nightly rate for zero Uber roulette, faster time to floor, and effortless late-night drop-ins that convert to real conversations.
If not the Venetian, go walking-distance. Your time is more valuable than rideshare savings during show hours.
Build in a flex night. Apps like Hotels Tonight can snag you a last-night upgrade at nearby properties if you want to mix it up.
Health, stamina, and avoiding the SHOT Show bug
Hydrate like you mean it. Pack electrolyte packets and actually use them.
Defend the immune system. Hand sanitizer, nasal spray, frequent hand-washing.
Use the amenities. Hit the gym, pool, or sauna early. You’ll be sharper on the floor.
Footwear, not fashion. Ten miles a day is normal. Break in your shoes before you fly. Do not debut dress shoes at the show.
Evening discipline. Skipping the tomfoolery means you’re wide-awake for 8 a.m. opportunities.
Don’t just walk the floor. Work the program.
Mine the schedule. The show guide is stacked with seminars, classes, and talks you can actually use. Sit down, take notes, ask questions.
Range Day is worth the early alarm. Hands-on time creates better product conversation for the rest of the week.
After-hours with purpose. Say yes to the dinners and small gatherings where real relationships form.
Expectations that keep you sane
Go in to learn and connect, not to “close.” Chase conversations, not quotas.
Say yes to serendipity. The best meetings are often unplanned. Keep your schedule flexible enough to pivot.
Measure the right things. Track quality conversations, follow-up commitments, and next meetings, not just scanned badges.
Buyer tips: where gems hide
Basement and upstairs. Smaller booths have time to talk, and the early-stage products are often there first.
Ask about lead times and support, not just specs. Your customers buy availability and service along with features.
Capture content. Quick booth videos and product notes will save you weeks of post-show memory loss.
Stitch SHOT into your full-year plan
Pre-plan NRA and regional events. Lock a target dinner or meeting window now. Big brands are overscheduled; you secure real conversations by booking the “next touch” while everyone is already face-to-face.
Build a 2025–26 show calendar. Treat SHOT as kickoff, not finish line.
Packing list that prevents chaos
Broken-in shoes plus backups
Hydration packets, sanitizer, nasal spray
Portable battery, multi-charger, extra cables
Light daypack for layers; Vegas winter swings from chilly to mild
Compact notebook for quick contact context you won’t type in time
Conversation scripts that work
For manufacturers: “We’re looking for dealers who can move X units in Q1. What’s selling for you in this category, and where are your gaps?”
For dealers: “I’m sourcing [category] with [target margins] and [lead time]. Show me what you can ship in 30–60 days.”
For partners/integrations: “We serve [audience]. Here’s the mutual customer we share. Can we scope a 20-minute post-SHOT call next week to map the integration handoff?”
48-hour follow-up framework
Day 1 after show: Send 3 short recap bullets + proposed next action and time window.
Day 7: Share one useful asset relevant to the conversation. No pitch, just value.
Day 21: Convert to a concrete meeting tied to NRA or your next shared event.
One-page team brief to run before wheels-up
Goals: top 3 outcomes that are not “close deals”
Target list: 10 must-meet booths + 10 nice-to-meet
Session picks: 3 seminars per person
Daily huddle: 10 minutes at breakfast to swap intel
Evening plan: one purposeful event, then lights out
TL;DR: your SHOT Show 2026 checklist
Book the Venetian or walking-distance hotel
Break in shoes and pack hydration and sanitizer
Pre-mark seminars, Range Day, and 1 after-hours event per night
Hunt the basement and upstairs for emerging products
Keep schedule flexible, say yes to serendipity
Lock a follow-up at NRA or your next event while on the floor
Execute the 48-hour follow-up framework after you land
Meet us at SHOT
Buying Freedom Group will be on the floor and at Range Day. If you’re a manufacturer of any size, stop us to talk pricing integrity, clean data, real-time inventory, and direct dealer ordering. We’ll also be booking quick demos for brands that want their catalogs ready for post-show sell-through.
Ryan Stout
COO, Buying Freedom Group
