Are you planning to participate in the SHOT Show in 2027? Whether you are a first-time visitor or an experienced industry professional, I know that preparing for this major trade event can lead to many questions.
In this guide, I have compiled 33 basic questions and answers, covering registration, travel, accommodation, exhibitors, products, and practical tips. My goal is to help you confidently prepare, make the most of your visit, and enjoy a productive SHOT Show experience.
General Information and Event Schedule
1.What is SHOT Show?
SHOT Show stands for shooting, hunting, and outdoor trade shows. This is the annual industry event in Las Vegas, where manufacturers, retailers, distributors, and industry professionals gather to discover new products, connect with suppliers, explore market trends, and establish business partnerships in the shooting, hunting, and outdoor industries.
2.When is SHOT Show 2027?
The SHOT Show 2027 will be held from January 19th to 22nd, 2027
Note: Please verify event dates and times against the official SHOT Show schedule before making travel plans.
3.Where is SHOT Show 2027 held?
The SHOT Show 2027 will be held at The Venetian Exposition and Caesar Forum in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA. The two venues are connected by the SHOT Bridge.
4.What are the opening hours of SHOT Show 2027?
The SHOT Show 2027 exhibition hall will be open 8:30 AM–5:30 PM from Tuesday, January 19, to Thursday, January 21, and 8:30 AM–4:00 PM on Friday, January 22.
5.What events and activities take place during SHOT Week 2027?
I make the PDF file for the SHOT Show 2027 event schedule, organized by date, time, and event.
Note: Before finalizing your itinerary, please be sure to verify the dates and times of all events against the official SHOT Show schedule.
6.What is Industry Day at the Range, and who can attend?
Industry Day at the Range is the official live-fire preview held the day before SHOT Show opens. It lets participants test new firearms, optics, and gear in real time.
Attendance is by invitation only for qualified media, influencers, brand ambassadors, and approved industry buyers aged 18 or older.
Eligibility and Registration
7.Is SHOT Show open to the public?
No. The SHOT Show is not open to the public. This is a trade activity exclusively for qualified industry professionals, including manufacturers, distributors, retailers, buyers, as well as members of the shooting, hunting, outdoor, law enforcement, and tactical industries. Attendees must meet the eligibility requirements and register for the show.
8.Can individuals, Amazon sellers, or e-commerce retailers attend without a traditional brick-and-mortar business?
Yes. Amazon sellers and e-commerce retailers can attend SHOT shows without traditional pbrick-and-mortar stores, provided that their business operates in the relevant industry and they can provide the required business qualifications and owner or employee identification.
9.What is the minimum age requirement for SHOT Show?
The minimum age to participate in SHOT Show is 16 years old. Children under the age of 16, including infants, are not allowed to participate as visitors, exhibitors, or media. Attendees must also meet the industry qualifications and registration requirements for the show.
10.Can I bring a spouse or guest?
Yes. SHOT Show allows attendees to bring a spouses, but spouses must register. You can add them during the registration period or later through the registration dashboard. However, media attendees are not allowed to bring their spouses. Ordinary guests who do not meet the show’s eligibility requirements cannot attend simply as visitors.
11.Can international visitors attend SHOT Show, and do they need a visa?
Yes. International visitors can attend SHOT Show if they meet industry eligibility requirements and provide necessary commercial documents. Depending on your nationality and situation, a US visa or ESTA may be required. Apply as early as possible. If you need an official invitation letter to support your visa application, please contact visa@shotshow.org.
12.What documents are required to prove professional or trade affiliation?
To attend the SHOT Show, you must provide documentation proving your company’s industry affiliation and your status as its owner or employee. The accepted documents depend on your registration category.
Common examples include:
Company affiliation: Business license, resale certificate, company website displaying relevant products and business details, or two industry related business invoices issued in the past nine months.
Owner/Employee Status: Recent company salary stubs, employee insurance cards, business establishment documents listing your name, business emails, or company websites listing you as an employee.
Proof of Identity: Government-issued photo ID.
International companies must provide a company qualification document and an owner/employee qualification document from the applicable options. If you are unsure which category is applicable, please consult the official SHOT Show admission requirements or contact international@shotshow.org International registration issues.
13.How do I register for SHOT Show 2027?
You can register for SHOT Show 2027 online through the official website.
How to register:
(1) Visit the official registration page: SHOT Show registration.
(2) Choose your registration category based on your business and professional role.
(3) Submit the required documents to prove your company’s industry relations and your identity as its owner or employee.
(4.)Pay the registration fee applicable to your category.
(5)Check your approval status and follow the instructions to collect the badge in Las Vegas.
Important notice: SHOT Show is only for trade activities. Registration does not guarantee approval.
14.How much does SHOT Show 2027 registration cost?
The registration fee for the 2027 SHOT Show varies depending on the category of attendees and NSSF membership. The fees for most categories of attendees range from $45 to $550, while non exhibiting manufacturers and material suppliers have higher fees.
15.Can I register onsite, or must I register in advance?
Yes, you can register onsite to attend SHOT Show 2027, but it is recommended to register online in advance. General attendees can register at the Main Registration office on the first floor of the Venice Expo or at the Caesar Forum.
16.How can I check my registration status, and what should I do if it is denied?
You can check the registration status of your SHOT Show 2027 online, and if your application is rejected, you can file an appeal.
(1)Check your status: Visit the official SHOT Show Registration Status page and enter your detailed information. You can also resend the registration confirmation.
(2)If your status is pending: Upload the required documents through your registration dashboard to prove your company’s industry affiliation and your role as its owner or employee.
(3)If your application is rejected: email regmgr@shotshow.org with an appeal request and supporting documents demonstrating your professional affiliation.
17.Do badges get mailed, and where do I pick them up in Las Vegas?
No. The badges for the SHOT Show 2027 will not be mailed. All registered attendees must personally collect their badges at the official pickup location in Las Vegas.
You can collect the badge at the following address:
The Venetian Expo: Main registration, 1st floor.
Caesar Forum: Main registration.
Other locations: Selected hotels near Las Vegas and Harry Reid International Airport.
24-hour registration: available at Venetian Resort and Harrah’s/LINQ. Check the official schedule for the exact location and business hours.
Before you go: Bring your registration confirmation or QR code and a government issued photo ID card. Each participant must collect their own badge; You cannot receive badges from colleagues or spouses.
18. How do journalists and media obtain press credentials?
Journalists and media professionals must apply for a press card in advance. The certificate is issued at the discretion of the NSSF Communications team, and on-site media registration is not available. Please visit the official SHOT Show media registration page to apply.
Travel, Accommodation, and Venue Logistics
19..Where should I stay, and how do I book hotels near SHOT Show?
For the SHOT Show from January 19th to 22nd, 2017, staying near the Venice Expo and Caesar Forum is the most convenient option.
Best location: The Venetian or Palace, official headquarters hotel with direct access to the exhibition.
Other nearby options: Caesar’s Palace, Harras, LINQ Hotel, and Treasure Island are all within walking distance.
How to book: Visit the official SHOT Show hotel booking page and reserve through The Venetian/Palazzo or onPeak, the show’s authorized hotel partners.
Booking reminder: Reserve early to ensure better prices and availability. Be cautious of unofficial hotel booking agencies.
Official hotel assistance: 1-800-388-8104 (USA) or+1-312-527-7300 (International).
20. How do I get to SHOT Show from Harry Reid International Airport?
Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) is about a 15-20 minute drive from the SHOT Show venue, depending on traffic. You can reach The Venetian Expo and Caesar Forum by:
Taxi: Available outside baggage claim at both terminals.
Uber or Lyft: Use designated pick-up areas in airport parking lots.
Airport shuttle: Shared shuttle services are available to major hotels, including The Venetian.
Car rental: Available through the airport’s Rent-A-Car Center.
21.Is shuttle service available, and where can I find parking information?
Yes. During the show days, there are free shuttle buses between the Venice Expo, Caesar Forum, and the official SHOT Show hotel. Seats are available on a first come, first served basis. The bus schedule and pick-up locations can be found on the official transportation page.
Parking: Nearby resort hotels, including The Venetian Hotel, offer paid self parking services. SHOT Show does not allow parking at Venetian or Caesar hotels. Check current rates and availability directly with the hotels.
22.How do I navigate between The Venetian Expo and Caesars Forum?
Attendees can travel between the Venice Expo and the Caesar Forum using a dedicated SHOT bridge, which connects directly from the Level 2 of the Venice Expo to the Caesar Forum exhibition hall.
During the scheduled time, the free shuttle bus runs between the two venues every 10-15 minutes.
23.What is the dress code, and how much walking should attendees expect?
SHOT Show does not have strict formal dress code, but business casual is recommended. It is expected to walk several miles per day, so it is necessary to plan a long walk.
24.After a busy day at the SHOT Show, what local favorites or regional specialties should I try?
Las Vegas offers more than just casino dining. After a busy day at SHOT Show 2027, try the following local specialties:
Shrimp cocktail
Prime rib
Al Pastor tacos
Basque cuisine
Exhibitors, Products, and Industry Trends
25.Where can I find the SHOT Show 2027 exhibitor list and floor plan?
Exhibitor List：Visit the SHOT Show 2027 Exhibitor Directory
You can find a company’s booth number or search exhibitors by product category
-Enter the company name in the search field.
-Find their booth number in the results.
-Click on the company name to view its profile, products, and other information.
-Add exhibitors to your SHOT Show Planner to organize your visit.
Or you can locate the booth on the floor plan
Interactive Floor Plan：Download the floor plan as a PDF as follow:
26.Which tactical gear manufacturers and brands will exhibit at SHOT Show 2027?
If you are interested in tactical gear sourcing, product development, or potential business partnerships, here are some tactical gear companies worth a look:
Lightweight Concealable Plate Carrier Vest Waterproof
Lightweight Modular Plate Carrier Vest Armorguard
Lightweight Police Outer Vest With Magazine Pouches
Military Plate Carrier Chest Rig Multicam Color
Lightweight Black Plate Carrier Vest Laser Cut Molle
Camo Ballistic Plate Carrier With Magazine Pouches
Best Multicam Plate Carrier With Laser Cut Molle
Molle Black Tactical Vest With Integrated Pouches
Best Military Plate Carrier With Side Pouches
Lightweight Plate Carrier With Pouches Coyote Brown
Tan Magazine Carrier Vest With Molle Webbing
Quick-release Tactical Body Armour Camouflage
Lightweight Black Plate Carrier Vest-Armorguard
Lightweight Plate Carrier With Pouches Wholesale
Armor Plate Carrier With Magazine Pouches
Armorguard Camo Molle Tactical Vest With Magazine Pouches
Tan Lightweight Plate Carrier With Molle System
Tactical Plate Carrier Vest Hydration Compatible
Durable Police Vest Carrier For Law Enforcement
Adjustable Straps Tactical Molle Vest Gray
Military Plate Carrier With Mag Pouches Black
Quick Release Tactical Body Armor With Pouches
Multi Functional Tactical Plate Carrier Vest in Black
27.What new products and industry trends should I look for at SHOT Show 2027?
Expected Trends & Categories to WatchBased on recent industry patterns and pre-show commentary, these areas are likely to see strong activity:
Optics — Continued growth in enclosed-emitter red dots, LPVOs, thermal/night-vision integration, and “smart” or computational optics.
Suppressors — Lighter designs, improved modularity, and more additive-manufactured (3D-printed) options.
Handguns — Potential expansion of Glock’s Gen6 lineup beyond the initial models, plus refinements from SIG, Shadow Systems, Springfield, and others.
Rifles & Carbines — Modular AR platforms, pistol-caliber carbines (especially delayed-blowback designs), and lightweight hunting rifles.
Ammunition — New hunting and defensive loads, plus continued interest in specialized calibers.
Tactical Gear — Updated plate carriers, packs, apparel, and load-bearing equipment from major brands.
Airguns & Rimfire — Growing interest in higher-powered PCP and hybrid air rifles.
Where to See Everything
New Product Center (protected by USCCA) — The main hub for hundreds of debut products; open throughout the show.
Official SHOT Show 2027 Planner (on shotshow.org) — Filter by “New Product” for the latest exhibitor submissions.
Industry Day at the Range (Monday, January 18) — Hands-on testing of many new firearms and optics for invited media and buyers.
Business Opportunities and Supplier Sourcing
29.How can I find reliable wholesale suppliers and manufacturers at SHOT Show?
Research the official exhibitor directory and shortlisted companies by product category. Visit the Supplier Showcase, check product quality, ask about OEM/ODM services, MOQ, production capacity, and lead times. Check the company’s credentials, factory capabilities, and customer references, and then compare several suppliers before making a decision.
30. Are products for sale, or can I buy guns and gear at the show?
The products are available for viewing and evaluation, but SHOT Show is primarily a B2B trade event rather than a retail shopping exhibition. Direct counter sales and immediate delivery are prohibited in the exhibition hall.
However, buyers can discuss products, negotiate prices, and place wholesale orders for future deliveries. Personal firearms and ammunition are also prohibited.
Rules, Safety, and First-Time Attendee Tips
31.Are personal firearms or live ammunition allowed at SHOT Show?
No.Personal firearms and live ammunition are not allowed to be used at SHOT Show. Attendees must comply with the safety rules of the event, and the firearms displayed by exhibitors must meet official handling and safety requirements.
32.What are the photography, filming, and business-solicitation rules at SHOT Show?
Photography and filming are usually restricted unless you have a media credentials or special permission. Exhibitors should obtain permission before recording other booths. Unauthorized promotions, selling, and marketing activities are prohibited and may result in removal from the show.
33.What should first-time attendees know to prepare for SHOT Show and make the most of their visit?
First-time attendees should plan ahead and make full use of the 2027 SHOT Show:
(1)Register early and prepare documents to prove your affiliation.
(2)Book hotels and transportation in advance.
(3)Study exhibitor directory and floor plans to determine companies worth visiting.
(4)Arrange meetings with potential suppliers, manufacturers, and business partners.
(5)Wear comfortable shoes and leave enough time to explore both venues.
(6)Use the SHOT Show mobile app to navigate exhibitors and organize schedules.
Remember to bring your photo ID and collect your badge onsite.
