So I'm getting the chance to attend Shot this year and have never been. I've been to Vegas once about ten years ago so I have a vague understanding of the basic layout but that's about it. I know a few have attended in the past and we have members in the area I'm sure. I'd like some suggestions on the following.

We are staying in Henderson about 20 min out of town so any tips where to park? My coworkers are flying in so we'll carpool in their rental for parking.

Any must sees in the area? Places to eat or avoid? I've been to the Grand Canyon but checking out Red Rock was suggested.

I'm driving down and back so I'm planning to take major highways down through Oregon and am contemplating cutting across OR down to NV or all the way down to CA and cut over to NV that way. Mostly looking to avoid rough weather if possible.

I've heard of people bringing bags to collect swag in, is it like airport carryons with restrictions on size?

Any recommendations on things I haven't mentioned?

I can’t offer advice on the show itself as I’ve never attended, but I assume it’s probably like any other trade show. As for Vegas, I go there several times a year. Most of the time I make time for a trip to Red Rock. It never fails to amaze as it changes with the seasons.
For food, lots of places to eat and members here have made great suggestions here in other threads. One of my favorites for steak is Emeril’s Delmonico at the Venetian. I used to recommend the steak house at Circus Circus but that place is really ghetto these days. Good luck and have fun.

SHOT? Is that still a thing?

quote:

Originally posted by parabellum:
SHOT? Is that still a thing?

Theoretically, hopefully, maybe? I know Sig pulled out but it seems like other vendors will still be there.

- Wear comfortable shoes, you'll be putting in some milage
- Don't look like slob or come out wearing 'I'm a hardman/super-patriot/efff this guy/my unit is the best' t-shirt. Be comfortable, smart casual, nobody is going to call you out but, an exhibitor may not take you seriously ergo, not give you the time of day. There's all sorts of characters
- Having a backpack to put any swag you've collected leaves you handsfree.
- EVERY exhibitor will have all manor of free-promotional items to give away to include catalogs; the whole point of their existence at the show. Resist the urge to grab EVERY SINGLE ONE and fill-up your bag/pack/cart/wagon. My first industry trade show, I ended up collecting 30lbs of material/magazines/stickers/mugs/pens/lip balm....don't be that guy. The worst is seeing that person, dragging their handcart, 6-ft behind them, causing everyone else in the crowded aisle to trip-over and stumble over them.
- Do not interrupt conversations. Common social courtesy seems to go out the window at trade shows for both exhibitors and attendees. The show is for business, unfortunately, its also become a giant social affair; not uncommon for some long distant friend of somebody you're talking with to come bursting in and high-jack your convo.
- Having a water bottle is a plus, so is some basic snacks when you need a small boost. Expect airport prices for less-than airport quality food if you purchase from a show concession. Leaving the show periodically you'll get a nice break from humanity but, also a better meal.
- Some exhibitors will have snacks available and/or alcohol later in the afternoon. Some people appreciate the gesture, others are simply there for whatever free shit they can get their hands on. Damn raccoons.

Don't be the guy pulling the cart and clogging the works.

Plan on spending 2 days at the show in order to see everything.

quote:

Originally posted by parabellum:
SHOT? Is that still a thing?

Hey I remember when you “made me” carry your swag around Orlando.

Well that’s what some people thought I was doing.

As said above wear comfortable shoes I would also suggest you start walking a few miles a day to get toned up if you need it. Be sure to ask the guy at the Korth booth if you can handle one of their revolvers.

It's a trade show: ie vendors are entertaining BUYERS from businesses and corporations who can issue purchase orders and contracts for hundreds or thousands of a model to then retail thru their chain or internet outlet.

SHOT has tried to make the tickets more restrictive in the past and will likely continue to do so. It's estimated that up to half who do get in are not there on business and have no intent to act as a purchaser or have credentials to do so. They are just there to suck up all the free swag and brag.

Don't forget to look closely at any Glock handouts. Always check to see the ammo is loaded facing forward. Yes, the photographer got it wrong and the Glock reps were hastily grabbing up all the brochures after the show started.

And there is also the media, with on site video interviews from vendors who have rehearsed and will give priority to certain known producers who will get them exposure. There are a number of blogs and sources on line who post up those every evening.

I had a supervisor who repeatedly went to our corporate annual dinner, which had all the store managers there, and he'd get a bag of swag from the vendors and then let it sit in his office for months afterward. Don't be that guy, if there is something you can bring home to others, sharing is caring.

Park across the street at the Mirage. Much easier access to the Venetian/Sands.

If you have time in the area, a visit to Hoover Dam is worthwhile.

At the show, act like a person who is not there to make deals. Defer to those who are.

flashguy

If you want a room to not be messed with, putting “Metal Halides and Chlorides” does a good job of discouraging the curious.

I would say..bring an empty backpack and wear comfortable shoes. Seriously, wear comfortable shoes. Vegas is scaled. Everything looks near....until you start walking...and walking...and walking...and walking.

Food tip, if you can...get a cab and go to Komex. Korean BBQ & Mexican fusion restaurant. So yummy..that I think about flying there just to eat the food.