I know a few guys who get into SHOT Show saying they work for a local Shop, when they really don't. The LGS Owner allows them to say they work for him.

Seems this year in order to attend , they need to REALLY show proof of employment or the ability to purchase for the LGS.

Wonder if SHOT has gotten complaints about too many attendees who shouldn't be there?

Or the crowds are getting simply too large?

They also mentioned the price to attend had gone up.

Interesting.

SEMA is like that - they accept business cards.

Trade shows that I register for in other businesses require w-2, business license, or some other real proof that you are really in the business.

Shot show is not a gun show.
It is designed to be for the wholesale/retail market.
Manufacturers/sales reps were spending to much time talking to attendees about their product to find out the person was not a dealer and not placing any orders.
Buyers were getting tired waiting on long lines to place orders with manufacturers/sales because the reps were spending to much time with people that were not able to buy anything.
The NRA show is more for the general public to talk to manufacturers about their new and current products.
I was at the shot show back in 2012 for work and it is huge. It is only 4 days and there is a lot to get done in a short time.
From what I had heard the National Shooting Sports Foundation ( who runs the Shot Show)was getting a lot of complaints.

Good. Regular folks (like me) have no business gumming up a trade show. It's a shame so many folks in our hobby are so inconsiderate NSSF has to make/enforce more rules.

It's funny that this thread popped up. I'm going this year for the first time. Didn't we have someone from the forum go that was sponsored by the membership? Are they going again this year? I can do some recon for the membership if you like.

Tony.