The Shooting, Hunting, Outdoor Trade, show (SHOT Show) wrapped up its 42nd annual event in Las Vegas, Nevada, on Jan. 24. The event is where buyers dealing in sporting goods gather to learn what’s new for 2020 and place their orders for the coming year.
Over the course of the show, manufacturers were providing news releases of what they would be offering over the months to come. Believe me, there will be a wide variety of new products coming out this year.
The neat thing is that many of the same companies leaving the SHOT Show were packing up their displays and shipping them to the State Farm Show Complex in Harrisburg, Pa. And here’s why.
The Great American Outdoor Show has grown to the point that it is now the largest consumer show of its kind in the world. Yep, it’s that big.
Under one roof are nine exhibit halls accounting for 650,000 square feet of floor space. Every square foot will be filled for the nine-day event.
Exhibit halls are themed providing focal points for all who explore the show. Halls include, but are not exclusively dedicated to: Archery, Boats, Fishing, Hunting Outfitters, Outdoor Products, RVs, and the Shooting Sports. In all, more than 1,100 exhibitors offering more than a million outdoor and shooting-related products will be displayed. Also, over 400 hunting outfitters and fishing charter captains from all over the world will be in attendance.
Some will say, “It’s the same show from one year to the next.” Well, from personal experience, I respectfully disagree. Yes, over the years a number of vendors return. However, many of those folks offer something new to the show every year. Then combine those offering “something new” into the mix, especially when it comes to new or improved products, and the show takes on new life.
While exploring the show, the vast majority of those displaying are eager to discuss their products. One-on-one time can play an important part when considering a particular product. It’s also nice to be able to pick up and closely examine products.
Special events include: the NRA Country Concert, fundraising dinners, speaking events, archery competitions, celebrity appearances, seminars and demonstrations, kids’ activities, and the Pa. Outdoor Writers Sportsmen’s auction.
It’s refreshing to know that more than $245,000 been raised at the Show and granted back to central Pa. organizations to support the field sports since the NRA took over management of the Great American Outdoor Show.
This is a massive show. And yes, if you are not familiar with the layout of the Farm Show Complex, the size of the show alone can be overwhelming.
Even with being a regular attendee, I still plan ahead. The show’s website, https://www.greatamericanoutdoorshow.org/ is where to find a list of vendors, services, seminars, and activities. Also check out the drop down box Attendee FAQs. This area is loaded with questions and answers about the show.
Also download the GAOS App. By doing so you can browse a ton of show related information. Believe me, that app can be a timesaver when mapping out your day or when navigating the show floor.
If you have yet to attend the Great American Outdoor Show and you enjoy the field sports, well let me put it this way, “You’re in for a treat.”
The Great American Outdoor Show runs from Feb. 1 to Feb. 9. Hope to see you there.
SPORTING GEAR TO CROSS THE AUCTION BLOCK
For the 38th year, the Pennsylvania Outdoor Writers Association will host the Sportsman’s Auction at the Great American Outdoor Show. This popular event will be held on the last Sunday of the show scheduled for Sunday, Feb. 9 from 1-3 p.m. in the Erie Room, located above the Small Arena.
To date, POWA has raised and distributed over $400,000 to fund youth educational opportunities. POWA supporting and active members, as well as many of the show’s vendors, donate items and services. And every penny raised has been given back to various groups and organizations who conduct youth education programs.
As a direct result of the auction, POWA has provided grants that have supported student programs designed to engage our youth and teach them about the valuable natural resources available throughout the state.
Programs that have received funding include, but are not limited to: Youth Fishing Days, nature photography programs, and Youth Field Days just to name a few.
And what can you expect to find going across the auction block? In the past, items have included guided fishing trips, firearms, hunting and fishing accessories, and artwork.
This is a great event. Hope to see you at the auction.
Charlie Burchfield is an active member and past president of the Pennsylvania Outdoor Writers Association, an active member of the Professional Outdoor Media Association, Outdoor Writers Assoc. of America and the Mason-Dixon Outdoor Writers. Gateway Outdoors e-mail is GWOutdoors@comcast.net
