The shooting, hunting, outdoor trade show and conference: organizers, exhibitors and dealers prepare for the Industry's most spectacular trade show!

Shooting Industry, Jan, 2004 by Carolee Anita Boyles

The National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) is making final preparations for its annual trade show, this year to be held at the Las Vegas Convention Center, Feb. 12-15. The 2004 SHOT Show promises to be an impressive event with nearly a half-million square feet of exhibits, new services for dealers and a spectacular country music concert.

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Manufacturers' exhibits will fill most of the convention center with everything from firearms to ammunition, and hunting gear to high-end optics.

"The show is close to being sold out again, so we're coming close to that 500,000 net square feet of floor space mark," said Doug Painter, NSSF president. "That's actual exhibit booth space; it doesn't include all the aisles. So early indications are for a great event."

An Evening Celebration

Last year, SHOT Show attendees enjoyed the Silver Anniversary Celebration so much, according to Painter, that NSSF will hold a similar event this year, complete with another concert.

"We're all set with Dwight Yoakam," Painter said. "It's part of our big-event evening, where we're going to do very much what we did last year in Orlando. There will be a reception and a dinner, and then we'll have our 'State of the Industry' message. That will be followed by the concert."

Yoakam has sold more than 23 million records and has had 17 top country hits. The two-time Grammy Award winner is renowned for his live concert performances. Yoakam also has gained celebrity status as an actor in such films as "Panic Room" and "Sling Blade." In 2003, he was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

For information about tickets for the reception, dinner and concert, sign onto, www.shotshow.org, or call NSSF at (203) 426-1320.

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