Reminiscing about SHOT Show

My sixth SHOT Show (Shooting, Hunting and Outdoor Trade) dawns and I can’t help but think back to my first show, which happened to be in Vegas as well. So bear with me as I take a trip back; I’ll also want to share my lessons learned along the way.

My first show happened to be the Channel’s second. We were both on a large learning curve and our budget was tiny. One of my first shockers was learning that no one would have a solo room with a big, fluffy king-sized bed and unlimited room service. I actually complained about this because in my previous job, it was not questioned that people had their own rooms. I was told at my new job that’s the way it is.

Lesson: Learn to challenge things where you think you actually have a chance to win. I would never win the roomie battle. It actually wasn’t won until perhaps two years later when we hired people from New York. ‘nough said.

Attempting to save dollars, we stayed at hotels that weren’t near the convention center and quite frankly, scared me. The first year was Westward Ho. That hotel isn’t even around anymore – gee, I wonder why. I scurried to my room and triple-checked all the locks. That year, I was glad to have a roommate. The second year was Circus-Circus. A bit better, but still scary. Especially if you don’t like clowns.

Lesson : Be aware when cutting corners to save dollars.

While standing in line at Westward Ho, I was complaining to my co-workers about our hotel situation. A colleague (who is still with us today and is a dear friend) leaned over and whispered, “Ah, could you shut-up because that’s so-and-so company behind us in line.” Opps.                                                                             

Lesson; Be aware when talking in public during a massive convention about ANYTHING. There’s bound to be someone from your “circle” around you. I even quipped a story like this on Jim Braaten’s blog where I was the innocent bystander hearing some not-so-innocent remarks about my company.

In the early years, I had time to visit the booths, attend press conferences and other activities. It was actually fun being an outsider. I was soaking up so much information, overhearing conversations and asking questions. I remember walking into the press room and it felt like every eye was on me asking, “Who is that gal and what the heck is Sportsman Channel?’ Now, I am lucky to get out of our booth.

Lesson: Be careful of what you wish for. 

Today, when people see my name badge or Sportsman logo’d gear, I can see their eyes calculate what sort of “power” I have and whether I am worth their time to engage. (I think we all do that to some extent, so I don’t judge.)

Lesson: Remember those who helped you when you were nothing because those are the ones who will be by your side. And don’t forget to return the favor.

And then there’s our party.

Six years ago, our party was labeled the “Producer Appreciation Party.” We treated it as a way to say “Thanks” to our third-party producers for being our clients. By my second SHOT Show, I was solely responsible for putting that thing together. It wasn’t too hard – rent a ballroom at a cool hotel and offer drinks and food. But we always battled with two things: other parties/general nightlife in Vegas and transportation to the party. We then decided to create an Awards aspect to the evening and honor our producers with such titles as “Best Hunting Show” and “Best Small-Budget Commercial.” I’m not sure how the awards were inspired other than just a way to give more recognition to our producers.

Over the years, our party’s attendance grew, (from about 200 to now pushing past 700) but I don’t think it’s been until the last couple years that our party has become “the” place to be during SHOT. We will always battle with Vegas nightlife stealing people from us and transportation worries. Two years ago, there was a big fight scheduled at MGM around the time of our party and EVERYONE was late, including our emcee. Talk about stress.

Lesson: You can never plan for everything. As Tony Horton says, “Do your best and forget the rest.”

And with that, I thank you for taking a trip down memory lane with me. Have a great show everyone!